Radio or New Speakers? - 2015 Limited

[HunterDonahue]

Lately, I have been thinking that the sound from my radio isn't as great as in some of my previous cars. Previously, I had a 2012 Cadillac SRX(small suv). I know that nothing will sound as good as the Bose system in that but I want to try to make it better. I have thought about a radio upgrade and/or speaker upgrade. Right now, I have the JBL system. I also don't want to spend a ton on doing this. I know, I know, cheap does not mix with quality.
On the subject of a new radio: I don't like how aftermarket radios do not have buttons. It makes it look bare. The T9 has button and looks stock. If I just got a T9 and continued using the JBL speakers, would there be a dramatic change in speaker output? I love the idea of carplay because I have a 30-minute commute, each way.

On the subject of new speakers: Is it worth it to change from the JBLs?

 

[keyser_soze]

On the subject of new speakers: Is it worth it to change from the JBLs?

Before you take the dive down the rabbit hole replacing all the speakers and headunit see if just replacing the 3" dash speakers is enough to make you happy. It is a cheap and easy mod that makes a pretty big difference.

JL Speaker upgrade
Kicker speaker upgrade
Infinity speaker upgrade

 

[matoolie]

I upgraded recently for different reasons than you. I replaced the OEM JBL Nav unit with a Kenwood unit as I wanted Carplay and basically did not like the Entune system on top of reboot issues. The sound is better, especially the highs with the new head unit. Took some to get sound the way I liked it with all the various settings and EQ but very happy. Do not see need to upgrade speakers now.

 

[Superjet]

My 2016 Limited:
Kenwood indash with Maestro interfaced into the stock JBL amp and dash/door speakers stock as well.
Replaced the OEM sub with a Kicker 8in shallow mount and small kicker amp to power it.
No complaints.

 

[85GT-79FJ40]

I replaced all the speakers in my 11 without JBL sound. I used Infinity Reference 6x9 components up front and 2 pairs of their 2-ways in the rear doors and hatch. Then added a cheap powered sub and did the party mode all the time mod for all speakers mod. I'm quite happy with it. Massive improvement over the stock setup.

 

[HunterDonahue]

My 2016 Limited:
Kenwood indash with Maestro interfaced into the stock JBL amp and dash/door speakers stock as well.
Replaced the OEM sub with a Kicker 8in shallow mount and small kicker amp to power it.
No complaints.

Any pics?

 

[HunterDonahue]

I upgraded recently for different reasons than you. I replaced the OEM JBL Nav unit with a Kenwood unit as I wanted Carplay and basically did not like the Entune system on top of reboot issues. The sound is better, especially the highs with the new head unit. Took some to get sound the way I liked it with all the various settings and EQ but very happy. Do not see need to upgrade speakers now.

I like that idea and think it would work but I am worried that the radio would look bare without any buttons.

 

[HunterDonahue]

After driving home yesterday, I think I have discovered part of the "issue". It will sound stupid but I think that it is because I am using the AM/FM function. I streamed music from Spotify yesterday it sounded GREAT! I think the difference between streaming and antenna radio is likely the cause of the "bad sound". Thank you all for your help! I am still considering adding carplay whether with a new radio or the beatsonic device.

 

[matoolie]

I like that idea and think it would work but I am worried that the radio would look bare without any buttons.

Agreed it does look different.

I have seen where plastic dip has been used on area immediately around the radio to cover up some of the large amount of silver and make it look less empty. I think I may do this, but just haven't got around to it.

 

[mr_pink]

I upgraded recently for different reasons than you. I replaced the OEM JBL Nav unit with a Kenwood unit as I wanted Carplay and basically did not like the Entune system on top of reboot issues. The sound is better, especially the highs with the new head unit. Took some to get sound the way I liked it with all the various settings and EQ but very happy. Do not see need to upgrade speakers now.

did it integrate with everything though? like steering wheel controls and back up cam?

 

[mr_pink]

Lately, I have been thinking that the sound from my radio isn't as great as in some of my previous cars. Previously, I had a 2012 Cadillac SRX(small suv). I know that nothing will sound as good as the Bose system in that but I want to try to make it better. I have thought about a radio upgrade and/or speaker upgrade. Right now, I have the JBL system. I also don't want to spend a ton on doing this. I know, I know, cheap does not mix with quality.
On the subject of a new radio: I don't like how aftermarket radios do not have buttons. It makes it look bare. The T9 has button and looks stock. If I just got a T9 and continued using the JBL speakers, would there be a dramatic change in speaker output? I love the idea of carplay because I have a 30-minute commute, each way.

On the subject of new speakers: Is it worth it to change from the JBLs?

bose is HORRIBLE. listen to any newer mark levinson system in a gs350 or above. studio quality and actual attention to detail. still havent heard better

 

[Superjet]

did it integrate with everything though? like steering wheel controls and back up cam?

New Maestro Radio Solution

 

[mr_pink]

New Maestro Radio Solution

so the antennaes, amp, steering wheel, some xtra control features, what about the cam? or does any aftermarket stereo have access to the stock cam?

 

[matoolie]

did it integrate with everything though? like steering wheel controls and back up cam?

Yes everything integrated including rear camera. See my write up here

Kenwood DNR876S Headunit Install & Review For The 5th Gen 4Runner

 

[mr_pink]

Yes everything integrated including rear camera. See my write up here

Kenwood DNR876S Headunit Install & Review For The 5th Gen 4Runner

nice, but wow 1.2k. just not down with the oem mic not working. thats huge. ive never seen a aftermarket mic set up work as good as oem and it ALWAYS looks like an afterthought when installed.

 

[matoolie]

nice, but wow 1.2k. just not down with the oem mic not working. thats huge. ive never seen a aftermarket mic set up work as good as oem and it ALWAYS looks like an afterthought when installed.

So far the Kenwood mic has worked great and actually it’s mounted in OEM location. Completely out of sight.

 

[mr_pink]

So far the Kenwood mic has worked great and actually it’s mounted in OEM location. Completely out of sight.

where is the oem location? by the rear view?

 

[matoolie]

where is the oem location? by the rear view?

Next to the interior light slide switch control in the upper console.

 

[Toffees]

Lately, I have been thinking that the sound from my radio isn't as great as in some of my previous cars. Previously, I had a 2012 Cadillac SRX(small suv). I know that nothing will sound as good as the Bose system in that but I want to try to make it better. I have thought about a radio upgrade and/or speaker upgrade. Right now, I have the JBL system. I also don't want to spend a ton on doing this. I know, I know, cheap does not mix with quality.
On the subject of a new radio: I don't like how aftermarket radios do not have buttons. It makes it look bare. The T9 has button and looks stock. If I just got a T9 and continued using the JBL speakers, would there be a dramatic change in speaker output? I love the idea of carplay because I have a 30-minute commute, each way.

On the subject of new speakers: Is it worth it to change from the JBLs?

Great radio with cheap speakers = good sound
Great speakers with cheap radio = crap sound
If you're an audiophile you'll want a great radio + great speakers, but then you also probably wouldn't be asking the question either

Get a good headhunt from a top manufacturer with good preamp/power and you will probably be happy. In my last truck I swapped out the Honda headhunt for a Pioneer; because of the Honda wiring I lost my sub but the sound was still better after the switchover

 

[Salvo Jimmy]

Couldn’t resist. For your consideration.