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

2021 JBL Plug N Play replacement options...

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by DerfM, Jun 9, 2021.

  1. Jun 9, 2021 at 12:26 PM
    #1
    DerfM

    DerfM [OP] Knows nothing about trucks

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2021
    Member:
    #64080
    Messages:
    340
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    South Dakota
    Vehicle:
    2021 TRD Pro MBM
    New to the forum, new to Tundra. Brought home a 2021 TRD Pro last Saturday. Everything is pretty great, except the completely awful audio system. My wife's 2015 4Runner sounds awesome, why 6 year old technology isn't in a $60k Truck absolutely baffles me. It's an embarrassment to JBL, and Toyota.

    Now that I've gotten that out of the way, LOL.

    I'm looking for a plug n play replacement for the speakers and sub. I don't mind the HU and like to keep as much stock looking as possible. I've wandered across what appears to be 3 options, I was wondering if anyone has opinions on them or any other suggestions.

    OEM Audio+ has a dual 8" subs at 200w option that appears to replace the stock sub, sub amp, new tweeters, and some filters for the door audio. Looks like $1450 shipped to me.

    Taco Tunes has a full package single 12" sub at 350w replacement sub, sub amp, door speakers, door tweeters. $1711 shipped.

    Tech12Volts... After some work around the site it looks like $1394 + shipping for replacement everything. Dual 10" subs.

    It doesn't appear any of these solutions address the 3 dash speakers, do they just not work after?

    I'm tech savvy enough to do the change over, can follow instructions, etc. I don't need my neighbors to hear me coming from 5 miles away, but I think I should feel my music at least a little (wow how underwhelming the stock "Premium" audio is). I really just want good bang for my buck with little hassle.

    Thanks everyone for what you do around here. Some of these threads are just amazing the information in them.
     
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2021
  2. Jun 9, 2021 at 2:37 PM
    #2
    liddown

    liddown New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2019
    Member:
    #36151
    Messages:
    22
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    Vehicle:
    2019 1794
    Hi, Congrats on your new ride... After much research I went the Tech12Volts route.... Great company to deal with... One thing to keep in mind is that is you are going to keep the factory head unit you will need a Rockford Fosgate DSR1 processor to integrate the factory head unit to any after market amp. Tech12 volts sells them also, but they are hard to come by due to the supply chain problems... The dash speakers in most cases are abandoned which is just fine... You will not miss them one bit!!! You can wire them in, but it take a bit more wiring with limited return...
     
    Saltyhero13 likes this.
  3. Jun 9, 2021 at 3:34 PM
    #3
    Saltyhero13

    Saltyhero13 Throbbing Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2020
    Member:
    #50704
    Messages:
    4,771
    Fuel delete mod Cup holder upgrade
    I'm not familiar with all of those packages; do any of those options include a DSR-1 or similar converter? The stock speakers are fairly flimsy and part of the problem but just upgrading speakers may not do the trick. The stock head unit works in conjunction the JBL amp to control volumes for cues and such. It also has a feature that attenuates the bass at higher volumes; its been described as a speaker preserving mechanism.
     
  4. Jun 9, 2021 at 3:54 PM
    #4
    DerfM

    DerfM [OP] Knows nothing about trucks

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2021
    Member:
    #64080
    Messages:
    340
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    South Dakota
    Vehicle:
    2021 TRD Pro MBM
    Yup. Both the Taco Tunes and the Tech12Volts have the DSR1 in the pricing. The OEM Audio+ does not as they are not replacing the stock amp and basically just augmenting the signal it already makes. Good to know. I'm leaning toward the Tech12Volts setup at this point. Gosh, a 80's "Boombox" with a tape adapter would be better sounding at this point.

    Yup. Both the Taco Tunes and the Tech12Volts have the DSR1 in the pricing. The OEM Audio+ does not as they are not replacing the stock amp and basically just augmenting the signal it already makes.
     
    Saltyhero13[QUOTED] likes this.
  5. Jun 10, 2021 at 10:29 AM
    #5
    Saltyhero13

    Saltyhero13 Throbbing Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2020
    Member:
    #50704
    Messages:
    4,771
    Fuel delete mod Cup holder upgrade
    I'm not quite sure how the OEM Audio+ is set up to manage that. Are they having you rewire all the speakers back through their booster/amp?

