JBL vs standard sound

JBL is not available in Europe and I think its not available in Japan either. Given these markets have overall better equipped Prius (PHEV) compared to America, I can only guess the JBL addition is nothing to write home about and the standard audio is good enough. As other reviewers mentioned, the JBL speakers look like a cheap afterthought glued to the a-pillars.

Anyway, just a guess.

 

I don’t know what the standard sounds like but I am fairly particular when it comes to music and I can say that the JBL sounds quite good. I was actually quite pleasantly surprised - for example fairly deep bass, no distortion at loud volume, rich and balanced sound overall. Not exactly aftermarket sound but pretty impressive nonetheless.

 

You can't get the JBL system on either an LE or XLE, only Ltd.

 

With the JBL, you get an amplifier and JBL speakers. Without the JBL, you don't get an amplifier and are limited to the output power of the DENSO/DENSO TEN multimedia unit.

I have JBL on my 2021 Prius Prime Limited. I didn't have JBL on my 2020 Prius Prime XLE. JBL has a very strong bass, which any music listener would appreciate. Yesterday, when I was listening to Sultans of Swing in my car, I realized for the first time how prominent the bass in that song was.

So, yes, if you could make a choice, definitely go with JBL over stock. It is not to say that JBL is a very good sound system, but it will be better than the nonamplified stock audio.

 

I can say The JBL is quite good I use Apple Music through car play, has good Bass, Vocals are clear! Spend a few bucks more for a Limited, power rear hatch, 12.3 info screen, JBL, heat and ventilated seats!

 

Are you sure its still the same for the current gen?

 

Yes, also for Gen 5, no JBL = no amplifier. JBL gets two extra speakers as well.

https://www.toyota.com/priusprime/features/mpg_other_price/1235/1237/1239

The following information is for Gen 4.

(n ) "GreenEdge" Speakers (Models with Navigation System (JBL Premium Model))
(1) "GreenEdge" speakers that efficiently convert electricity to sound with less sound corruption have been adopted. These
speakers realize high sound pressure levels with low power consumption while still maintaining superb sound quality.
(2) Due to the adoption of acoustic lenses, the directionality of the speaker output is improved, enhancing the area where the
acoustics are effective.

(o) Class D Amplifier (Models with Navigation System (JBL Premium Model))
(1) The amplifier controls the power supplied to the amplifier circuit in the most efficient way according to the received audio
signals.
(2) The power consumption and heat generation of the Class D amplifier is small, minimizing the size of the heatsink and
related parts. This realizes a compact and lightweight amplifier.
(p) Clari-Fi Music Restoration Technology (Models with Navigation System (JBL Premium Model))
(1) The amplifier utilizes Clari-Fi technology.
(2) Files such as an MP3 or AAC have lost the audio details of the original music source during the file compression process. The
Clari-Fi technology is used to restore the lost audio details and optimize data.
(3) During playback of a compressed music file, the Clari-Fi technology improves the frequency characteristics, dynamic range,
low frequency sounds, etc. of the music file in real time, recreating the wide soundstage of the original music source.

These are the flimsy non-JBL speakers for Gen 4:




These are the JBL speakers with an acoustic lens:

 

This is the Gen 5 Prius/Prius Prime JBL speaker system, which seems to be a carryover from the 2021 Yaris JBL speaker system. Part numbers could be different (86160-42170, 86150-42080, 86160-42200, 86150-K0010, and 86280-47120 for Gen 5 Prius/Prius Prime JBL), but they look identical.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/385673005669

 

Do you think we can install the JBL system after? plug and play?

 

How? The parts cost a fortune. If you want to go that route, I would recommend a different aftermarket system. They could even install a subwoofer in the trunk.

 

This guy thought the base audio was a D+ and the JBL audio was a C+. The ratings go up to A and then S+. So, the base audio is of below-average quality, and the JBL audio is of average quality. The reviewer was complaining that a $39k (Prius Prime XSE) or $43k (Prius Prime XSE Plus) car should get better audio.

DM Sound—Prius—YouTube

If you only care about the audio, an upgrade to the top trim may not be worth the cost. With JBL, you get an amplifier; so, it will definitely sound better especially if you adjust the equalizer, but the cost might not justify the upgrade.

 

The Jbl doesn't have anything on most other premium audio systems, I was massively let down. However if you think your Bluetooth speaker sounds good you'll probably like it. I'm sure its better than the non jbl but still not worth the upcharge what so ever.

 

It helps a lot if you optimize the equalizer/loudness/fader settings on JBL.

 

I've been very pleased with the stock sound system. Nice upgrade over my G4. I'm sure the JBL system is superior, but I don't know by how much, or if it justifies upgrading the trim.

After tuning the equalizer, I get VERY nice bass response and clarity when listening to your typical modern hip-hop fare.

 

It can help a little yes. I also upgraded the tweeters and added a sub which made it good enough for me for now. I plan to do some additional upgrades in the future. In reflection I wish I had just started with a base stereo.

 

I found this DSP Power Amp from BeatSonic Japan and coming to the US market soon. It has a version specially tuned for the 5th-generation Prius.

Here is the website:
http://www.beatsonic.co.jp/toon/
車の音響が超進化。手軽に、音の臨場感が際立つ純正オーディオ良音キット「TOON」｜マクアケ - アタラシイものや体験の応援購入サービス

They had one for BRZ and GR86 here in the US market and here is the sound comparison video:

I hope this can help the current sound system in the non-JBL Prius.

 

The professional reviewer gave the Gen 5 stock sound a D. If it were a nice upgrade over the Gen 4 stock sound, Gen 4 stock sound would be an F.

I had the Gen 4 stock sound, and I have the Gen 4 JBL sound now, and I don't think Gen 4 stock sound was an F. I doubt there is much improvement from Gen 4 to Gen 5 in either stock sound or JBL sound after watching the professional review.

 

Irrespective of any arbitrary grading systems applied, my opinion remains.

A really good song to test a sound system's fidelity and punch is "You Should See Me in a Crown", by Billie Eilish. Playing that in my G5's stock system is surprisingly impressive, and has impressed passengers with better branded systems in their car.

The G5 has more punch IMO. Yet the G4 wasn't horrible either. I just don't think it goes as loud and remains clear. Bass is better now also IMO. The G5 also has HD radio over my 2019 LE. That's not an insignificant upgrade.

I guess it's important to point out I had a 2019. G4's extend to the 2022 year. Plenty of stereo improvements were likely made over those three years.

 

This is interesting. Any direct links? Google translator isn't working perfectly.

I wonder if the G5 installation is cleaner than the one demonstrated. I'd prefer not having to mount the amp under the seat.