Kenwood KVT715

[subzero]

Hey guys, I have a quick question. I recently got a brand new 2005 V8 4Runner. It also has the upgraded JBL sound system. I used to have a rodeo in which I purchased and installed the Kenwood KVT715. I obviously sold the rodeo, and took out the dvd player before getting rid of it. I now have the KVT in a shoe box waiting to be installed in the 4runner. I tried to make an appointment with a professional to install this system, because the 4runner set up looks much more complex than the rodeo. I am also wanting to integrate the steering wheel controls into the kvt. The installer told me that there is no possible way to install an aftermarket stereo without replacing the amplifier and all of the jbl speakers in the 4runner. He claims that this is because of the mismatched impedences. Is this possible? Does anyone on here have an aftermarket dvd or cd player that also has had the steering wheel controls integrated?

 

[OUTRNNR]

Hey guys, I have a quick question. I recently got a brand new 2005 V8 4Runner. It also has the upgraded JBL sound system. I used to have a rodeo in which I purchased and installed the Kenwood KVT715. I obviously sold the rodeo, and took out the dvd player before getting rid of it. I now have the KVT in a shoe box waiting to be installed in the 4runner. I tried to make an appointment with a professional to install this system, because the 4runner set up looks much more complex than the rodeo. I am also wanting to integrate the steering wheel controls into the kvt. The installer told me that there is no possible way to install an aftermarket stereo without replacing the amplifier and all of the jbl speakers in the 4runner. He claims that this is because of the mismatched impedences. Is this possible? Does anyone on here have an aftermarket dvd or cd player that also has had the steering wheel controls integrated?

Your question would probably be better answered if you had posted this thread in the Audio sub-forum, but I'll do my best:

I have heard that the JBL system is somewhat complex. It uses digital signals sent from the head unit to the amplifier and it has internal crossovers for the front and rear components. I have heard that the JBL speaker impedences are quite high and they can damage aftermarket equipment if not matched properly.

There actually is a way to integrate your steering wheel controls into an aftermarket system. Do a search for PAC-SWIX or just SWIX and see what you come up with. This seems to be a device that takes the signal from the steering controls and converts it into something an aftermarket deck can use. I have heard there is noticible delay, however.

 

[subzero]

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I actually did post this exact question in the audio section, but recieved no replies. There has got to be someone on this forum that has installed some aftermarket HU in a 4thgen with the JBL system right? Has anyone successfully done this?

 

[OUTRNNR]

Re: ..

I actually did post this exact question in the audio section, but recieved no replies. There has got to be someone on this forum that has installed some aftermarket HU in a 4thgen with the JBL system right? Has anyone successfully done this?

Yeah, there is. Just sounds like there aren't alot of people browsing today or they don't feel like replying because I know that people know alot about the JBL and have replaced it. Your best tool now is just to do alot of searches and see if you can find the info that is already out there.

 

[rav1974]

Re: ..

I actually did post this exact question in the audio section, but recieved no replies. There has got to be someone on this forum that has installed some aftermarket HU in a 4thgen with the JBL system right? Has anyone successfully done this?

Here are your options:

The easiest one is replace all factory withaftermarket. When I say all, I mean factory amp and all speakers, too.

The other option with the JBL system is to keep the factory radio somewhere in the car. This is needed because of the digital controls and power it provides for the factory amp and sub.

Also, I had a new system installed by a well known and reputable store, and they couldn't get everything to sound quite right until I replaced everything aftermarket.

I just spent 4 install days over a week long period getting Kenwood DDX8017, 10-disc cd changer, SIR-KEN1 SIRIUS Tuner, SWIX steering control adapter, and Kenwood 6x9s, 6.5s, and tweeters installed. The place handmade a fiberglass trim piece for the radio as well.

As a last note: If you want to keep steering wheel controls you need to undertand the adapter is not perfect. The controls will become intermittent, meaning you have to press firm or hold down to make them work, but at least you don't lose the controls totally. I will post pics. of my setup and new mods tomorrow.