OEM vs. Aftermarket Argument

An automobile in motion, especially one without a lot of (heavy) sound deadening material, is such a poor platform for good sound that I have learned to be happy with much less cash outlay.
I really enjoy the system in the II, yes, the II, with the added subwoofer for 90 bucks. (Boss 600). A little tweaking of the controls, and it's 90 percent as good as the 5K system in my sports car.
I run XM and my iPhone into the aux jack, and split their output with a Y to the sub. Works gangbusters. And it's cheap. The speakers in the Prius aren't much different between models, anyway, and they work pretty well. Starting to love economy these days.

 

The Prius's JBL system is no where near what an audiophile would consider mid level. The sound is not crisp. The bass is not there. A track with tight bass is not reproduced anywhere near at reference level. The stock system is just there so that you have something to listen to. This is due to lack of pure, undistorted, clean power. There is definitely room for improvement.

As for cost, let's say that there's a Prius I and it didn't came with a stereo system. The factory stereo in the dash is covered by a plate. To purchase the same JBL system from Toyota would set you back at least $1500 because Toyota can slap "Toyota" or its logo on a piece of cow shit and all of the sudden it has a price tag of $99.99. Now to buy an aftermarket system that has the same sound quality as the stock JBL, you would only need to spend $500 tops, $650 if you have it installed. Now, for $1500 you could buy and install a system that'll put the OEM JBL system to shame.

I personally will not do any upgrades to my system yet for 2 reasons. 1, I'm tapped out. 2, The cost of adding on/ upgrading the JBL will be in the thousands. I'm the type of person that if it's worth doing, it's worth over doing. If I were to upgrade the JBL system, I wouldn't limit to just the audio quality. I'd add retained accessory, bypass the speed lockout, add video inputs, enable reverse camera, enable LKA camera for high speed, add low aiming front bumper camera for low speed, add side cameras linked to turn signals, fiberglass an enclosure for an 8 or a 10 (if there's enough room) in the left rear corner of the hatch. I'll probably ended up spending 5 figures just to get the system to sound and function the way I want.

The stock JBL system is decent for average listeners. The cost of upgrading is just not worth it for average listeners. For someone who truely care how a system should sound, the OEM JBL system is not a good start (to listen to or to modify). I've listened to a few songs in my Prius then listened to the same songs in my Tacoma. I could honestly say, WOW, I've never heard this part in the Prius before. The music is so much more alive in an decent aftermarket system.

The Prius is so enjoyable to drive that I'm willing to put up the mediocre audio system. If I want to really rock out and feel the punch in my chest when listening to the 1812 overture, I'd drive my Tacoma.

Don't get me wrong, the JBL has its advantages over aftermarket system. It's engineered to sound as good as possible. But because it's engineered so, replacing the stock with aftermarket would definitely improve the sound quality. It all comes down to cost.

Incase you think I'm full of shit, I'm speaking from over 14 years of car audio/video/security installation experience. This is just how I feel about the stock JBL system.

 

Oh yeah, forgot to mention: there's something to be said for small, lightweight speakers, like the Prius comes with, namely, low moving mass. The midrange to upper mids sometimes surprises me with the clarity of certain vocal passages - something I don't even hear from the Focals and amps in my Kenwood Excelon setup.
Also, the mid-bass from the front 6X9s is really very decent, especially when combined with a sub that has phasing controls. (Experiment! makes a huge difference in reducing cancellation).
I'm thrilled with my cheapo system - again, comparing with top end stuff. No, it doesn't thump as hard, play as loudly, or have that last 10 per cent of resolution, but... it's a noisy car platform.
If I really wanted to hear MUSIC, I'd actually risk the ticket and wear these.


Before the Bose bashers chime in, yeah, I used to be one too. All I can say is give the new ones (QC15) a listen...

Problem is, the noise cancelling works so well, you'd be unsafe in traffic.
Now, in the passenger seat...

 

Amen! Oh snap. He just told you.

But in all sincerity, the JBL is nowhere near "premium quality." JBL is not considered premium by any audiophile standards. No "Luxury" Car manufacturer uses JBL as their even basic sound system. ajc even ripped out his JBL system and did his Complete Audio Upgrade. In many of the Prius II and upgrade or Prius III threads, many point out the difference in sound quality between a JBL and Non-JBL is not that significant. The statistics posted on the JBL speakers and non-JBL speakers are not mind-blowing either.

