I agree 100%, please keep us posted.

 

Whine all you like - it is what it is. OEM audio systems ALL suck, its just a matter of degrees. You'll accomplish nothing but to waste your energy and time. If its really a big deal then go buy an aftermarket system and get on with your life.

What you're doing here is frankly kind of pathetic. All of the system's shortcomings were readily demonstrable before you bought a car. Admit you failed to check it out adequately.

 

You're not the first to rant on this, or even to threaten legal action. However, you don't have a leg to stand on here. You bought a product. Your product works the same as every other of the same product, new on the lot and on the streets, and according to Toyota is "normal operation". Unlike 90% of other "products" sold in the world you can actually try this one before you buy it. It hasn't "failed", nor is it any worse than when you tested it and purchased it brand new. No doubt the jbl system sucks. But you can't take legal action because you don't find the sound system performs as well as you'd like. You simply don't buy it. I specifically didn't get the tech package because the non jbl limited trim system doesn't have those issues.
I get your frustration, but you won't get anywhere with this.

 

For one, I am with the OP.
Granted he could have tested all this before he bought but there is only so much you can test.
From having been on the forum for years, I know that JBL implementation was crap even in the 4.3 RAV4. Same thing goes for Navigation.

That being said, I believe that those people paying extra for a premium sound system, deserve a premium sound system. However, I do not know what the minimum requirements of a premium sound system should be.

FYI, I have a 2015 Acura TLX with premimum ELS sound system. Some critics says that the ELS system is a good one. https://www.edmunds.com/acura/tlx/2...-term-road-test/2015-acura-tlx-critics-agree-els-audio-is-pretty-darn-good.html . I can say that it is better than my Base 2008 RAV4. For one it has more speakers but I am not terribly impressed by it. I listen to Rock and Metal.

 

That being said, I believe that those people paying extra for a premium sound system, deserve a premium sound system.

Compared to the standard system, that's exactly what it is. So this argument holds no water. Failing to adequately investigate the system before buying is no excuse for whining.

 

How much R&D went into this system? They basically threw a bunch of speakers in a car, paired them with a crappy amp and called it a day. The base system in our BMW X3 craps all over JBL's Greenmehhdge.

 

The base system in our BMW X3 craps all over JBL's Greenmehhdge.

And your point is what? How is this even relevant?

 

Here is a thread I started on the subject for further info. http://www.rav4world.com/forums/109...av4-hybrid-ev/246506-buying-new-rav4-refuse-pay-premium-audio-if-installed.html

 

I have noticed same issues since getting Rav 4 hybrid .. please keep me posted

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

 

I have it in my limited and it sucks. Standard radio in my 2012 Camry SE sounds better. I am with anyone that might get us a better sound. Front to back speaker is horrible

 

I have to agree with the OP that the ‘premium’ audio system is weak. Better than the base system, yes.

For reference I have a Bang & Olufsen system in my Audi that is very good.

 

I am 100% agree! I have a 2016 SE and I feel like any other stereo system sounds better than mine.

 

I have a 2103 with the Green Edge system and I find it not too bad.

I have worked as an audio engineer for over 16 years. I have pretty good ears, and I trust them. I run my system flat except for sometimes giving a slight dip in the mid band. I listen to lots of different styles of music and find the overall balance of frequency to be just fine. And that includes the sub.

I think it's important to remember that it is a car, not an ideal listening environment. I accept it for what it is. It had lots of background noise. It has multiple speakers in multiple locations which creates phase issues and comb filtering that will emphasize some frequencies and attenuate others. Those will get emphasized when you turn up the volume. Siting closer to the sub will produce less bass depending on the frequency because you aren't hearing the full cycle of the wave (but you hear it outside the car).

If you really want to evaluate your interior for the audio response, forget random frequencies. Run some pink noise and use a measurement mic.

 

I have a 2103 with the Green Edge system and I find it not too bad.

Of course. I would expect an audio system from the 22nd century to be "not too bad."

