JBL vs Non JBL

Taking the approach of replacing the entire system (minus the door speakers/tweeters) what is the major differences in putting in all new equipment between the JBL and Non-JBL systems? I've done quite a few installs and I must say my head is spinning after reading for days...

 

No reason to go with JBL when you're gutting it. Pull out the stock HU and amp and put in a wireless CarPlay unit and 5 channel amp and go from there. You shouldn't need to cut any wires with the right harness adapters. I ended up replacing every speaker in the truck but some people are happy with the stock speakers once they have more power and a better signal.

 

From what I read the speakers are something you want to replace along with the amp. I just got my kit in from James @ 12volt for 800ish dollars speakers and box along with the amp(s) keeping the stock HU. If it sounds as good as the reviews I'm not sure you can get a better deal. Can't wait to get it installed along with the Frac harness.
https://shop.tech12volts.com/contactus.sc

 

Did you replace a JBL system? I assume a 5 channel amp would just power the doors, tweets and dash? And then, I'd need another amp for a sub?

 

Considering that the speakers are literally the only thing you really ever hear I would replace the cheap stock speakers in any case.

 

Fair enough. I figured in time, I would replace those as well. Just wanna get the JBL brains out first.

 

I replaced a non-JBL system. 4 channels for the doors 5th channel for subs. Dash speakers run directly off the HU.

The benefit of running a 5-channel is not having to install a second amp.

This is what I installed
https://www.jlaudio.com/products/rd900-5-car-audio-rd-amplifiers-98642

 

Thanks AZBoatHauler. That makes sense. I forget the headunits are providing 4 channels.

I assume all the tweeters are parallel (downstream) from the door speakers? Or so I have that backwards?

Is there a complete rip and replacement guide for us with JBL systems on the interwebz somewhere? That shit under the passenger seat is making my brain hurt. I assume it all needs to just come out, so I need to find the correct harnesses for it all.

I'm getting too old for this!

EDIT - well I just located this on the ********* video. Can you guys confirm this would be accurate in a 17' with JBL?

 

here is mine - Non JBL, stock Head Unit and stock "door" speakers. Stock rear tweets as well.

Dash speakers are JL Audio C1's - from James.
5 channel amp - AudioControl LOC

$260 Rockford Fosgate R2s-1X12 Single R2S Slim 12” Shallow Subwoofer Loaded in a Wedge Enclosure with 250 Watts RMS / 500 Watts Max

Rockford Fosgate R2s-1X12 sub

It sounds amazing

 

@purplenova

I'll have to swap out my head unit though... as I really don't want to go downstream from the JBL amp.

In your scenario what does that LC7i do for you? Figured you would just need a single pair of RCA's for the sub channel on that amp?

 

The LOC - cleans up the signal before it gets to the amp.

James @tech12volts should have everything you will need.

 

James has a DSR1 option that Will handle the JBL signal conversion. That way you keep the HU but change the other parts to your desires.

 

I do not have an LOC or DSR1 yet I still have the stock HU and all speakers are upgraded

 

EXACTLY what I am looking for. Basic but decent new front and rear door speakers and a sub in the back. My question to "AZBoatHauler" is if the sound was what you were looking for. I'm more worried with this type of install you will get the dreaded hiss at lower volumes. I have looked at the LC2i, the LC7i to fix that problem but then read where they are not necessary on the non-JBL system or maybe just the LC2i on the subwoofer. I guess as I rambled on I'm just curious if the sound is good?
Thanks.

 

Honestly it sounds a lot better than I was anticipating. When I started, I was hoping it would sound as good or better than the factory Bose system in my wife’s Denali. The end result is it sounds about 10x better. No hiss, pops, or white noise. BUT here is a huge piece of that it I think... I also changed the HU and have a 100% clean signal. I highly recommend swapping the HU if you’re going to dive into a serious audio upgrade. I don’t understand the desire to keep the Entune HU. It really is that terrible.

 

Kept mine because the replacement is a cool grand lol

 

Thanks for the quick response AZBoatHauler but really want to keep the factory HU. Therefore I throw the same question to Texasho83. Pretty nice yet affordable setup and it seems you did not install any type of signal processor. Do you get any noise or is the sound something your happy with? Also, looked at your page and Holy &%$# what a nice build.

 

Thanks man. Yes I do have a static buzz when the radio is OFF or volume is at zero. James told me its the Bluetooth signal coming from the stock HU and that I could slightly fix it by playing with the gain on the amp but since I only hear it at startup I deal with it. I believe @Kung also has it and he minimized it by playing with the gain.

Again, I will get around to replacing the HU but it'll be a while. Until then I'm happy with the huge increase in sound quality over stock speakers/amp.

 

Mine ended up being $300. $600 Kenwood HU but sold my stock HU for $300. So half the price of the amp for a CarPlay HU.

 

Nice man! That's how I do upgrades. Sell the old to pay for the new lol.

 

Keeping the JBL head unit is an option then running all new amps and speakers.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/sma...-2015-crewmax-build.20913/page-4#post-1763802