Looking to upgrade the JBL "premium" speakers...

Kev1000000 · 07-27-2004, 02:50 AM

Anyone else replace the stock JBL premium speakers?

I know the Prius uses 6 1/2 size for the doors...

Anyone have any suggestions for speakers? I went to Circuit City and they have a nice selection, but im not sure what im looking at...

My current ones fuzz a little bit when playing some songs that have a lot of bass, i listen to a lot of techno stuff

Thanks for any suggestions!

LeVautRien · 07-27-2004, 03:12 AM

Well, my last car came complete with a Bose speaker system, and they are definatly a fantastic set of speakers. I don't know much about the technical details of speaker replacement, but I do know good sound quality, and these do have it. Very very good with bass.

V8Cobrakid · 07-27-2004, 03:44 AM

Boss has a sub they make that is enclosurless and is only 8 inches big. It puts out a lot of bass though. So it's 8 diameter.. and only 2 or 3 inchest thick. Which is as small as a normal speaker.

Unless you are going to switch out the JBL amp and the speakers for something like Alpine or Boss. or boston acoustics.. don't waist your money. JBL is a good company. replacing them with something that is not top of the line would not have any effect. You have to replace your amp. The main problem is that the back speakers are underpowered. The other problem is the car is a huge piece of plastic that clips together.. more bass.. more things will ratle. It's a simple car. wonderful car.. but simple.

Kev1000000 · 07-27-2004, 03:47 AM

how would i go about replacing the amp?

V8Cobrakid · 07-27-2004, 04:58 AM

This all depends on what type of system you are wanting to put in. Are you wanting to add any subs? Keep the speakers stock?

If you want to keep the speakers stock, you'll have to find either 1. an amp that is capable or amps that can power all 9 speakers. 2. take the back speakers off the jbl and power them seperatly. Youll have to have an aux feed ran to the new amp.

What i would do, if money permited. I would re do the system from the second it comes out of the sterio. I would have the lines cut and sent through a nice equalizer unit and some sort of fader so i can individualy control eash speakers output. These can be done with Pre amp RCA controllers. Each speaker or several speakers would get an amp. Most likely, i would get smaller amps for each set of speakers. so, 4 amps and keep the center on stock control. I haven't really looked into this too far.. so i don't know my exact recommendation for the amps.. or maybe just one amp. I'm a power nut.. so maybe this won't work for anyone else.

To keep it simple.. just have the rear speakers removed from the JBL and powered by a seperate amp. It helps a lot. If you are looking for a serious system, PM me.. and i'll help you look up some equipment. :mrgreen:

HTMLSpinnr · 07-27-2004, 10:22 AM

Unfortunately our amp/stereo is a unique setup which would be difficult to replace, without losing functionality. Our amp is generally always on (noted by audible hiss in my system even with the audio system powered "off"), and controlled with a mute line for functions like NAV (bluetooth, voice command, etc.). The front tweeters have a dedicated output on the amp (the rears use a passive crossover somewhere in the line), which further complicates things.

The NAV system also intercepts the left front speaker (woofer only) which could make rewiring for speakers impossible w/o losing that functionality. I'd also be concerned about changing power level output in front due to the fact that the NAV unit directly controls the left speaker via either a relay or transistor. Increasing the power to that channel may possibly cause damage to that "switch". Cars without NAV could have more freedom with this.

Also note that the impendances are kinda funny for the stock speakers. See this thread/post for more info on the specs on this system.

Another note - and it's a big one - our 12V inverter is only rated and *fused* at 100 amps or so, which means we don't have alot of room for adding high power amps. Bear in mind that we've got plenty of other electronics running which doesn't leave alot of head room for anything that draws say over 20A max, and even then, I wouldn't have things plugged into my power ports at the same time, or run the heater when the car is cold (PTC heaters 2x300w) while running amps at high volume.

What some installers have done is put line level converters on the rear channel to put another amp on. I wouldn't opt for this since the only thing I personally want coming from my rear speakers is bass/fill.

According to other threads, others have gotten little improvement on replacing speakers themselves to improve bass response. The best results reported here were by adding a line-level converter to the rear channel, then adding a subwoofer in the hatch area (usually under the "floor"). This would improve bass response in the car significantly, which sounds like what the OP is asking for. I, personally would have preferred that Toyota ditched the center channel in favor of a subwoofer to round out the performance of this system.

In the mean time, you may simply want to experiement with equalizer settings. Having levels pushed to the max setting may not be the best for sound quality since those frequencies may become overdriven at max volume, hurting the overall sound quality. Our amp is pushing 45w per channel (not sure how that's measured though), which while isn't ALOT of power, it respectable. Adjusted properly, most everything (except extremely bass heavy music) stands a chance of sounding decent.

