Options for replacing 'all' JBL speakers

So I've looked all through the forum, and I know that the advice typically amounts to this:

https://www.shop.tech12volts.com/category.sc?categoryId=124

I want to replace 'all' speakers, because I like the way the dash speakers fill the cab, but there isn't an option that I can see there.

Has anyone purchased speakers on their own (outside of a kit) as of late (pandemic shopping)? My local shop said they could replace all the speakers, mat it, add a decent Amp, and build a box for the two 10's I already own for about $2k, but that's using speakers that they have in stock that I can't find in stock anywhere... making pricing difficult. They only work over the phone, so I don't have many specifics without driving over there. They mentioned some of the speakers would be Kenwood Excelon, with no cutting on the dash.

I thought about doing this myself, but the shop is great, they've done my last 3 systems, and I know their work will be clean. Still, I'd love to know what speakers y'all are using and why.

Wanted to hear from folks out there that have replaced their speakers lately. I already have a Kenwood DMX 1007 and Maestro installed, any advice is welcome!

 

I just received my package system from tech12volts. I have numerous systems over the years. I can list all the speakers I have had over the years. A lot of my systems never even listened to any of the speakers before the install and never had a bad system. I have a great installer which they know what there doing. I talked to the owner of the audio store I deal with and told him I can get whole system Arc audio and he said get it. They were just at competition with Arc audio and his Rep is from them. I feel any top brand speaker is going to perform very good!! So never had this brand and also talking to James on his review. The problem you run into now is trying to find a lot of stuff because there is not a lot out there to buy.

 

How much was the labor were you quoted on? Are they matting your doors and back? That kit you got only has component speakers for the doors, nothing for the dash, correct?

Yea, finding a HU was pure luck. Right place, right time. Things are a mess right now, but I fully believe things will get better.

 

I did not get a quote so I cannot help you there. But knowing the owner and having done a lot of installs over the years he will probably cut me a brake. Yes I got all the precut for doors and back. No dash speakers. Just doing the doors. No reason to do the dash. Unless you want to. I chose not to. I’m probably going to keep factory headunit to see how it sounds after the install.

 

I just installed a complete new system using all Audison products. Audison is a little pricey, but they sound so damn good. I used 2 sets of the AP 6.5 components for front and rear doors, 2 10in Audison Prima subs, and an Audison SR 5.600 amp to power it. I went with Audison because I have yet to find a speaker come close to the sound in the same $300 price range.

 

Nothing for the dash?

 

There were 11

$320 Rockford DSR1 8-Channel Interactive Signal Processor w/Integrated iDatalink Maestro Module

Rockford DSR1 on Amazon early today and I nabbed one. There down to one left. It’s probably sold now. I just checked there all gone.

 

I've got these laying around from prior vehicles, I just need the speakers really. I don't think the JL's I have will fit, but those Pioneers didn't sound bad at all in my ZR2.

 

I'm an idiot, that's an Amp, thanks for the heads up!

 

I'm just looking for the speakers and amp. I've got a new HU (Kenwood 1007) and Maestro, so I'm all set there.

 

No problem but it’s the processor to run the JBL factory headunit.

 

Yea, I was just about to reply again. Since I've already got the Maestro and Kenwood Excelon 1007, I'm not sure that's necessary, but I'm not an audiophile, so please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

No you don’t need it since your have the Kenwood headunit. After speaking to James today and Amazon got them in he told me to stay with the factory headunit since I have the JBL.

 

The Kenwood HU and Maestro improved the sound exponentially, but it's still lacking. I wanted to just drop the 10's and an amp in the back, but the speakers are really bad, no amount of bass can cover that up.

 

I agree. Here my sub box.

 

Where did you grab that and how much?

 

That’s from tech12volts from James. Plus my other stuff. Everything came as a package deal. Except the sound deadening was extra.

 

No, if you go with a good set of components for the door, that is all you need. Just make sure you disconnect the factory dash speakers because they will muddy up the sound of your new stuff.

 

It feels like Christmas time!! Lol.

 

I did that in my ZR2 and TRD Pro 4Runner, and it took away from the sound. The front speakers add a bunch of sound, at least for me and my style.

