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Audio System Upgrade Questions

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by Condor124, Feb 4, 2010.

  1. Condor124

    Condor124 Junior Member

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    I blew a front speaker in my 2006 Prius with Nav and JBL sound system. I replaced both front speakers and tweeters with a Hertz ESK 165 system that that is rated at 200w peak and 100w continuous. The speakers sounded great in the showroom, much better than the Infinity Kappas that I was considering, but I am not happy with the sound in the car. I am now thinking that the reason is the JBL amp, at 45 watts, is not powerful enough to drive them properly. I am willing to install an aftermarket amplifier, but am concerned that I will loose the phone and navigation functionality, as well as fade control, provided by the JBL amp. Does anyone have a recommendation on how I should proceed?

    Thanks in advance
     
    #1 Condor124, Feb 4, 2010
  2. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    Well first make sure that the new speakers you are going to replace the stock ones with have the same impedance as the stock ones. Failure to do so can lead to some unexpected complications! And yes, you do not really need 200 watt speakers with a JBL amp, your filling a small car with sound, not Yankee Stadium!!

    If you really want to blow out your ears, your going to have to start thinking bigger power amp, etc...

    Good luck, let us know how you make out!!
     
    #2 KK6PD, Feb 4, 2010
  3. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    The deck is the weak point. There are others that will give you bluetooth functionality, but I'm not sure about the nav. Check out some of F8L's stereo threads to see.
     
    #3 hyo silver, Feb 4, 2010
  4. KCobby

    KCobby Member

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    Speaking of Yankee Stadium...only two more weeks until Pitchers and Catchers!!! ;)(GO YANKS!):rockon:

    :focus:
    Regarding your system, from what I know the JBL system is notorious for being a strangely unique equalization that usually drives people nuts when replacing any aspect of the stereo. That's why many people choose to get something like a JL Cleansweep so essentially you start from zero as far as the sound shaping.

    You are right in thinking that the amp is under-powering the speakers. That won't affect the speakers as much as the "JBL tone", but what I don't know is whether you will loose any functionality by not using the JBL amp. I would think that the NAV and phone are taken care of somewhere else like the MFD computer (someone please correct me if I'm wrong.) Isn't the JBL amp under the passenger seat just the amp??

    I've seen many other posts on the JBL amp here so I do think there is information available. I was lucky in that my system was without JBL!
    :)

    Hopefully others will chime in. Let us know what you end up with.
     
    #4 KCobby, Feb 4, 2010
  5. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    My wife "The Bronx Bomber" has the same thoughts...

    And speaking of JL Cleansweeps, I have a Brand new one that I bought, never used, and want to sell it.
    Anyone reading the posts and wants to make a dealdeal, PM me!!!
     
    #5 KK6PD, Feb 4, 2010
  6. Condor124

    Condor124 Junior Member

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    Thanks for the advice. The speakers I purchased are 4 ohms. I went to a reputable dealer and assumed (I know, I can hear the chorus now) that the speakers I was sold would be appropriately matched.

    Does anyone know the impedance rating of the JBL amp?
     
    #6 Condor124, Feb 5, 2010
  7. Condor124

    Condor124 Junior Member

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    Just wanted to take time to close out this thread. I did finish my upgrade, and although I spent a fair amount of money in the process ($1700 total), I am extremely satisfied with the results.

    First, the JBL amp is 2 ohms so I either needed to replace the Hertz 4 ohm speakers with Infinity Kappa 60.9CS or add another 4ohm amp. I chose the later option and the following products were added or replaced:

    Front speakers: Hertz ESK 165 component system
    Rear speakers: Infinity Kappa 2-way 62.91
    Subwoofer: Fosgate Prime Series 10" R1S410
    Additional Amp: Hertz EP4 (95 watts, 4 ohms)
    PAC SOEM-T 2-Channel Adjustable Line Converter with Remote turn on
    Ipod Interface
    Dynamat (all four doors)

    I cannot tell you how much better the system sounds. The Hertz speakers are far and away better than the Infinity Kappa 60.9CS and the addition of the small subwoofer is also a big improvement. This install also allowed me to retain all Nav, Voice recognition and phone functionality.
     
    #7 Condor124, Feb 7, 2010
  8. don_chuwish

    don_chuwish Well Seasoned Member

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    Nice, glad you got it all set the way you like it. Any photos? Where'd they put the amp and how was the subwoofer fitted? Hertz is good stuff, should work out well.

    - D
     
    #8 don_chuwish, Feb 8, 2010
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