Started a budget Stereo build

So I started with the idea that I was going to add 2 JL Audio micro sub 8''s and a 500 watt amp to get a better sound like so many others on here. Well it escalated with more and more posts I read on here. I ended up getting with the one and only James Taylor at Tech12volts and was quickly convinced to go with two JL Audio 10'' W1s in a Custom box and a JL Audio RD900/5 channel amp along with all the plug and play adapters. I then found a deal on some base level Hertz components for the front door and coax speakers for the rear doors. I bought sail panels from Sparks Toyota for 40$ to make the install easier and keep the factory look. All in all the sound is 100% better and the subs thump with the gain turned down. I plan to replace the head unit next to add apple carplay and clean up the sound a little. I feel that the factory head unit keeps you wanting a better sound quality unit. I am thankful for this forum page! Without out it I would have been in the dark in so many areas. Thank you to all of you who have posted and shared what's worked and hasn't worked.

 

the Kenwood 9904s . Its the one without GPS. It also has great reviews. no need for GPS with apple carplay. James Taylor at tech12volts has great prices. Ill probably go through him again once I am ready to pull the trigger.

 

Looks great!

 

Nice setup! What do you think of your Hertz? I’m still on the fence with mine. I installed them a week ago.

 

Thanks Berdine!
joem1cha3l - I noticed that the tweeters on the components were higher pitched than I cared for. I feel with the reading I've done on here that this is most likely due to the stock stereo digital sound signal output. Once I upgrade the head unit in the coming months I will see if the speakers are worth keeping. What are your likes/ dislikes with the your Hertz?

 

Does it have back-up camera?

 

Oh, and what's your out of pocket so far?

 

Great setup you got there! I love my hertz. Worth every cent!

 

Does tech12v make a pnp kit for us unfortunate jbl owners?

 

http://www.shop.tech12volts.com/product.sc?productId=529&categoryId=124

 

Hmm it shows speaker wire in there so I don’t think it’s completely pnp.

 

Yeah, not totally plug and play but most likely as close as you are going to get.. "All connectors , screws and plugs needed for install (JBL FACTORY SYSTEM WILL NEED A PROCESSOR OF SOME SORT)"
Not sure which processor is recommended.

 

Thanks. I’ll look into it more. He jbl sound is really so disappointing...

 

I have the even worse non JBL stereo. I see pull off JBL head units on Craig's List all the time for a song. (no pun intended). I'm thinking of grabbing one of those near new JBL pull offs and getting the tech12volt almost PNP setup. At least that's what I'd like to do when it"s time to "improve" my stock non JBL head unit.

 

Read a little more. Yeah, 12volt recommends the Zapco DSP Z8 processor. The more I read the more I like tech12volt although ********* is really good too.

 

I’ll let you know if/when I take mine off!

 

Thanks for that but it won't work. My truck is an 07..heh...heh..

 

sauveRC- I believe it will hook up to an existing back up camera. Or you would have to buy one separate. It has the hook up for two cameras.

 

SuaveRC- I am just under 1,300 total so far. Once I change the head unit I’ll right around 2k. It’s more than I thought I’d spend but I’m happy with it. I’m looking forward to getting the Apple CarPlay too

 

matluth- How much are the JBL head unit take offs going for? After market head units with all needed adapters to retain steering wheel controls are often bundled with a price tag between 500-800 bucks. And they sound better too.