    With most one amp setups you'll likely loose your center dash unless you are going to run two amps or have it share a channel with the other speakers somehow.The other problem is finding space for everything.

    It does have a little bit of a dead zone without the center but it sounds fine. If you run filters you may find room inside the doors if you don't want to go under the seats or some other location.
     
  6. Jun 10, 2021 at 10:47 AM
    #6
    MightyTundraGA

    MightyTundraGA New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2021
    Member:
    #61067
    Messages:
    159
    Gender:
    Male
    I totally agree. Went from a 2014 Lexus LX and 2015 GS350 w/ Mark Levinson stereo to this JBL system, which blows in comparison even being 6+ years newer. But, I've been reading some threads about how replacing the head unit has "woken up" the JBL speaker. So, the speakers may be solid, but the head unit may be the problem. Check out this thread - https://www.tundras.com/threads/review-thread-pioneer-dmh-wt7600nex-pioneer-dmh-wt8600nex.71017/. If the HU blows, then replacing the speakers still might not get you to the sound quality you're looking for.
     
    Saltyhero13 likes this.
  7. Jun 10, 2021 at 10:49 AM
    #7
    MightyTundraGA

    MightyTundraGA New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2021
    Member:
    #61067
    Messages:
    159
    Gender:
    Male
  8. Jun 10, 2021 at 11:03 AM
    #8
    DerfM

    DerfM [OP] Knows nothing about trucks

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2021
    Member:
    #64080
    Messages:
    340
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    South Dakota
    Vehicle:
    2021 TRD Pro MBM
    What I gather from their instructions is that they are just modifying the signal to the door speakers (using the factory JBL amp) and then using the speaker wires going to the sub and converting them to line level and then going into their own amp/sub combo.

    I'm way less interested in this setup due to the price point for what I'd be getting. Clearly the Tech12Volt system is the best bang for the buck.

    The OP in that tread said his speakers were first replaced by a Tech12Volts system and then later the HU was added. I'd much rather go this route honestly as I'd prefer to keep as much stock as possible until I can't stand it. I'm thinking a good all around speaker setup is probably the better first step. That said it sucks to have to pay $300 for the DSR1, money that could just go to a new HU. The only way I'd go with a new HU is if I get to keep all the factory buttons and microphones.
     
  9. Jun 10, 2021 at 11:13 AM
    #9
    FISHN43

    FISHN43 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2020
    Member:
    #45592
    Messages:
    729
    First Name:
    Mike
    Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2020 Super White TRD Pro
    I went with the OEM Audio Plus system. I’m extremely satisfied with it. Crisp clear sound with plenty of bass. I’m a musician so sound is important to me. I don’t need to shake the neighbors windows I just want clean audio through all the ranges and volumes. This system gives me what I need in a vehicle audio system.

    BE6E0598-5400-4CC2-9F7D-AAC9F7127B70.jpg
     
  10. Jun 10, 2021 at 11:15 AM
    #10
    DerfM

    DerfM [OP] Knows nothing about trucks

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2021
    Member:
    #64080
    Messages:
    340
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    South Dakota
    Vehicle:
    2021 TRD Pro MBM
    Did you do the single or the dual sub? This was a JBL replacement? Do you at least get a little "thump" now? Bass player, so I'd like to feel a little bit of my music.

    EDIT: Took a while for the image to show up. Thanks!
     
  11. Jun 10, 2021 at 11:16 AM
    #11
    Saltyhero13

    Saltyhero13 Throbbing Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2020
    Member:
    #50704
    Messages:
    4,771
    Fuel delete mod Cup holder upgrade
    IMO You can get decent sound out of the stock head unit with a DSR, its not award winning stellar but fairly good. The main complaint I see is the level of adjustments on the EQ and the radio reception. From what I understand you could override the first issue and opt to make your adjustment on you DSR. I didn't go this route so someone else will have to tell you how feasible this is.
     
    RdKing likes this.
  12. Jun 10, 2021 at 11:16 AM
    #12
    FISHN43

    FISHN43 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2020
    Member:
    #45592
    Messages:
    729
    First Name:
    Mike
    Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2020 Super White TRD Pro
    Dual subs. Plenty of thump. Shakes my mirrors and can feel the kick drums.
     
