2019 Tundra Limited with JBL Audio Upgrade

I am going to document my audio upgrade of my 2019 Tundra Limited with JBL Audio here. Everything is going to be gutted, but most likely going to start with the head unit.

Requirements:

• Must retain secondary display function as well as steering wheel controls.
• Must look as good or better than factory.
• Must be able to return to stock.
• Must retain backup camera.

Head Units:

I will be looking at only mech-less units. I have no need for a CD player or navigation as I will be using CarPlay w/ Waze. I stream music using Tidal at high bit rates so audio quality is paramount.

• Mech-less
• Capacitive Screen (Much nicer touchscreen - like a Phone)
• Wired or Wireless CarPlay (Will Be Using Wired for Better Audio Quality)

The good news is there are only 5 options (with proper iDatalink support) after you narrow this down via the above list!

• Alpine iLX-207 - $594
• Alpine iLX-107 - $694
• Alpine iLX-F309 $999 - (TND Version Plug-and-Play) - $1499
• Pioneer MVH-1400NEX - $349
• Kenwood Excelon DMX906S - $649

Units WITHOUT iDatalink Serial Cable, Wired Remote Only

• Sony XAV-AX5000 - $398 - no iDatalink Serial Cable (Wired Remote Only)
  
• Alpine iLX-F259 - $594 - no iDatalink Serial Cable (Wired Remote Only)
• Alpine iLX-W650 - $299 - no iDatalink Serial Cable (Wired Remote Only)

So these are out.

Every single one of these are 480p displays, so there is no difference in resolution between any of the units in this class. Some top-of-the-line nav models have 720p resolution.

I was not impressed with my Pioneer unit previously, and Son'y pre-out voltage is low at 2V. I will be focusing my decision on the Alpine and Kenwood options.

Alpine has the accessory kit to control lights/winches/etc, so that is a compelling feature that Kenwood doesn't have.

iDatalink Maestro RR with iDatalink Serial Cable to retain all factory functionality (except turn-by-turn directions).

More coming soon..

 

Required Components (Except on ILX-F309-TND)

• iDatalink Maestro ADS-MRR Interface Module - $140
  
• iDatalink HRN-RR-TO2 - $40
  
• Metra 99-8252 Dash Kit - $40
  
• Metra AX-TOYUSB - $15
  
• Metra 40-LX11 Antenna Adapter - $10
  
• Crutchfield Pre-made Harness - $25

Total Accessory Cost: $270 - add this to all radio costs above except the pre-built TND model.

 

Did you keep the middle dash speaker? If so what did you drop in there?

I’m considering converting the fronts to 3-way components and doing an active crossover. If I did that I’d just unhook the center dash speaker.

Seriously considering AudioControl D series amps that include DSP.

Focal makes a killer 3-way pair.

I already have an ARC audio black 10” sub I’ll be reusing.

 

I’m sure you are shopping around but if not those prices are anywhere from $50 to $150 less on Amazon for the head units.

 

Yes, I am. However, my trust for Amazon is near-zero. Esp. if they're not listed as authorized sellers.

 

If you wanna keep your center channel, I'd take a look at tech12volts dual JL c1 tweeters, he makes a nice bracket for them to bolt right up. Actually the best deal on everything you need, plus great service and support will likely come from James @tech12volts.

I do not think that there is any aftermarket head unit or integration unit(PAC or maestro) that will allow you to keep 100% of the features of you OEMsystem, specifically the turn by turn navigation display on the dash mini screen.

You should be able to find an idatalink maestro RR for less than $140, maybe 140 including TO2 harness. Check ebay and Amazon, I'm talking brand new, not used.

Wireless CP/AA is a cool feature but as far as CarPlay goes, I have not heard much good about it via wireless connection, android auto seems to have decent, at least better, wireless connection reviews.

Good luck in your search. Don't forget to get in touch with James @tech12volts. Keep us posted

 

I had wireless CP in my previous car BMW 230i. Audio quality was worse when wireless. GPS drains battery so much that you want to be plugged in anyway.

Maestro RR apparently can do turn by turn on the Kenwood according to the iDatalink site. I found the features vary quite a bit depending on the radio selected.

I am leaning towards the Alpine ILX-F309-TND just because it’s plug and play. Eventually will upgrade speakers and add an amp buy this is ready to go to support both the JBL system and future line out.

 

Damn, that is a good deal! Never ordered anything from Morris 4x4. Might have to pull the trigger!

 

Yep that is a must!

Just ordered mine, thanks for the heads up!

 

Love this headunit! It really woke the factory JBL system up. Probably 3x the volume capability. Still need to go through and adjust equalizer to tune it in. I use android auto with Waze. Factory steering wheel controls work except for the call and hang up buttons. Center screen on my 18 Limited remained functional as OEM standards EXCEPT the turn-by-turn nav on the screen. Actually good for me as I didn't have a way to turn it off on the factory head unit

 

@YotaMan thanks for the side angle shot, this is what I think a lot of people are curious about. It looks very clean and a clear upgrade!

 

So I have been doing some research on speakers, it is kinda crazy, but I have landed on a few options...

Speakers

1. Delete Center Dash
2. Upgrade Dash Corners OR Install Front 3-way Components
3. Upgrade Front Door w/ Components
4. Upgrade Rear Door w/ Components

Focal Access Series, 3-way in Front, 2-way in Rear

• Front Door: Focal Access 165-as3 (Requires Bigger Modification)
• Rear Door: Focal Access 165-as

Focal Plug and Play

I am trying to verify these can be used without an amplifier and/or are they truly plug and play in the 3rd gen tundra w/ JBL.

• Front Door: IS690TOY https://www.focal.com/sites/www.foc...log/document/is690toy-specification_sheet.pdf
• Rear Door: IS165TOY https://www.focal.com/sites/www.foc...log/document/is165toy-specification_sheet.pdf

AudioFrog Components in Front + Rear + Dash Corners

• Front + Rear Door: AudioFrog GS60 + GS10 + GS610c + GS10 (Dash)

Alpine X Series in Front + Rear

• Front + Rear Door: Alpine X-S65C

Focal Plug and Play

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjEKZjAS-6c

Focal 3-way in Tundra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf-4_HkwUQo

 

Any issues with Halo-9 and Sirius XM?

 

You can get an adapter to reuse the antenna but you will need to buy a new tuner.

 

No issues. Factory antenna worked fine with it. Just need the module installed.

 

Were you able to find out if these speakers were complete plug in play for the 3rd gen Tundras with the JBL audio system?