Audio Systems: 07 Camry Upgrade to JBL, 2007 toyota camry, toyota camry

Question
Scott,

I have a 2007 Toyota Camry SE that has the stock non-JBL head unit.  A friend recently upgraded his JBL to one with NAV and gave me his JBL head unit.

The JBL unit does not have a built in AMP so I will need to have one installed under the passenger seat and I was planning on replacing the speakers as well.

I was told today that I would have to purchase the factory Toyota JBL AMP for the radio to work.

I found one for about $600 - haven't tried searching for used ones yet, but my question is:  Is that really necessary?  Do I have to purchase the factory-specific AMP for the unit to work?

I really don't listen to too much music -- I just wanted the 6-CD feature as well as the SAT feature.

What are my options here?  I want to keep using the factory head units.

Answer
For everything to "fit" well, a factory amp is recommended, especially if the JBL unit has the connections for one.

It can be done without a factory amp, but you must have the cables custom made I'm assuming. I haven't dealt with factory systems too much.