 

The issue I have with mine is that the sound quality is different between different input sources. From what I have read on this forum, this seems to be an across the board issue. AM and FM stations are absolutely horrid to the point I don't even bother with them. However, there is a somewhat decent sound from the CD and USB input/MP3. Where the original poster may be onto something is in this difference, not the overall poor performance. You have the same unit/speaker setup giving off different results depending on the source. THAT is what should be focused on in my opinion. You don't have to be a sound engineer to actually hear the difference when you change nothing but the source, no matter how you have everything else setup.

Personally, if Toyota would fix just the AM/FM issue to where it sounds the same as CD/MP3, I could live with that. However, if you get them to admit just that much in either an arbitration case or a court case, then it shouldn't be too much of an issue to convince them to address the bigger issue of overall poor performance for something a premium price was attached to.

 

Well, maybe you do need to be a sound engineer.

What type of radio broadcast are you talking about? HD or standard? I don't listen to music on the radio really, but I think the HD sounds decent enough.

What is the standard definition of HD radio? What is the frequency response?

Satellite radio has crappy fidelity. Are the songs you're playing off your phone MP3 or lossless compressed files?

MP3 is compressed data (a little off the top and bottom) and will always sound inferior to a CD, which is based on the theoretical limits of human hearing (Nyquist theory).

Do you have additional EQ settings active on your phone/playback device? That will affect your sound as well.

Radio broadcast as well ads further process to the source signal. Modern music already has the life squeezed out of it through the use of compression. Radio broadcast puts it through another limiter stage still. This over-compression will indeed makes the same song sound different on a radio or a CD. Make that CD a ****ty MP3 and it'll sound different still.

The OP was definitely unsatisfied with the quality of sound from the system overall, not tonal or volume discrepancies based on source. Different sources will indeed sound different, even if you are comparing by playing the same song. I would argue, that if people are able to notice these differences, the system is actually working just fine.

If there were a technical defect, like the sub channels being wired out of phase, you might have grounds for a class action suit. But, if you simply find the system fidelity not to your liking (which can be subjective), or don't like that a CD, MP3, and the radio all sound different (which is actually normal), then all you're really doing is having Toyota pay their lawyers to do a bunch of busy work, which will only make your next Rav4 even more expensive.

Karl

 

I fixed my radio problem. I traded my 2017 limited for a Lexus NX200T F SPORT

 

How much did the upgrade run you?

 

About 4K. I had traded in a Camry on the Rav so I had a lot of equity in the Rav. Well worth it IMO. I think the NX looks more like a guy car. Love the seats and look of the NX.

 

Congrats on the NX! It's an awesome vehicle and Lexus customer service is great as well!

It was funny to hear you traded your RAV for an NX F Sport though because I just did the opposite. lol. I just traded in a 2015 NX200T F Sport (fully loaded Canadian version with adaptive variable suspension) in on a 2018 RAV4 Limited. I really liked the engine, handling, looks, INTERIOR QUALITY, and I did like the seats around town...I personally don't find the stereo any better on the NX though (I actually prefer the RAV4 JBL system so far), BUT I think that is due to personal preference with audio as described below. I also wouldn't be surprised if the people that don't like the JBL system would also prefer the system in the NX.

Now I know I am not going to be popular on this thread with this post but here it goes

So far I am actually pleasantly surprised with the JBL stereo in the RAV4. I have the bass turned up around 3, the mids turned back 1, and the treble turned back 2. I only have 40 KM's on the RAV so far though, with no highway trips yet as I just took possession on Dec.21 and I am going to pick up my daughter after Christmas, which will be my first 7 hour trip with the RAV. The way everyone has been trashing the JBL system I was expecting it to be horrible. I have only listened through an iPod using the usb connection with mostly AIFF files or iTunes AAC files though. Yes, I think it is lacking in sub bass, but I am not a bass head. This system reminds me of my Sennheiser HD650 headphone setup when fed by my Schiit Gungnir multi-bit DAC>Cavalli Liquid Carbon>HD650's. I do find the HD650 to be a little sub bass light though. Obviously the headphone setup sounds better, but the JBL system has some of the same qualities I enjoy.

