JBL Audio is it any good

Toyota has kind of done what you used to do with the EQ. They dialed in too much upper bass energy, which causes booming, while they have turned the mid range down, which adds a layer of muddiness to the whole thing.

Just give it a try to the above EQ. You can try playing around yourself as well.

I will try to do some FR measurements and will post.

 

Is everyone running it in surround sound? That’s what I have found sounds best but it still seems like it’s all coming from the front even when I adjust the center to the back.

 

otherwise known as JBL junk.

they tune like shit, they think bass is supposed to be from doors and not the sub, lol.

 

I jsut took one for a test drive finally and I can confirm the new JBL in the 2022 platinum is way better than the one in my 2016 platinum for sure.

not anywhere near my aftermarket system but thats not really fair to compare that anyway,

but yes, hands down better than before!

 

No factory Tundra audio system is worth a plugged nickel.

The factory system in my 2015 Sequoia though sounds way better.

 

for all the advances we've made in sound and audio you'd think a decent stereo system come standard instead of every company having to have a partnership with another company and charging for better sound quality

 

I had a ram 1500 with the alpine system and it sounded amazing. It’s had 6x9 everywhere. 9 speakers plus sub and it sound clean crisp and very warm. Was the loudest but sounded very clean. The jbl is a waste and not much better then the base system. I will say replacing the base system is easier to replace then the jbl

 

One problem is the consolidation of car stereo companies, AKG, AMX, Arcam, Bang & Olufsen Automotive, Becker, BSS Audio, Crown, dbx, DigiTech, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, Martin, Revel, Soundcraft and Studer is all owned by one company, Harman International, which is own by Samsung.

 

my 2013 ram alpine was great as well.

the 2022 JBL is hands down better then my 2016 JBL

But I would be making improvements that being said.

 

My 2019 4runner didn't have JBL, it didn't sound bad. But if I wanted to rock out, the volume would be in the high 30's to low 40's. My Tundra has JBL and I think its way better. Could I go out and get a better system? Absolutely. But what I wanted was something better than what I had, and I feel that I got it.

 

Alternatively, you could go with Taco Tunes which has a 22 Tundra kit. https://youtu.be/Pc3uPfvjBLs

 

I can only compare the JBL system in the new Tundra to a JBL system in a 2020 Tacoma I had before I bought the Tundra. Honestly the system has been improved and it sounds way better. You have to play with the EQ to get it to sound the way you like it and also turn the surround setting to on. Also don't forget that now you get 12 speakers which can help make the system sound louder.

 

Going from the last three GM Bose systems in Chev/GMC pickups, the JBL in my 22 Platinum is very, very disappointing. My last crew cab High Country I added 4 cheap Power Acoustik NB-2 tweeters, 2 on the front pillars, 2 in the rear door panels. And added a powered sub under the back seat and that thing just rocked...no need for anything more! The JBL so far I added the same tweeters but can not fit my exhisting powered sub anywhere in this truck due to the boxed in under seat storage and it will not fit behind the seat where the junk JBL sub is currently located. Even with just adding the tweets, it's better but still kinda flat and the JBL does not have enough volume/power that I'm looking for (Bose is way, way louder). Super disappointing. It's going take a lot of $$$ to get this thing the way I'm used too. The big screen is cool, but I'm talking sound quality here....and again, I think if Toyota is going to call something "Premium"...It should WOW! (and it doesn't).

 

When I’m in my truck I don’t need my neighbors or fellow drivers hearing my choice of music, much less be annoyed by booming base notes. The JBL system is perfect for me.

 

Jbl system is pathetic at best. I have replaced everything but the head unit and its pretty good now. I will replace it at somepoint.

 

Sooo many Gen 2/2.5 guys shitting on the JBL system in the Gen 3 they haven't even heard yet

 

Before the Tundra I had a 2015 Highlander Platinum with the JBL premium sound. It was probably the worst factory radio I've heard in the last 25 years. No joke. It was laughably bad. Having ordered my Tundra Platinum without ever even sitting in one, let alone hearing the sound system had me concerned. I can say that it's a MASSIVE upgrade from the Highlander, but that is a low bar. Overall I'd say it's above average. I haven't heard the base system, so I can't say if it's worth the extra cost.

 

The base system in the new Tundra does suck. I don't know what level of system my wife's 2020 Corolla hatchback has, but that little car sounds decent (I know it's not JBL) and I was expecting at least as good for Tundra base audio. Nope. Both Tundras I looked at were SR5, one had 8" screen and the other had the 14" screen but both were base speakers and I think JBL is necessary.

 

I have had 20 years of driving several different Tundras with the JBL systems 1st gen, 2nd gen, and 2.5 gens. ALL OF THEM SUCKED!!!!

So, though I haven't bought a 3rd gen yet, I'm less inclined to believe that the JBL system will be anything other than a disappointment. It will be an improvement on the last gen for sure, but for what you guys are paying for a new truck these days, the money doesn't get you a top notch, premium system that the JBL claims to be.

The JBL systems are premium rubbish... No matter what gen Tundra.

The 1st/2nd/2.5 gen veterans here are trying to help the next gen (you) not get their hopes up (for a premium system) with the knowledge of what the JBL really is... Junk
So I haven't heard the 22 yet but after 20+ years of junk from JBL, I find it hard to believe they would live up to anything but disappointment. I wish I could be more optimistic, but my experience keeps me seeing the simple truth... JBL is not a premium system. It is mediocre at best. Good luck trying to stay happy with something that is certainly not a premium system, and will undoubtedly fall short of satisfying the majority of owners. This is not shitting on something... this is simply stating the truth.

