Worth upgrading stock JBL system?

Hello all,

I am new to this, and have an question that I can't seem to get answered. I bought a 2018 4Runner limited, with the upgraded JBL sound system. I am not super impressed by the sound system, however it is not terrible. I went to the closest audio store and was looking at options on an aftermarket sound system, with keeping the original touchscreen radio dash. Upon discussion with one of sales reps, he had mentioned that this sound system package on the 4runner was one of the best ones that toyota has ever created, and that he hasn't "had many people come in complaining about the system and wanting something aftermarket." He talked up the stock system as if it were the best of the best. I had then told him, you know I am interested in more bass and little bit of a louder sound. He had quoted me on their highest speaker, 2 for upfront, 2 for the rear, and 2 for the hatch? And then a downward facing 10in dual sub, with a 5 channel Amp. I guess what my question is, is: am I better off keeping the stock system, or upgrading the system and spend 3 grand doing so. He just made it seem like the stock one was so good, and now I don't know if upgrading will make a difference in sound and he's just trying to make a commission check? I'm not versed in audio world, and I honestly know nothing. Replies and opinions would be perfect

 

All that matters is how it sounds to you. Props to the guy for not trashing the system and talking you into spending mega-bucks.

But if you don't like the JBL, replace it. Simple as that. Any well-crafted, amplified aftermarket system is going to blow stock out of the water.

 

Audio as a whole is a matter of opinion. While it might be the best he has ever heard, it still doesn't meet your needs/want. As @Red_5 mentioned above, stock will almost always lose to an aftermarket system - assuming you get all of the right components. If you're replacing from the front to the rear, make sure you are getting components that compliment each other (highs, mids, lows). You can do a lot with 3K, even w/ custom fabrication and higher end components.

This summer I will be upgrading my 4R audio. For the sub I will be going with the JL 13TW5v2-2 @ 600W RMS ($679) powered by the JL 600/1v3 Class D ($769). That still leaves you w/ over $1,500 for cables (power, ground, quality RCA's - don't skimp on proper gauge for ground/power), fuse box, harness, custom fabrication for the enclosure, labor, mids/highs. I will tell you from past and current experience, the JL 600/1v3 is an absolute monster and all you will ever need. As for the JL 13TW5v2-2, it is incredibly thin (so is the enclosure), which is nice for these trucks as it allows you to keep cargo space. While 10's are good, I wouldn't go less than a 12 or larger than a 13 (unless you're getting into competitions. If so, we can have an entirely different conversation). Again, what you're getting here is an opinion. But I guarantee the first time you fire that system up, stock will be a word you never use again.

I know I didn't speak to highs/mids, but that's because I have yet to switch those out in the 4R. I have a 12 by JL w/ the above mentioned amp in our BMW and the highs in our BMW were of such quality that they were not overpowered by the lows, so at this time I did not need to switch them. All of this was done w/ the factory head unit w/ a harness kit.

Lastly, get the amp professionally tuned (they should do it at the shop). I would also suggest getting the JL RBC-1 (Remote Bass Control). Once you have the amp properly tuned w/ your factory settings, the only thing you should ever have to mess w/ is the bass control knob. That of course is personal preference on whether or not your looking for a little bass or if you're in the mood to have your chest rattle and breath taken away. Either way, a proper tune should ensure that it doesn't exceed the bandwidth of the system, regardless of how high you have it turned - in moderation of course.

 

I just removed my stock sub today because it is blown and now there is no sound from any speaker. If the sub is removed does it shut down the amp?