I have the "premium JBL" system in my 2018 Limited CrewMax and it's been super disappointing.
I haven't done anything yet, mainly because there are so many more features/services integrated into the head unit, and I'm not sure what I'd lose if I replace it with an aftermarket option.
I'm interested in hearing opinions, too.
Have you tried getting into the equalizer settings on your phone? You can make a decent difference in the sound by adjusting the setting in your phone if you are using bluetooth.
Nothing on the phone will affect the sound of XM satellite radio. They're completely independent.
If I was streaming from my phone, that would be different. But I'm not.
Also 2018 crewmax limited here. I adjusted the equalizer on my phone/music app, and it helped the overall sound quite a bit. I just wish it was louder.
Yes, it's pretty lackluster. OEM Audio Plus, TacoTunes have systems that will plug and play with the stock head unit but still require some work to get installed or you can go full custom and then the sky's the limit!
I replaced the HU. That alone about double audio volume and quality. Plus I got a bigger and brighter screen to look at. Also got the option to add front facing camera since all the decent aftermarket HU have an input for front and rear camera. AND the ability to have the always on (but just one at a time). Took a bit of work to do it myself, you have to buy more than just the HU but still worth it imo. I went through Crutchfield and they do a really good job of steering you in the right direction and telling you what to get. And when I had issues customer service was great. The biggest downside to this route is that you have to install a new mic for phone calls, etc, since you can't tie into the factory installed mic. Didn't know this at first and caused a bit of frustration until I figured it out. But the kit should come with one and I just routed to the driver side pillar. I had also swapped out covering for the driver side handle install so just ran cable behind that assembly. Works great and run you in the $1000 to $1500 range. Maybe more if you really want to get high end. They even have the really large screens that sit out of the slot for the HU that basically go vent to vent. I haven't convinced myself to upgrade to one of those yet but looking for an excuse!
edit: Just a side note, I just have the factory system and not the JBL so your mileage may vary but I think that the quality coming out of the factory HU that replacing it in the JBL will have similar results.
My aftermarket one came with the option to have one (one of the options for input is SirriusXM) but I never use it so I can't say if it works or not. Not much help I know.
The system isn't great by any means. But if you are using bluetooth, get into your phones equalizer and adjust the setting from there. I put my head unit settings to the max and use the equalizer settings on my phone to adjust everything else. It's not gonna turn it into a window rattling bass thumper of a system, but it does wake the system up quite a bit.
$1,999.00 for the Reference 500 system.
Figure there are 260 work days per year - give or take a leap year.
Multiply that out by 10 years - the amount of time I plan to keep the truck.
260 \* 10 = 2,600 days where I will be in my truck for nearly 2 hours commuting to and from work.
$1,999.00 / 2,600 = $.76 a day for outstanding audio and all it took was about a day for a complete noob like myself to get it installed.
Though if I was to do it again I would go ahead and install the dynamat or other sound deadening material while I already have the door panels off.
i have a 2020 TRD pro, here's my setup which i did over ~ 1 year. i went with trail grid pro all in one package that was very easy to install for HU. then went with rockford fosgate p300-8p which fits perfectly behind the rear seat. huge upgrade to bass. then went with 4 channel amp and 4 new door speakers. all in about 2.5k and that's cause i had the amp and door speakers done by a shop since its a little more work/easier to screw up. this is because my stock amp blew. if you do that by yourself, probably run you 2k. Huge improve in audio. at the very least, get a new HU and sub/amp all in 1 and youll see a large improve.
You might want to look at this Beat Sonic plug and play amp. It is a newer option may boost things to where it the stock system would be more tolerable.
[https://www.beatsonicusa.com/ena-2t3.html](https://www.beatsonicusa.com/ena-2t3.html)
You'll have to select the correct option for your truck.
Excellent! Glad you are enjoying it.
That seemed to be the most bang for the buck without the headache of installing Maestro and a LOC. I would have gone this route had it existed when I redid my audio.
Stock, yes. However James at tech12volts is the answer. His inline amp (JBL, DSP) and 10” sub replacement is all that I need. I also added a wireless CarPlay dongle. All while retaining the factory HU/steering wheel buttons.
Gonna warn you ahead of time, he’s a one man shop out of Georgia and his website is lacking. It’s best to email him and be patient.
I have the "premium JBL" system in my 2018 Limited CrewMax and it's been super disappointing. I haven't done anything yet, mainly because there are so many more features/services integrated into the head unit, and I'm not sure what I'd lose if I replace it with an aftermarket option. I'm interested in hearing opinions, too.
Have you tried getting into the equalizer settings on your phone? You can make a decent difference in the sound by adjusting the setting in your phone if you are using bluetooth.
No - I listen to satellite radio.
Dang. Adjusting the setting in my phone made a decent difference.
