Jbl system

[josh220]

My 4runner has the JBL sound system and 6disc changer. What's the difference between this system vs. a 4runner without it? I never even realized it was a type of extra mod from the factory when I bought it.

Is it just better sound quality and obviously a 6disc changer?

 

[wolfgang]

May be different over the current generation model years (I have an '03). The JBL premium system comes with 10 speakers vice 6 for std. In the right rear it has a sub-woofer with an Harmann-Kardman (sp?) attached amplifier. The std radio has mirrors in the upper rear inside back corners - the JBL version has speakers there instead (I would have like the mirrors personally). Due to the rear amp placement the audio wiring is different in the vehicles. The JBL unit will not work without the rear amplifier and nomal unit could not be plugged into the JBL wiring. Hopefully some more audio-phile folks have more details - like amp power output, resistance of speakers (4 OHM?), speakers power handling capability?

 

[tkr128]

The JBL systems uses digital signals while the non-JBL systems use analog signals.

 

[josh220]

So the JBL system is the better system?

 

[T4RUSAF]

So the JBL system is the better system?

That depends who answers the question...

To the average joe yes. I've had real high end systems and had both the 6 speaker and 10 speaker systems. I would say the 10-speaker set-up isn't too shabby right out the box. But, the sub is a bit lacking. Acoustically, the 10-speaker does a good job in filling the cabin w/ clean high's and 'virtual 5.1' sound. I say 'virtual' because although there is a center channel the JBL does not have a 5.1 processor but relies on a 'DSP' type setup to achieve the synthesis. The non-jbl systems sound decent too, but as w/ most stock systems tend to distort at higher volume levels. I thought the stock sounded good until I heard the 10-speaker jbl. Just sounded cleaner with nice crisp high's.

Some would say both are good. It would be easier to rip out the non-jbl system rather than the jbl setup. I used to be big in sound but no I am more than happy w/ the jbl setup. I just added a stealthbox and amp and adopted the "set-it n' forget-it" philosophy. I always receive compliments on the sound.

But to some, you just want more...

 

[josh220]

I always wondered why it sounded so good with stock speakers, but then when I joined this forum I noticed that the system I have is the upgraded one. I didn't know that when I got it, but yeah it does sound great.