What you're explaining is exactly what every other thread here covers, which is why I opened this one, hoping to find speakers for the entire vehicle.

 

Obviously, we are entitled to our own opinions, but if you bought good 6.5 components for the doors it would sound amazing, there is a reason 90% of people do just that and unplug the 3.5 dash speakers.

 

So this whole package was from tech12volts? Including all the ARC stuff? I know you said you got the custom box from them. Did you get 4 component speakers or just 2? The picture just shows 2 component speakers, one amp, and then it looks like 2 subs, right?

 

Yes everything from Tech12volts. There are 2 sets of components. Everything is Arc audio. Just doing the doors. No need to do the dash speakers. 5 channel amp. Using the JBL headunit with the DSR. Both of the boxes on the pic in the front is 2 sets of components for both doors.

 

Got it.. Yes, that was really dumb to think one speaker was in each of the boxes.. DUH! This system sounds EXACTLY like what I'd like to do to upgrade my JBL Entune system. Here locally, I went to several shops and one of the shops exclusively installs ARC and honestly, I had never even heard of ARC before. He was telling me that he and his team had just returned from a competition and with their ARC setup, they took like 2nd or 3rd place. So now seeing that tech12volts is recommending, I think this is the direction I'm going to go as well. Looking forward to hearing how you like it.. when are you planning to install??

 

That’s funny you say about your installer. I wonder if that where my audio store owner was for the show. His rep is from arc audio. He told me to get arc audio from James if I was able to. He cannot get a lot for stuff. He is ok me buying it from tech12volts and his installer which I’m friends with them for years is doing the install. I’m not having the install done till November 22. I’m off of work with my schedule and they will have my truck a whole day. I’m also having sound deadening done too.

 

Niiiice! Yeah, not sure, but I'm here in Tampa, FL. I didn't notice if the shop owner said he travelled far for the competition or not, but I just thought it was a weird coincidence that all of that just happened today, and here I am reading that ARC is legit and highly recommended by James who seems to be the most credible source!

I'm going to reach out to James now and see about sourcing pretty much the same set up you got! The only additional piece I'm considering is the Pioneer 8600 head unit. I'm sure even if i kept the factory HU, it would sound WAYYYYY better than the stock set up but I like the idea of getting NetFlix and YouTube videos on the HU.. that's so badass!!

November will be here soon, congrats, please post your thoughts and review.. sounds like you have had some systems in the past to compare to so im interested to hear your thoughts! Thanks!

 

Yeah I’m not sure where the show was but it was a few weeks ago so it was a different one. I also have had a lot of installs over the years. This will be my first using the JBL headunit. All of my installs over the years I had aftermarket headunit. James told me since I have the JBL headunit to just use the DSR. He say it sounds as good as a aftermarket. But it sounds like you have the entune. If you do I think that where most have changed out there headunit for better sound and setup. Yeah I’m spoiled over the years having awesome sound systems. I have been dealing with my install for 20 years. I will post stuff after the install. Thanks.

 

So, it looks like I'll be going to James' shop to get the same system installed in mine! Crazy how all this worked out.. but I'm shooting for late October, going to drive up there as part of a longer road trip I was planning to take already. I went with the Pioneer HU.. James said the stock HU would've sounded killer but there were some features i wanted with the Pioneer so just bit the bullet.. stay tuned , brother!!

 

Nice good for you. I’m glad it’s all working out for you. How far is he from you on your road trip? That’s great you are going with arc audio. Let me know how it sounds. Did he say how long it will take to do the install.

 

Yeap, everything in your picture, I'm getting.. the 2 subs, the box, the amp, the door speakers.. I ordered the HU separately and will bring it with me for the install. He's ordering all the stuff needed to install it for me. My total road trip to my destination in North Carolina is like 9 hours and he's just short of halfway (about 4.5 hrs) but with my heavy foot, will likely be less than 4.. ha!!

Thanks man! This will be BY FAR, the best sounding and sure as hell most expensive sound system i've ever even considered buying but I'm planning on keeping my truck for a very long time!

I'll try to post pics of the install as it's being done, if he allows me to.. Great guy though, super responsive and accommodating!