2014 Tundra with JBL replacement options

Like a lot of people in this forum, I’ve been disappointed with the 2014 JBL entune system. I’m wondering what my options are to fix a few things that are bugging me, without replacing my entire system (only the HU preferably).

I really want the ability to receive all seriusxm satellite radio channels (Entune only gets a fraction of them) and I’d like Apple Carplay. A little bit of an increase in audio quality would be nice (from what I’ve gathered, a new HU can provide that).

I’m a bit confused on what it takes to do that because of the JBL system.

I’ve read dozens of threads on this, and it seems like I need a Maestra RR idatalink serial cable and a Harness?

If I purchase that, does it make it compatible with any head unit, or is there a limited selection of HUs that I need to look at, and what functionality will I lose (back up camera, etc..)?

I’d like to keep it under $500 if possible. Can anyone recommend a good Head Unit that does what I'd like? I see a lot of posts about the Phoenix Android Auto units – I have no problem tinkering with electronics, however, I would like something stable that doesn’t crash.

 

Is it the sound? If so its a common complaint. A few members have replaced the head unit only with success. Most people gut or replace the systems because the speakers are part of the issue as well. For your budget you have limited options.

I don't really use Sirus so I'm not sure what channels are missing. Are you sure its not a setting? Its unusual for a radio to strip channel access.

I've seen a few options to add Carplay as an aftermarket mod but you keep the JBL HU, here is an example (I haven't used the system so I don't know anything about it):
https://youtu.be/RvN58WY-ceI

Someone with more experience can address your other concerns, I'm in the process of upgrading everything except my JBL Headunit.

 

Thanks Saltyhero. Sounds is part of the issue, satellite radio and carplay are the others. I'm sure its not a setting, these entune systems only came with xm radio support, not the siruis support so, I only get half of the siruisxm channels.

 

I see. Sound is in the ear of the beholder. You may be ok with a headunit swap. From what I've experienced, the JBL tends to roll off bass at higher volumes. From what was explained to me this is done to preserve the non-subwoofer speakers as there is no proper crossover component.

There was another thread about swapping HU, I'll see if I can tag the folks that had success in doing so.