1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Factory sound system less than adequate?

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by MM2020pro, Dec 11, 2020.

  1. Dec 11, 2020 at 12:19 PM
    #1
    MM2020pro

    MM2020pro [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2020
    Member:
    #18377
    Messages:
    20
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Pro
    or is the factory sound system less than adequate? I'm by no means an audiophile but the stereo system in my 2020 is lacking. When I first got my truck I was ecstatic with the sound, especially since I was previously listening to a 18 year old am/fm cassette player. Now 10 months later I guess the honeymoon is over.

    What are your thoughts about replacing the factory system and what have you done to improve sound quality?
     
  2. Dec 11, 2020 at 12:28 PM
    #2
    Jynarik

    Jynarik I like boobies

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2019
    Member:
    #10510
    Messages:
    2,183
    Gender:
    Male
    Austin Texas
    Vehicle:
    2019 trd pro voodoo
    I think the jbl sounds good
     
  3. Dec 11, 2020 at 12:28 PM
    #3
    dcaplan

    dcaplan New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2020
    Member:
    #17926
    Messages:
    70
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Drew
    Vehicle:
    2020 Venture Edition
    Honestly, I use Apple Carplay with Spotify using an OEM Apple cable and I find the sound pretty good! Is it as good as the Bose system in our Mazda CX-5? Nope. But certainly not bad at all in my mind.
     
  4. Dec 11, 2020 at 12:39 PM
    #4
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,412
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    If you're ok with the factory head unit, start by replacing the front door and dash speakers. Crutchfield.com can tell you what's compatible with your vehicle, and usually throws in whatever adapters you might need.

    https://www.crutchfield.com/

    I replaced the 6×9's with JL C1-690'S and am pretty pleased. Without an amp, they're not really louder than stock, but more crisp and with WAY better bass.

    If you're not going to add an amplifier, look at speakers with a high efficiency (SPL) rating. These will give you the most output possible with a low output head unit.
     
    MM2020pro[OP] likes this.
  5. Dec 11, 2020 at 12:57 PM
    #5
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2018
    Member:
    #5853
    Messages:
    4,621
    Gender:
    Male
    You have JBL or non JBL? (You should know by JBL label on headunit or the Subwoofer in the cargo area)

    I have no complains with JBL system on my Limited. It doesn't give a bass that shakes the lift gate but very nice sound. I do adjust the EQ to my taste.
     
    7385 likes this.
  6. Dec 11, 2020 at 3:57 PM
    #6
    Keukasmallie

    Keukasmallie New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2019
    Member:
    #9414
    Messages:
    27
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Vehicle:
    2019 Silver SR5 Premium
    I'm not an expert in radio or sound system quality, so I can't comment on your concern. However, I have no love for my 2019 4Runner's other technical components. For example, it is impossible to unlock the driver door with the fob from any distance beyond having your hand on the door handle as the door relocks immediately. Annoying in the extreme. My last Toyota in any event.
     
  7. Dec 11, 2020 at 4:06 PM
    #7
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,412
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Huh? It re-locks after 30 seconds if you don't open a door. If it's locking itself instantly, there's something wrong.

    The 4runner surely isn't aimed at the technology crowd. If you were looking for gadgets and fancy electronic features, you chose basically the worst vehicle on the planet.

    You might want to check out a different model before dismissing Toyota as a brand.
     
    BionicRandy, Red_5, catus and 2 others like this.
  8. Dec 11, 2020 at 4:07 PM
    #8
    ForRun

    ForRun 4Runner

    Joined:
    May 25, 2019
    Member:
    #10019
    Messages:
    3,045
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 orp
    Anyone try oem audio plus? I usually go all out and regret spending the cash later
     
  9. Dec 11, 2020 at 4:10 PM
    #9
    ForRun

    ForRun 4Runner

    Joined:
    May 25, 2019
    Member:
    #10019
    Messages:
    3,045
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 orp
    Op, here ya go. This should keep anyone happy

    DEF006E5-482A-4234-89D7-683D8F042253.jpg
     
  10. Dec 12, 2020 at 12:34 PM
    #10
    Tama1968

    Tama1968 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Member:
    #1353
    Messages:
    671
    Gender:
    Male
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    T4R SR5 in Classic Silver
    My 2019 SR5's remote works from at least 30' away. Overall my only gripe about the Runner is the lack of acceleration. It's like 0-60...eventually.
     
  11. Jan 3, 2021 at 12:01 AM
    #11
    codylouie

    codylouie Dog lover

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2020
    Member:
    #12564
    Messages:
    12
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Leann
    Vehicle:
    2020 White 4Runner TRD Pro
    Have a question regarding the JBL sub that came in my 2020 4Runner. I hear/feel virtually nothing from this sub - is there a gain control anywhere to help solve the problem. Can’t find any details on this - your help would be very appreciated. Thank you.
     
