Speakers

[Lone Solara]

Does anybody have any specs for the amp ? I found data for the speakers, but I have no idea what the amp can handle. Clearly, a 100 Watt RMS speaker would be overkill, since the amp can only do 270 Watts Peak total. So, anyone know what the amp can output per channel ?

One other question for those who got an aftermarket amp: are there wire adapters that use the existing connectors, or did you have to cut the existing harness ?

[solaris]

One other question for those who got an aftermarket amp: are there wire adapters that use the existing connectors, or did you have to cut the existing harness ?

i havent installed my aftermarket stereo yet but i've taken a look at the wiring of the stock HU and amplifier and i think we may have to cut wires...

[theprodigy79]

Does anybody have any specs for the amp ? I found data for the speakers, but I have no idea what the amp can handle. Clearly, a 100 Watt RMS speaker would be overkill, since the amp can only do 270 Watts Peak total. So, anyone know what the amp can output per channel ?

One other question for those who got an aftermarket amp: are there wire adapters that use the existing connectors, or did you have to cut the existing harness ?

Considering it's a 6 channel amp, that would lead one to believe that it puts out 45 peak watts per channel... however if I were to make an educated guestimate I'd say that it prolly puts out more on the lines of 50x4 & 35x2 or 60x4 & 15x2 (I doubt the front stages receive the same power as the 6x9s / 6.5s). Those are PEAK numbers, so I'd say a safe bet would be around 30wx4 RMS (and ditch the front stage)

[theprodigy79]

One other question for those who got an aftermarket amp: are there wire adapters that use the existing connectors, or did you have to cut the existing harness ?

i havent installed my aftermarket stereo yet but i've taken a look at the wiring of the stock HU and amplifier and i think we may have to cut wires...

I'm sure there are ways to adapt or splice, but the best way would be to simply bypass the factory amplifier if you intend to use an aftermarket unit... It's not usually a good idea (and can cause problems) if you run an amplifier (aftermarket headunit internal in this case) into an amplifier...

[solaris]

the stock HU has only L-, L+, R- & R+ output feeding the external amp. the external amp probably has some signal processor to process the inputs and convert them to 6 channel output

[joebxr]

the stock HU has only L-, L+, R- & R+ output feeding the external amp. the external amp probably has some signal processor to process the inputs and convert them to 6 channel output

"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 "

[swindler]

the stock HU has only L-, L+, R- & R+ output feeding the external amp. the external amp probably has some signal processor to process the inputs and convert them to 6 channel output

I heard a rumor (here we go again with unverified information) that the newer JBL/Toyota head units are not running a simple analog low-level signal of the L/R pair to the external amp, but a digital signal. The signal processing in the amplifier splits the signals into the various signal paths from there. Again, I heard that this was only for the newer JBL/Toyota units, and (as I recall) it was specifically addressing a car other than the Solara. But I was told that this essentially made the HU and amp a matched pair. If you replaced one, you needed to replace both.

I have no idea if applies to the Solara, or even if it is in fact true. But if someone knows, I'd be interested. Eventually, I'd like to re-amp the front speakers, and would like to know my options.

[solaris]

like joebxr said, the amp has Digital Signal Processor so the signal being fed to the amp is digital and not analog. if you're going for aftermarket amp, i think you really have to replace your HU.

[joebxr]

Exactly...the way this is setup from factory, the amp digitally takes LEFT & RIGHT input and splits into L & R, Frt and Rear, as well as split signal to front "high/mid range" dash spkrs. If you decide to upgrade, then it's best to go all the way.

I spoke with JBL today to see if I could get more info. Factory systems are developed by OEM division and DO NOT parallel any of the aftermarket systems they sell. Specs for the amp are not available, and not "divulged" by JBL. If Toyota won't provide the info, JBL cannot help. He did tell me to make sure if I replace the speakers and keep the remaining amp and HU, that I should make sure to match the ohm ratings. If factory spkrs are 2 ohm, they should be replaced with same. Problem is I can't find out what factory speakers are rated at. Looks like a good project for spring...I can wait that long considering how cold and snowy it is lately.