My JBL audio system upgrade adventure for decent sound. Review of Trailgridpro set and Beatsonic Encore X.

[JayTech]

I have already covered this on previous replies.

Ah I did not see that during my first read through. I have found even with a lot of tweaking the factory sub seems to be very lacking as a lot of bass seems to come from the door speakers(changing balance to rear seems to kill almost all the bass completely). I am looking at options for making my own enclosure and putting in an aftermarket amp and sub using a line out convertor like I did with my Civic.

Sponsored

 

[Sooner93]

I purchased my first new 4Runner Limited (Hybrid) this week. After reading up prior to delivery, I knew the limitations with the JBL system and purchased the BeatSonic ENA-3T3 (which I immediately installed). I do think it helped, but agree about the lack of sound coming from the rear sub. I will be doing sound deadening in the doors this weekend as well.
Is there a simple method to possibly replace the factory sub with a better one and increase the gain to it? I'd strongly prefer to not have a separate sub enclosure (as I use the cargo area frequently) and just improve the existing one. I have looked at the new wiring harnesses and LOC from TacoTunes. Would it be as simple as using their harness to tap into the system amp and add a second amp for the factory (or replaced factory) sub in its current place? Could I just adjust the gain on the sub amp to blend in (so I'm not having to use a separate bass volume control knob)? I'd like to keep all volume at the head unit and just add some deeper bass from behind. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ToyoTech808]

I purchased my first new 4Runner Limited (Hybrid) this week. After reading up prior to delivery, I knew the limitations with the JBL system and purchased the BeatSonic ENA-3T3 (which I immediately installed). I do think it helped, but agree about the lack of sound coming from the rear sub. I will be doing sound deadening in the doors this weekend as well.
Is there a simple method to possibly replace the factory sub with a better one and increase the gain to it? I'd strongly prefer to not have a separate sub enclosure (as I use the cargo area frequently) and just improve the existing one. I have looked at the new wiring harnesses and LOC from TacoTunes. Would it be as simple as using their harness to tap into the system amp and add a second amp for the factory (or replaced factory) sub in its current place? Could I just adjust the gain on the sub amp to blend in (so I'm not having to use a separate bass volume control knob)? I'd like to keep all volume at the head unit and just add some deeper bass from behind. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Simple. Just as I recommended. Take out the ENA and put in the ENX DSP. Tune and thank me later.

 

[Nitricwave]

The sub frequencies still sucked. After much research I had got the beatsonic encore x even though it says it does not work with JBL systems.

Few questions for you about this Beat Sonic encore x,

1. Beat sonic loudly claims that this encore x is not compatible with the JBL systems, I see that you got it working which makes me wounder why they would say it does not work. Did you lose any functionally or was the volume not as amplified as the alpha series "inline amps" are? Did you previously have the "inline amp" version before switching to the DSP?

2. With the DSP "encore x" were you able to (or would you be able to) in the software change the sound stage in a way to create a surround sound effect in the cabin, coming from a car with a surround sound system it feels like all the sound in the stock JBL comes from the front dash and there is no depth or width in the sound stage of the cabin.

Thanks

 

[Archer]

Following...


.

 

[ToyoTech808]

Few questions for you about this Beat Sonic encore x,

1. Beat sonic loudly claims that this encore x is not compatible with the JBL systems, I see that you got it working which makes me wounder why they would say it does not work. Did you lose any functionally or was the volume not as amplified as the alpha series "inline amps" are? Did you previously have the "inline amp" version before switching to the DSP?

2. With the DSP "encore x" were you able to (or would you be able to) in the software change the sound stage in a way to create a surround sound effect in the cabin, coming from a car with a surround sound system it feels like all the sound in the stock JBL comes from the front dash and there is no depth or width in the sound stage of the cabin.

Thanks

The DSP and online amp use the same wireharness pretty much. The only difference is your able to use a program to adjust different audio settings.
I believe Beatsonic does not say it is compatible due to all the functions of the program not working as it should. Reason being is that for the JBL systems it takes the front left and front right signal and only uses those which go to the factory amplifier which is also the processor. Since it only uses 2 channels, the time alignment, the individual channel adjustments, and cross overs will not function. All of that is handled in the factory amplifier. For that reason im sure beatsonic says its not compatible.

Your soundstaging question, you are not able to adjust much for soundstaging as it is essentially only 2 channels. I did use the fader on the audio unit and put it 1 click back so the fronts is not so overpowering. You can mess with the time alignment settings in the program but it wont be accurate as you can not adjust each channel individually.

Overall people try to chase more out of the factory sub or sound quality, the DSP is the best and Cheapest option. If cost is not an issue you can rip everything out and replace everything with aftermarket including amps and a DSP.

 

[Nitricwave]

Overall people try to chase more out of the factory sub or sound quality, the DSP is the best and Cheapest option. If cost is not an issue you can rip everything out and replace everything with aftermarket including amps and a DSP.

The idea of having a DSP and tuning it does sound nice to me, did the Beatsonic DSP increase your volume/gain like the normal inline amp beatsonics? If i can get both a DSP and a increase in volume that would be nice. If so is it done through the software?

Thanks,

 

[ToyoTech808]

The idea of having a DSP and tuning it does sound nice to me, did the Beatsonic DSP increase your volume/gain like the normal inline amp beatsonics? If i can get both a DSP and a increase in volume that would be nice. If so is it done through the software?

Thanks,

Volume wise I dont think you'll ever max it out at #62. The encore x is a line level booster but, when tunning the eq curve you are essentially cutting certain frequencies. In my current setup I mainly listen at around volume 30-32 when I listen to something loud it would be around volume 40-50 depending on the song and how it was recorded. I use YouTube music as my source at the highest quality. I never did listen to it at max level.

 

[mesarat]

The audio unit eq is only Lo Mid Hi settings. You can not adjust individual frequencies like the DSP beatsonic Encore X. You would need a laptop and other equipment to tune the sysytem.

The Beatsonic alpha is only a line level booster and there is no eq adjustments.

This is the Alpha line level booster
https://www.beatsonicusa.com/products/ena-2t3?variant=44580022911127

This is the line level booster with DSP.
https://www.beatsonicusa.com/products/enx-t330

A little late to this party but am interested in upgrading the base system. Question on the ENX - can you permantely connect and run a USB cable through the glove box or some other access point so the settings can be changed without having to access the ENX? Or do you have to physically access the ENX to make changes? I don't have windows so I can't look at the software - plan on using a friends computer if I go this route.

I am leaning towrds installing the Trail Grid Pro Alpine speaker upgrade with the ENX or ENA. Appreciate any and all input. Thanks in advance.

 

[ToyoTech808]

A little late to this party but am interested in upgrading the base system. Question on the ENX - can you permantely connect and run a USB cable through the glove box or some other access point so the settings can be changed without having to access the ENX? Or do you have to physically access the ENX to make changes? I don't have windows so I can't look at the software - plan on using a friends computer if I go this route.

I am leaning towrds installing the Trail Grid Pro Alpine speaker upgrade with the ENX or ENA. Appreciate any and all input. Thanks in advance.

Yes you can just leave a usb cable connected to the unit and run it so you can access it at anytime without accessing the whole unit. For a base audio system you would be able to take advantage of all the features and functions of the program.

Sponsored