    Saltyhero13 likes this.
  13. Jun 10, 2021 at 11:20 AM
    #13
    DerfM

    DerfM [OP] Knows nothing about trucks

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2021
    Member:
    #64080
    Messages:
    340
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    South Dakota
    Vehicle:
    2021 TRD Pro MBM
    Good to hear. Thanks for the data point. Of the 3 systems, it's probably the least invasive of them as I wouldn't be replacing all the door speakers and appears to keep the dash speakers.
     
  14. Jun 10, 2021 at 11:27 AM
    #14
    FISHN43

    FISHN43 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2020
    Member:
    #45592
    Messages:
    729
    First Name:
    Mike
    Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2020 Super White TRD Pro
    Absolutely. Thats one of the reasons I went with it. Also, with other systems some have reported “humming” issues and audio cutting out while using maps, and other minor issues. I wanted to keep mine as stock as possible to avoid any potential issues such as those.
     
  15. Jun 10, 2021 at 11:31 AM
    #15
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2018
    Member:
    #20730
    Messages:
    10,168
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jake
    Southeast Greater Basin, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM CrüeMax / 2024 Sequoia Capstone
  16. Jun 10, 2021 at 11:35 AM
    #16
    FISHN43

    FISHN43 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2020
    Member:
    #45592
    Messages:
    729
    First Name:
    Mike
    Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2020 Super White TRD Pro
    Good look’n out. But that system is for a double cab, non-JBL stereo. It won’t work in the OP’s truck .
     
  17. Jun 10, 2021 at 11:37 AM
    #17
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2018
    Member:
    #20730
    Messages:
    10,168
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jake
    Southeast Greater Basin, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM CrüeMax / 2024 Sequoia Capstone
    Ah. Yeah I guess I should read the details lol.
     
  18. Jun 10, 2021 at 11:38 AM
    #18
    Justbass

    Justbass New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2020
    Member:
    #52648
    Messages:
    164
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steven
    Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2020 Platinum
    TRD Sway bar, Lomax Tonnueau cover, Bed rug, Havoc HS2 Steps, Tech 12 Volts stereo upgrade, Yakima bed extender, misc trim and bling,
    The firmware release 2.0 for the Tundra has resolved all the quirks about the DSR1. As far as the EQ, the DSR1 has 31 bands that can be adjusted. I am not using the center channel, but I did eventually do the dash sides to raise the sound stage. @tech12volts provided the adapter to add the dash speakers, as the stock wiring is dash sides and door tweeters before any changes. I am one of many who have appreciated working with James on a system. Yes he has kits on his website, but in talking with him he can offer a wider choice of solutions.
     
  19. Jun 10, 2021 at 11:39 AM
    #19
    DerfM

    DerfM [OP] Knows nothing about trucks

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2021
    Member:
    #64080
    Messages:
    340
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    South Dakota
    Vehicle:
    2021 TRD Pro MBM
    No worries, it's too far away from me anyway. Shipping would be a killer. Considering how deep I am into the truck itself, I'm OK with paying retail. LOL
     
  20. Jun 10, 2021 at 11:40 AM
    #20
    DerfM

    DerfM [OP] Knows nothing about trucks

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2021
    Member:
    #64080
    Messages:
    340
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    South Dakota
    Vehicle:
    2021 TRD Pro MBM
    Good to hear. I did send an email to their info@ email address. Like I said, I'm not looking to destroy my neighbor's ears, just a clean sound, some thump, and ease of installation.
     
  21. Jun 10, 2021 at 11:41 AM
    #21
    Saltyhero13

    Saltyhero13 Throbbing Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2020
    Member:
    #50704
    Messages:
    4,771
    Fuel delete mod Cup holder upgrade
    Cool. This info will help out a lot of members.
     
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2021
  22. Jun 10, 2021 at 12:19 PM
    #22
    MightyTundraGA

    MightyTundraGA New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2021
    Member:
    #61067
    Messages:
    159
    Gender:
    Male
    Makes sense to me! I look forward to hearing what you go with. I have a 2021 Platinum and will need to do something about the sound. Hopefully I can steal your setup :)
     
    DerfM[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  23. Jun 10, 2021 at 12:25 PM
    #23
    AT x AT

    AT x AT Trooper Transport

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2021
    Member:
    #57508
    Messages:
    725
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jimmy
    State 48 - East Basin of Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2021 Wind Chill Pearl Platinum
    Mods, what mods?
    I went poor man's route with my audio upgrade as I couldn't justify spending upwards of $1,500 for audio.

