Guidance Request for Prius Audio System

Quaker · 11-03-2005, 03:52 PM

I'm planning to buy a new Prius and am debating which options package to purchase. How good is the JBL ETR package included in the current "C" options package? Can anyone recommend a good aftermarket audio system and give me estimated cost?

Thanks

craigcush · 11-03-2005, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Quaker@Nov 3 2005, 03:52 PM
I'm planning to buy a new Prius and am debating which options package to purchase. How good is the JBL ETR package included in the current "C" options package? Can anyone recommend a good aftermarket audio system and give me estimated cost?

Thanks

[snapback]150146[/snapback]

Welcome to Prius chat !

Top of the page you will see a search link, I would try 'JBL and premium' and you will get more info than you would expect.

There are two systems and a lot of very good opinions to help make your decisions.

Maytrix · 11-03-2005, 04:24 PM

I've been very happy with the JBL system. I love the 6 disc changer in dash. I also like all the other stuff I got in my package (#6). The NAV, voice activation, SKS...etc

well worth it if you ask me

NuShrike · 11-03-2005, 05:52 PM

FAQ: some of the best guides to the Prius audio system

dgstan · 11-03-2005, 06:59 PM

I have the "premium" JBL system in my 2005 (Pkg #6). I would assume that this is the same thing as the 2006 will have (adding MP3 support as well).

The general consensus seems to be that that sound quality is not very good. I tend to agree. However, after adding a powered subwoofer to my setup, the sound is very good. I am totally satisfied with the system and have no desire to upgrade the speakers or anything else.

You probably know that it's not easy to swap out the stereo in the Prius. People have done it, but not without sacrifices (NAV integration, steering wheel controls, etc.)

DGStan

datavortex · 11-04-2005, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dgstan@Nov 3 2005, 07:59 PM
I have the "premium" JBL system in my 2005 (Pkg #6). I would assume that this is the same thing as the 2006 will have (adding MP3 support as well).

The general consensus seems to be that that sound quality is not very good. I tend to agree. However, after adding a powered subwoofer to my setup, the sound is very good. I am totally satisfied with the system and have no desire to upgrade the speakers or anything else.

You probably know that it's not easy to swap out the stereo in the Prius. People have done it, but not without sacrifices (NAV integration, steering wheel controls, etc.)
DGStan

[snapback]150265[/snapback]

To elaborate on this a bit, there is functionality built in to the JBL amplifier that interacts with the GPS navigation system. If you replace it, you sacrifice that functionality. If you plan to use bluetooth functionality, voice-guided navigation, or the voice recognition system, you may want to consider this limitation.

I went with package 6 and I am glad I did. Even though I replaced 8 of the JBL speakers and just unplugged the other (center) one, it was good to have the factory mounting points there to begin with. I would die now if I lost my GPS, though I am looking forward to the next software upgrade. Adding a amplified subwoofer makes a big difference.

I could have gone with the bare package and ripped out the whole stereo, then added an aftermarket GPS that I prefer (Magellan), but it would have cost about the same and I prefer the factory feel.

motnamser · 11-07-2005, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by datavortex@Nov 4 2005, 11:15 PM
To elaborate on this a bit, there is functionality built in to the JBL amplifier that interacts with the GPS navigation system. If you replace it, you sacrifice that functionality. If you plan to use bluetooth functionality, voice-guided navigation, or the voice recognition system, you may want to consider this limitation.

I went with package 6 and I am glad I did. Even though I replaced 8 of the JBL speakers and just unplugged the other (center) one, it was good to have the factory mounting points there to begin with. I would die now if I lost my GPS, though I am looking forward to the next software upgrade. Adding a amplified subwoofer makes a big difference.

I could have gone with the bare package and ripped out the whole stereo, then added an aftermarket GPS that I prefer (Magellan), but it would have cost about the same and I prefer the factory feel.

[snapback]150919[/snapback]

Hi,
Which speakers did you use for replacements on the JBL system? Did you change the amplifiers or did you simply replace the speakers? I would like to upgrade the speakers only but was wondering if it made any improvement.

Thanks in advance!

datavortex · 11-07-2005, 02:35 AM

Like many in the PC community, I followed the advice of audio guru ~sparky~ and went with the Infinity Kappa 60.7cs component system. I bought two pairs, one each for front and rear. I used the included Infinity crossovers in the rear, but you still must use the digital crossover in the JBL amp for the front. I also went with the subwoofer popular on the board, Kenwood's KSC-SW1 with built-in amplifier, which fits nicely in the spare tire area, and is nicely matched.

With these two upgrades, I have seen a marked improvement in audio reproduction quality. I did not replace the amp. If feature loss were not a concern, I would though.

priusenvy · 11-07-2005, 04:08 AM

If you know what a decent factory stero can sound like (Ford Mach 460 for example), you will be sorely disappointed in the JBL audio system. You'll need to replace two pairs of speakers, add two amps, and add a subwoofer at a minimum to get it up to a decent level.

At that point, since you've replaced everything but the head unit, you might as well not get the JBL audio system, and just add an aftermarket head unit, if you don't want anything else in the option package.

