Upgrading Radio

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bravery @ Apr 25 2006, 09:57 PM) [snapback]245295[/snapback]</div>

Going from non-JBL to JBL will take a TON of money unless you get lucky and find all the parts used. You need the radio, the JBL amp, and the wiring between.

The non-JBL is all in the dash unit. The JBL has the separate amp AND the headunit sends a digital signal to the amp to tell it what volume/fade/etc to use, so if you tried somehow using an aftermarket amp with the JBL headunit, you'd lose some somewhat vital functions.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bravery @ Apr 28 2006, 08:11 AM) [snapback]246558[/snapback]</div>

I just had the blueconnect installed by my dealer and it seems to work well. I don't know about any of the others.

 

Does the JBL amp look like this and located under the passenger seat?

 

the jbl amp is under the rf seat, yes.

 

I have an Advanced Prime with the JBL system. Do you know of any system available to provide noise cancelling feature? I've heard that some deluxe Honda models offer this feature as part of their sound systems. Does Bose, or any other quality aftermarket supplier offer such a system, preferably as an add-on?

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The dealer isn't pulling your leg. The JBL system has a different headunit, speakers, wiring, and amplifier. Moreover, the sound quality still isn't good! I would choose a well put together aftermarket system any day over JBL.

 

Noise cancelling in headphones is relatively easy as the environment and distance to the ear is very controlled. In a car, such systems need to be custom built for the car and still aren't very effective. For this reason aftermarket systems aren't really possible.

Better solution to reduce noise is to apply sound dampening materials to your doors, wheel wells, and other locations, and install quiet tires.

 

Yeah, I'll have to look into dynamat again; it does make a big difference but has been expensive. You'd think Toyota would chase after the noise cancelling as factory option for these inherently quieter cars.

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This is what I used in my Prius
Noico 50 mil 25 sqft car Sound deadening mat, butyl automotive Sound Deadener, audio Noise Insulation and dampening

I used 3 panels for each front door, 2.5 for each rear door, and the final panel for damping the trunk. Effect was a noticeable reduction in wind noise. Noico is much more economical than dynamat. I really recommend this stuff! Next for me is to apply two 80 mil layers to the insides of the wheel wells.