Now don't everyone slap me at once.

I like the sound system in my 4Runner but am use to a nice custom system in my other cars (Soundstream class A amps, Boston Pro Audio 10" subs, MB Quart seperates etc). I do not want to rip everything out of the 4Runner, just get a little better response from the sub. Has anyone done anything like get a better amp, different sub, tuning of the sound system etc?

 

I don't know that much about stereos, but my friend and I have BOTH just bought 2004's (he has the 10 speaker, I have the basic) and they are gutting everything and putting in a Nakamichi(sp) head unit and subs/speakers of that quality as well. I will have him post here on what hes done and the result if it helps, should be done in a few days.

I get to reap the benefits in the fact that I will be upgrading mine a biti form his parts Although we did a sound test and the midrange was a bit better in the basic head unit/speaker combo. Just a observation.

 

I don't like the amp that comes with the JBL... I often have people in the back complain about the lack of volume. I think changing the amp(2) would give you a higher sound quality.

 

The JBL amp is crap. It is tiny and locate on the subbox enclosure in the back. From my research and the posts, it is my understanding you can't just swap amps. The amp controls many of the head unit's controls and also you would have to change out all the speakers as well to maintain correct ohms. I will shoot some pics today of the install and post them here. I'm replacing everything with pretty solid equipment, while at the same time leaving the factory wiring intact, with out it even being used on the new system. This way everything can be replaced to stock when the truck goes bye bye

Finally, I don't see how the stock amp is suppose to drive 10 speakers, let alone a sub. The stock stereo sounds great at very low volume with the engine off. Any use beyond that is worthless, SD4runner's stock sytem hits harder at higher volume than the stock JBL 10 speaker. I venture to say the stock system is manufactured by Nakamichi. Being an audiophile and communting often to downtown San Diego from North County, I log some serious driving time. Its nice to have a get-away concert hall

 

To remove my stock headunit means I loose my DVD Navigation though. I did not want to do that. I certainly do not want to spend the $$$ to put in a complete aftermarket replacement system with Nav (I would go Alpine). Even though I have most of the speakers, all the amps and all the eq's I would need I do not want to go through that. IS there no way to get a little better bas response out of the system?

I cannot wait to see your pics.

 

http://community.webshots.com/user/doanlaw

 

Those are some nice pictures!

Btw how did you take the back panel off? I tried to remove it but I had problems. I guess I'll have to try it again but I'd like to know how you were able to remove the one fastener that holds down the top cargo net on the side.

Thanks!

 

Looks like an expensive stereo setup!

 

Hah! If i did this install it would be very expensive... Its being done across the street at Tweeters in Escondido, I'll ask Matt, the tech actually doing the job and email you.

 

Doanlaw, You are 100% correct about the amp controling some of the features... The volume is controled via the amp, not the head unit. With you car on, not running. Turn off the head unit, you will still hear a hiss. Plus, I've had my amp shut down... No sound and the volume controls wouldn't function, but the rest of the heads functions would.

I'd like to redo the system, but it never looks seemless/stock and I'm always worried about the plastic not going back right.

 

JGage, my concerns are similar. We would ahve to spend allot of cash to get a aftermarket headunit with a 7 inch screen and a DVD navigation that talks to you. This alone would be $2500 or so for Alpine/Nak etc gear. Then we would have to get new speakers, amps, eq's etc. We are talking $5k here before it is done. It would be better but I had hoped for a smaller solution. Oh well!

 

I don't have the Nav, so I wouldn't know or go that option.... I just want to play MP3s, use XM, and have better sound (in the rear and louder/dynamic.)

Oh well... I can actually live with the JBL 6dsc/10spk, but I feel like it's a waste of $800. It's a shame that I'm dring out to the beach with all the windows (sunroof) open, the stereo vol reads "MAX" and I can barely hear the music and my passangers can hear almost nothing.

 

Good Times:

You have to use a pin and wedge it the top undearth part and hold it in as you pop out the rivet. hard to explain, but if you look beneath the lip you can see what i am talking about. :pat: