Opinions needed on JBL Stereo Replacement

G2SSM · #1 (**permalink**) 07-13-2008, 07:33 PM

Hi,
I thought I would post here instead of the audio form since it's a Tundra install. I have an 06 DC with the JBL stereo. Read a lot on upgrades and have been itching to do something.

Well... I heard some Polk Momo 6500 components and really liked them. So after thinking for a long time.... 2 long.... I jumped and bought the components for up front, the Momo 650 2-way for the rears and an 8" sub. Strategy was to upgrade the speakers, then the head unit (Alpine ida-x100) and then add the sub.

Well - I replaced my left rear speaker today. Thought I would do an AB comparison between the two with just the backs. Well, the JBL sounded louder and had more mids / highs. Got disappointed

So I'm here looking for advice from anyone who has upgraded the stereo or heard different setups.

Should the JBL speaker sound better than the Polk given it's running with the JBL headunit and amp?

Will the Polk sound OK once I get the new head unit? Thinking of the Alpine x100 or a pioneer.

Not sure what to do next. Put the old speaker back or keep plugging along and hope that when it is all done it will sound better than the OEM stereo.

Right now I'm thinking of pulling the Polk and selling everything. Any advice or thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks

Boosted27606 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-13-2008, 09:49 PM

The OEM JBL speakers are LOUDER than the aftermarket ones.

Once you get more power with a new amp. you will appreciate the clarity, detail and loudness of the new Amp and Speakers.

Yet, you won't get much bass out of the door speakers no matter what kind you get. You will need another Amp. and subwoofer. Then and only then will you be able to really enjoy the full sound.

G2SSM · #3 (**permalink**) 07-13-2008, 11:38 PM

Thanks Boosted,

I guess I was looking for some comfort. Speaking about power, do you think the head unit (Alpine or Pioneer) would be sufficient for the speakers. I plan on using an amp for the sub.

Boosted27606 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 12:07 AM

No Problem.

I do not know how much power the new head unit you plan on buying has !

I would think if you can get about 15 Watts per channel ( at least), you should be doing fine.

To be honest I was not too concerned about power when I modded my system. All I did was replace the speakers ( new ones are POLK ) and they are not as loud as the stock ones. But I added a 150 watts amp and a 10" sub and I am happy with the system. I kept the original head unit as it delivers enough power for me.

My recommendation would be to try the same process that I have and then proceed in increments:

1. Replace all door speakers ( including tweeters )

2. Add sub and its own amp.

3. See if that satisfies you

4. If so, you are all set, if not, change the head unit making sure you have a lot more power and all the features you really want.

Mine has the 6 CD changer, cassette and steering wheel controls and I do use them all and definitely wanted to keep using them !

G2SSM · #5 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 11:42 AM

Well I think I just keep moving along in that direction. At my pace, I should have all the speakers replaced in a week or so (doing this part time).

Mike Rojas · #6 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 09:34 PM

You will need an amp to get full enjoyment out of those components but it will be well worth it. i have Polk 6501's in the front and 651's in the rear with a MTX 704 (70X4RMS) and am very pleased. a sub and seperate amp will also help, but i'd go with the speakers and 4ch amp first. my HU is 50X4 but i have always had it with the amp. keep an eye on Circuit City website, their online pricing is awesome if you catch it right. you need to pick out an amp or two you like and check it a couple of times a day, sometimes it may take up to a week or two but there will be a price show up that you will think is not right, go to the store and they will match it. I paid $199.00 total for the 6501's and 651's together. the 6501 were online for $169.95 and the 651 for $89.95 and they were running a sale on Polk buy one set get the second 50% off, they honored the online price and the 50% off sale. the 704 was regularly $199.99 and online for a week or so at $169.99, then suddenly showed up for $149.99

JMHO,

Mike

G2SSM · #7 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 09:42 PM

Thanks - I'm glad that the work will be worth it. The deck I'm looking at at 50 x 4 so I think I'll try that first and upgrade after the sub.

Trying to do this a bit at a time.

BTW - Great price on the speakers.