Yes, wattage is not everything. But if a speaker is only rated to 25W, there is a limit to the quality of sound it can emit. Physics is physics. Sure the EQ, and placement of speakers, and the JBL amp make the JBL sound system better than the stock Prius II system, but is the JBL system even near as elite as a system that is constructed the way ajc did? Highly unlikely. Considering ajc used high quality polk audio speakers, alpine amp...etc. When people talk about premium sound, you hear bose, you hear mark levingson, you hear infinity, you hear harman kardon..you never hear JBL. JBL is a consumer entry-level brand for sound quality.

Just because its OEM, doesnt' mean its better. And i seriously doubt Toyota had JBL engineers work in the car and measure the sound at all different angles and tweak it to provide the best sound. And even if they did, there is a limit to the sound the equipment can provide. And if you're comparing the quality of a JBL system to that of a B&W system in a Jag, take into account the B&W is actually considered a premium audio system by audophile standards. JBL isn't, its just a cheap tactic by Toyota to make more money by grabbing something name-brand.

So you see, i'm not the only one who believes in this "flawed" argument.

 

Thai, how am i being embarrassed?? I didn't realize that you were right and all knowing and that everything i say is wrong because you say so. What is being debunked? From what i've read, you're the only one doing the "debunking." People are debunking you as well. I've posted facts, which you ignore. WHat $70,000 car are you speaking of that uses a JBL sound system? Is that just one car? Tell me how many Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, BMW, Audi, Mercedes cars use JBL sound systems if they're so great... No, you'll find Bose, Mark Levingson, Infinity, Harman Kardon. Go to any audiophile forum and ask them what brand they believe is an elite sound system. Does anyone mention the consumer-level JBL brand?? and PLEASE KEEP EVERYTHING IN ONE POST.... And your attempts to intimidate me aren't going to work. Get over yourself. You're the only poster i've seen who's defended the JBL system so adamantly. I see many people agreeing with me that the JBL system is mediocre at best.

When did i say that the JBL system sounds the same as stock? AJC said that his sound system "sounds" better than what he had before (JBL). So if only at LEAST ONE person thinks their aftermarket system sounds better than JBL, JBL isn't KING of audio.

You're right, people have different opinions on what they think sounds good. So what is the point of debating this? You think your JBL system is KING of all audio systems. Good for you, its your car, as long as you enjoy it, who cares? Everyone else who enjoys their aftermarket system, who cares? There's no point in debating which system is "better" because such a term is subjective.

With that logic, the stock system should sound just as good as the JBL system because they have the same speaker placement and calibration. Calibration and placement make up half the sound quality. Quality of the materials that produce the sound is also key. If the JBL speakers were nothing more than 1oz paper cones, and still had the same placement, i wonder if you would still be singing this same song. Get this in your head: SPEAKER AND AMP QUALITY DO MATTER

Like i said, i'm not the only one who disagrees with you regarding JBL system is king. You have a Prius V with NAV, so you're stuck with the JBL system. It sounds more like that you are trying to justify it to yourself that your JBL system is the best because there's nothing else you can do. You dished out the extra money for that system, and you're stuck with it. Why bother convincing me, when you're trying to convince yourself. Not a professional diagnosis, since i'm still working on my graduate degree in psychology, but from your behavior, and you berating Prius II owners, you just look like someone who is trying to justify why he spent so much money on a Prius.

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...rius-ii-w-aftermarket-hu-prius-iii-w-jbl.html

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-audio-electronics/61103-2010-prius-audio-specs.html

So Thai, there are many people who don't agree with you. Find me one person who does. Find me one person who agrees with you JBL beats any aftermarket system. rofl...yeah thats what i thought.

Find me ONE audiophile forum or article online where JBL is ranked among the high quality audio systems. Everywhere i searched, JBL is ranked among entry-level systems.

 

Two threads. You didn't answer my question. How many prius owners on this forum LOVE their JBL system as much as you? The fact that you keep insulting me is also hilarious, because you keep singing the same tune, and you're not addressing any of the points i made. What reputation?? Who cares about my reputation. Whats your reputation? Are you king of the PriusChat all of the sudden? wow, this isn't high school...rofl

All i find is posts agreeing with me. Nobody seems to be enamored with the JBL system as much as you.

Toyota Land Cruiser is not a luxury vehicle... A Lexus LX 570 is... WHat sound system does that luxury car have? JBL?? Like i said, if JBL was so great, it would be on a lexus as well wouldn't it? As for JBL's exclusively on Toyotas, maybe its only Toyota that wants a JBL system. Ever think of that? Maybe they just want a cheap system that has a "name" attached to it. Would you still be singing the same tune if Toyota had a Bose system instead of a JBL system? What if Toyota was using an Insignia system? or a Kenwood system?? Would you use the same argument? Even if all those are entry-level audio brands??

