JBL Audio or is it?

Here's pics of the stock JBL Audio speaker components. A nice mix of Denso, Panasonic, and Pioneer. Low quality speaker construction. All plastic frames and ultralight magnets.

I think an upgrade to ANY aftermarket speaker would be a huge improvement in performance, especially if you have already installed amplification to the OEM system.

 

Good to know. Been thinking about pulling the trigger and upgrading

 

Nothing new. The JBL in Toyota has always been shitty across the board

 

JBL audio is not worth the upgrade from factory. same money on aftermarket is a way better sound system! If you can install yourself, there are lots of good aftermarket systems that will give better quality sound!

 

What's even more messed up is the fact of the up-charge for the JBL system. Same thing goes for OEm navigation. They know it's crap but still install it on the higher trims just to make a buck. What are you going with?

 

Haven’t needed to do system upgrades in awhile. I used to enjoy pioneer and kicker. Wouldn’t know if they’re still any good so any advice towards brands would be appreciated

 

Just FYI I don't have the upgraded 12 speaker JBL Audio. These are speakers from the standard 9 speaker system. From what I've seen online the only difference between the 9 and 12 speaker systems is the 12 speaker setup has the shitty little amplifier, sub behind the rear seat, and A-pillar mounted tweeters. The rest of it is all the same.

The route I went with my system was to upgrade to 6.5 component sets in the front and rear doors. I purchased new A-pillar trim (JBL version) from Sparks that has the tweeter pods built in and installed new tweeters there. I disconnected all the dash speakers to eliminate the reflective sounding nonsense up there. 10 inch sub under the center seat. All run with a single 5-channel amplifier.

 

I don't think these are shitty brands. Just this level of OEM product is low quality. What I'm saying is that any decent aftermarket speaker with a metal basket, good magnet, reinforced cone material, and a rubber surround would sound exponentially better.

 

I'm perfectly happy with the JBL system in my 2023 1794.

But then, I'm well past the days of ruining my hearing with loud music. I need to retain what hearing I have left.

Matt

 

I think someone stated it before, but for JBL to allow such a low level of quality to represent their brand is sad.

 

same here. I’ve never been any type of audiophile either. These days my volume is usually at 16-18 and listening to talk radio

 

If I were to upgrade I would only consider the door speakers and the beat sonic everyone is hyping

 

Upgrading the sound system isn't done solely for increased volume levels. Upgrading the components of the sound system allow for better overall sound quality to provide a better reproduction of the original recording.

Imagine a light instrumental track with guitar, piano, drums, and a saxophone. All those instrumentals get muddied together on low quality speakers, because they physically cannot produce the dynamic range. When you add amplification to the OEM speakers it all gets louder, but it doesn't sound better because the physical shortcomings of the speakers haven't been addressed.

I agree with you. I cannot do loud music much anymore, as I too am preserving what I've got left. But I think you would be amazed at the difference quality speakers would make to the dynamic range of whatever music you listen to.

 

I was just thinking this myself - and to allow other brand components to be part of what your name is on. Misleading to consumers as well - makes me disappointed in BOTH JBL and Toyota. This is NOT cool, I don't care how long they've been doing it.

 

Totally agree. It's not about how LOUD it is, but rather how FULL the sound is.

 

I guess everyone's ears are different. My wife and I were just listening to some J.J Grey & Mofro ( if you're not familiar, I highly recommend them) in my truck, and we both remarked how great it sounded. But I've never been in a band, or even learned to play a musical instrument. I was always too busy playing sports.

 

What’s your go to brand @ryanwgregg ?

 

I’m afraid to touch anything electrical on these newfangled contraptions

 

The JBL in 3rd Gen sounds ok to me. Better than the 3rd Gen Premium for sure, but not even close to the Mark Levinson in our LX570.

 

Its actually very easy to replace the speakers. Take a look at Tac0Tunes youtube page. They have a whole playlist of videos showing a CrewCab install. Then you can decide if its something within your skill set.

 

Thanks…I’m not very smart tho so my brain wanders and wonders. What if the speakers draw more juice or less juice than the system is designed for that’s tied to something else that is connected to a sensor on something else tied to a computer on something else and then my running boards randomly start going up and down on their own…haha

 

I'm very happy with the JBL in my Plat. Past ford reg b&o was minimal and if the windows were open the sound was just lost! In my late 50's I roll the windows down and turn it up and just laugh as the sound stays true,the doors and mirrors shake, my wife loves it playing Tesla then I play Mower "road rage" and then some heavy bass TroyBoi Mmmmmm. Listing to everything except newer country.
Fav skilled supersonic.....

 

I just got a 24 TDR, I couldn't find one with JBL and the other things I want (and things I didn't). Stock system isn't horrible, but I will upgrade some of it eventually.

Question: is it easy to add the A-column speakers if I don't already have them? I couldn't figure this one out when I was researching.

 

The only stock stereo that I have ever heard sound great was the Lexus SC400 nakamichi.
All stock radios suck…….. No matter the marketing hype.
Changing speakers alone is not a solution he amp wont have power to run your good speakers.
So rule of thumb, when buying a new car. Don’t spend any money on audio upgrades. it will suck
For that kind of money you can get a awesome aftermarket system.

 

A Sony Vaio laptop has a Panasonic hard drive. Toyota Supras have a BMW transmission. Its more common than you think

 

FIFY

 

TTs install videos are great just don't buy their product.
With the exception of their speaker adapters;
They do make a very nice speaker adapter for OEM speaker replacement..

 

I literally just finished my install of the Beat-Sonic 15 minutes ago. I really do notice a difference in the clarity of the sound. I don't feel it adds any power (and they don't advertise it as doing so) but it's definitely more of a defined sound, if that makes sense.

This guy's install and review is spot on about how I feel it works. I did a quick test of both music and talk radio (about 3 minutes each):

https://youtu.be/fTkHjgSmmEU?feature=shared

Beat-Sonic doesn't recommend aftermarket speakers, as "performance may vary", but I can't see any harm upgrading. I'd do the easy add of the Beat-Sonic first, and see how you like it.

I wasn't going after more volume either, and as mentioned above, don't feel the Beat-Sonic added more. It added the clarity I was missing. I do have the JBL system, but it's advertised to improve both the JBL and non-JBL systems.

 

I haven’t looked at the stock speakers yet. Does anyone know the specs on the stock speakers?
A replacement speaker has to match the radio or even tho it’s an awesome speaker it will sound like crap.
I dont want to replace the head unit or add an amp just yet . But speakers would make a difference if they were matched properly.

 

The Supra has bmw motor, trans, suspension, drivetrain….its literally just a rebadged bmw. Lol. Some parts under the hood still have the bmw insignia on them.