Want to add sub to JBL HU

[made in china]

HI, I know that the stock JBL HU in my 2001 has a seperate amp. And I also know that the stereo has heavy equalization that makes the bass stronger at lower volumes (loudness function basically). In my 2001 QX4, I was able to pick up the signal between the BOSE HU and BOSE amps and use that to run a set of subs. I found that BEFORE the amp, there is no equalization. In the BOSE setup, all EQ is handled by the amps. Is the JBL HU in our cars similar?? Anyone who has tried to add a sub to a factory system has probably found that the bass is way too heavy at low volumes and relatively weak at higher volumes, and the whole setup sounds like poo this way.

Also, does anyone know the wiring schematic or colors of the wires between the HU and amp?? I'd like to give it a try, I really like the stock JBL system, just needs more bottom end. TIA

[cam2Xrunner]

I believe the equalization is done at the amp. A Line Out convertor may or may not work off an unamplified signal. Not sure on that one.

PM me your email address, I will send you the wiring schematic

For a good LOC, check out the N-85V from www.davidnavone.com

[made in china]

Normally the signal between a stock HU and outboard amp can be wired directly into the speaker level inputs of most amps that have this input, and you just set that level to a sensitive value. Also, this signal can be fed into RCAs directly if the new amp has a wide range for it's voltage input. This is just from my experience with Bose and other Japanese applications. Most signal levels in OEM are between 2V-8V to keep the noise at a minimum.

BTW, thx for your help.

[cam2Xrunner]

YGM

[pythonjosh]

hey cam2xrunner, can ya send me the schematic too?

Sorry I don't know much about the specs of the stock sound system, it's better to go aftermarket anyways. I remember the day I ripped out all my old OEM system, god was that a pain.

[cam2Xrunner]

hey cam2xrunner, can ya send me the schematic too?

Sorry I don't know much about the specs of the stock sound system, it's better to go aftermarket anyways. I remember the day I ripped out all my old OEM system, god was that a pain.

No problem, PM me your email address and weather or not you have JBL.

[pythonjosh]

My email is in the links below my every post.
And I used to have JBL, but this is a schematic i could really use pertaining to the charge of the wires and where they go, ie fuses/relays and stuff. Do you have other Solara electrical schematics too? Specifically I'm looking for the 30 second timer relay and fuse(s) that control the windows and moonroof after the ignition is taken out of the ON position. Thanks man,
Josh

[cam2Xrunner]

I'll look into it..

[briandayton]

if you tied it to the rear then try to faid it to the front a littile this works alot if the time. also you may want to consider a line output converter with some more adjustability. also the JBL system puts out very low voltage you may need to meter it.

[made in china]

if you tied it to the rear then try to faid it to the front a littile this works alot if the time. also you may want to consider a line output converter with some more adjustability. also the JBL system puts out very low voltage you may need to meter it.

The JBL, like most premium OEM HU is very bass heavy at low volumes to make the system sound beefier. Usually this bass-heavy equalization is done with circuitry in the amplifier. As you turn up the volume, the bass goes down in relation to the rest of the music. This way Toyota can use the HU in several types of cars and the amps can be custom tailored to the actual car if needed. So, fading the rear when the signal is pulled from the rear speakers is the worst way to go about it. You will need to fade every time you adjust the volume. When you are adjusted for the right amount of bass at low volume, it's too weak at higher volumes. Just right at high volume, its too strong at lower volumes. Just pull the signal from before the amp.

[pythonjosh]

Just pull the signal from before the amp.

Easier said than done. Better to go aftermarket HU + amp. Boy was that a fun day on my car......But now I know all the wires necessary.

[solaris]

Just pull the signal from before the amp.

the signal coming from the HU is digital. the external amp has a digital signal processor.

[made in china]

Just pull the signal from before the amp.

the signal coming from the HU is digital. the external amp has a digital signal processor.

How do you figure?? It is analog. All Toyotas are analog between HU and Amp. The processor inside the amp is for equalization, there is no digital anything inside the amp.

[made in china]

Just pull the signal from before the amp.

Easier said than done. Better to go aftermarket HU + amp. Boy was that a fun day on my car......But now I know all the wires necessary.

Pull the HU out and tap into the wires going to the amp. Cam2xrunner was nice enough to send the schematics to me.

Man, aftermarket may be preferred by younger guys, but as I approach 30, I am getting tired of the aftermarket scene. Especially since alot of the HUs out there are single DIn and the double DIN HUs are usually silver and have outlandish displays, I dont feel like making my car look like a unfinished project. The JBL system is super good, actually. I would bet that most people can not improve the SQ of the JBL system without either spending alot of money or just getting plain lucky finding aftermarket stuff that sounds as good. Adding quality bass to a relatively good OEM HU like BOSE or JBL can improve the SQ many times over.

I would def consider aftermarket if I could find a good double DIN HU that looked OEM in my car, i.e. not silver or adorned with flashing graphics and blue LEDs. I like the control of a good HU like Alpine, but I don't like single DIN in a double DIN car and I really hate silver colored HUs in any car except a Civic or Cavalier. I used to get compliments from the Infiniti techs when they heard how good my OEM Bose sounded, it can be done is my point.

[solaris]

Just pull the signal from before the amp.

the signal coming from the HU is digital. the external amp has a digital signal processor.

How do you figure?? It is analog. All Toyotas are analog between HU and Amp. The processor inside the amp is for equalization, there is no digital anything inside the amp.

"AMPLIFIER
(1) 6-Channel Digital Signal Processing (DSP) amplifier delivers 270 watts of pure JBL audio system power.
• The amplifier’s onboard DSP converts the incoming audio signal (CD, broadcast) into multiple channels, delivering specific information to each of the JBL premium audio system’s loudspeakers, ensuring optimum imaging to each of the vehicle’s seating locations
• Each of the amplifier’s output channels delivers a specific amount of power to each of the Solara’s loudspeakers, optimizing output and imaging, regardless of the music source.
• A sophisticated signal mixer blends the amplified signals into a superb stereo listening experience for all of the vehicle's occupants "