MTwiford's Audio Build

Here are a few pictures of the wiring to the factory harness. Im going to fabricate some type of rack to mount the JL processors to at some point. Need to buy a router table though.

 

Subs are in. I went with JL TW3s.

 

Do people generally disconnect the dash speakers and just run 2 sets of components off the new amp?

 

Its all personal preference and depends on the equipment you buy. If you have good components for the front, you dont really need anything else. You can buy other speakers for the rear, but you are not going to hear them. But you can replace the dash speakers and run them to a separate amp if you like. All comes down to how much you are willing to spend. For me, the Focal KX2's are so loud that I cant even turn them all the way up and drive that way.

 

I too disconnected the dash speakers. I am running Infinity Kappas and they are so clear and have such a great stage, that the dash speakers just muddied he everything.

 

@Danimal86 - did you see this build, very similar to what you and I are doing. This definitely helped me understand the JBL harness to the JL Fix.

 

This thread is awesome. It’s going to help me out so much. Thanks for starting this thread!

 

I did. Very good post showing the the connections. I don't have the jbl system, hopefully it will be a little easier for me since i'll be yanking out the factory amp.

 

It will definitely be easier without the JBL system.

 

This is great @MTwiford thanks for sharing.

 

@BlueBottle no problem, glad to help

 

@MTwiford , nice post. Did you replace speakers wires on this build?

 

Yes, I ran all new JL Audio wiring. 16g for the components and 12g for the subs

 

Sorry, 14g for the components

 

Nice write-up! I will be keeping an eye on it as I will be picking up a 2018 Limited in April and I will most likely end up with the JBL system. Question: Are you just using the JL FIX/TWK volume control for Sub level or are you using it for master volume as well? I have read that the factory volume works fine as long as the factory system doesn't have volume-dependent EQ. I can't find anywhere that states whether or not the Tundra JBL system adjusts EQ based on volume.

 

Did you end up finishing off the spot you put your amp? I'm doing the same thing but also putting my Fix86 back there to. I thought maybe I'd just cover a piece of board w/ carpet. Not sure if the truck carpet on the sides will be good enough or trim it in wood and cover w/ carpet too. Your project look great.

 

Sub

 

I havent yet. I recently purchased a router and Im going to start messing with making a trim piece for it once it warms up. Im also going to make a box frame for the amp to sit in. Probably going to use recessed magnets to easily connect/disconnect the trim piece in case I need to get to the components. Thanks!

 

Thanks for posting your wiring. James from Tech12volts told me not to hook the sub inputs. I asked why but he hasn't replied yet. He's been a great help setting my harness up. Did you leave this like your pic? Not sure why I wouldn't use the sub input from the oem amp to the Fix86.

 

Are you not nervous about the amp overheating in the foam?

By the way....I have the exact same audio build with the exception of the crossover and TWK, which I’m not sure I’d know how to use. I don’t have your skill so I had it all installed by someone else, but I’m like you....I want quality sound over anything else. I don’t need to rattle any houses but I do like to hear a ckean sound when cranked up

 

James says the output for the sub from the JBL amp is "dirty" and it can cause clipping. He said not to use it. Since I ran the output to my Fix86 in the harness I set up I might try it both ways.

 

Great thread, I have a New Limited 2018 Tundra with the JBL with nav. I do like the features it has but not the sound.

I traded a 2017 Double cab SR5 and had the Kenwood ddx9903s, Hertz front components, Hertz Coax in the rear and a JL 10W3 Sub running off a Phoenix Gold 1200.5 amp. I kept that system and put the stock system back in when I traded it in. The system sounded great and was perfect for my needs. The Kenwood system was good but I didn't use many features except Apple Play after initial setup. Also about tired of the warning screen that has to be cleared each time it starts, and the tiny volume buttons on the unit. I don't always want to use the steering wheel controls.

I would put the whole system in the new truck but don't want to loose the features in the "heads up display" I like the turn by turn, radio in the display and such. Also not sure but it sounds like the parking assist things don't work with it.

It sounds like I could add the JL fix 86 to this system. I could use the components I already have with the exception of the Kenwood HU and have a pretty good system.

With your install using the stock Headunit and the Fix 86 are you happy with the overall sound? It sounds like you have the experience to give a pretty good opinion. Thanks for the great writeup. It gives a guy more options to consider. I am not an audiophile by any stretch, just like my 80's rock and stuff to sound great and loud when I am cruising.

Phil

 

With those Focal speakers and the trim rings in the door woofers, are you still able to roll your windows down? I'm trying to figure out my mounting depths to see if the 77mm mounting depth is a problem. I talked to Crutchfield, and they said you could space it out far enough, but that it would get into the door panel if it was spaced out enough for the magnet to clear the window when rolled down. I don't know if their measurements are right though.

 

Also, what sub box is that, and do you know the interior air volume?