1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

2018 Limited Double Cab - JBL Audio sounds horrible

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by cbc1400, Jul 7, 2018.

  1. Jul 7, 2018 at 3:33 PM
    #1
    cbc1400

    cbc1400 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2018
    Member:
    #16817
    Messages:
    5
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Christopher
    Sac, CA
    Vehicle:
    2018 Limited Crew TRD Silver Sky
    Diamondback cover
    Howdy,
    New to the site. Bought a new Tundra a few months back. Have been listening to the trial Serius XM for the past three month w/o really ever listening to music. This is my 4th Tundra and they've all sounded 10X better than this. It almost seems that the speakers are wired in reverse (out of phase). Sounds horrible. Turned volume all the way up to Maximum and it sounds like +/- 35% of previous units.

    I put n a store-bought commercial CD in the player and listened to it in the driveway, i.e. truck parked, opened the door and put my head to door speakers and it just sounds like muddy static

    Has anybody had the same issue, and talked w Toyota about it? Results?
     
    Black Wolf likes this.
  2. Jul 7, 2018 at 3:35 PM
    #2
    Vendeta2k

    Vendeta2k Distinguished Member Of The Cement Club

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2017
    Member:
    #8550
    Messages:
    2,264
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jay
    Bozeman, Montana
    Vehicle:
    2018 Limited Cement CM
    Search box is your friend....about a zillion threads on this already...oh and welcome!
     
    Scpringle likes this.
  3. Jul 7, 2018 at 3:39 PM
    #3
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2014
    Member:
    #6
    Messages:
    155,878
    Gender:
    Male
    Welcome from CO. Streamed audio (actually all of the audio system) is horrible on these trucks.
     
    Wvmoonshiner likes this.
  4. Jul 7, 2018 at 3:59 PM
    #4
    Y0TA PR0

    Y0TA PR0 Dirt biking & fishing

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2519
    Messages:
    22,331
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rafael
    Alberta, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD PRO
    WELCOME
     
  5. Jul 7, 2018 at 4:03 PM
    #5
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,012
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    I'm starting to believe my non JBL 07 HU might not be that bad after all. My XM sounds great. Well...sort of great as in OK.....for now.....As much as everyone is paying for these new 3rd gen Tundras......the stereo should be top notch and no new fangled nannies should be on these trucks until proven reliable. Fortunately there quite a few posts here on the forum where quite impressive stereo upgrades have been done.
     
    T-Rex266[QUOTED] likes this.
  6. Jul 7, 2018 at 4:03 PM
    #6
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2014
    Member:
    #6
    Messages:
    155,878
    Gender:
    Male
    I have their highest JBL system Toyota supplies for these trucks by factory. Absolutely horrible.
     
    Clintonism likes this.
  7. Jul 7, 2018 at 4:09 PM
    #7
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #378
    Messages:
    40,012
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Aurora CO
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    That totally sucks because JBL can make decent stuff. Er.....used to apparently.
     
    Clintonism likes this.
  8. Jul 7, 2018 at 4:09 PM
    #8
    Jengel451

    Jengel451 Misanthropist

    Joined:
    May 30, 2018
    Member:
    #15739
    Messages:
    800
    The Bitterroot, MT
    Vehicle:
    2017 Barcelona TRD Limited CrewMax
    3/1.5 Toytec/Icon AAL, 17" Rebounds, 317-70-70 ST Maxx's
    The rockford fosgate in the Titan is only marginally better. I would be embarrassed to throw a brand name on either system.
     
    Clintonism likes this.
  9. Jul 7, 2018 at 4:49 PM
    #9
    BuckWallace

    BuckWallace Ball don't lie.

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2017
    Member:
    #11160
    Messages:
    1,857
    Gender:
    Male
    Oregon
    Vehicle:
    Sierra 3500 AT4 Gasser
    Another JBL sucks thread—drink!

    Welcome from OR!
     
