2005 non-jbl system - need cleansweep?

[KCobby]

Hi,

I'm in my "gathering" mode: getting components together to upgrade my non-jbl system. I getting LOTS of helpful info on here so thanks to everyone who contributed. However, I'm not sure whether the general opinion is that a stock system needs something like the JL cleansweep. From what I've read, I guess I feel lucky that I don't have the "premium" JBL system to contend with, but I'm wondering whether people decided to use some sort of equalization in a non-jbl system upgrade.

Any opinions on this?

Like many people, I'm trying to keep costs low(er) - if people don't think it's mandatory, I might try to save a few hundred. Any and all opinions welcome.

Thanks!

[F8L]

With a non-JBL system I would sugest just bypassing the stock stereo and adding an aftermarket deck into the cubby below your factory stereo. It's stealth and you'll have a hell of a lot more options plus sound quality will be better because your source unit should be much better as long as you go with a quality unit. Then work on replacing your factory speakers and adding an amp and sub.

Stealth install an aftermarket stereo in Prius

This is just one option but I see no reason to use the stock stereo which will likely give you problems at some point and is a poor source unit.

[KCobby]

F8L,

Thanks for the reply. And yes, I looked over your install in detail - looks great! But for me, I've decided to stick with the factory unit for now. Is the factory unit a known poor source unit? I've not read anything about that specifically, just that people don't seem to dig JBL, and the speakers. But my reasons for staying with the stock stereo are that I want to keep MFD and steering wheel control, using that cubby for scangauge currently (although that could be moved) and I own a DICE kit that will integrate my iPod.

Maybe I'm going about it backwards - as I said, your install looks very cool, but I'm just wondering if people use something like a cleansweep with the non-jbl stereos. Or are they considered so bad that people don't even bother??

[F8L]

Originally Posted by KCobby

F8L,

Thanks for the reply. And yes, I looked over your install in detail - looks great! But for me, I've decided to stick with the factory unit for now. Is the factory unit a known poor source unit? I've not read anything about that specifically, just that people don't seem to dig JBL, and the speakers. But my reasons for staying with the stock stereo are that I want to keep MFD and steering wheel control, using that cubby for scangauge currently (although that could be moved) and I own a DICE kit that will integrate my iPod.

Maybe I'm going about it backwards - as I said, your install looks very cool, but I'm just wondering if people use something like a cleansweep with the non-jbl stereos. Or are they considered so bad that people don't even bother??

I don't know if I would say "people" consider the stock unit bad. Most people on PC don't go high end so the stock unit wouldn't be so bad. For anyone looking to maximize their sound quality then the stock unit is a poor source and there have been enough reports of failures or issues that I just didn't want to bother with it anymore. Besides the fact it does not have bluetooth, MP3, iPod, or USB capability. You have the DICE kit so you are ok there.

It's totally up to you my friend. I just thought I'd toss the idea out there because a good head unit is the main source for sound quality and you can only improve so much when you start off with a lower quality source unit. If you are not looking to go crazy then the stock unit will work ok.

[zenMachine]

Start with a simple amp/speaker upgrade. Then if not enough, add a sub. If still not happy, change out the HU. IMO.

No need for Cleansweep.

[KCobby]

Thanks Zen! That's what I'm trying for right now. Going with speakers and amp although F8L is probably correct in that you can only improve so much on what the HU is giving you. That said, I can always go back and do that if I don't like what I hear. I have a feeling the speakers and amp will be a vast improvement over stock stuff. Just wondering if anyone uses something to "neutralize" the EQ from the stock amp but from what I can tell, the JBL system is much more affected. I guess I'll try it without and let you know! Hope to have something in the car in a few weeks. Will let you know how it goes. Trying to also sort through all the sound dampening info...

[don_chuwish]

Wow, we really seem to be going through the same trains of thought in planning our upgrades. I have to add a +1 to F8L's aftermarket HU idea. You get so much more, don't need a Cleansweep, 3Sixty or LOC and can add some nice processing if you want. I'm choosing Alpine which leaves me the option of getting an IMPRINT later, for example. There are steering wheel control adapters for it as well. Instead of F8L's stealth approach tho, I'm probably going to pull the stock HU and install the Alpine with a dash kit. This gives an extra pocket under the HU, which is nice.
Check the PM I sent you regarding door treatments, I would probably do things differently if I were to start over. That's the DIY curse, you know how to do it when you're done, but that's sometimes a little too late!
Suggested reading on road noise reduction/damping:

Automotive soundproofing blog

- D