One pair of earphones I owned and never really liked were the Shure SE846 (sold), they had great sub bass, but I think the mid bass was lacking for my taste. Something always seemed off to me. LOTS of people on Head-Fi LOVE these earphones though. Even though the SE846 are currently listed at $1300 CND and the Westone W40 is listed at $620 I prefer my Westone W40 fed by my AK120>Chord Mojo>W40. I also prefer my JH Angie paired with my ALO CDM. I have learned people have different preferences when it comes to audio.

I am curious, has anyone tried a high end DAP or portable DAC/Amp combo into the aux port on the RAV4? I am thinking of trying my AK120/Mojo combo, or ALO CDM/iPhone combo. I also still also own a Chord Hugo (haven't used it in over a year since getting Gungnir DAC) which I may try using with my iPhone 6 and camera connection kit to see how it sounds. If this would improve the sound then I might consider using this setup and using a playlist for my trips.

Back to the NX:
I can only really think of three downsides I found with my F Sport NX.

1. I didn't really like the seats on LONG trips (I have to make two 7 hour trips in the same weekend every month, so 14 hours driving in the weekend).

2. I never really liked the track pad even after 2.5 years of owing the NX, but I could live with it.

3. This is probably the biggest one for me...I found I would drive it too aggressively, probably because it was the F Sport model and I wouldn't feel relaxed on long trips, which is one of the biggest reasons I traded it for the RAV.
Other than that it was a great vehicle and I am sure you will love it, if I didn't have to make the highway trips that I do I would have kept it.

 

Old Issue

If you raise enough hell Toyota will refund you, in Toyota accessories, the cost of the JBL Premium Audio. I finally filed an executive complaint with Toyota and this is what I received in return. This issue has been beat to death and the result is always the same as they claim it works as designed. Good luck, I do hope you succeed as we will all benefit if a solution is actually developed an released as a TSB.

 

Toyota "Executive Complaint"?

If you raise enough hell Toyota will refund you, in Toyota accessories, the cost of the JBL Premium Audio. I finally filed an executive complaint with Toyota and this is what I received in return. This issue has been beat to death and the result is always the same as they claim it works as designed. Good luck, I do hope you succeed as we will all benefit if a solution is actually developed an released as a TSB.

Can you please share how to lodge an "executive complaint" with Toyota? Is this through the dealer or Toyota North America? If you don't want to make this public you can always PM me through the forum.

Thanks,
Steve

 

Comparing the JBL setup in my wife's RAV4 against my FJ's, it blows my FJ's out of the water.

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

 

If you an audiophile, you install your own stereo. Not stick with stock.
I feel sorry I got my RAV4 with JBL. I wish I got non-JBL. The wiring is different.
JBL on RAV4 is a joke. Period.
I gave up talking to Toyota about it. My next car will be a Non-JBL RAV4 or not a Toyota.

 

I've got the same problem. My 2007 Camry with yhe JBL package was beautiful and this new rav4 system is just underwhelming. All front speakers and to get anything from the rear you have to set the balance to 90% rear. Hardly surround sound.

 

I just started a new thread to "hack" some improvements to the JBL system. You can find it here:

http://www.rav4world.com/forums/124...rums/124-4-4-interior/264897-premium-jbl-bass-improvement-hack.html#post2427313

Please post any comments on the new thread and NOT here.

Regards,
Steve

 

Hi. I am another one affected by the poor quality of the JBL Audio equipment of my Rav 4 Hybrid 4WD acquired a year ago.
Enclosed letter sent to Toyota Spain.

Toyota Spain customer service only produces inattentiveness.

1º.- On September 1, 2017 I telephoned with you to communicate the poor sound quality of the JBL team that brings my Rav 4 Feel, registration number 6320 JNZ, and they told me that they would answer me by phone, to this day I am still waiting that call.

That is why I requested an appointment for the Vigo Nipocar ​​concessionaire, taking my vehicle on the 8th of September.

The garage technician told me that, according to Toyota Spain, the sound on the rear speakers and the subwoofer sounded like that and could not be adjusted.