    Clintonism and Vendeta2k like this.
  10. Jul 7, 2018 at 5:25 PM
    #10
    Pudge

    Pudge Super Secret Elite Member #7

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2016
    Member:
    #5136
    Messages:
    9,498
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sean
    CT
    Vehicle:
    2015 Blue Ribbon Platinum
    TRD PRO grille, OCD consol organizers, DIY wireless phone charger, 33" Michelin Defender LTX MS, Bak revolver X2 tonneau, weathertech liners, 20% tints. DIY pop n lock, 2018 LED headlights, morimoto fogs, TRD shift knob, DirtyDeeds 8"BAM exhaust, kenwood HU,JL amp, Tech12volts Tundra full speaker upgrade w/sub, Swing case, and lots of fluid film
    I have the JBL and its pretty bad. Well really bad. The only way to make it sound decent is to fade it mostly to the front, one click to the right. Bass and treble 3 clicks from max, and mid max. Even then its not so good with FM,XM,or CD. If you stream Amazon music via bluetooth or pandora however it actually sounds good, really good in my opinion. So I actually upgraded my data plan so I can stream music all the time in my car. I set pandora to "high quality sound" and turn my phone volume to max. It really makes a huge difference. That and I did some sound deadening that helps cut out background noise.
     
  11. Jul 7, 2018 at 5:45 PM
    #11
    BuckWallace

    BuckWallace Ball don't lie.

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2017
    Member:
    #11160
    Messages:
    1,857
    Gender:
    Male
    Oregon
    Vehicle:
    Sierra 3500 AT4 Gasser
    I actually loaded up a bunch of music on a USB thumb drive—that's the best sound source I've found so far.
     
    Pudge[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Jul 7, 2018 at 5:50 PM
    #12
    Masher59

    Masher59 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2018
    Member:
    #16661
    Messages:
    144
    Gender:
    Male
    Ponchatoula, La
    Vehicle:
    2018 Platinum Tundra
    That was the only thing that turned me off with my new 18. I traded in my Denali Dually on it and the system in there was amazing and this one is crap. Going to have to look into some aftermarket action to get it to ripping.
     
  13. Jul 7, 2018 at 6:01 PM
    #13
    Pudge

    Pudge Super Secret Elite Member #7

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2016
    Member:
    #5136
    Messages:
    9,498
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sean
    CT
    Vehicle:
    2015 Blue Ribbon Platinum
    TRD PRO grille, OCD consol organizers, DIY wireless phone charger, 33" Michelin Defender LTX MS, Bak revolver X2 tonneau, weathertech liners, 20% tints. DIY pop n lock, 2018 LED headlights, morimoto fogs, TRD shift knob, DirtyDeeds 8"BAM exhaust, kenwood HU,JL amp, Tech12volts Tundra full speaker upgrade w/sub, Swing case, and lots of fluid film
    It sucks a $50k truck has such a bad stereo. The worst part of this shitty JBL system is nearly impossible to do a simple upgrade on. The non JBL can be tinkered with pretty simply.
     
    BuckWallace likes this.
  14. Jul 7, 2018 at 6:18 PM
    #14
    Masher59

    Masher59 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2018
    Member:
    #16661
    Messages:
    144
    Gender:
    Male
    Ponchatoula, La
    Vehicle:
    2018 Platinum Tundra

    I had just finished my test drive and I turned on the radio and I was like damn. I looked at the salesman and said this truck has a 55k sticker and Toyota puts a 200 dollar stereo in it. Gasp.
     
    Clintonism likes this.
  15. Jul 8, 2018 at 4:28 AM
    #15
    Prostar 190

    Prostar 190 SSEM #9 I would rather be water skiing

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2017
    Member:
    #9912
    Messages:
    69,374
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bryan
    OH
    Vehicle:
    2010 CrewMax limited 4X4
    6" lift 35" Toyo M/T
    Welcome from Ohio!
     
  16. Jul 8, 2018 at 4:54 AM
    #16
    Twinky

    Twinky Keep the shinny side up!

    Joined:
    May 18, 2018
    Member:
    #15437
    Messages:
    892
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Kemah, Texas chillin on my ChrisCraft 480
    Vehicle:
    07 double cab work horse
    Stereo upgrades: -HU, Pioneer Mvh bs501 -Tweeters, Peerless(vifa) XT25SC90-04 1" Dual Ring Radiator s in custom pods. -Mids, Silver Flute W17RC38-04 6.5" Wool Cone Woofer. -Subwoofer, American Bass XR12. 2.3^3ft tuned @33-34 hz. -Tw Amp, Old School 2ch Sony. -Mids Amp, Old School Autotek Sx275. -Sub Amp, Old School Memphis 16-pr1.1000 -Zero gauge big 3. 0 and 4 gauge copper runs to amps.
    Theres only a handful of factory premium audio systems throughout all the manufacturers that have recieved a semi respectable review that ive read recently.