And yes, OFF TOPIC. Bring up Old threads and posts so you can continue to insult me: but... it is a stupid financial decision to buy a Prius V. Why? The point of a prius is fuel economy. Just like buying a car at MSRP is stupid, buying higher trims is also stupid from a FINANCIAL standpoint. You are paying more money, and you are not gaining EFFICIENCY. the only thing you gain is aesthetics, which does not improve the purpose of the car: FUEL ECONOMY. What are you gaining by spending $13k more on your Prius. Do you magically get 80mpg?? No. The only thing you get is more convenience, more comfort, but not more money saved. Let me put that in perspective. That $13k could buy enough gas to fuel a Prius for over 15+ years. What ignorance? This is basic economics. Let me dumb it down for you= If Guy A pays more money than Guy B for the same water from the same well, who's financially smarter? I dont care if people dish out more money on a Prius V. That's their car, they want to spend that much, fine. But is it a smart financial decision? No. Just like leasing isn't a smart financial decision.

If you're not saying JBL system is king, what are you saying? If someone spends enough money, then yes, they can get an aftermarket system that will beat the JBL system. Then yes, there are aftermarket systems out there better than the JBL system.

Audio noobs? who cares. I'm so offended by that title, i have no idea how i will live with myself. I should just go shoot myself in the head now because i dont know "everything" about car audio system rofl. Im sorry, how many PhDs do you have in audio mechanics?

I'm not going to continue arguing here. Especially if you're going to continue berating and insulting. I'm pretty sure my brain is larger than yours. Just like everyone in Texas is poorly educated right? I mean your state is the home of George Bush...enough said. Clearly you love your JBL system. good for you. AJC loves his aftermarket system, good for him. I love my system, good for me. Who cares which one is better? its a SUBJECTIVE question that can't be solved by numbers. Although if it could be solved by numbers, then JBL would lose.

 

I have a Prius II and most of my friends opted for the PRIUS III with the JBL. All I can say is we are all audiophiles and none of the 4 Prius among us have the stock stereos jbl or bare. They just sound terrible in our opinions. Coming from my second car which has full set of Dynaudio Esotars and McIntosh amps. For most I think the JBL system would do fine with just an added sub but music and sound is so personal of a subject it is useless to argue about it. It is about budget and taste, just way too subjective to say whats better for who.(Type of music one listens to will really really make a big difference)

For my Prius II, all I did was installed a Alpine Navi Head Unit and replaced all the speakers with a couple sets of component speaker from Eclipse i got on ebay for liek $120 all around and it works for me. I am sure I will upgrade it soon with some dynaudio speakers, amp and sub, but for now it is much much better. I just have to say is the first step to good sound even with a stock system is to put some sound deadening material in the doors. I did the entire car with the exception of the ceiling. You will notice that quietness will make any system sound better.

 

OH SNAP

 

him, his 3 friends who had Prius IIIs with JBL who were audiophiles who thought the sound was utter crap?? yeah.

QUOTE A PRIUS CHAT FORUM MEMBER, NOT SOME RANDOM GUYS ON THE INTERNET WHO ONLY DRIVE THE PRIUS FOR 2 DAYS

Land Cruiser= Full Size SUV
Lexus LX 570= Rebranded Land Cruiser that is luxury.

Do i have to list the luxury features of the lX 570 that make it luxury versus the Land cruiser which isn't?? Hmm. Ventilated seats on the LX, N/A on the LC. Power Folding Bench Seats on LX, not on LC. 4 One Touch Power Windows on LX, only 1 on LC. standard RV camera on LX, optional on LC....i got a whole list of these.

 

My half way aftermarket system stills sounds better than than JBL stereo in the prisu III. I don't even need any fancy processing or calibration. But hey that is my opinion. It is not my previous car but my second car...

 

I didn't say JBL system was crap. I said the JBL system isn't the best like you make it out to be. Like i said, if the JBL system was so awesome, why is it the same exact vehicle LX 570, which is just a Land Cruiser with extra bells and whistles, uses a Mark Levingson system instead?? Oh yeah, thats right, because THERE IS SOMETHING BETTER THAN JBL...

Im sorry, have you found any other Prius Drivers who love their JBL system as much as you yet? Or have you just found more posters who say the same exact thing i've said. I guess as a republican, you're used to being a minority.

You keep saying "psych major right??" like its supposed to mean something.