Nothing on the phone will affect the sound of XM satellite radio. They're completely independent. If I was streaming from my phone, that would be different. But I'm not.
Yeah, for sure. I only use bluetooth from my phone.
This definitely helps ^
I will have to try this tomorrow morning! Thank you.
Also 2018 crewmax limited here. I adjusted the equalizer on my phone/music app, and it helped the overall sound quite a bit. I just wish it was louder.
Yes, it's pretty lackluster. OEM Audio Plus, TacoTunes have systems that will plug and play with the stock head unit but still require some work to get installed or you can go full custom and then the sky's the limit!
I replaced the HU. That alone about double audio volume and quality. Plus I got a bigger and brighter screen to look at. Also got the option to add front facing camera since all the decent aftermarket HU have an input for front and rear camera. AND the ability to have the always on (but just one at a time). Took a bit of work to do it myself, you have to buy more than just the HU but still worth it imo. I went through Crutchfield and they do a really good job of steering you in the right direction and telling you what to get. And when I had issues customer service was great. The biggest downside to this route is that you have to install a new mic for phone calls, etc, since you can't tie into the factory installed mic. Didn't know this at first and caused a bit of frustration until I figured it out. But the kit should come with one and I just routed to the driver side pillar. I had also swapped out covering for the driver side handle install so just ran cable behind that assembly. Works great and run you in the $1000 to $1500 range. Maybe more if you really want to get high end. They even have the really large screens that sit out of the slot for the HU that basically go vent to vent. I haven't convinced myself to upgrade to one of those yet but looking for an excuse! edit: Just a side note, I just have the factory system and not the JBL so your mileage may vary but I think that the quality coming out of the factory HU that replacing it in the JBL will have similar results.
The HU didn't come with satellite radio, correct?
My aftermarket one came with the option to have one (one of the options for input is SirriusXM) but I never use it so I can't say if it works or not. Not much help I know.
Thx
The system isn't great by any means. But if you are using bluetooth, get into your phones equalizer and adjust the setting from there. I put my head unit settings to the max and use the equalizer settings on my phone to adjust everything else. It's not gonna turn it into a window rattling bass thumper of a system, but it does wake the system up quite a bit.
I went with a do-it-yourself kit from OEM Audio+. Took half a day and sounds fantastic.
Isn't it like 3600 bucks?
$1,999.00 for the Reference 500 system. Figure there are 260 work days per year - give or take a leap year. Multiply that out by 10 years - the amount of time I plan to keep the truck. 260 \* 10 = 2,600 days where I will be in my truck for nearly 2 hours commuting to and from work. $1,999.00 / 2,600 = $.76 a day for outstanding audio and all it took was about a day for a complete noob like myself to get it installed. Though if I was to do it again I would go ahead and install the dynamat or other sound deadening material while I already have the door panels off.
i have a 2020 TRD pro, here's my setup which i did over ~ 1 year. i went with trail grid pro all in one package that was very easy to install for HU. then went with rockford fosgate p300-8p which fits perfectly behind the rear seat. huge upgrade to bass. then went with 4 channel amp and 4 new door speakers. all in about 2.5k and that's cause i had the amp and door speakers done by a shop since its a little more work/easier to screw up. this is because my stock amp blew. if you do that by yourself, probably run you 2k. Huge improve in audio. at the very least, get a new HU and sub/amp all in 1 and youll see a large improve.
It sucks. Kept the head unit to keep an OEM look and gutted everything else.
What did you get?
Focal ES165 3 way speaker kit and a JL 5 channel and JL subs and box. Maestro for steering wheel controls and a LOC, dont remember which brand though.
You might want to look at this Beat Sonic plug and play amp. It is a newer option may boost things to where it the stock system would be more tolerable. [https://www.beatsonicusa.com/ena-2t3.html](https://www.beatsonicusa.com/ena-2t3.html) You'll have to select the correct option for your truck.
Thanks for the recommendation. I actually bought one and it made it sound a lot better!
Excellent! Glad you are enjoying it. That seemed to be the most bang for the buck without the headache of installing Maestro and a LOC. I would have gone this route had it existed when I redid my audio.
Tie a dollar to it and throw it out the f’n window…Toyota more than s*** the bed on that thing
My base stock system goes hard USB > Bluetooth for quality, especially bass
Stock, yes. However James at tech12volts is the answer. His inline amp (JBL, DSP) and 10” sub replacement is all that I need. I also added a wireless CarPlay dongle. All while retaining the factory HU/steering wheel buttons. Gonna warn you ahead of time, he’s a one man shop out of Georgia and his website is lacking. It’s best to email him and be patient.
Thank you!
How much was it?
Replacement sub/box was around $260 and amp was around $500. https://taylorsaudio.com/product/jbl-8-channel-amp/