Car Stereos: 04 tundra with jbl system, entry level models, rockford fosgate

Question
Hi Brian, I have an 04 tundra with the jbl system and would like to install an aftermarket amplifier and replace my speakers. I am an avid installer and now understand how this system works. I don't want to spend a lot of money on a aftermarket radio because I have the steering wheel controls in my truck and would like to retain them. My question is, since everything is controlled by this jbl amplifier, can you install an aftermarket amplifier after the jbl amplifier retaining your fade and volume functions.

Answer
Hi Jerry,

You can certainly connect a new amplifier to the outputs from the factory amp, but it won't be as simple as just connecting a 4-channel line output converter or a set of high-level inputs.  The problem is that the JBL amplifier is a 6-channel system with a built-in crossover.  While the rear speaker outputs carry the full audio range, the front outputs are divided into separate channels for the component woofer and tweeter on each side.  This means that there's no single full-range channel that can be connected to your amplifier for the front speakers; you'd have to combine the woofer and tweeter channels to get the entire audio range.  This is called "summing", and it's a common feature of OEM integration processors.  For example, AudioControl's LC-7 processor would probably work very well for you:

http://www.sound-better.net/Support/Manuals/Autosound/LC7_OM.pdf


Other devices are available from AudioControl, Rockford Fosgate, JL Audio and others.

I'd also note that it's possible to install an after-market head unit and retain the steering wheel control features.  You just need a special adapter interface, like Metra's new ASWC adapter, along with a head unit that includes a wired remote input connection.  Most head unit manufacturers offer this feature, though not usually in the entry-level models.  If you decide to upgrade to a double-DIN mobile video or navigation head unit, then it's very likely that you can keep the factory steering wheel controls working with the new system.

Hope this helps!

Brian