How to upgrade JBL "premium" sound system

getech · #1 (**permalink**) 10-25-2006, 03:56 PM

I have a 04 Highlander Ltd. with the JBL sound sytem which is not very good. anyone know if and how to upgrade the amp and speakers? Where is the amp for that matter?

VTHighlander · #2 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006, 09:37 AM

Sorry I can;t help .. just surprised as the JBL "premium" sound system in our 06 limited rocks

LifeTech · #3 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VTHighlander

Sorry I can;t help .. just surprised as the JBL "premium" sound system in our 06 limited rocks

Why are yu "surprised" that getech is not happy with his JBL option?

He was merely asking for info on upgrading it.

A true audiophile understands that No Two people hear the same as well as expect the same nuances in different types of music.
This is so fundamental.

Great that yu are extremely happy with the JBL option!!

Yu obviously like ALOT of uncontrollable BASS at the sacrifice of mids and highs.. I don't fault yu however. Yu like it. Your types of music suit this system! The Boominess....

Having purchased the the 2006 H/L Limited myself, the JBL in my opinion was not a requisite choice for me.

To me, the JBL "premium" system in our 06 limited does NOT rock!
It doesn't even come close to my 2001 Avalon JBL system. (Avalon includes a separate subwoofer in rear shelf) It is much more refined.

But the JBL option is an adequate upgrade to the base radio. I don't expect more from Toyota. Lexus, a different story perhaps, and a different pricepoint for the Mark Levinson System of the RX350 and 400h. That system "ROCKS" as yu would say.

Yu see, I wanted the O/E Navigation and thus it was a required option.

I listened to many JBL's in many H/L's when shopping for the H/L for 2 years. I had tested many CD's of mine with the JBL. Wasn't crazy about it well prior to my purchase. But at least there was no surprises and accept what I have as far as quality from MY perceptions.

But, in the end your ears are different than mine and getech's.

I've been spoiled perhaps with more serious car audio in the past.

Regarding Upgrading, Leave the amp alone but change the speakers to a wider frequency response, perhaps better tweeters mounted higher above ear level of occupants. ( much too much Bass as is stock) add a mono channel amp for a high quality Subwoofer. Mount it behind third row if equipped like mine. The sub should have independant vol. and freq adjusts for fine tune ability.

PS, yu will have to scrap the complete JBL head unit if yu intend on removing the stock amp. It a digital design, and specific to this JBL H/U.

I could get specific about aftermarket equipment , but that's another thread and has been addressed elsewhere.
getech
Good luck

LT

getech · #4 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006, 07:15 PM

Wow, thanks for your input regarding upgrading my 04 Highlander JBL sound system. I was hoping i could exchange the existing amp with a more powerful one but will investigate better component speakers.

How difficult is it to integrate a mono amp for a subwoofer?

Thanks for the help!!

LifeTech · #5 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006, 08:05 PM

Crutchfield is a great resource. I don't feel It as complex as a complete replacemnt of the JBL. however I don't know what yu consider easy. It is not a 1 hour job if that's what yu mean!

goodluck

LT