Swillbenson
Post-Delivery FeedbackJun 25, 2025
I installed JLAudio C1-650se component system on front dash, front door plus SoundSkin 2-door size product in my 2018 Toyota Highlander. SoundSkin a great product. Crutchfield MasterSheet, Metra Wiring Harnesses and Instructions were important in building my confidence to try this install. The harnesses and connectors are a great help to maintain correct polarity. The MasterSheet could be improved: Raise the window glass before removing the door panel. Otherwise access to sound deaden the outer door skin is blocked. No need to disconnect door lock and release cables, as their mounting bracket releases from the door panel. Gently remove the large plastic vapor barrier from the door to get access to install sound deadening on the outer door skin.
My install is not completely sucessful. A component system is riskier to install, with extra crossover parts. The stock radio has enough volume for my needs. The JLAudio 1" silk dome tweeter is a vast improvement over the stock 3" cheap paper cone tweeter. The stock 6" midrange was installed in a 6x9" carrier whose mounting holes look like a 6x9 replacement speaker could be installed. I get no volume at all from either of the JLAudio 6.5" midrange speakers. I will proceed with troubleshooting. Most likely I made a mistake. The Metra 72-8110 instructions talk about a mod to accommodate component systems by cutting a loop then running a remaining wire from the tweeter connector to the midrange in the door. That would be much harder than leaving the midrange wiring alone, then adding a short run inside the dash to modify each tweeter wiring to accomplish the same goal. Because Metra did not supply a schematic, it will take me longer to figure out what Metra was trying to accomplish. I may have to pull the radio to do some continuity checking with my VOM. If I pull the radio, I may decide to order a 50wx4 booster amp, new rear door speakers and more SoundSkins. Possibly a compact 8" under seat subwoofer. Unless Crutchfield could tell me if the cargo door panel is already wired to accept a subwoofer.
The stock wiring connects tweeter and midrange in parallel. On home hifi, sometimes a ballast resistor of a few ohms might be needed to equalize the db output of drivers in parallel. I expect JLAudio thought of that and the drivers have their crossovers adjusted to equalize driver efficiency when connected in parallel. A series connection would be a hassle to do and reduce the radio output by doubling the ohms load. But I could for sure get some output out of the 6" midrange.