Wht06Tundra · #8 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 01:13 AM

You people make me feel like I am taking CRAZY PILLS. You either don't have your eq adjusted properly, or you are listening to seriously crappy music. For what it costs to do better than the JBL system, I just can't imagine most people finding it worth it. I am not an audio newb either. I have done car audio systems and I have a set of Tannoy studio monitors in my room that would make most of you poo your pants. I will admit, when I first got in my Tundra (moving from my tacoma (now there was a crappy stock stereo) were I had a full stereo done), the first thing I thought was that the stereo had to go-- immediately. But after playing with the eq I think I got it dialed in. It sounds good to me and my dad who has been a professional recording engineer for 30+ years. So flush the money away if you must, but I really think you are all silly.

kovawa · #9 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 10:51 AM

G2SSM

Good luck on the stereo upgrades. I have the same truck as you and i have already upgraded everything other than the factory headunit. I wanted to keep the stereo looking stock, so not to be targeted by thieves, and keep the steering wheel controls. I am totally satisfied with the sound quality of my system now and would encourage you to continue with your quest. I posted on the subject of upgrading the JBL system a few months ago, check it out. If you want any more info just pm me and i will be happy to help you out.

Marauder · #10 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 02:15 PM

I upgraded mine a few months after buying my '06. I bypassed the stock amp and just bought a 1000 watt amp. Its a 5-channel and outputs 75 watts per channel to my 4 ohm 100 watt speakers. i can add a sub later.

I have a Pioneer headunit.

The system ROCKS! of course I had the standard single disc and 20 watt factory speakers. So this upgrade was a massive improvement. But the best thing you can do is add a quality amp with some power!

ZapcoTundra · #11 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 03:13 PM

theres alot of different opinions on what sounds good. i think the JBL system is crap, my dad has one in his avalon and i cant even listen to music in that thing. and the one in the tundras isnt any better, if you want something that sounds good you will have to upgrade...

i am working on the system in my truck, its gonna have 4 amps, an amp for the tweeters in the a pillar, an amp for a 4" mid in the kick and an amp for the 6.5" in the door and an amp on the sub. its Sound Quality oriented. but thats just me and what i want to do. i work in car audio so i cant just do a deck and 4 and be happy

in my opinion , get a 5 channel amp for your truck, that will take care of all the amplification needs you will have with what you mentioned.. you wont be disappointed. oh and for a head unit, go alpine, pioneer is c-r-a-p , polk speakers are decent,

just my 2 cents

Jason

Mike Rojas · #12 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZapcoTundra

oh and for a head unit, go alpine, pioneer is c-r-a-p , polk speakers are decent,

just my 2 cents

Jason

I happen to be vey pleased with my Pioneer HU and Polk speakers. I believe they much better than just decent. Please keep your negative comments to yourself.

ZapcoTundra · #13 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Rojas

I happen to be vey pleased with my Pioneer HU and Polk speakers. I believe they much better than just decent. Please keep your negative comments to yourself.

well, i wasnt trying to be rude, he was wondering what hu to go with and i gave my opinion, dont take that so harshly, i have to deal with pioneers hu problems on a weekly basis, so i know a little about it. and i didnt bash polk, i said they were decent, last time i checked decent wasnt a negative comment...
speakers will sound different TO EVERYONE, its all about personal taste, i personally dont like polk speakers, they are toooo bright, but thats just me. some people like tweeters that can raise the dead.

Mike Rojas · #14 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZapcoTundra

well, i wasnt trying to be rude, he was wondering what hu to go with and i gave my opinion, dont take that so harshly, i have to deal with pioneers hu problems on a weekly basis, so i know a little about it. and i didnt bash polk, i said they were decent, last time i checked decent wasnt a negative comment...
speakers will sound different TO EVERYONE, its all about personal taste, i personally dont like polk speakers, they are toooo bright, but thats just me. some people like tweeters that can raise the dead.

No problem,

"To Each His Own" i guess.

Mike

G2SSM · #15 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008, 02:20 PM

Thanks for all the opinions. Got my second speaker in the back door last night and used the plastic ring to bring it closer to the door. Sounded better but I agree with everyone that I need decent power ( and personally I want a new head unit to control my ipod).

The 5 channel amp sound interesting. May be going that way after a little research.

As for the sound quality of the JBL system. I guess it's all personal but I listen to the BOSE sound in my wifes Pathfinder LE and it is much nicer to listen to (IMHO). I am sure some hate it.

Some may think I'm pi$$ing $$ away but after spending on the kids for all those years (hockey killed me) .... time to buy myself something.