Staggered Upgrade to JBL Stereo

[Mordekai]

Hey Everyone,

My 04 T4r Limited with JBL Synthesis 9.1 sound system needs to be upgraded. I have already installed a Pioneer double DIN, but replaced that with an ATOTO M4, and now an ATOTO A6. I know that the sub is blown and needs to be replaced. That means either finding an OEM sub, or getting one of the shallow 8" subs I have seen recommended here. Replacing with non OEM would require a new AMP and all new wiring. This is all a cost I don't want to incur right now.

So I got to thinking: What can I upgrade now to get better sound with the stock amp? The rest of the speakers! I know the sizes, I know that I am going to go component. I may or may not replace the center console speaker (4 channels vs 5 on the eventual amp). I have been scouring the internet for a few days and must ask a few questions:

1. JBL amp pushes 2 ohm. Will installing speakers with a higher impedance still work from the JBL amp?

2. Does the JBL system have built in crossovers in the stock wiring?

3. Assuming yes to 2, are the rear 6.5 and pillar speakers crossed over, and ditto with the front 6x9/tweeter?

I'm certain I have more questions, but these are just the one's I can recall at the moment. OH!

This person did a staggered upgrade, but used Coax speakers: MISC: 03 Toyota 4Runner Full Audio Makeover - AcuraZine - Acura Enthusiast Community

-Mordekai

 

[alia176]

Hey man,

I'm not a stereo nerd like you but here's what I did. I installed the Sony head unit as shown in this thread Sony XAV-AX100 Installed (Photos & Short Review)

The sound is killer, and all JBL amps are utilized. All speakers were replaced with Rockford Fosgate from Amazon, including the rear sub. I outlined all the items needed for this install.

Easy peasy. I should've gone this route instead of doing the Scion radio and the associated bits and pieces that went along with that radio.

 

[RobD]

I have upgraded my head unit to a Pioneer, as well. Friday, I swapped out the blown JBL subwoofer for a Pioneer TS-SW2002D2 8" shallow mount sub. It's dual voice coil and 2 ohms. It works quite nicely. It doesn't hit particularly hard, but it's also only 8" being pushed by what I can only assume is maybe 50 watts or so. I've never been able to find specs on the Synthesis amp. The hardest part is removing the panels. All in all, I'd say it took me an hour and a half to do. I'm not going to touch the other JBL speakers yet and live with them until I purchase a replacement 5 channel amp for the doors and sub.

 

[Tire Torcher]

I just did the sub upgrade to the same Pioneer shallow mount. If you are deciding between replacing with the stock JBL or going with the Pioneer, I would go with the Pioneer. As Rob said, it doesn't hit hard, but it's an improvement over the stock JBL, and mine was not blown. It's cleaner, tighter and a bit louder, but the beauty is you don't need to replace the amp if you don't want to, and the sub fits right in.

All the info for the install is here; JBL Synthesis Subwoofer Replace - Pioneer Shallow Mount

Good luck!

 

[Mordekai]

Update:

After looking some more, the rear door speakers seem to be 2-Way speakers and the rear pillars are just standard tweeters. I am going to go with component speakers in the rear and hope I can plug the tweeters in without the crossover until I get to the rewiring portion of this project.

2ohm speakers are few and far between, but 4ohm on a 2ohm amp (OEM) will be fine, the Db level will be a bit lower, but there's no danger to the speakers. I may do a write up as I proceed.