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Added amp make that much of a difference?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by Color Theory, Jan 28, 2006.

  1. Color Theory

    Color Theory New Member

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    I'm planning to wait for that Rockford Fosgate summing/EQ unit to come out, and then upgrade my JBL audio system. I'll definitely be adding some very high end speakers, but I'm not sure about adding an amp. I know that the quality of the amp can make a huge difference in general, but I'm not sure how much of a difference a second amp will make. The factory amp provides plenty of volume, so that's not a concern for me. Thoughts?
     
    #1 Color Theory, Jan 28, 2006
  2. tmorrowus

    tmorrowus Member

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    Buying a better amp won't give you any better sound quality at the lower listening levels you use. Well, there could possibly be a very slight improvement if you are listening to very dynamic music at a level near the max output of the factory amp. And also note that new speakers may be less efficient so you may find the factory amp isn't strong enough.

    But if you want to use the RF processing unit, you'll need an amp because that unit takes the toyota JBL amp output and outputs a nonamplified signal. Also note that the Harman processor (to be released supposedly around June) will have built in 20W amps, so you wouldn't need an amp with it.
     
    #2 tmorrowus, Jan 31, 2006
  3. Color Theory

    Color Theory New Member

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    Thanks for your help. Yeah, I think I'll need to add an aftermarket amp just to meet the requirements of my new speakers. Actually two: one for the door speakers and another for the subwoofer. My plan is to go with the Rockford unit as soon as possible. The Harmon unit may turn out to be better, but I don't want to wait to find out!

    I contacted the Toyota 800 number and e-mailed Toyota, to find out if the factory EQ was somehow defeatable. The e-mail response simply said they don't recommend modifying the vehicle in any way, but the phone technician said it's not defeatable. I've learned that I can download the dealer resources for $10, which I'll do later tonight. If I find out there's a way to defeat that EQ in the service menus, I'll post it right away. It just doesn't make sense to me why they'd hardwire that "loudness curve".
     
    #3 Color Theory, Jan 31, 2006
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