 

Toyotoholic, you admit to not even have heard the Gen 3 JBL, but are certain it's as bad as usual.

Pretty much everyone who agrees previous JBL was bad have since changed their mind after hearing it, Breathing Borla isn't the only person to admit it's much better than what we assume from past crappy JBL

I mean, I wouldn't bring this up if you actually heard the Gen 3 and still dislike it, but you admitted you're just assuming.

 

My wife also had the JBL in her 17 Highlander Platinum and it was pathetic. I had the front seat out of my 22 Tundra last night and pulled the amp to try to figure out which speaker wires I could tap for the powered sub but there are 3 separate harnesses that plug into it and about 50+ wires. Cannot find a wire diagram for this yet so if anyone has any ideas where to look let me know. Also I'm not sure about interference from the piped in noise...something may have to be disabled like the Active Noise Cancelation in the GM. With the 4 additional tweeters I added it now sounds respectable but still does not have the volume of the Bose systems. Hoping a sub will fill that in. Most of the bass comes from the front door speakers, I would say they do more than the sub behind the left rear seat. 22 JBL is definitely better than any of the previous editions and may satisfy most but if you like it loud and proud you will be disappointed.

 

Do not have my Gen 3 yet. My Gen 2 has a base system and is kind of what I expect from a base truck stereo…muddy bass, bad sound stage, not a lot of power. The JBL option in my ordered Gen 3 was about $600 if memory serves. My expectations of how it will sound is within the price range.

That said, it’s a vehicle. If I really want to listen to high quality audio, I will do it at home in a proper listening environment. In my optimism, trucks aren’t that.

 

It's about expectations, and for as long as I can remember, JBL has been disappointing.

You can put lipstick on a pig, but it doesn't change the mud beneath it.

If JBL was actually premium, it would not be a $600 option, it would be more like $2500. Take the Jeep Wrangler for example. The OEM radio works fine just like the JBL, but if you want a "premium" system you can truly upgrade to a fully loaded Alpine system that fucking rocks! It is what you would expect from a "premium" system. Nothing about the JBL rocks. If they just put the JBl system in and did not call it premium, I would be fine knowing it was junk. I would expect it to sound the way it does and would need to be replaced to get better sound. I don't have to hear the 22 the know that. That is what 20 years of replacing JBL systems has taught me, they are mediocre, not premium. If you have the JBL and you like it, then enjoy it. But if others say it's output sucks and is lower than what we expected, than we feel obligated to warn the next buyers of our experience.
I wish Toyota had the option for a true premium system like the Mark Levinson Lexus offers, or an Alpine like Jeep does. If you listen to them you would then have a very different opinion knowing how sub-par any JBL system is, no matter what year vehicle it was in.

 

Yeah, pretty much. Either that or super-picky audiophiles who won't be happy with anything. Just got my new 2022 and the JBL system is fine. Nothing special, but about what I'd expect for a factory $650 option. I'll probably upgrade it when some quality aftermarket drop-in solutions become available but for now it's enough to keep me entertained on a long drive.

 

If it were truly a premium system you wouldn't have to drop anything in at anytime. You said it perfectly it's "fine. ...but probably upgrade it". That's the whole point of what every older gen is telling you guys, we just call it what it is and not try and convince ourselves it's "fine" when it actually isn't. If it's JBL you will end up upgrading it. It doesn't matter if you are a picky audiophile or the average enthusiast, you'll still find a need to upgrade it at some point, because it ultimately SUCKS.
Lol.
Good luck though, we'll do our best to help you pick out new components, amps or subs whenever you end up upgrading, whatever your level of enthusiasm.

 

Who's to say whether it's a truly premium system...someone who actually owns one or someone commenting from the outside. I own one, I say it's a "premium" system. I have no intention of "upgrading" it to something else because to my ears it's perfectly fine...and I'm the one listening!

 

Toyota is the one claiming it to be a premium system, and charging you for it.
I'm glad you like your system the way it is.

 

No argument here!! Would love some help picking out an easy plug and play. Taco Tunes?

Or Amazon speakers +plug and play amp?? Please would love the knowledge!!

Here are some speakers linked in another thread: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO YOUR 3RD GEN TODAY?

 

Ummmm you missed the part where it's a $650 option. Forget about the word "premium" for a sec and look what you are paying for it. $650, and that's a factory option price so inflated, so probably worth like $300. You get what you pay for, and for what you pay for it it's.... just fine. Does it compare to luxury-car premium systems? Of course not. I have a Volvo with a Bowers & Wilkins system in it that is glorious... but IIRC that was a $3k option or something.

So I stand by my judgement: for what you pay for the "upgrade", it's about par for the course. Perfectly acceptable.

 

Nice!

If you're doing the plug and play route, Taco Tunes or James @tech12volts would be the guy to talk to.
www.tech12volts.com
James has helped many members get fantastic results with a good range of products and support. You can go mild to wild, but you can also feel confident because of all the feedback members are giving are real world experience, not some random car audio review. You may have to be patient until they get their hands on the newer truck and figure what works best.

Stay away from Amazon unless you absolutely know what you are doing and what you are buying.