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JBL Premium Audio Sound Fix

14K views 14 replies 5 participants last post by  jbalsor  
#1 ·
Like many others, I was unhappy with the sound quality. Basically the dash speakers are just too loud compared with the other speakers. I thought that using the least efficient 3.5" speakers I could find might fix the problem. It did. I used Sound Ordinance P-35B speakers from Crutchfield. They are 4 ohm speakers with an 84db efficiency rating. Most 3.5 speakers seem to have an efficiency rating around 90db. I also used 3.5" foam baffles. Not sure if they help, but the thought was they might keep some sound from bouncing around inside the dash. After hooking up the first speaker I turned the system on and the new speaker was much quieter than the stock speaker. I had to put my ear to it to be sure it was playing.

The new speakers have transformed the system. I no-longer have the bass all the way up with the mids all the way down. The musical detail is also greatly improved. I had not realized just how bad the stock speakers were. The sound is now what it should have been.

The speakers were $29.99. The baffles were 6.99. I used red Scotch Locks for the wiring so I could easily reinstall the stock speakers if needed.

Tools were a 10mm ratchet, a plastic trim tool for the speaker grills, pliers for the scotch locks, scissors to trim the baffles, and an exacto knife to cut holes in the baffles for the speaker bolts and wires.

Hope this helps someone.
 
#2 ·
Rick,

We both came to the same conclusion independently! However, we had different methods of changing the outcome. Being frugal and the fact that the vehicle was still under warranty I didn't want to do something that couldn't be put back to stock if I had to. I basically added some foam absorbers to the cavity behind the speakers and then added 6dB L-pads to each driver. You can read the details here:

http://www.rav4world.com/forums/124-4-4-interior/264897-premium-jbl-bass-improvement-hack.html

assuming that I can post a link to another forum without getting banned!

Yes, this does make a very noticeable improvement in the sound, mostly with high quality source material through Aux or USB. Most regular FM is still pretty bad (station dependent) Some HD FM content is pretty good. Loudness compensation is still screwed up due to non-equalized sound levels from different sources
 
#3 ·
Hi Steve,
I didn't cut the stock speaker plugs so the stock speakers can be reinstalled in minutes. I have an '18 so am sensitive to warranty. The stock speakers look like they should be good. Looks are deceiving. If you change the speakers you will not believe how good the sound is. The highs, especially, become crisp and clear. You are not getting that now with the stock speakers. All my EQs are now in the middle, and the sound on all sources: USB, Pandora, XM and digital FM has great balance with deep full bass. I have not listened to regular FM so can't talk about that. Loudness compensation is not an issue. I'm guessing that the new speakers are a good 10db+ quieter than the stock speakers. That allows the amp to really show it's power in the other speakers.
 
#7 ·
Hello all,

I've been looking to buy a 2015 Rav4 Limited and it turns out the one I want to buy has the premium audio in it. I tested the system out at the dealership and was very suprised at how harsh the sound was. I'm assuming the premium JBL audio in the 2015 is the same one as the one being discussed in this thread?

Thanks, guys!
 
#8 ·
I don't know about the 2015 system, but if the sound is mainly from the front it's at least similar to the current system. The factory speakers do not have a separate tweeter, and cannot reproduce the musical detail found in the highs of a lot of music. The good news is the factory dash speakers are very easy to replace. Using speakers with a low efficiency rating also balances much better with the woofers in the doors.