2010 Overall Audio Quality

[Manolo1]

All I can say is that the audio on my IV with Solar Pkg (Navigation) is better than it was on my recently sold Lexus IS350 (standard audio, no Mike L). I am specifically referring to the sound of my own Ipod songs. They sound a lot better in my new Prius (with Ipod connector option) than in the other car.

[The Critic]

Any update?

[cantgoback]

I test drove a 2010 pkg IV back-to-back with a 2009 pkg6, and even though the sales guy said the system was exactly the same, I thought the 2010 sounded way better than the 2009. Plus my 2010 pkg V sounds good to me on FM, although I don't claim to be an audiophile.

Could this be a general problem with the radio receiver or connections in all 2010 Prii, or just a subset of Prii have this issue?

[RickFlashman]

Get an iPhone, stream the FM station over the net, stop trying to pickup fading FM/AM radio waves.

[DeanFL]

The JBL (on my V) is fine. I'm coming from a Lexus RX with subwoofer, so a bit tainted but my expectations weren't too high for the Prius sound system anyway.

I'm certainly not an Audiophile. But, I find it OK - barely with Satellite, a bit better with FM, and best with CDs. However, I find it very difficult to get the right fade front <> back. I've seen this complaint here and will echo it. Seems as if the dash front speakers are simply overpowering all others. Then, when adjusting the fade to R4 or so, the entire system sounds weak. And seems to vary between modes, and at times the songs. Just can't seem to find a happy medium. In most cars, set the fader once and AOK until wanting a change.

Not a complaint, simply something that could be addressed and improved. Toyota could go across the aisle to Lexus engineers and get tips. You'd think that Toyota product management would be tired of getting bad audio reviews...

And not to beat a dead horse - the rear view mirror vibration with bass (set at 1 or 2) is irritating. Another engineering issue...

[cabledave]

Does the 2010 have the center speaker in the dash?

I disconnected mine in our 2006 and it made a huge difference in the sound quality (got the recommendation here).

[wfolta]

Following up on the antenna thing: it unscrews for the car wash, so make sure it's all the way in.

Not sure what I think of the JBL audio. Lots of good things and good comments from friends, but there's this nagging muddiness at times and I haven't figured it out.

[HTMLSpinnr]

Originally Posted by cabledave

Does the 2010 have the center speaker in the dash?

I disconnected mine in our 2006 and it made a huge difference in the sound quality (got the recommendation here).

2010 JBL is 8 speakers now - no more center speaker.

[beejay]

Originally Posted by josel777

Same problem here, FM stations sound noisy and staticky. This is by far the worst radio I have ever owned.

I have a Prius II with the base radio.

Thanks for your response. FYI,the dealersent me a written report letting me know that the staticwas caused by multipath i/f(don't think that's what it is) and that it's"normal". I intend topursue it further. Please let me know if you can add anything, or have spoken to a dealer.

[jb72]

I agree that the radio and sat radio really blow! However ... when I plug my iPod into Aux, it produces some really fine tunz. It borders on a 4-channel simulation. This is the best sound I have ever heard in a car ... OK - so maybe I don't ride in that many cars. Granted, it does not compare with the home stereo, but for tunz in a ride ... I got no complaints.