Upgrading stock audio to 15-speaker JBL?

[kaitlyn2004]

Just looking at the 4runner trims - I've seen oem audio parts or whatever it was called that seems like a super straightforward replacement of the stock audio.

But wondering if you got the low trim with the fewer speakers, can you (easily?) upgrade aftermarket to the 15-speaker JBL, or is this just so difficult from wiring to trim/fitting/etc.?

 

[mailbox]

Having done a complete audio upgrade to my SR5, I think the 15 speaker whatever is just marketing speak. They're counting coaxial speakers as 2 because the tweeter is combined with the woofer.

I started with this (unfortunately now discontinued) Focal IS 690TOY Integration Series 6"x9" component speaker system designed to fit select Toyotas at Crutchfield

And ended up adding replacements for the rest of the doors including a subwoofer with the TacoTunes kit since I didn't feel like doing any wire cutting or splicing.

Whatever path you go, you'll need an amp of some sort or the new speakers are going to be significantly lower in volume than stock. And if you're after sound quality you'll want an amp anyway.

 

[Whippersnapper02]

Just looking at the 4runner trims - I've seen oem audio parts or whatever it was called that seems like a super straightforward replacement of the stock audio.

But wondering if you got the low trim with the fewer speakers, can you (easily?) upgrade aftermarket to the 15-speaker JBL, or is this just so difficult from wiring to trim/fitting/etc.?

With the amount of work required to install the JBL system with wiring, you might as well go OEM Audio, Taco Tunes or build your own. The JBL system uses a separate AMP for the door speakers and sub that you would be installing with the aftermarket systems anyway.

 

[kaitlyn2004]

Having done a complete audio upgrade to my SR5, I think the 15 speaker whatever is just marketing speak. They're counting coaxial speakers as 2 because the tweeter is combined with the woofer.

I started with this (unfortunately now discontinued) Focal IS 690TOY Integration Series 6"x9" component speaker system designed to fit select Toyotas at Crutchfield

And ended up adding replacements for the rest of the doors including a subwoofer with the TacoTunes kit since I didn't feel like doing any wire cutting or splicing.

Whatever path you go, you'll need an amp of some sort or the new speakers are going to be significantly lower in volume than stock. And if you're after sound quality you'll want an amp anyway.

I have heard the stock unit is "underpowered", is this still the case with 2020 which has headunit improvements?

Looking at this:
4runner - OEM Audio Plus

The kit with the amplifier is almost twice the price... If, i.e. I listen to audio at level 10... with a replacement, couldn't my base audio level just become 20 or something? Sorry, clearly not my area of expertise

 

[mailbox]

No clue on the new stereo mine is a 2017, I really doubt it's different though. Stock factory head units don't typically include amplifiers unless they specifically are included in a package or something.

The difference in volume drop for me was such that I had to really crank it (~20 volume "points") to get back to my normal listening levels. And at that point, you could also hear more noise/static from the signal. So I ended up adding power to the system.

Our wants might be different though, I wanted some serious bass

 

[1jzgte]

go with OEM plus.. dont retrofit the OEM system.. it'll cost you roughly the same and the OEM+ audio will be much less of headache

 

[kaitlyn2004]

go with OEM plus.. dont retrofit the OEM system.. it'll cost you roughly the same and the OEM+ audio will be much less of headache

The OEM audio plus "speaker only replacement" no amplifier/etc. good enough? Or not worth it?

I know the speakers are designed to fit same as OEM, but could I "comfortable" replace them myself having never done car work before?

 

[1jzgte]

its a pretty complete system with amplifier:

4runner - OEM Audio Plus

buying someone's used JBL system doesnt guarantee a complete kit w/ all wiring harnesses and etc etc.. i'd imagine it to be a complete nightmare to install.. plus it'll cost more than OEM plus (not saying theyre inexpensive by any means) but the jbl will definitely cost more.. plus the headache of retrofitting the JBL head unit.. its simply not worth it

OEM plus comes w/ complete instructions and a customer service line as well...