Disappointed with 2011 Highlander Base audio

[jg5500]

I just purchased a new Highlander 2011 v6 sport AWD (no nav). OK, to complain for a second, the base audio is underwhelming. I really like the JBL system in the higher end trim, but couldn't see paying 2 grand more to get nav just to get JBL. Also, why can't you order just the JBL audio on SE trim? Ok, complaints over. Also, the salesperson was insisting that the base audio sounds as good as the jbl. Thoughts? Am i off base with the complaints on the base audio?

[TrailDust]

I don't know, although I consider myself an audiophile in the context of listening to music, I've never cared about sound quality while driving. To that end my Highlander's sound system is more than adequate, but I'm sure opinions are going to vary.

[sweeneyp]

i think what you get with JBL is volume more than increase in sound quality. base and jbl use the same type of speakers (except front doors run 2ohm 6x9's in jbl instead of 4 ohm on base). Same front door size, back door size, and dashboard size. The only real difference is the quality of speaker (it has an amplifier pumping it much more power than stock radio), and a 110 watt sub in the tailgate. Ive found that the highlander lacks high's due to a lack of tweeters in both jbl and base systems, but the jbl will have a little more low end (better front 6x9's and sub) and volume (440 watt system) besides that there is not much a difference sound quality wise.
So it probably sounds very similar (quality wise) at low volumes, but as soon as you start cranking it up, you can not make up for the lack of power that the base has compared to jbl, causing it to distort.

[Camread]

thats why its called "base"

[jg5500]

OK, so how can I update the 2011 Highlander sport base audio without making major changes (i.e. swapping out head unit for aftermarket).


Here is what a Crutchfield rep advised. I don't think I will swap out the head unit (i.e. for the JVC arsenal receiver) since you would need to be adapters for bluetooth and xm; in other words, major change to system. I am considering just adding the bazooka subwoofer. Any other ideas (perhaps an amplifier) to boost my base audio without making major changes to the vehicle?

Also, any other good recommended aftermarket audio sites?

Crutchfield receommendations.
105KDA725 JVC ARSENAL KD-A725 CD Receiver
204BTA8250 Bazooka BTA8250D 8" 250 Watt Powered Subwoofer
120FASTPLG Vibe Quick Release Connector For Car Amplifiers

Vehicle(s) info: 2011 TOYO HIGHLANDER (Install # 12212)

[sweeneyp]

Originally Posted by jg5500

OK, so how can I update the 2011 Highlander sport base audio without making major changes (i.e. swapping out head unit for aftermarket).


Here is what a Crutchfield rep advised. I don't think I will swap out the head unit (i.e. for the JVC arsenal receiver) since you would need to be adapters for bluetooth and xm; in other words, major change to system. I am considering just adding the bazooka subwoofer. Any other ideas (perhaps an amplifier) to boost my base audio without making major changes to the vehicle?

Also, any other good recommended aftermarket audio sites?

Crutchfield receommendations.
105KDA725 JVC ARSENAL KD-A725 CD Receiver
204BTA8250 Bazooka BTA8250D 8" 250 Watt Powered Subwoofer
120FASTPLG Vibe Quick Release Connector For Car Amplifiers

Vehicle(s) info: 2011 TOYO HIGHLANDER (Install # 12212)

sonicelectronix.com is another good site to order stuff. I've ordered just about everything (audio wise) from them as they are cheaper than crutchfield and usually stock the same things.

If you are looking at getting an amplifier you would need to look at getting aftermarket speakers as well because amplifying stock speakers past where they are now is not going to have good results. Factory speakers are made to the lowest price possible and going over the power maximum will likely blow them very easily.

That bazooka sub looks like a good option, but realize its a 160watt 8" sub, this isn't going to make the windows shake. It should most definitely add low end to music, but its not going to make people think you have a 10" or 12". Plus it shouldn't be that difficult to install (a lot easier than a headunit, in my opinion), just tap into the speaker level inputs from the rear door speakers for the sound input and then run the 12v power line through the firewall to the battery.

Changing headunits gets expensive fast (adapter cover for highlander (which requires a double din radio, that JVC is only a single din), double din radio, wiring adapters, and installation if you don't do it yourself. Though I have read on this forum before that upgrading headunits gave an enhanced sound quality as the sound processors in the aftermarket head-units are better than stock. Hopefully somebody who has done that before can chime in and confirm that.

Personally I would try the bazooka (which should fill in the low zone of sound), and if you think it still needs improvements to the sound quality take a look at this thread (Adding the "HIGH" to our JBL system). Bingo883 added tweeters to the front A pillars, because the highlander (on JBL and base) has a huge lack of high end sound. The tweeters would fill in that high pitch sound, and tweeters are not very expensive online.
Let me know if any of this doesn't make sense
Patrick

[jg5500]

Ok, just talked with Sonic Electronix. I said I wanted to make an audio upgrade without major mods to system (i.e. changing head unit). They recommended putting in new front and rear speakers and possibly adding the Bazooka bass. thoughts?


front speakers Kicker KS69

rear speakers Kicker KS65 (11KS65)

sub woofer bazooka 8" bta8250

line out converter PAC SNI-35

speaker wire for the line out converter Kicker ZW1620

RCA cable Kicker ZI21 (09ZI21)

power cable Kicker 09PWB8-20FT

[sweeneyp]

Originally Posted by jg5500

Ok, just talked with Sonic Electronix. I said I wanted to make an audio upgrade without major mods to system (i.e. changing head unit). They recommended putting in new front and rear speakers and possibly adding the Bazooka bass. thoughts?


front speakers Kicker KS69

rear speakers Kicker KS65 (11KS65)

sub woofer bazooka 8" bta8250

line out converter PAC SNI-35

speaker wire for the line out converter Kicker ZW1620

RCA cable Kicker ZI21 (09ZI21)

power cable Kicker 09PWB8-20FT

There is nothing wrong with those speakers they suggested, only concern I have is in the JBL system the front 6x9's only receive low frequency sound and not the full signal, does the base system do this as well????? Only low notes in the 6x9 and everything else to the dashboard speakers? that would complicate the install, and completely waste the new speakers. if it was like that.

Those speakers with built in tweeters will address the lack of high frequency sound in the vehicle so that always a good thing.

Now they suggested you get a speaker level to low level (rca) converter. Im not sure why they suggested this, the bazooka sub has a speaker level input. In other words it has a converter built in so I don't think you need all of that (converter and RCA cable), you can ask them about that, I think they are trying to sell you additional things there.

As for the power cable, the bazook comes with a short ground wire and an inline fuse, but no actual + line to run to the battery. So they are right, you do need a power cable to run to the battery. The kind of cables you can get online are really flexible (car audio grade) and easy to use. There is nothing wrong with what they suggested, but my only concern is that it may not be long enough. On my last amplifier i installed is mounted behind the 2nd row driver side seat under the 3rd row. I went to home depot and purchased 25 ft of stranded 8 gauge wire (its stiff, not flexible like that kicker line). It took all 25 feet almost exactly to go from the amp, along the side of the car, behind the radio, through the firewall (behind glove compartment), around the engine (out of the way), and to the battery. So 20 ft might not be enough to reach all the way to the trunk, you would need to measure where you plan to run the wire and see. If you need longer you can probably find a longer wire online at sonicelectronix or its like .70 cents for a foot of 8 guage stranded at homedepot.
Hope this helps,
Patrick

EDIT: those rear door speakers the kicker 11ks65, i just realized they are described as an oversized 6.5 that was actually a 6.75 speaker. The opening in the rear door is a 6.5" slot, did sonic electronix say it would fit in a 6.5 or a 6.75, it might be too big to fit.