2014+ Crewmax (w/JBL) JL Audio System Build Recommendations

I was stoked to take delivery of a 2021 TRD Pro last month after a 4 month wait, but the "premium" JBL sound system has just got to go!

I've been researching audio systems, and have made these decisions thus far:

• Keep stock head unit
• Replace and/or disconnect all stock JBL speakers
• Add JL Audio sub box behind back seat
  
• Replace stock JBL amp w/ 1 or 2 amps
• Add sound/rattle deadening material wherever it is needed without going overboard

I listen to all types of music, but mostly listen to Rock, Reggae, and Acoustic Music and appreciate accurate sound reproduction vs. systems made primarily to go boom.

My budget it 3-4K, including installation. There are a half-dozen JL Audio Signature Dealers near SLC, Utah, and I will likely get recommendations & quotes from those dealers.

Before I talk to the local JL Audio dealers, would really appreciate anyone willing to share your build similar to one I am considering, why you made the choices you made, any problems you experienced, how much you spent (DM is fine), suggestions for getting the best price, and what you would do differently if you did it over again.

Thanks!

 

You will see a lot of people on here reference @james@tech12volts for good reason. He specializes in Tundra audio and builds custom boxes just for our trucks. You can do everything you want and then some with the budget you have. He carries all kinds of brands but I know a lot of people have gone with full JL Audio systems from him. Hit him up at tech12volt@gmail.com and he can put together a package for you. First class products and customer service.

 

SLC_Scott (check this out)

Alright MadMitch and other JBL Premium disappointed listeners......
here is the real fix for your tunes.
https://www.tundras.com/posts/1848972/


Custom Sub Enclosure for CrewMax Dual Sub's

JBL Audio Club 5505 5 Channel Amp

Hertz K170 6.5 Components Front

Hertz K170 6.5 Components Rear

JL Audio 10W0v3 10 inch Subwoofers

Speaker Mounting Brackets for Doors with Harnesses

JBL Factory System HeadUnit Toyota Tundra DSR1 Processor & Harness For JBL

RdKing

 

Are you certain about this? It will definitely hold you back.

Second the recommendation for Tech12Volts. You can have a killer new system that replaces everything for under $3k if you decide to install yourself.

Here is what I did -
Kenwood HU with Maestro and dash kit
2 sets of JL 6.5” C1 components for doors
2 10” JL W0 subs in Tech12volts ported enclosure
JL RD 900/5 amp
Kenwood 3.5” coaxial for dash corners
Tech12volts custom JL C1 tweeters for center dash
A case of Dynamat

Install a took approximately 15 hours - 9-10 hours for sound deadening and 5-6 hours for the HU/amp/speakers install.

 

I went down the same road as you (only mine is not jbl)
https://www.tundras.com/threads/the-stereo-slow-build-begins.17397/

Its a bit of a long read, and the final steps still arent finished, but this should give you a good idea.
Let me know if you have any questions.
I bought 95% of my audio equipment from james at tech12volt, he's gone out of his way to help me out in the past. great guy with great prices.

 

I replaced and bypassed everything in mine (1794 JBL)

https://www.tundras.com/threads/2017-tundra-audio-project.35704/

 

Have any pics of the install?

 

A few... what are you looking for? Just finished product?

 

Yeah that would be great. I'm getting ready to start from scratch on mine after a terrible experience with a shop here in Tucson. Looking for some inspiration.

 

Holy F - I see you're in OV. Feel free to come by to take a close look and listen if you'd like. I'd be happy to help. I'll send you some pics later today.

 

Ok....I kept the stock head unit....did dsr1 a 900 jl 5 channel amp two jl 10 inch subs c1 jl speakers across the dash and jlc2's in the doors...Now after two years and hearing other folks systems that replaced the headunit I'm going that route most likely. While the dsr1 is the best of the best at cleaning up a signal there is nothing better than a good head unit. I'm probably going to get the Kenwood 1057 echelon. If I had to do it over again I would get a monoblock amp for subs at least 500 w....6 to 8 channel amp for everything else...audiophile headunit. Lots of great speakers out there....Your budget can handle all of this including adding sound deadening material to the doors and floor during install. Cheers....

 

Here are some pics of the deadening process -





You can see I made the rookie mistake of not spray painting the speaker mounts black... it’s not noticeable except for the front doors when the light hits just right.

 

Pics of HU -

Boot up screen

CarPlay FTW

Extra gauges

 

Dash setup

RD 900/5 under passenger seat

Still enough room to carry all my crap everywhere.

 

Thanks neighbor!

 

Thanks for posting all the pics!

 

That Kenwood HU looks like a DMX957XR. Did you consider the 1057 too? Just curious.

 

It is a DMX906S. I did this before the 10" floating screens were available from Kenwood. If the 1057 was available I probably would have bought it but after seeing a couple complaints about those screens bouncing and looking unfinished from the sides, I'm glad I ended up with a model that sits in the dash. Only downside is it is beyond cramped behind the HU between the HU, wiring, and Maestro.

 

Did my system few months back, kept factory head unit (non JBL), JL C5 650 in front doors and JL C3 650 in rear doors, Alpine PDX-V9 5 channel amp with a Audison Bit 10D processor...also deadened all doors, back wall and floor, sounds amazing, but will eventually get new aftermarket HU....good luck with yours!

 

What is the left and right channel dash speaker James sold???

 

James offers a variety of setups for the dash. I got the the speakers shown in post 14 in a package from James. I know he also offers (or did) a package that has 2.5” speakers in the corners and another that just has the JL C1 tweeters all the way across.

 

I was just curious as to what brand and size those were ....

 

Mine are 3.5”

$72 Kenwood KFC-X3C 3.5" Mid Range Car Speaker with Silk Balanced Dome Tweeters for Chrysler/Toyota/Others, 120 Watts Max Power (Pair)

Kenwood KFC-X3C. Some people have reported they can’t get them to fit.

 

I was just curious...when I got mine it was the 3/4 JL C1's straight across....Now I really want to replace the headunit. James claims he can't get the Kenwood 1057 which is really interesting considering others seem to be able to get it. In stock right now at Crutchfield.

 

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