If you go the cheapest route possible (Ebay, buying last year's models or demos), you can get everything (including head unit) for just under $1k. If you have to pay someone else to do the installation, that could run a few hundred more.

I'm still using the JBL head unit and tapping off the speaker outputs from the JBL amp, but I've added the following:

2 pairs Infinity 6010.cs component speakers
MTX 564 4x100 watt amp
MTX 342 2x125 watt amp (bridged)
JL Audio 8W3v2 subwoofer

DanMan32 · 11-08-2005, 04:03 PM

No, the JBL amp doesn't interact with the NAV other than the mute function. The problem is that the JBL amp is also the pre-amp that is computer controlled over a specialized network for the audio/visual system. If you take out the amp, you also take out the pre-amp, thus you lose volume, balance, fade, and EQ control.

11-03-2005, 06:59 PM	#5
dgstan Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OC Posts: 146 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I have the "premium" JBL system in my 2005 (Pkg #6). I would assume that this is the same thing as the 2006 will have (adding MP3 support as well). The general consensus seems to be that that sound quality is not very good. I tend to agree. However, after adding a powered subwoofer to my setup, the sound is very good. I am totally satisfied with the system and have no desire to upgrade the speakers or anything else. You probably know that it's not easy to swap out the stereo in the Prius. People have done it, but not without sacrifices (NAV integration, steering wheel controls, etc.) DGStan __________________ 2005 Prius - Tideland #6 Matrix Bumper Protector, EV Switch, NAV/Phone Speed Sensor Defeat Switch, Kenwood w00x Subwoofer, Aftermarket speakers and tweeters, DICE Ipod Interface, 2" Trailer Hitch

11-07-2005, 04:08 AM	#9
priusenvy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Silicon Valley, CA Posts: 1,758 My Car: 2005 Prius Model: Package: #6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Friends: 0	If you know what a decent factory stero can sound like (Ford Mach 460 for example), you will be sorely disappointed in the JBL audio system. You'll need to replace two pairs of speakers, add two amps, and add a subwoofer at a minimum to get it up to a decent level. At that point, since you've replaced everything but the head unit, you might as well not get the JBL audio system, and just add an aftermarket head unit, if you don't want anything else in the option package. If you go the cheapest route possible (Ebay, buying last year's models or demos), you can get everything (including head unit) for just under $1k. If you have to pay someone else to do the installation, that could run a few hundred more. I'm still using the JBL head unit and tapping off the speaker outputs from the JBL amp, but I've added the following: 2 pairs Infinity 6010.cs component speakers MTX 564 4x100 watt amp MTX 342 2x125 watt amp (bridged) JL Audio 8W3v2 subwoofer __________________ 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid Black (hers) JBL Audio, Bluetooth, Moonroof, Alloy Wheels, Pink Fuzzy Dice on rearview mirror 2005 Driftwood Pearl Pkg #6 (mine) Katzkin Leather Interior Diamond Audio D661s Component Speakers JL Audio 8W3 Subwoofer JL Audio CleanSweep CL441dsp MTX Thunder 564 Amp 4x100 watts MTX Thunder 421D Amp 1x300 watts OEM Sirius Tuner 2004 Super White Pkg #9 (hers) - sold

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11-03-2005, 03:52 PM	#1
Quaker Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 3 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I'm planning to buy a new Prius and am debating which options package to purchase. How good is the JBL ETR package included in the current "C" options package? Can anyone recommend a good aftermarket audio system and give me estimated cost? Thanks

11-03-2005, 04:24 PM	#3
Maytrix Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Marlborough, Mass Posts: 734 My Car: 2005 Prius Model: Package: #6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Friends: 0	I've been very happy with the JBL system. I love the 6 disc changer in dash. I also like all the other stuff I got in my package (#6). The NAV, voice activation, SKS...etc well worth it if you ask me

11-03-2005, 05:52 PM	#4
NuShrike my other Mobile Suit is a ... Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,367 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	FAQ: some of the best guides to the Prius audio system

11-07-2005, 02:35 AM	#8
datavortex Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA Posts: 114 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Like many in the PC community, I followed the advice of audio guru ~sparky~ and went with the Infinity Kappa 60.7cs component system. I bought two pairs, one each for front and rear. I used the included Infinity crossovers in the rear, but you still must use the digital crossover in the JBL amp for the front. I also went with the subwoofer popular on the board, Kenwood's KSC-SW1 with built-in amplifier, which fits nicely in the spare tire area, and is nicely matched. With these two upgrades, I have seen a marked improvement in audio reproduction quality. I did not replace the amp. If feature loss were not a concern, I would though.

11-08-2005, 04:03 PM	#10
DanMan32 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Tampa Bay, FL Posts: 3,775 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	No, the JBL amp doesn't interact with the NAV other than the mute function. The problem is that the JBL amp is also the pre-amp that is computer controlled over a specialized network for the audio/visual system. If you take out the amp, you also take out the pre-amp, thus you lose volume, balance, fade, and EQ control.