Convince me NOT to replace my stock JBL

So I have been lurking on the forum a bit and it seems like there is a fair bit of good (current) knowledge.

A couple weeks ago my daughters managed to break my Entune display while horsing around in the truck. Needless to say, I was not very happy and I need to replace it. It looks like the Kenwood DMX906S,

$1,450 Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX PIONEER CAR DMHWT8600NEX Top Of The Line 10.1" BT CarPlay Amazon Alexa Built-in, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth - Floating Type Multimedia Receiver

Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX and Alpine Halo are all front-runners.

I do appreciate the stock look that keeps unwanted hands out of my vehicle, but if I'm spending $600 to a grand, I think aftermarket will probably give me the best bang for the buck.

Let's here some opinions. I'd like to maintain as much stock functionality as possible.

TIA!

Joe

 

unless you can find a replacement jbl headunit for under a hunskie, i wouldn't waste the money on the factory head unit.

 

I have the 4400NEX and the difference in sound quality from stock was night and day! Start with just the head unit and go from there if need be. You'll be surprised how good it sounds with only the HU though! Good luck with the decision. Welcome to the forum!

 

Sounds like she gave you a push in to the right direction. That radio is from what most will agree the weakest link. Ive been looking at the Alpine Halo9 myself. Welcome and best of luck. Let us know what you decide on and remember

 

8600NEX is very much superior to the Halo 9, and Halo 11 since it has wireless CarPlay / Android Auto. I put the 8600 in my rig last month and was blown away at the difference in sound quality.

Is so nice not having to plug my phone in anymore. Works even better when you match it with the wireless charging center console.

Good luck!

 

Do you have a pic? i wanna check it out please.

 

One thing to note with the Toyota JBL and after market head unit, you will need an adapter. So long as your new stereo has Pre-Amp outputs you can connect the adapter and it will work wonders with the JBL as is. I had to do it in my wife's Sienna, but it sounds much better from stock with a Pioneer.

Crutchfield suggests this one: Crux CS-TJ20 Wiring Interface

I used a Metra TYTO for my wifes Sienna.

 

As long as you get something that uses the maestro interface, you shouldn’t lose any functionality.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/new-pioneer-dmh-wt8600nex-10-1-inch-floating-screen-hu.62386/

 

James at tech 12 volts, did my system. Not only did i not lose existing functionality, i gained an unbelievable amount of truck data info, like air intake temperature etc. I would imagine the higher end trucks have this capability, and James tapped into it. Every thing he did was plug and play, so no voiding warranty. The best part is the sound, kenwood head unit, all new speakers, custom sub box, installed for an amazing price. If you really appreciate your music, reach out to James

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/small-audio-storm-trooper-2015-crewmax-build.20913/

 

I've heard the interface on these are less than responsive in terms of the interface. Care to comment? Is it worse or better than the factory JBL?

 

I can’t comment on the Halo interface, just the 8600 that I own. But it is laughably better than the factory JBL in every way, including responsiveness. Plenty of YouTube videos out there to check out which display how it works.

I find it more responsive than the new Entune interface on my 2020 4Runner Pro.

 

Do you have a pic installed?

 

Convince me NOT to replace my stock JBL

If you replace your stock JBL unit a puppy will die and your taxes will go up 600%.

 

This time of year I'm up in the mountains somewhere every weekend. The last thing on my mind is my somewhat crappy Limited JBL stereo. I'm old so my priorities have changed. It comes down to what your priorities are.....I have friends in low places..

 

let’s see if I’m smart enough to post a pic here...


https://imgur.com/gallery/xaYCVTz

 

I'm not sure what year your Tundra is, BUT, I just did a complete JBL stereo/amp/sub removal and replacement, a couple of months ago (2018 Platinum). My H/U is like new. I was planning on listing it sometime in the near future. If you are interested, I will let it go for $200.00. That being said, I totally get it if you want to replace the entire system. My new system is mind blowing.

 

Even with the stock JBL head unit you can hold RTA curves like this.