    Those were really nice vehicles and had systems from companies like Mark Anthony, Harmon Kardon(sp?), and ect...

    I guess when it comes down to it, auto manufacturers are insistent that woofers belong in a door playing music to our ankles. And i dont even like my ankles!
     
  17. Jul 8, 2018 at 5:05 AM
    #17
    Larmand

    Larmand SSEM #6

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2017
    Member:
    #11835
    Messages:
    4,160
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lucas
    Fort Worth, TX
    Vehicle:
    2018 SLIGHTLY MODIFIED SR5 TRD CM 4x4-CEMENT
    Welcome to the party!!
     
    Clintonism likes this.
  18. Jul 8, 2018 at 8:42 AM
    #18
    cbc1400

    cbc1400 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2018
    Member:
    #16817
    Messages:
    5
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Christopher
    Sac, CA
    Vehicle:
    2018 Limited Crew TRD Silver Sky
    Diamondback cover
    Thank you Gentlemen. Sorry for stirring up an old story without searching the forum first.

    Surprised that none of the reviews I read prior to buying addressed the lousy stereo.
     
    Clintonism and Pudge like this.
  19. Jul 8, 2018 at 10:11 AM
    #19
    Elk Hunter

    Elk Hunter New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2018
    Member:
    #16155
    Messages:
    14
    Gender:
    Male
    Lemon
    I just got my head unit replaced yesterday. Because out of 46 days owning it, 28 days with a frozen screen. I also had them check my sub woofer in the back. The toyota dealerships mechanic said "The sub woofer works, but we just can't hear it". What a dumb a$$.
     
    Clintonism likes this.
  20. Jul 8, 2018 at 10:15 AM
    #20
    Jengel451

    Jengel451 Misanthropist

    Joined:
    May 30, 2018
    Member:
    #15739
    Messages:
    800
    The Bitterroot, MT
    Vehicle:
    2017 Barcelona TRD Limited CrewMax
    3/1.5 Toytec/Icon AAL, 17" Rebounds, 317-70-70 ST Maxx's
    When was 46 days? The sub probably has a mailbox post in it.
     
    Clintonism and Pudge like this.
  21. Jul 8, 2018 at 12:49 PM
    #21
    drapex

    drapex Floridian by birth

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2016
    Member:
    #4167
    Messages:
    86
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    RTP, NC
    Vehicle:
    2018 CM Platinum - Barcelona Red Metallic
    I have the JBL premium in my 2018 Platinum Crew Cab. I was on and off about the stereo at first.

    One day, I set the treble, mid and bass to 0 and I found I actually enjoyed the sound.

    I've heard from others, having a stereo shop level the sound makes a big difference.

    Ripping the whole JBL system out is a complex and expensive endeavor...
     
    Clintonism likes this.
  22. Jul 8, 2018 at 1:03 PM
    #22
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    35,622
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    LML 3500HD
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch
    If you really want to check the polarity, have at it. Couldn’t hurt.

    My 12’ Tundra wasn’t that bad, so I had zero complaints.
     
  23. Jul 8, 2018 at 1:31 PM
    #23
    joesTundra

    joesTundra New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2018
    Member:
    #16108
    Messages:
    188
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Joe
    Vehicle:
    2018, Toyota Tundra Limited, TRD 4x4 off road
    Only thing that works, if your JBL, entune stereo not up to par, call and make your concerns known to toyota.
     
    Clintonism likes this.
  24. Jul 8, 2018 at 2:10 PM
    #24
    Scpringle

    Scpringle New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2017
    Member:
    #6743
    Messages:
    299
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Jackson MS
    Vehicle:
    2015 red Tundra double cab 4.6 L 4x2
    running boards , TRD sway bar and tundra 08 SR5 wheels. FRACmod, pop&lock and backup sensors installed .
    I have a 2015 DC SR non JBL the speakers were paper kazoos. I got the local top car stereo shop in stall JL component speakers all around and an Alpine 45 watt per channel amp . It made a world of difference and one of the best mods I have done, best $600 I have spent on it .
     
