What's the speaker grill looking thing in the middle of the dash?

[MIGALOO_GX Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close MIGALOO_GX]

Got a dash mat today to protect it and cover up fake grill lol, it was on special for $34 at Super Cheap

[MDSimpson Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close MDSimpson]

Not sure with pre 2013 models, but the 2014 Prado with the Multimedia head unit with GPS and JBL 14 speaker system has a centre speaker in the grill that sits above the dash heater vent. These models were the Altitude, XV and Kaka, unless the own paid more for the 14 speaker system on a GX or GXL.

So, do you know if the GXL (facelift) is wired for all the extra speakers? I am not happy with the sound on mine, looking to keep the head unit, but upgrade speakers. Does anyone know the model numbers of the kit, or at least some of?
I know they would be JBL as that is what the RAV4 has...

[bossplaya Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close bossplaya]

The stock stereo isn't too bad, way better than my old hilux and territory!!! would be nice to have the extra speakers if it can be done.

[evltoy Member Find all posts View Profile Close evltoy]

So, do you know if the GXL (facelift) is wired for all the extra speakers? I am not happy with the sound on mine, looking to keep the head unit, but upgrade speakers. Does anyone know the model numbers of the kit, or at least some of?
I know they would be JBL as that is what the RAV4 has...

I personally don't know for fact that the wiring loom is there in the GX and GXL model for the centre speaker. Saying that.. usually the GX/GXL has extra looms for the missing extras like for the fog lights, so it might be there.

Keep in mind that the stock stereo may not have a centre channel speaker out-put or the smarts to decode a 5.1 ch surround sound.

[djcharliek Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close djcharliek]

I have the Kakadu with the JBL speakers. They are not bad but I wouldn't say they sound awesome. In hindsight I should have bought a GXL and upgraded the audio system separately.

[evltoy Member Find all posts View Profile Close evltoy]

I have the Kakadu with the JBL speakers. They are not bad but I wouldn't say they sound awesome. In hindsight I should have bought a GXL and upgraded the audio system separately.

I couldn't justify paying an extra $3K for installing the stereo you and I have in the GXL.

[lordsword Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close lordsword]

So you're saying it's not worth upgrading a GXL to the 14 speaker JBL system?
Was thinking about it maybe...

[AussieAndy Find all posts View Profile Close AussieAndy]

I would be taking the $3K or whatever it is and going to a reputable car audio place. That money would get you a pretty good system and it would look factory if they know what they are doing

[evltoy Member Find all posts View Profile Close evltoy]

So you're saying it's not worth upgrading a GXL to the 14 speaker JBL system?
Was thinking about it maybe...

IMHO I don't think it is worth $3k. Yes you get a GPS/Nav system that works well, BT for phone, Digital Radio + 2xUSB ports etc. The only reason I like mine is its all factory and does what I need. All the speakers (14) fit nicely into factory areas with factory grill mouldings. My rear Entertainment screen is also controlled from the front screen etc.

I wanted the Altitude model for the leather seats, moon roof and mainly due to the redesign of the rear tailgate. Saying that, the JBL stereo was a bonus and I like it for what it is, but would not pay $3k to put it in. The performance is nothing special, but I come from a B&W family so America vs Europe sounds are very different. Playing CD’s is good, MP3’s at High variable bit rate is ok.

If I had a GX, GXL model and wanted better sound only.. I would go after market and get something better for 1/3 of the price. If you wanted a Nav system I would get a VMS or a Hema that is far better then what I have.

Just like all gadgets (phones, photo camera, movie camera) that are multifunction. They always compromise in all areas where a dedicated device will always excel in that one area. Only issue is that you have too many devices all around your car and can be easily stolen.

At the end of the day its your cash, your choice. – I hope I have made you decision much harder 