Audio Upgrade JBL Nav System

[digitrip]

Just wanted to get a thread started on my quest to "upgrade" the system in my newly purchased 08 Limited.

I have mixed feelings about the Nav, but it's there and works, and as I found from quite a bit of searching, there is NO way to put in a replacement. (Even if I had the loot) Well, you can put in a new aftermarket GPS easily, but you can't trim it out with a dash kit. Crutchfield doesn't have one, nor does Metra.

So, with that said, I'll just leave the head unit and spruce things up in the audio department. I see a few options here.

1. Add my JL Audio ProWedge and Alpine amp and call it a day. (Tap in after the amp and use high-level inputs to my Alpine) Though I suspect I may not like not being able to fine tune the sub level on the fly.

2. Add item 1. and also replace speakers in the factory locations powered by the factory amp.

3. Add item number 1. and use an Audio Control LC8i to clean up and re-amp the system. This should give me the ability to use after-market amps and drive them with the appropriate low-level inputs. Most expensive option.

I think the obvious thing to do first is install the sub/amp and see how things go. I can always to the other steps later.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[digitrip]

I decided to save myself a huge amount of time and hire a local pro to do it. Turned out excellent.

It's hard to believe that the little sub in the lift gate was so pathetic. For around $200 I had the 8 gauge wire ran from the battery, through the firewall, and to the Alpine amp mounted under the front seat. They used a LOC and a remote sub volume control knob which was mounted inside the change drawer. (Very neat install, and a good idea) I will try to get some pictures up tomorrow if it warms a bit.

[bingo883]

Hey digitrip, I am a beginner on this topic so please bare with me...
So now you have your Alpine amp power up all the speaker including the sub and remove the orginial amp?
Did you end up changing the speakers too?
I too have a JBL unit (non Nav) and want to do some upgrade.

[digitrip]

Bingo, no, the Alpine amp only powers the JL sub. I kept everything else factory. After the install, I am incredibly happy with the sound. The JBL components are fine with the exception of the factory sub which is a joke.

Essentially, I have disconnected the factory sub from the factory amp and converted the amplified signal back down to low level inputs and then fed that to my Alpine amp. Here are a few shots of the completed system. The only other thing I think I may install is an iPhone integration adapter to interface with the factory system.

Stock Navigation JBL system


Pro Wedge 10W6v2 in the rear:


Alpine monoblock amp under the front seat, seat all the way forward to show install:


Sub level control mounted in change basket:


8 gauge power wire and fuse block:

[lollonais]

Very clean install. Very nice. So your OEM sub is off? do you still like the fact that the dash speakers are mid-ranges?

[digitrip]

Yes, the OEM sub is off. I am not 100% sure that the dash speakers are truly mid-ranges. I know thats what the JBL-Toyota site says, but they also state some other things that I know are bunk. Like, the amp is 440W... Maybe at a kilo-hertz.

I consider myself an audiophile, and I know the difference between mids and highs, and whatever is in the dash can certainly reproduce highs just fine. Let's be clear, it's not a recording studio, but an excellent system to drive around town. (I tell myself this to keep myself from spending $$$$ on speakers/amps when there are more important things... )

[mikmabz]

Originally Posted by digitrip

Yes, the OEM sub is off. I am not 100% sure that the dash speakers are truly mid-ranges. I know thats what the JBL-Toyota site says, but they also state some other things that I know are bunk. Like, the amp is 440W... Maybe at a kilo-hertz.

I consider myself an audiophile, and I know the difference between mids and highs, and whatever is in the dash can certainly reproduce highs just fine. Let's be clear, it's not a recording studio, but an excellent system to drive around town. (I tell myself this to keep myself from spending $$$$ on speakers/amps when there are more important things... )

I agree with you on spending a fortune on speakers and amps. I just added a kenwood powered subwoofer on my Sport and sounds way better without one. But to be honest the audio (non JBL) of the Sport is IMO has a very decent sound even without the subwoofer.

[bingo883]

I like your setup but my baby's stroller would not agree with that box...
What is the size of the original JBL sub?
I am thinking about the 2 options here:
1. a new aftermarket amp + sub in the original location?
2. two under the seat sub box with new mono amp install in tail gate?
Any thoughs, comments welcome....
Thanks.

[digitrip]

The ability to quickly remove the sub all together was an important option for me. I wanted to be able to make full use of the cargo area if needed.

Here are the specs on the sub and the enclosure. I can't overstate how incredible this little sub is. http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_e...=6&prod_id=305

The replacement sub in the lift gate is certainly a possibility, but I wanted the better performance of a 10" driver. The sealed enclosure also provides extremely tight bass response. I was afraid the a more powerful sub in the hatch would cause excessive rattling too. And on top of that, I couldn't be sure of the free air resonance for a replacement driver.