Base Stereo vs. JBL Stereo

For those of you who have sampled both the base stereo (found in the Prius II) and the upgraded JBL stereo, how do the two compare?

Is the JBL stereo worth the extra $1000? Are the differences between the two significant or are they minimal?

I am not interested in bluetooth, so that isn't a consideration for me.

Thanks!

Interested in this as well..

I would be interested to hear the comparison also. My 09 JBL gets crackin' fairly well on the open highway. It is pretty clear and strong at higher volumes, although not up to audiophile standards. No subwoofer, but there is some base presence. Doubt Gen3 has a sub either.

I tried base audio sytems a lot in both a 2009 Matrix and Rav4, and they were weak. They just couldn't cut through at highway speeds, lacked clarity, and distorted at higher volumes.

I wanted JBL because I couldn't see having the door panels and carpets pulled up / off of a new car for a 3rd party job. Just me. (Toyota does not add JBL after factory).

Little off topic but hope that helps.

wonder how the base stereo compares..

If this is any help, to my ears the 2010 JBL stereo is a big improvement over the 2006 JBL unit. I'm not an audiophile, but the 2010 seems to have a clearer radio signal and a stronger bass all-around.

I just about started a post on this last night for more details on this, but I couldn't decide what to ask.

I believe the JBL stereo has a CD changer; does it occupy the same form factor as the base stereo, or is the CD changer part separate?

Are there any pictures with the radio turned on so we can see the display, or any detailed specs on the radio?

Does JBL have a page that describes it?

I asked the CD changer question yesterday of my sales guy and I was told that the 6 CDs are inserted through the dash. There is no external storage unit for the 6 CDs as some earlier CD changer models had (in general, not Prius). I'm not that interested in a CD changer, and I didn't want give up any space to an external CD changer in the center console or trunk area. BTW, I'm also interested in the same question posed here as I'm interested in a pkg II or III and may have one or the other, or a choice, coming in the next few weeks.

Couldn't find anything on it... lots of people are interested in this comparison due to the expressive price tag differences between II and III...

I personally don't listen much to CDs anymore, so having the ability to load 6 CDs in the dashboard (Prius III) is pretty useless for me, just 1 CD like in the Prius II is enough. Most of the time, I listen to satellite radio or my IPod, which are both possible with the Prius II. Bluetooth is not a big deal for me because I will use the car mostly for hwy drive and I found the road noise on the hwy somewhat disturbing during my test drive... I doubt the noise would allow me to carry on a decent phone conversation in the hwy…

It would be kind of nice to have the climate control automatically back down to "Medium fan speed" when a bluetooth call is made ... just one nice little improvement that would be much appreciated

can anyone offer impressions on the base stereo?

I can offer an opinion on the iconic (G2) base stereo, which is crap, but haven't had the opportunity to crank up the G3 yet. The upgraded JBL unit was not wonderful, either, and certainly not worth the difference in price. I'm sure you'd get far better sound quality from an aftermarket system.

It would kind of nice if the CD changer dispensed money like an ATM when you enter your PIN on the radio buttons.

Hey, if you are going to dream, dream big.

All you'd need is a satellite link, a card reader, and a cash card. A tad pricey for your car, maybe, but not difficult.

6 speakers and most likely no separate amplifier ....

probably lack full sound and clarity, especially at higher volumes.

Doubt most with II will want to confirm this, but the Gen2 pack2 fit description.

ofcourse it is a personal choice...

As for me, I just ordered a II. It already has 6 speakers, I felt that is enough for such a small car..I think I can pop in one CD at a time; so the 6 CD option is not a big deal...as for bluetooth, it is not a priority...I felt 1K extra for these is little too much.

It's not only that. Prius 3 is Satellite radio ready with 3 months free subscrition, Prius 2 is sat radio compatible, meaning the dealer will charge you extra $500 to make it ready and no free subscription.

I too have nothing to add about the base stereo. But the JBLs speakers are unfortunately set right next to the windshield and rattle the rearview mirror.

Bluetooth, however, worked well at 65mph with air on.