9 Speaker audio system (non JBL)

I did a search and couldn't find a dedicated thread.

Can anyone post some reviews of the 9 Speaker audio system that comes on the SR5 CrewMax models?

I test drove a limited which I thought had the JBL system however I'm not sure you can get a limited with the JBL in Canada?

 

I've owned two 3rd gen trucks, one with non-JBL and one with. Here are my thoughts comparing the two.

If you like your music on in the background at low volume or listen to podcasts/talk, the non-JBL system will sound better. The JBL system has a lot of low end bass at lower volume. The non-JBL sounds better at lower volumes.

If you like to turn it up, the JBL option is the way to go. The non-JBL system can't really go beyond volume level 25 without sounding like crap. I crank my JBL system to 35 and it still sounds clean.

If you're an audiophile, you still may not be completely happy with the JBL system. They didn't use much, if any, crossovers and it sounds like they're sending full frequencies to all speakers. The 2-3 inch speakers on the dash can't handle all the bass they send it. I'm sure they're sending high end to the sub too.

The non-JBL system is easier to replace should you want to upgrade to a really nice sounding system.

 

I appreciate the detailed response.

I will be getting the non JBL system and am pleased with what you have said about it. I do plan to upgrade, ass sub and amp down the road

 

I don't know about your 2022 but the non JBL Gen 2.5 have capacitors on the dash speakers.
They aren't playing a full signal, they are designed as high mids and tweeters..
As well the lower front door speakers don't get high frequencies.
There is a crossover in the under seat amp for the lower door speakers



But none of that matters to me.
I've replaced the HU, amp, all door speakers, and added a twin 10" sub enclosure in my 2014..

The Gen 2.5 Entune, both JBL and non-JBL is shit..
Maybe the 2022 sounds better..

 

I haven't taken the stereo apart yet, so there may be some capacitors/crossovers in action, but it sure doesn't sound like it. I can clearly hear the bass coming from the front of the truck, yet the sub is in the back. You can actively hear the bass lose stability when a clean low range is going on and mid-range kicks in.

Granted, I drove my last truck for 10 years and the very first thing I did was rip out all of the audio after the head unit and replaced with really good equipment. I miss my last truck's stereo for sure! I think I just got spoiled with my last stereo and the JBL system just doesn't come anywhere close.

 

You’ll need a platinum for the JBL option in Canada, limited dose not get it.

 

The low end you hear in the front is coming from your door speakers..
Those are technically woofers and low midrange if it is anything like the Gen 2.5.

I'd guess the 2022 HU/amp has the same crappy bass roll off the previous Entune.
It protects their cheap low-ohm mini-magnet speakers from distortion.

I just looked over the schematic of the 2022 12-speaker JBL and 6 & 9-speaker non-JBL systems.
They are a bit different from the Gen 2.5 Entune, which is shit...

Even the 2022 wiring diagram doesn't refer to the JBL as being 'JBL' like it did on the Gen 2.5.
It refers to the difference as being:
Non-JBL w/o sub box- Audio System (Built-in Type Amplifier)
JBL w/ sub box - Audio System (Separate Type Amplifier)

I'd think with everything the 2022 HU probably does (settings, etc.) it would be more difficult to just gut and replace everything.

I swore when I bought my 2014, non-JBL, I wouldn't touch the audio system.
That lasted about 6 months and then I gutted it...

 

Neither are amazing. The base system is decent enough for most.

Replacing all of them regardless of which ones is the best bet if you really want the best.

 

Agree. 12 speaker system isnt great on any level. All the sound comes from the front. No balance what so ever!

 

Exactly what I was thinking.

 

For low volume it sounds pretty clear (non jbl). For higher volumes I get some door rattle that’s pretty bad (volume 35 or higher). Sounds mediocre at best.

 

Overall…I love this truck and try not to make negative posts in general. But…imho…the stereo is just horrible. I’m very disappointed. I feel like I’m blasting an AM transistor radio (might be an exaggeration). And agree with above post…real bad rattles/vibrations when I turn it up. I’m going to hunt those down when the weather gets better…

 

I agree, mine sounds like an Oldsmobile 88 with a couple of woofers in the trunk. If I turn surround on, it sounds worse but with less rattles. Guess i'll be taking the door panels off at some point and going at it with some foam tape.

 

I really don't like how it sounds down low. Not interested in turning it up much.