However, he recognized that the sound was very low (compared to the front speakers) and that the subwoofer was practically non-existent.


2º.- I went to a workshop specialized in installation of sound equipment in automobiles being surprised of the poor hearing in the rear seats.

3º.- This is a problem discussed in various forums both in Spain and abroad (attached documentation) and of which Toyota does not provide any solution.


4º.- I am a music lover and I attach great importance to the sound quality in the vehicle. In all I've had until today (Lancia, Ford, Mazda) I did not have this poor and poor sound quality even though my Rav 4 comes equipped with "JBL Premium Audio System with 11 speakers" and in theory with a " amplifier "(which is not appreciated, nor can it be regulated).

5º.- As a customer of Toyota for 18 years, having owned four vehicles of this brand and currently three, I have to say that I feel very disappointed with this matter and I think that Toyota should review this issue and provide a solution, either with firmware or new software.

P.D- I will send a copy of this letter to Toyota in Japan.

Best regards

Miguel Álvarez Deza

 

I bought mine 2016 RAV4 Limited with Advanced Tech Package and I do not the whole car. The car itself is not bad, but the Entune JBL is driving me crazy.
I feels sorry I actually did not buy a Subaru Forester or Honda CRV.
Entune JBL looks so outdated, slow and laggy and poor support. It does what Fujitsu Ten team wants, not the owner who paid $1500 more for Premium Sound.
It is even hard to replace with aftermarket stereo.
I don't even enjoy driving my RAV4 because of f#&@%g Entune. I have an old VW van with "no electronics" and it is more fun to drive around than my 16 RAV4 stuffed with techs.
RAV4 is really boring to drive for me.
Snow/Ice performance is poor compared to 03 CRV and Subarus. I get stuck on my own driveway with new winter studded Nokians. Cheap plastic trim rattle adds the negatives.
GPS is a joke. No USB playback by folders and who wants to purchase movie ticked from dash screen?

 

The Entune in our 16 Rav4 is horrible. We do not use the navigation anymore. It's easier to just use our phones. The voice command has worked exactly zero times in time we've owned it. Gave up on it a while ago. Living in WA state, getting caught grabbing the phone results in a DUI-E, it's really unfortunate to have a 2016 vehicle with voice technology that was better in 2010.

The JBL in my 05 Tacoma blows the 16 Rav4 out of the water. Overall happy with the car, but I'm not upgrading the Tacoma until these issues are addressed. And hope there's some sort of update to fix the current Rav4.

My parents were looking for a car a few weeks ago and torn between the Rav4 and the CR-V. I recommended the CR-V to them instead. I couldn't recommend the Rav4 based on that. Their new CR-V is lightyears ahead of our Rav4 in the Navigation/Audio/Voice control department.

 

HI - I personally had a 2008 RAV4.... AWESOME vehicle SAME stereo system WHY would i think its anything different in Quality !!! .... technology has come a long way FOR THE BETTER !!! .... so i turned on my radio etc but thought adjustments needed to be made....went home and tried as no sound hardly in back speakers... to find out they changed the AMP so we don't blow speakers since 2013.... SO SHAME on me YEP FOR BELIEVING IN A PRODUCT.... maybe you should think at what your saying their is a big issue we just want to have what we had before or what others have for a premium system ...look at Toyota Nation we are so upset with whole thing !....I also believed in TOYOTA to make it right ...thought i was a defect and just needed it fixed as well, so back to dealer many times and to Toyota Canada ... 2 years almost and nothing ...

 

There's not much we can do about it short of ripping it all out and starting over. I'm glad I leased this car. The soundstage is horrible.

 

I have started a separate "Complain To Toyota" thread here:

http://www.rav4world.com/forums/124.../275945-complain-toyota-2014-2017-jbl-non-premium-sound-issues.html#post2516993

Please help get this issue resolved by adding your voice to to the din. If you previously ended your complaint at the dealer level it is HIGHLY LIKELY that Toyota Corporate never saw it. If they NEVER see it then it will NEVER get fixed. See the referenced post for the details.