Hi all, So we just bought a 2011 Highlander LTD and thought we properly evaluated all the aspects of it, but after 3 weeks of owning it we discover that the JBL "Premium" sound system is REALLY poor. We are not audiophiles and would just like some decent sound, but come on, my 5 year old cell phone mp3 player with $39 earbuds sounds AWESOME compared to this. The JBL sound is flat, tinny, and mostly annoying to the point of turning it off.
I have read through many of the posts here on upgrading the sound system, and would appreciate any comments on my conclusions and proposed next steps:
1. I have gathered that the rear hatch subwoofer may be the chief culprit and that by replacing it with something better (JL or CSS), enclosing it properly, and Dynamatting the rear door, I may get an acceptable result.
2. Installing a second subwoofer under the center console would additionally improve the overall experience.
3. Installing an aftermarket amp under the front seat would also be a good idea to achieve decent sound.
I don't plan to do any of this myself, and would be paying for installation so I don't want to buy more than I need. What's the consensus on the least you can do to have "decent" sound? (We're not that picky, just want something we can enjoy) What mods should I do in what order to see if it's OK at that point?
Mine has the basic audio system but I added a Kenwood KSCWD250T 10 inch Truck Powered Subwoofer and the difference is like night and day.
Cool - maybe I could just add a better hatch mounted sub. I never really thought of a sub as being able to improve sound in the mid and high ranges. The current sound quality in these ranges is so bad I have to set treble and mid to -2 (on the slider scale of -5 to +5), just to barely tolerate it.
your post makes me glad i didn't upgrade to jbl...my thinking was to upgrade afterward
Yeah, I didn't really have a choice since we wanted the Nav. But we sure didn't plan on needing an immediate upgrade to it. To read the ToyotaJBL website, you'd think this was a decent system.
Personally, I don't think it's that bad. Is it an upgrade from the stock system? yes. Is it worth the price paid for? probably not.
It's a JBL sound afterall and not HK or polk or nakamichi (old lexus!). I think 2 areas of improvement would be a tighter sub and dynamat (at the very least dynamat it, but since you are taking time to open the whole back panel, may as well change the sub as well) and add some tweeters.
The inherent problem with the system is putting 6x9 in the front door which are not if you are looking for define separates.
Anyhow, I used to be all into sound but what's available is gonna do it as I'm not gonna add xyz to improve the sound, i'd rather keep it clean (and leave my trunk space as is!). The likely thing I'll do is dynamat the subwoofer area.
I guess I'd say I'm apathetic about it. Not disappointed, not ecstatic... not gonna lose sleep about it and not gonna throw a fit about it.
Cool - maybe I could just add a better hatch mounted sub. I never really thought of a sub as being able to improve sound in the mid and high ranges. The current sound quality in these ranges is so bad I have to set treble and mid to -2 (on the slider scale of -5 to +5), just to barely tolerate it.
Yeah, I didn't really have a choice since we wanted the Nav. But we sure didn't plan on needing an immediate upgrade to it. To read the ToyotaJBL website, you'd think this was a decent system.
Great sound !?!? I give it about a 4 on a scale of 10, and that's generous.
Glad to confirm your choice, I wish I had the $600 this upgrade cost to spend on my own components.
Ken
yes...the $ i saved on not upgrading the stereo got more than spent on the 19" wheels we get got one way or the other.
the shop where i got tints done on the windows also does stereos...was looking at possibly a double-din touchscreen unit to replace factory. just a little concerned that it will look a little 'weird' w/just empty space where the big knobs from the factory unit used to go. we shall see. from what i read around the web, just putting in a good head unit improves the sound somewhat...may not have to go the whole amp/etc. route...time will tell
i'm sure that toyota did their homework on the demographics of highlander owners, and boomin' systems weren't part of the target audience it's all good. those of us who want a bit more sound will find a way to get it.
The JBL in my 09 wasn't bad at all. Its just lacking highs and lows.
Change out the sub and add a pair of tweeters will fix the problems.
You can always ask the aftermarket installer to hook up (just hook up, not installed) a pair of tweeters from the dash speakers and change out the sub to test out the sound quality.
If you like it, good. But if you don't, paid for the installer time and walk away.
The JBL in my 09 wasn't bad at all. Its just lacking highs and lows.
Change out the sub and add a pair of tweeters will fix the problems.
You can always ask the aftermarket installer to hook up (just hook up, not installed) a pair of tweeters from the dash speakers and change out the sub to test out the sound quality.
If you like it, good. But if you don't, paid for the installer time and walk away.
Excellent suggestion on the test run - thanks. I was hoping to not have to install tweeters in the front. I saw a post with them in the A pillars (yours?) and I guess I'm just leery of someone ripping apart my new HL in too many places. But you're right about it lacking highs, and I didn't really understand how a better sub would improve the highs. I guess it won't right?
Edit: You didn't mention an amp - think I'm Ok without adding that, too?
Excellent suggestion on the test run - thanks. I was hoping to not have to install tweeters in the front. I saw a post with them in the A pillars (yours?) and I guess I'm just leery of someone ripping apart my new HL in too many places. But you're right about it lacking highs, and I didn't really understand how a better sub would improve the highs. I guess it won't right?
Edit: You didn't mention an amp - think I'm Ok without adding that, too?
Thanks, Ken
I don't think you need an amp by just adding the tweeters. Like I said before, the lack of highs is in part due to using the 6x9 in front which traditionally were used in the rear of old system to add some lows (albeit not so great ones) to a simple 4 speakers system.
My personal annoyance with the sub isn't the sub itself (I don't blast my music anymore) but it's the rattling because of poor design.
yeap, it was my post on the tweeter. Taking your car apart and put it back together is actually the fun part... hahaha. just kidding. Its always hard at first, but you will get used to it in no time. Tweeters are the only way to add highs to the system, adding it to you A-pillar is the easilest way. Add them to the door will takes even longer and more parts apart to run the wires. It requires a crossover or a inline filter for the tweeters, no amp is needed.
As for Bass, cleansweep, amp and change the sub should do the job...
...Tweeters are the only way to add highs to the system... It requires a crossover or a inline filter for the tweeters, no amp is needed.
Yeah that's what I figured - I'm apprehensive about finding a place to do it cleanly, but I don't have the time to do it myself...
Quote:
Originally Posted by bingo883
...As for Bass, cleansweep, amp and change the sub should do the job...
I just read the PDF manual on Cleansweep - it looks like the perfect extra component. I guess I need to try to find an authorized JL installer in my area - that way the warranty extends to two years (from only 90 days).
There was another post on here where a sub was placed INSIDE the center console. sub woofer
Pardon my ignorance, but does that need to be withdrawn and exposed while playing, or it can be fully concealed and still function properly?
i'm sure that toyota did their homework on the demographics of highlander owners, and boomin' systems weren't part of the target audience it's all good. those of us who want a bit more sound will find a way to get it.
I agree with this statement 100%. I got the JBL in my '11 Limited, and I agree. It sounds fine; not great and not terrible, but simply fine.
I agree with this statement 100%. I got the JBL in my '11 Limited, and I agree. It sounds fine; not great and not terrible, but simply fine.
Yeap, factory is not great, not terrible but by adding tweeters and a little bit more bass will make it a great system.
But still, far far away from a booming system.
ANd of course, everyone has a different standard.
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we get got one way or the other. 
it's all good. those of us who want a bit more sound will find a way to get it.
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