Standard Stereo vs Upgraded JBL Stereo

Great question...and I will look forward to the answer. I did pop for the top package, and find the JBL system to be good. Could use a bit more bass, and I have investigated a integrated powered subwoofer from Infinity. At high volume, this system is clear and no distortion. But could use some more ooomph at normal volume.

 

Well, to answer your questions about the specs for the two systems, they're given in this thread by htmlspinner:

http://priuschat.com/forums/any-jbl-woofer...ht=specs+stereo

There's been a lot written about the quality of both systems on this and other boards. There's numerous posts about the sub-par quality of both and of how people have upgraded the systems.

Of course, there may be numerous people out there who think that either system is plenty good enough. You may just have to listen to both to determine if they meet your criteria. Much depends on the type of music you listen to. Numerous folks who just listen to talk radio have stated that the OEM systems are just fine.

From what I understand in your post, you are really debating whether the JBL upgrade is worth the extra $2k. The answer is gonna be no from what I've read on this site. Too many people have complained about the quality of the system. For $2k, you can install a much, much better system if you buy a car with the base system and go to your local aftermarket shop. With this, you'll be able to add a sub, which the vast majority has said has made a significant difference in the sound quality.

Also, it is much easier to upgrade the base system (by adding an amp) than upgrading the JBL system since the JBL amp is incorporated into the MFD and can't be swapped out without losing some features.

FYI, regardless of which system you get, if you swap out the head, you'll lose the stereo controls on the steering wheel and the MFD.

Finally, just to add more confusion to the decision making process, I'm willing to bet that the vast majority of us Prius owners will state that the best option by far (aside from the safety issues) is the smart key system. It's probably the second best thing we like about the car, after the whole electric/hybrid thing.

Cheers,

 

Thanks...off to Circuit City I go for a powered sub!

 

You really should go for SKS!

 

Hi.

The link you provided is not working. Is there any other place where I can know the full (at least some!) specs on the stock radio and speakers? Thank you for your help.

 

You should be thinking about the side airbags more than the stereo. Those make a huge difference in the safety of the Prius (IIHS rated good with and poor without in side impact!!!). My family's safety is worth a hell of a lot more than $2k, yours probably is too. Think of it as getting increased safety for $2k and getting the rest of the stuff for free.

Not exactly what you were asking, but I think it's more important.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DanMan32 @ May 5 2005, 09:55 AM) [snapback]87153[/snapback]</div>

I agree! Don't go for anything less than a Package 3 (which I bought), or a Package 4 (with VSC, which I had ordered). In crash safety tests the side impact airbags made a HUGE improvement in passenger protection. As for VSC, although I have heard 1 or 2 disparaging remarks on here about it, I hear that the tests on it have been so favorable that the government has mandated that all cars come with it standard by 2010, or something like that.
And, as for the Smart Key system, its one of the things that makes the car so "futuristic", and you won't know how you lived without it after you've had it! B)
And, back on topic, I find the standard stereo system just fine for my listening tastes, since I've upgraded the speakers for ~$275.

 

I have the JBL stereo and the more I listen to it the more impressed I get. It do play music pretty accurately I must say. It's not primarily a hip-hop or rock system. It's to linear for that and as such can feel a bit under powered. For Jazz, Folk Music and Classical it does a pretty decent job of bringing out fidelity.

I used to compare it to my BOSE system in my Maxima and the Bose could def. shake windows and produce a lot more base, but I think the JBL has a more pleasant sound for day to day driving.

The only part I don't like it the stupid center speaker that makes no sense. It's not a subwoofer and there is no "surrond" processor so the only thing it can play is the (mid range) of L+R. I haven't tried to disconnect it.... yet.

If I where you I would go for package 5 but mainly for the safety enhancements.
/Robert

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Nov 2 2006, 11:22 AM) [snapback]342556[/snapback]</div>

Well darn, I didn't even notice that.... :blink:

 

Die Thread, DIE!