Replaced JBL Sub/Added Amp: Install Pics/Info

[SnoopRunner]

ARK,

After reading this thread you inspired me to do the same setup. I've purchased the same amp and sub. I'll probably get around to it this weekend and post up some pics of my own.

I am going to grab the remote from the 12v socket in the center console.

I did have a couple of questions about wiring the high level. You grabbed the speaker wires going into the box after the amp? Is there anyway to grab them pre-amp? Won't the signal be crossed over if you grab them there?

I would prefer to grab the leads for high level from behind the head unit. Possible? I've searched but can't find a clear wiring diagram.

What tool did you use to remove the ribbing from the sub enclosure? Dremel, hacksaw?

Cheers

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

There's some confusion on pulling the signal from after the amp. I remember when I did this, I did some thorough research. I can't recall where, but I read it was fine to do it the way I did. It would be best to tap in pre-amp, but I chose to do it after just for ease of install. I already had access to all these wires, and in the end it worked great. If you can grab them from behind the head unit that'd be great, but I wasn't willing to pull it when the other was so easy. For the ribbing, I simply took a pair of pliers and broke off sections at a time. Not the best way, but it got the job done.

 

[SnoopRunner]

I got around to the install today. It took me the better part of the afternoon to get everything installed and tuned correctly. I also installed a USA SPEC PA15-TOY iPod adapter while I was at it.

In addition to the JL 8" sub in the factory box I also wired up a JL Audio 10" sub enclosure I had laying around. I figure I will leave it in while driving around town and remove it when I go camping or need to haul stuff.

I am very pleased with how it turned out. The factory JBL system really comes to life with this setup and it hits pretty hard.

Thanks Ark for the inspiration!

Here are some pics. Enjoy.

Sub Installed


Amp Wired Up Under Passenger Seat

10" JL Audio Sub Enclosure

Remote Gain For Amp in Center Console

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Nice work, glad you like it!!! I like how you mounted the remote in the console, I may have to try that!

 

[gaterose]

Remote Gain For Amp in Center Console

Nice choice, that's where exactly my remote is too.

I like the idea about adding a removable 10 to the system.. I may have to try that but what are you going to do with the wiring whenever you pull the 10 out?

 

[SnoopRunner]

The speaker wire tucks neatly under the back seat when I remove the sub box.

The remote gain is perfect in that spot. The loose wires in there are actually for my Garmin Nuvi and the iPod adapter.

 

[lemasurier]

I am planning on doing this upgrade to my 2004 4runner. I also have the 10 speaker JBL system. I called up crutchfield yesterday to put together a quote on the equipment used for this upgrade. We got to talking about the install and he tells me to only use one of the pairs of wires from the stock sub to the amp. Is this what you guys did or is it OK to use both pairs of wires coming from the stock sub into the new amp? The rep at crutchfield was also concerned that the sub would not fit into that enclosure. He said there would be a depth and height issue. I see how you guys dealt with the depth (cut the ribbing). But with the height, is your back panel hitting the new sub at all?

Does that remote gain control come with the amp?

Thanks for your help guys...

 

[SnoopRunner]

The remote gain comes with the amp. The sub fits perfectly fine, you will just need to cut the ribbing as described.

The old sub is a dual voice coil. The JL sub is a single voice coil. So you will only need to wire one pair to it.

If you are talking about tapping into the speaker wires for the high level you will need to use both channels.

 

[lemasurier]

Thanks SnoopRunner. That is what I wanted to know.

How are you liking the sound of your new system?

 

[SnoopRunner]

I am pretty pleased overall. Bang for the buck its a great upgrade. Is it audiophile sound quality...no.

However, it does improve the JBL system dramtically and suits exactly what my needs were. Retain factory HU and stealth. With the removable box in it bumps pretty good.

I would definitely recommend. If you do it yourself be sure to carve out a full day.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I am pretty pleased overall. Bang for the buck its a great upgrade. Is it audiophile sound quality...no.

However, it does improve the JBL system dramtically and suits exactly what my needs were. Retain factory HU and stealth. With the removable box in it bumps pretty good.

I would definitely recommend. If you do it yourself be sure to carve out a full day.

I can second this. For me, it's the best sounding setup I've ever had, but I've never had any top notch stereo equipment either. I've always had budget equipment (good stuff, just not the best). I went ahead and set mine up so that I could add a second 8" sub, but found that I haven't needed the extra sub. It will take some time to do right, but well worth it in the end.

 

[lemasurier]

Guys,
I am in the middle of doing this upgrade and I have yet another question.

I pulled out the old sub and cut out the ribbing from the enclosure. When I went to put the new sub in the enclosure I saw that the holes from the new sub do not line up with the stock enclosure. How did you guys deal with that?

BTW getting that panel off was a bear!

 

[S p a r k y]

Guys,
I am in the middle of doing this upgrade and I have yet another question.

I pulled out the old sub and cut out the ribbing from the enclosure. When I went to put the new sub in the enclosure I saw that the holes from the new sub do not line up with the stock enclosure. How did you guys deal with that?

BTW getting that panel off was a bear!

Just turn sub between stock holes and make new ones. But be very careful, slipping is NOT good. or line up best you can. once the sub is secure those holes wont do anything.

 

[BigRed05]

Did anyone have issues with putting the amp under that passenger side seat? I'm having clearance issuses, anyone else have this problem, if so any advice on what to do?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Which amp is it? The one I purchased (J2 250.1) fits perfectly (plenty of room around the sides and top for it to breathe).

 

[BigRed05]

I have the G1300, which is almost the same size but 0.3 of inch taller. I would think you would have more clearance then 0.3 of an inch? When you say plenty of room how much room are you talking about?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Best I can remember, at least .75" on the top. I can look this evening to double check that though.

 

[BigRed05]

That would be great thanks. Did you take your seat out before installing the amp? Or could you slide the amp under the seat while it was still on the car?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

There was plenty of room to slide it under without having to remove the seat.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Sorry for the delay, I have just over 1.5" of clearance from the amp to the bottom of the seat. Is yours mounted under the passenger or driver seat?