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How is the JBL sound quality?

Discussion in 'Prius v Audio and Electronics' started by Paranormal Rob, Jun 8, 2017.

  1. Paranormal Rob

    Paranormal Rob Active Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    RDU NC
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    Getting my 1st ever Prius (and first hybrid) delivered sometime next week. Its a white 2013 with only 34k miles thru CarMax.

    I was wondering how the sound quality is and if there's a decent amount of bass. I do know JBL makes quality equipment.

    Thanks

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  2. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    Location:
    New Mexico, USA
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    N/A
    If its a 5 model with the ATP and JBL system its pretty good. That model had the 7" display that folds open for discs, and a pretty good sound. No sub though.
     
    Paranormal Rob likes this.
  3. Paranormal Rob

    Paranormal Rob Active Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  4. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Lots of complaints about bass and the rear speakers in general. I have thought about installing booster amps.
     
  5. Offline

    Offline Active Member

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    Location:
    Lenexa, Kansas
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    The JBL system in my wife's 2012 Prius v Five/ATP sounds quite nice and better than the JBL system in her previous car, a Camry. Subwoofer or not, it sounds like it could have one although I'm not a "bass freak".

    I rarely drive her Prius but when I do, I often stream Pandora and have lately been listening to the Spectrum SiriusXM channel which sounds amazingly good for being sat radio. IMO, SiriusXM programming and sound quality has improved considerably and I'm listening far more than I ever thought I would since I found little I liked just three years ago.

    BTW, your car will have Safety Connect. Press the SOS button in the overhead console to see if the previous owners subscription is active. A subscription is around $140/year with multi-year discounts available.
     
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  6. Paranormal Rob

    Paranormal Rob Active Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    RDU NC
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    I have had SiriusXM for years and wouldn't go without it, esp with uber/lyft riders.

    I once had to rent a car for a week (deer t-boned my SUV) and instead of paying them $15/day for sirius, I asked them to transfer temporarily which cost just over $5.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  7. Tiffany Melendez

    Tiffany Melendez New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius+ MPV
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    Two
    The quality of sound is good.
     
  8. Paranormal Rob

    Paranormal Rob Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2017
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    Location:
    RDU NC
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    I cranked mine a few times and if it doesn't have a sub, the speakers sound as if it has one. No need for me to change anything. Nice, clean sound with clean bass.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  9. Linus vanPelt

    Linus vanPelt Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    The sound on my rear speakers is minimal. Originally the left rear speaker was better than the right one which kept on dropping out.
    I brought it in for service and they said they couldn't find anything wrong. But told me to keep an eye (sic) on it as these things usually get worse. Next time I brought it in for service (10K) they said that was they way they are. With 4 speakers in the front and two in the back the back is softer. In fact they even checked out another Prius V and the sound from the back speakers was also VERY weak when you move the balance to the back. He said there were no reports from Toyota about a problem that he could find.
    This would be a deal breaker for me had I known that I was basically paying for a stereo that only has front speakers. Whoever designed it this way needs to rethink it. Apparently a quick web search shows that this is not unique to the Prius. Other Toyota vehicles also have very weak rear speaker volume. One report says 70% drop from the front.
    I expect better from Toyota