    With that said, I was able to keep my stock head unit with the following:
    • Rockford Fosgate 12" shallow sub
    • Precision Power 5 channel amp
    • 4 gauge amp wiring kit
    • Audio Control LC7i
    • Audio Control ACR1
    • JBL amp wiring harness adapter from Auto Harness House (https://www.tundras.com/threads/tundra-audio-wiring-harnesses-jbl-and-non-jbl.43781/#post-1122525)
      • This will allow you to keep the factory amp and add the aftermarket amp downstream and pump the signal to the speakers.
      • They also sell replacement amp wiring harnesses if you are replacing the stock head unit and stock amp.
    I followed this thread to get the general directions: https://www.tundras.com/threads/tundratex-2016-crewmax-audio-build.7394/

    For the amount I spent on parts (around $600) and the 4 hour self-installation, the truck sounds fine with the stock speakers and the added subwoofer. All four doors and the subwoofer are powered by the aftermarket amp. The dash speakers and tweeters are powered by the stock amp. I tuned with my tinnitus plagued hearing to my liking and it's just about right for me.

    The variable will be the music source. For me, Spotify is typically good across all the music I listen to (alternative rock, EDM or pop), but over the air radio has really muddy bass from the stations I listen to in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
     
  24. Jul 23, 2021 at 1:54 PM
    #24
    crewmaxlmt

    crewmaxlmt How dare you!

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2020
    Member:
    #54795
    Messages:
    883
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    scott
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2020 Crewmax Limited
    When running the DSR with an aftermarket amp do you pull the stock JBL amp? Or does it have to stay for functionality?
     
  25. Jul 23, 2021 at 1:55 PM
    #25
    liddown

    liddown New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2019
    Member:
    #36151
    Messages:
    22
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    Vehicle:
    2019 1794
    Yes you pull the JBL amp...
     
    Saltyhero13 likes this.
  26. Jul 23, 2021 at 2:01 PM
    #26
    crewmaxlmt

    crewmaxlmt How dare you!

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2020
    Member:
    #54795
    Messages:
    883
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    scott
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2020 Crewmax Limited
    Thanks.
     
  27. Jul 23, 2021 at 3:29 PM
    #27
    Saltyhero13

    Saltyhero13 Throbbing Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2020
    Member:
    #50704
    Messages:
    4,771
    Fuel delete mod Cup holder upgrade
    Yes you pull the amp. From what I remember the DSR needs a cable that handles the signals that would normally go to the JBL, it basically tricks the head unit the amp is still there from what I understand.
     
    crewmaxlmt[QUOTED] likes this.
  28. Jul 23, 2021 at 5:39 PM
    #28
    The Towse Tundra 2.0

    The Towse Tundra 2.0 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2021
    Member:
    #60888
    Messages:
    178
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Loy
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2021 Lunar Rock Tundra TRD Pro Crewmax
    TRD Inlay Package, Spray-in Bedliner, Cargo LED Light, Power Tailgate Lock, Center Console Safe, MX4 Bakflip Tonneau Cover, CaliRaised LED Rock Sliders, Nitto Ridge Grapplers 275/70/18, Rigid Industries Amber Fog Light Covers, Coachbuilder TRD Pro lift kit
    Overall I think the JBL system sounds pretty good. It was just lacking some low end bass. I got with James at Tech12volts and we started with simple plug and play sub swap and it sounds way better. We installed this 10” Rockford Fosgate sub to replace the stock one. It’s also sized for the existing amp under the passenger seat. To this day I’m still very happy with my decision. It sounds great and I was able to keep the original head unit so all of my truck features are still there. The whole thing cost me less than $250

    01102BB3-E9F6-4286-AF8D-9BE7B3AC3E44.jpg
    9F4F9198-5BE9-436A-9A65-AE61EA168562.jpg
    28336FC6-881B-447F-BA89-F0B99D87100F.jpg
     
  29. Jul 23, 2021 at 6:16 PM
    #29
    DerfM

    DerfM [OP] Knows nothing about trucks

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2021
    Member:
    #64080
    Messages:
    340
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    South Dakota
    Vehicle:
    2021 TRD Pro MBM
    Since I started this thread and now there is activity...

    I decided to go full out. Replacing the head unit Monday and then the rest in October. In for a penny in for a few grand.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top