21 TRD Pro JBL Upgrade

Quick question for everyone w/the JBL DSP amp upgrade from James…

How often are you finding yourselves using the remote sub level knob?? IE>>> Adjust bass almost every track, or every once in a while you come across a track or two that needs some adjustment to get the sound you're looking for???

My family that was visiting is gone now, so now I'll have some time to get this thing installed. But, before I begin I just wanted to decide on a target install location for the sub knob based on frequency of use! @gosolo (that was a double )

… sorry my 4 shots of espresso just kicked in!!!!!

 

As you probably know, a lot depends on the quality of the input tracks you’re using as well as the genre. Direct connect to Appleplay is better than Bluetooth from a digital standpoint. That said, my phone has such a wide selection of music, I usually go with Bluetooth, set it to shuffle and find a sweet spot for the sub. Might a little heavy on this track and light on that one. Pay attention to your music settings on the phone. I have the best response with EQ set flat. I mounted the sub knob under the dash on the blank spot under, and to the right, of the steering wheel.

 

Well… sorry for the delay, but life happens (family, weather, etc.)... anyhow got my JBL DSP/AMP install done today.

I had already installed the new sub w/ported box and had been using it w/o the amp for a bit. I believe some have asked, and although the sub/box helped, the difference by itself was not very noticeable; it still lacked any real power or "presence" and was often not receiving much of the frequency range that it should have been pushing.

After the DSP/AMP install today…. huuuuge difference!!!! I still have the factory dash and door speakers, but they were coming across much clearer, and the sub was definitely doing its job now. The bass is now clean and purposeful, and the sub is pushing a much larger range of appropriate frequencies. Short of replacing the head unit and running a complete new system, I'd have to say this is a very easy and satisfying upgrade. The difference is night and day (some asked if it was just a slight difference or more definitive) and well worth the money.

Sorry for no pics, I was fighting some time constraints and dealing w/wet weather coming in. The only drawback, as others have stated, is that the wiring is very tight (mostly due to the factory plugs) and it's kind of a mess w/wires intertwined w/each other all over the place. But, with that being said, the install was straightforward and not technically challenging.

So far, I've had no noise or humming from the system. I used the ground point that @RainMan_PNW mentioned on his install and kept my power wire away/shielded from any of the RCA or speaker wires as much as possible. It's my understanding that most noise related issues (humming/engine whine, etc.) usually come from a poor ground or from the main power wire being too close to RCAs and speaker wires (although that may be an old wives tale from back when).

Anyhow, thanks to @james@tech12volts for great service and for the time, knowledge and experience in working w/this amp and our trucks. The JBL/DSP is clearly a product meant to do its job in a very specific way, and without proper set up, I can see how this thing would end up being a bit of a nightmare to figure out how to properly integrate into our trucks' existing systems. However, install was seamless when it shows up programmed, setup and most of the wiring already completed for you.

 

Thanks for the detailed update.

 

My sub knob is mounted in my console. I have not touched sub knob since it was in. It’s up all the way. The only way you will get more sub base output if you go to a aftermarket headunit. My arc audio system will sound totally different after my installer adds my new Kenwood 10.1 screen. So get best of both worlds. I’m not knocking the JBL headunit with my

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

Rockford DSR1. I just want the bigger screen and it will benefit me more with sound. My audio guy with his installer is very good. They compete in competition with audio shows. The last one was with Arc audio.

 

I just installed my kenwood sub remote 2 days ago, and i use it alot. However, I do swap between HD radio and music thru wireless Android auto (I think it's wireless audio, not bluetooth). And even then, I range from classical to rock to rap to pop. All over the place. I'm using the remote more than I thought I would. Almost every song.

That's also why I installed it directly centered in the plastic spot between the cup holders and the console cubby/arm rest. I have an oversized cup holder, and my hand slides down to that area almost naturally as is, so on the fly sub tweaking is super easy. Being a platinum, I unfortunately don't get that nice little cubby behind the gear selector.

 

I love this forum because you get real answers to the questions you ask. I have been reading this thread since I purchased my 2019 CM Limited. I bit the bullet today and ordered both the amp and the sub option. I hope it gets here soon because I drive two hours a day to work and back and I have been questioning JBL since I purchased the truck. I hope it is a quick and simple install. Wish me luck.

 

I love my system in my 21 arc audio but taking it one step further. The end of the month my installer adding the Kenwood 1057 headunit. I want the bigger screen and plus the bonus in making my system even better.

 

you need some wire loom... lol

 

Sent Pm about an hour ago and he already responded... damn thats quick

 

I've been thinking about buying this set up. The more I find out about it the better it "sounds"

 

I have the stock JBL system and have been eyeing the sub/box upgrade for a while. The JBL DSP amp is intriguing but I'm curious if it helps clean up distortion in the front door speakers at all. With bass down a few notches on the settings I still get plenty of distortion from the 6x9s around volume 35.

 

It does clean it up a bit... You'll also find that you get the same "volume output" level at a lower volume. In other words, to get the loudness you're getting at 35 you'd only need to be in the teens after the amp/dsp install. For me, distortion has always seemed to come on as the amp moves toward its 'peak' range and so you don't get to that point as quickly.

Plus, once you have an amp/dsp in place that is capable of properly driving the speakers, you'll be in a position to simply replace speakers (doors and dash) in the future, if you choose to upgrade any further without the need for additional amps, etc... Unless of course you're truly looking to upgrade the entire system w/high end custom components.

 

Ha! I get it! At this point, it’s working great and out of sight under the seat.

 

Getting ready to install my jbl/dsp Amp from James, anyone have an install video, anything I need to look out for?

 

How long after you placed your order did you get your stuff? I ordered Friday and I just trying to think forward to be ready to put it in.

 

I was in Alma last week so swung by his shop...I think he is pretty good at shipping shoot him a msg he will answer promptly.

 

Don't do it!! Send it to me instead.

 

You can come by anytime to listen to it when I get it installed

 

Where are you located? I would but that would probably cost me a lot of money. I'm living with the JBL for now, but want to add the JBL DSP4085 Amp in the future.

 

Come on down I'm in Virginia close to Roanoke

 

So I just tried to email James visa the web site. When I hit send I get an error saying I don’t have permission to do that. Anyone know why that’s happening or a direct email so that I don’t have to use the web site?

 

I think he uses Tec12Volts@gmail.com

 

Sorry was wrong try james@ tec12volts.com

 

I may do that if I am in the are some time.
Always a pleasure to meet up with fellow members.

 

so neither of those emails work. They all get returned. Any other suggestions?

 

I believe it’s tech12volts@gmail.com all I put in is James Randy Taylor and it goes thru probably because I got all my stuff from him.

 

Tech12volt@gmail.com

not volts

or this
james@tech12volts.com

 

how did you PM him? Here or FB?