Upgrading JBL Audio -- Anyone actually done it?

zonker · 02-28-2006, 09:13 PM

OK, I've read sparky's guide, and I've read all the specs on the JBL system -- very helpful. But has anyone out there actually done a speaker replacement or any other upgrade to a JBL premium audio system? If so, what did you do and how did you like it? If not, any reason why people are hesitating? I'd love to bump up the sound quality, but I don't have the knowledge/skills to be the first to jump in that pool.

ibcs · 02-28-2006, 10:03 PM

Last weekend, I added the Kenwood KSC-SW1 following the instructions from several sources to the JBL system. I could not be happier with the system. My problem with the JBL system was that it did not have any bass until the volume was at 30, which is louder than I like to listen to music. Now I can have the system at 15 and listen to music and hear subtle bass that is not overpowering. Of course, my 12 year old son says it still does not have enough, but I don't want thumping bass.

I've ordered the rear replacement speakers before installing the subwoofer. Had I waited, I might have kept the stock speakers in the rear.

Hope this answers your questions, I will be adding the rear speakers once they arrive.

One mistake I did make was that I put the subwoofer in the storage area in the back to the passenger side. It sounded like the bass was coming from that direction, so I remounted it to the center of the storage area. That made the sound seem like it was coming from the rear, but from the center of the car.

---Kent

Presto · 03-01-2006, 02:50 PM

I upgraded the JBL system the first week I got the Prius. I had a plan to upgrade before I even got the car. At this point, the JBL amp and headunit are not even used anymore except when I have to listen to the hockey game.

I have replaced the front speakers with Rockford tweeters and Elemental Design (sub)woofers. I also have a 10" Infinity Kappa subwoofer in a sealed box in the trunk.

To power the system I have DLS A7 5-channel amp. I'm not using a headunit for the sound source, instead, I have a computer installed under the seat with a touchscreen for display and control. The sound is almost perfect and sounds way better than the JBL stock system.

Click on the links in my sig to see my setup

priusenvy · 03-03-2006, 04:31 AM

You could have found the answer to the question if you had used the search function.

I've added the following to my 2005 w/JBL audio:

Two pairs Infinity Reference component speakers
One 300x1 watt MTX amp
One 100x4 watt MTX amp
JL Audio 8" Subwoofer
OEM (Pioneer) integrated Sirius tuner

02-28-2006, 10:03 PM	#2
ibcs Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Englewood , Ohio Posts: 275 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 3	Last weekend, I added the Kenwood KSC-SW1 following the instructions from several sources to the JBL system. I could not be happier with the system. My problem with the JBL system was that it did not have any bass until the volume was at 30, which is louder than I like to listen to music. Now I can have the system at 15 and listen to music and hear subtle bass that is not overpowering. Of course, my 12 year old son says it still does not have enough, but I don't want thumping bass. I've ordered the rear replacement speakers before installing the subwoofer. Had I waited, I might have kept the stock speakers in the rear. Hope this answers your questions, I will be adding the rear speakers once they arrive. One mistake I did make was that I put the subwoofer in the storage area in the back to the passenger side. It sounded like the bass was coming from that direction, so I remounted it to the center of the storage area. That made the sound seem like it was coming from the rear, but from the center of the car. ---Kent __________________ 2006 Prius with Package #6 - My 2006 Prius XM Radio, BT Stiffening Plate, Kenwood KSC-SW1 S150W Subwoofer, Infinity Kappa 62.7i - 6 1/2" Speakers, Car Computer, Broadband Wireless Card, 2 Watt Amplifier, Motorized VGA screen in-dash monitor, Coastaletech EV Mode, Coastaltech Lockpick 3+, DVD Player, Block Heater, All weather mats, Goodyear ComforTred 195/60-15, Cartekdist Heated Seats, Wet Okley Seat, Hymotion 10/7/08

03-01-2006, 02:50 PM	#3
Presto Has his homepage set to PC Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,157 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: B Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 3	I upgraded the JBL system the first week I got the Prius. I had a plan to upgrade before I even got the car. At this point, the JBL amp and headunit are not even used anymore except when I have to listen to the hockey game. I have replaced the front speakers with Rockford tweeters and Elemental Design (sub)woofers. I also have a 10" Infinity Kappa subwoofer in a sealed box in the trunk. To power the system I have DLS A7 5-channel amp. I'm not using a headunit for the sound source, instead, I have a computer installed under the seat with a touchscreen for display and control. The sound is almost perfect and sounds way better than the JBL stock system. Click on the links in my sig to see my setup __________________ Daniel 2k5 Prius 'B' Package PriusPuter(nav/wifi/entertainment) E-Bay Motorized VGA Touchscreen Deluo USB GPS DLS A7 Ultimate 5-Channel Amp (4 x 60 W + 1 x 300W) Focal 165KP Component Speakers JL Audio 10W6v2 Subwoofer B-Quiet Sound Deadening (front doors, hatch, spare tire well) EV Button CAN-View V2 TRD Sportivo Shocks and Springs Tom's Strut Tower Brace Tom's Lower Suspension Brace Tom's Rear Brace

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02-28-2006, 09:13 PM	#1
zonker Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 10 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	OK, I've read sparky's guide, and I've read all the specs on the JBL system -- very helpful. But has anyone out there actually done a speaker replacement or any other upgrade to a JBL premium audio system? If so, what did you do and how did you like it? If not, any reason why people are hesitating? I'd love to bump up the sound quality, but I don't have the knowledge/skills to be the first to jump in that pool.

03-03-2006, 04:31 AM	#4
priusenvy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Silicon Valley, CA Posts: 1,758 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	You could have found the answer to the question if you had used the search function. I've added the following to my 2005 w/JBL audio: Two pairs Infinity Reference component speakers One 300x1 watt MTX amp One 100x4 watt MTX amp JL Audio 8" Subwoofer OEM (Pioneer) integrated Sirius tuner