JBL Wiring Adapters and Pre-amp Output Voltage

[jaysapp]

I have a 2003 4th Gen Limited with JBL 10-speaker w/o nav. I put in a Kenwood DNX 5120 using the PAC Tato adapter to retain use of the JBL amp and speakers. I've learned that the PAC Tato requires a 4V pre-amp input whereas the Kenwood only outputs 2V. The PAC tato has a gain adjustment, but not nearly enough to compensate. The volume does get loud enough, especially for movies.

Before I go buy a pre-amp signal booster, does anyone have a better adapter I should look into? The good thing about the PAC is the steering wheel controller which plugs right into the adapter. I want to keep the steering wheel controls.

OR, is there a way to manually increase the gain on the factory JBL amp?

Here's a pic of the unit installed, sorry for the iphone quality. Thanks.

 

[jaysapp]

Went to Car Toys and talked to an installer. The guy said since the JBL synthesis amp is a "smart amp," you have to hook the factory radio back up, turn the volume all the way up, then put the kenwood back in. This should properly set the gain on the stock amp. So, might not have anything to do with pre-amp voltage at all.

I'll let you know if it works.

 

[Bookmonke]

I'm curious how that turns out, I ended up running wires and mounting some kenwood speakers to work with my Z1, also only puts out 2v.

 

[GRIMACE]

I just ordered an Alpine double din with Nav too. So I'm very interested in this topic.

Why didn't you use the Metra TYTO-01 harness?

As well, what other parts will I need for the install? ie dash kit etc.

Dave

 

[GRIMACE]

Went to Car Toys and talked to an installer. The guy said since the JBL synthesis amp is a "smart amp," you have to hook the factory radio back up, turn the volume all the way up, then put the kenwood back in. This should properly set the gain on the stock amp. So, might not have anything to do with pre-amp voltage at all.

I'll let you know if it works.

Have you tried this yet?

 

[jaysapp]

ok, further developments. the Cartoys advice didn't do jack crap. i believe its a defective PAC TATO unit. Did some experimentation with the faders and pre-amp outs---got intermittent bleed from channel to channel and significant volume increase/decrease when plugging/unplugging the pre-outs--strange. Whether or not a new TATO unit will fix the volume problem is yet to be seen, hope so. Sent back to Crutchfield for exchange.

Metra harness doesn't have integrated plug-in for steering wheel controls, to my knowledge. Only the TATO, I think. Someone correct me if I'm wrong about this.

 

[carbonproskier]

So what was the best solution? I have a problem where I put in a pioneer deck that only puts out 2v and only the speakers in the front of the car work. I have the jbl 10 spk system in my 2005 4Runner. I'd like to fix it but don't know how.