For more info, see the thread mentioned above - there's 5 pages of speaker replacing discussion.

Not trying to burst bubbles, but I don't see the Prius as a high powered audio car - simply due to it's design. Toyota did an excellent job at making sure it's system was the one you could use, leaving little, if any, room for improvement.

Kev1000000 · 07-27-2004, 01:37 PM

So, replacing the woofers inside the doors wouldnt be a problem, even with the NAV issue and intercepting the left woofer?

I only want to replace the speakers because i think my stock ones are blown because they fuzz a bit at higher volumes...

Thanks for all the info though!

I dont want to "pimp" out my sound system, i dont need subs as long as the in-door woofers can hit semi-hard, and they use to fine until recently.

My EQ settings are like this:

Bass + 2 above center
Mids - 2 below center
Treble +3 above center

Most music sounds good like that, but i get some fuzz and distortion in some heavy techno i listen to, and it gets annoying.

Circuit City has these 6 1/2 Polk speakers for 99 and the second for 1/2 off, and free installation. I was wondering if that would be the way to go, or if it would be a waste off money.

Thanks again guys!

Kev1000000 · 07-27-2004, 01:55 PM

http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&...0&oid=73870&m=1

Thats the link to the speakers i am talking about

mikepaul · 07-27-2004, 01:56 PM

Has anyone driven to a stereo store, and had someone say "Sure, I can put in better speakers than that"? About all I'd feel like doing is putting those in, since once upon a time it worked wonders for a Geo Metro.

Specific model numbers that were recommended would be helpful...

Dion · 07-27-2004, 04:33 PM

Forget about changing the speakers. I changed my rear speakers and there was no improvement. I did add a equalizer/amp to send more power to the rear speaker and that did improve things, but send too much bass to the doors and they rattle. I am thinking about adding a sub under the hatch floor. That's the only way to go.

07-27-2004, 02:50 AM	#1
Kev1000000 Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Livonia, MI Posts: 250 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Looking to upgrade the JBL "premium" speakers... Anyone else replace the stock JBL premium speakers? I know the Prius uses 6 1/2 size for the doors... Anyone have any suggestions for speakers? I went to Circuit City and they have a nice selection, but im not sure what im looking at... My current ones fuzz a little bit when playing some songs that have a lot of bass, i listen to a lot of techno stuff Thanks for any suggestions!

07-27-2004, 10:22 AM	#6
HTMLSpinnr Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Surprise, AZ (Phoenix) Posts: 1,342 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: Pioneer #3 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 2	Unfortunately our amp/stereo is a unique setup which would be difficult to replace, without losing functionality. Our amp is generally always on (noted by audible hiss in my system even with the audio system powered "off"), and controlled with a mute line for functions like NAV (bluetooth, voice command, etc.). The front tweeters have a dedicated output on the amp (the rears use a passive crossover somewhere in the line), which further complicates things. The NAV system also intercepts the left front speaker (woofer only) which could make rewiring for speakers impossible w/o losing that functionality. I'd also be concerned about changing power level output in front due to the fact that the NAV unit directly controls the left speaker via either a relay or transistor. Increasing the power to that channel may possibly cause damage to that "switch". Cars without NAV could have more freedom with this. Also note that the impendances are kinda funny for the stock speakers. See this thread/post for more info on the specs on this system. Another note - and it's a big one - our 12V inverter is only rated and fused at 100 amps or so, which means we don't have alot of room for adding high power amps. Bear in mind that we've got plenty of other electronics running which doesn't leave alot of head room for anything that draws say over 20A max, and even then, I wouldn't have things plugged into my power ports at the same time, or run the heater when the car is cold (PTC heaters 2x300w) while running amps at high volume. What some installers have done is put line level converters on the rear channel to put another amp on. I wouldn't opt for this since the only thing I personally want coming from my rear speakers is bass/fill. According to other threads, others have gotten little improvement on replacing speakers themselves to improve bass response. The best results reported here were by adding a line-level converter to the rear channel, then adding a subwoofer in the hatch area (usually under the "floor"). This would improve bass response in the car significantly, which sounds like what the OP is asking for. I, personally would have preferred that Toyota ditched the center channel in favor of a subwoofer to round out the performance of this system. In the mean time, you may simply want to experiement with equalizer settings. Having levels pushed to the max setting may not be the best for sound quality since those frequencies may become overdriven at max volume, hurting the overall sound quality. Our amp is pushing 45w per channel (not sure how that's measured though), which while isn't ALOT of power, it respectable. Adjusted properly, most everything (except extremely bass heavy music) stands a chance of sounding decent. For more info, see the thread mentioned above - there's 5 pages of speaker replacing discussion. Not trying to burst bubbles, but I don't see the Prius as a high powered audio car - simply due to it's design. Toyota did an excellent job at making sure it's system was the one you could use, leaving little, if any, room for improvement. __________________ Rick Johnson - Linux Geek, Private Pilot 2004 Prius - Tideland Green Pearl - Pioneer #3 (#9 pkg) - 108K miles - Factory EV Button, Homemade fog lamp grills, Goodyear Allegra tires 2002 Prius - Blue Moon Pearl - All options except NAV - 53.5k miles - Coastal Hitch Family Prius Score: 4 (2 mine, 1 parents, 1 aunt/uncle)