    Clintonism likes this.
  25. Jul 8, 2018 at 3:36 PM
    #25
    ZPMAN

    ZPMAN 2nd place is the 1st looser

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2017
    Member:
    #10678
    Messages:
    1,720
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2016 Black Platinum Supercharged
    4" lift, 35s, Magnuson Supercharger
    From what I've seen on all the posts and complaints the oem head unit after 2013 doesn't put out enough power. Someone could make alot of money by simply finding a way to get a little more volume out of a oem HU. I upgraded my oem HU with the Phoenix Android HU thinking what could it hurt with a 30 day return policy. After installing it i was wowed by the size screen but still disappointed with the sound, thinking i would be installing amps and speakers next if i keep it. One night i was enjoying a few beers and exploring the new HU i found the Cur Vol switch, its kinda like the volume on your smart phone, it was only set at 30 and can be increased to 64, i was truly amazed by the sound from the stock speakers after cranking it up to 64. The quality and amount of sound is more than enough for me and have no intentions upgrading the sound system any further. I personally dont think Toyota will be increasing volume in anything due to possibly of a past lawsuit, kinda like the grab handle.
     
  26. Jul 8, 2018 at 3:41 PM
    #26
    Danimal86

    Danimal86 Looks clean even when its dirty!

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2017
    Member:
    #9321
    Messages:
    4,721
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Daniel
    Sacramento, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 White Tundra SR5
    Its called an amplifier.
     
  27. Jul 8, 2018 at 3:45 PM
    #27
    Grumpy Uncle

    Grumpy Uncle Pushing string down the hall SSEM #10

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2017
    Member:
    #8801
    Messages:
    12,888
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Pat
    CO
    Vehicle:
    2016 Black CM Tundra TRD Off Road
    4:88s and Auburn LSD, dealership faux Pro, 35" BFGs on XD wheels, OME Lift with Dakars
    Welcome from CO.
     
  28. Jul 8, 2018 at 4:40 PM
    #28
    ZPMAN

    ZPMAN 2nd place is the 1st looser

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2017
    Member:
    #10678
    Messages:
    1,720
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2016 Black Platinum Supercharged
    4" lift, 35s, Magnuson Supercharger
    I am familiar with what a amplifier is, the factory installed one with the JBL system just doesn't get a strong enough signal from the oem head unit. Kinda like playing music from your phone on your tundra with the media volume @ 1/2 . Give it a try.
     
    Last edited: Jul 10, 2018
  29. Jul 10, 2018 at 9:28 AM
    #29
    drapex

    drapex Floridian by birth

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2016
    Member:
    #4167
    Messages:
    86
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    RTP, NC
    Vehicle:
    2018 CM Platinum - Barcelona Red Metallic
    Yeah, that is the unfortunate part of the "premium" JBL system. There is no way to "just add an amplifier", because of how the wiring and current are set up.

    One would have to also replace the head unit. Not only would that be expensive, but you would lose Entune and likely have to replace all the speakers ( door, in-dash front, etc).

    I'd like a better stereo system for sure, but not for what it would cost.

    There is this kit for upgrading the JBL Tundras...

    http://oemaudioplus.com/toyota/jup/

    $1,600 may be worth it. Check this thread for details and user feedback, but pay attention to the JBL thing. Only kits made for the JBL premium will work for trucks factory optooned with the JBL premium system.

    https://www.tundras.com/threads/2018-jbl-premium-sound-upgrade.18423/
     
    Last edited: Jul 10, 2018
  30. Jul 10, 2018 at 10:56 AM
    #30
    ZPMAN

    ZPMAN 2nd place is the 1st looser

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2017
    Member:
    #10678
    Messages:
    1,720
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2016 Black Platinum Supercharged
    4" lift, 35s, Magnuson Supercharger
    I spent $630 for a Phoenix Android head unit, makes the stock JBL speakers sound like a $50,000 truck should. I think all it would take is someone with electronic background to compare the pre 2013 to the current oem head units.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top