  12. Jan 3, 2021 at 5:58 AM
    #12
    ForRun

    ForRun 4Runner

    Joined:
    May 25, 2019
    Member:
    #10019
    Messages:
    3,045
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 orp
    No gain control just high, mid and bass ajustment
     
  13. Apr 28, 2021 at 6:52 AM
    #13
    johnnyleisure

    johnnyleisure New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2021
    Member:
    #21175
    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Male
    I definitely have the same issue in my 2021 TRD Pro. It's loaded with what I believe is their top of the line audio system for the 4runner (JBL). I've walked around to the back and put my hand on the subwoofer. I can feel slight vibration so it's getting a signal, and can hear slight bass. But that's it. Even heavy 808s aren't making it through.

    Very disappointed with the stereo overall. Mids are muddy and the high end is shrill. Can't really EQ my way out of what I'd call average or below average sound.

    I also have a Wrangler with their stepped up OEM Alpine system and it's not even close how much better that sounds.
     
  14. Apr 28, 2021 at 8:03 AM
    #14
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,412
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch

    What are 808's?

    This makes me glad I didn't buy a 4Runner with the JBL system. The base stereo certainly isn't high fidelity, but it's not that bad. I've upgraded the front door speakers and it's nice enough that I'm not in a hurry to replace everything. Eventually, I'll do the rest of the speakers and a better head unit, though.
     
  15. Apr 28, 2021 at 8:11 AM
    #15
    johnnyleisure

    johnnyleisure New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2021
    Member:
    #21175
    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Male
    An 808 is a drum machine that makes a super low bass sound. Very popular these days in rap music. It's a basically a sound custom made to make a subwoofer rumble. Except mine ain't a-rumblin'!
     
    Thatbassguy[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Apr 28, 2021 at 10:09 AM
    #16
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,412
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Interesting. I had to google it out of curiosity. A lot of articles about mixing them. It sounds like they fall mostly between 50-100HZ.

    Reminded me of recording an album in my wannabe Rockstar days. The bass sounded weak, so I asked the engineer to adjust it. He boosted it around 115HZ which sounded nice, but still lacked power.

    Then he tells me he ran me through a high-pass filter at 80HZ! I'm like WTF?? My low B root note is 31HZ. most of what I play falls between there and around 110HZ.

    Obviously overtones are higher, so it sounds fine but just doesn't have any authority.

    He told me that's a common trick to make recordings sound cleaner. I was pissed. We weren't a pop band. We wanted it to sound like old dirty rock and roll! :mad:


    To the topic of that subwoofer; It's just too small to reproduce any low note accurately IMO. I had a single 12" sub in my '94 in a sealed box I built, and that had some balls!
     
  17. Apr 28, 2021 at 11:52 AM
    #17
    FauxRunner

    FauxRunner New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2021
    Member:
    #21182
    Messages:
    1
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 White Trd Pro
    None...yet.
    I was wondering about OEM audio plus as well. The couple of reviews on the website were positive but I had never heard of them before my google search. Also I’m not sure what the option is for a ‘21 with the JBL stereo.

    My other thought was to just wire up the 10” sub and amp I pulled out of my old Honda when I sold it a few years ago...
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  18. Apr 29, 2021 at 5:54 AM
    #18
    21TOR

    21TOR New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2021
    Member:
    #19485
    Messages:
    178
    Gender:
    Male
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2018 4Runner
    Some
    I considered OEM audio, but opted to piece my own together for less than half the cost, we shall see if I am successful once I get it all hooked up and tuned.
     
  19. May 26, 2021 at 8:41 AM
    #19
    ManVan18

    ManVan18 New Member

    Joined:
    May 26, 2021
    Member:
    #21664
    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Josh
    Vehicle:
    2018 4runner Limited
    So this may seem counter-ituitive, but I'm actually considering "down-grading" my audio. As it's been stated here, the factory JBL sub is mediocre, and I'd prefer the storage space I see around the wheel well of 4runners that don't have the JBL package.

    I'd like to ditch the sub and the Amp for storage, but my front speakers quit when I unplug the Amp.
    Does anyone know if removing the Amp would require installing an entire new stereo?
     
  20. May 26, 2021 at 8:50 AM
    #20
    Red_5

    Red_5 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2020
    Member:
    #15378
    Messages:
    386
    FWIW, the JBL BassPro SL2 fits under the driver's seat and adds some really nice low-end to the stock stereo. Nothing that'll rattle your windows, but a much richer sound.

    On mine, I've used the basic-ass factory EQ sliders to get quite nice sound when using CarPlay. Having a hard time getting the same sound out of SiriusXM.

    https://www.crutchfield.com/p_109BASPRO2/JBL-BassPro-SL-2.html
     
  21. Aug 1, 2021 at 10:41 AM
    #21
    kickboxingpenguin

    kickboxingpenguin New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2021
    Member:
    #22595
    Messages:
    11
    The speakers pass through the amp, so you'll need to rewire the speakers to make them work again.

    You could just remove the sub if you want more space, but at the end of the day, I'm not sure how much space savings you'll get from that, much less the amp.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top