07-27-2004, 01:37 PM	#7
Kev1000000 Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Livonia, MI Posts: 250 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	So, replacing the woofers inside the doors wouldnt be a problem, even with the NAV issue and intercepting the left woofer? I only want to replace the speakers because i think my stock ones are blown because they fuzz a bit at higher volumes... Thanks for all the info though! I dont want to "pimp" out my sound system, i dont need subs as long as the in-door woofers can hit semi-hard, and they use to fine until recently. My EQ settings are like this: Bass + 2 above center Mids - 2 below center Treble +3 above center Most music sounds good like that, but i get some fuzz and distortion in some heavy techno i listen to, and it gets annoying. Circuit City has these 6 1/2 Polk speakers for 99 and the second for 1/2 off, and free installation. I was wondering if that would be the way to go, or if it would be a waste off money. Thanks again guys! __________________ 04 Slasa Red #9 Since: 6/28/04! Visit http://www.djkev.com and download my techno songs!

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07-27-2004, 03:12 AM	#2
LeVautRien Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Claremont, California Posts: 367 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Well, my last car came complete with a Bose speaker system, and they are definatly a fantastic set of speakers. I don't know much about the technical details of speaker replacement, but I do know good sound quality, and these do have it. Very very good with bass.

07-27-2004, 03:44 AM	#3
V8Cobrakid ...disgusted with life... Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 2,622 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 5	Boss has a sub they make that is enclosurless and is only 8 inches big. It puts out a lot of bass though. So it's 8 diameter.. and only 2 or 3 inchest thick. Which is as small as a normal speaker. Unless you are going to switch out the JBL amp and the speakers for something like Alpine or Boss. or boston acoustics.. don't waist your money. JBL is a good company. replacing them with something that is not top of the line would not have any effect. You have to replace your amp. The main problem is that the back speakers are underpowered. The other problem is the car is a huge piece of plastic that clips together.. more bass.. more things will ratle. It's a simple car. wonderful car.. but simple.

07-27-2004, 03:47 AM	#4
Kev1000000 Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Livonia, MI Posts: 250 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	how would i go about replacing the amp?

07-27-2004, 04:58 AM	#5
V8Cobrakid ...disgusted with life... Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 2,622 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 5	This all depends on what type of system you are wanting to put in. Are you wanting to add any subs? Keep the speakers stock? If you want to keep the speakers stock, you'll have to find either 1. an amp that is capable or amps that can power all 9 speakers. 2. take the back speakers off the jbl and power them seperatly. Youll have to have an aux feed ran to the new amp. What i would do, if money permited. I would re do the system from the second it comes out of the sterio. I would have the lines cut and sent through a nice equalizer unit and some sort of fader so i can individualy control eash speakers output. These can be done with Pre amp RCA controllers. Each speaker or several speakers would get an amp. Most likely, i would get smaller amps for each set of speakers. so, 4 amps and keep the center on stock control. I haven't really looked into this too far.. so i don't know my exact recommendation for the amps.. or maybe just one amp. I'm a power nut.. so maybe this won't work for anyone else. To keep it simple.. just have the rear speakers removed from the JBL and powered by a seperate amp. It helps a lot. If you are looking for a serious system, PM me.. and i'll help you look up some equipment. :mrgreen:

07-27-2004, 01:55 PM	#8
Kev1000000 Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Livonia, MI Posts: 250 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&...0&oid=73870&m=1 Thats the link to the speakers i am talking about

07-27-2004, 01:56 PM	#9
mikepaul Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 1,683 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Has anyone driven to a stereo store, and had someone say "Sure, I can put in better speakers than that"? About all I'd feel like doing is putting those in, since once upon a time it worked wonders for a Geo Metro. Specific model numbers that were recommended would be helpful...

07-27-2004, 04:33 PM	#10
Dion Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Jersey City, NJ Posts: 128 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Forget about changing the speakers. I changed my rear speakers and there was no improvement. I did add a equalizer/amp to send more power to the rear speaker and that did improve things, but send too much bass to the doors and they rattle. I am thinking about adding a sub under the hatch floor. That's the only way to go.