I want to replace the stereo in my car, but I need some help...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(yarzy @ Sep 19 2006, 09:04 PM) [snapback]321990[/snapback]</div>

Most of the answers can be found with a little bit of searching here on PC. Many people agree with your evaluation of hte "premium" system, and want to, or have already, improve it. Try searching for some of hte key terms and you'll find plenty of topics on it.

If you want an in depth one try my thread about my revamping of the stereo. It's a bit more than you want though, and cost several arms and legs. But see if you get any useful information. Also, soon you can see pictures of some of the things you asked.

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=24633&hl=

 

Other threads have suggested this and I can confirm it really helps to just unplug the center speaker. This is the best "no-cost" mod you can make to the JBL radio. The center speaker is just too loud as compared to the left and right channels and just "washes" them out.

The other mod that will help is to use Dynamat or B-Quiet on the doors which significantly lowers the noise intrusion and helps the "presence" of the JBL system. Others have also suggested replacing the Goodyear Integrity tires with the Comfort-Tred tires which reduces the noise as well.

I have a new Camry Hybrid in addition to the Prius and the system in the Camry is many times better than the one in the Prius.

 

Try disconnecting the center channel first before replacing speakers.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(yarzy @ Sep 20 2006, 06:54 AM) [snapback]322153[/snapback]</div>

Try a listen (in the show room of a reputable car audio shop) to any of the following:
Diamond Audio
Focal
CDT
MB Quart
Oz Audio
Boston Accoustics

Many of these have three tiers of cost/quality from moderately expensive to the arm & leg range.
Once you find ones you like, if your adventureous/handy/cheap you can go fishing around on ebay
and find some really good deals.....but you won't have the advantage of simply taking it back to the
store if you have issues down the road.

 

Also, if you tell us what you consider reasonable and what is arm & leg, we can better make recommendations.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(yarzy @ Sep 19 2006, 08:04 PM) [snapback]321990[/snapback]</div>

Replacing some speakers will make a difference. The question is what you're looking to improve upon. if it's the range, then you don't need to replace all the speakers to increase it. if you want to make the sound clearer and more precise, then you would need to replace all of the speakers, as one bad speaker will really muddy things up.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(yarzy @ Sep 19 2006, 08:04 PM) [snapback]321990[/snapback]</div>

it depends on what speakers you're putting in... take a look at www.crutchfield.com. you can put in the '06 price in their "what fits my car" section, and it'll tell you which speakers work where from their product catalogue.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(yarzy @ Sep 19 2006, 08:04 PM) [snapback]321990[/snapback]</div>

Many people have unplugged it (you can pry it up and undo the connector fairly easily/quickly).
While it doesn't effect range, it does muddy things up by combining the left and right channels. Do this mod first for some increased clarity in sound.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(yarzy @ Sep 19 2006, 08:04 PM) [snapback]321990[/snapback]</div>

If you use crutchfield for at elast part of your research, you'll get a good idea of what works well with the Prius stock system.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(yarzy @ Sep 19 2006, 08:04 PM) [snapback]321990[/snapback]</div>

Yes, all over the place... i believe Sparky's is the prefered one on the boards.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(yarzy @ Sep 19 2006, 08:04 PM) [snapback]321990[/snapback]</div>

Define arm and a leg.:lol:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(yarzy @ Sep 19 2006, 08:04 PM) [snapback]321990[/snapback]</div>

these are good starting questions, do some research and if at all possible get into some soundbooths/show rooms with the speakers you're looking at to judge how much the system will improve. From there, i'm sure you'll have mroe questions.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(yarzy @ Sep 19 2006, 06:04 PM) [snapback]321990[/snapback]</div>

The second thing you should do (after disconnecting the center speaker) is look into getting a subwoofer. This was the one mod that made the largest difference. My sub cost ~$150.

 

No, you can leave the dash intact. Take a look at http://evnut.com/prius_mfd_video.htm, where Darell pops up the speaker to get at the wires behind the MFD. Note that he says he disconnects the speaker as he does this so he can have plenty of room to work with... you basically do the same thing, except leave ti disconnected and just pop the speaker right back in!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(yarzy @ Sep 19 2006, 09:04 PM) [snapback]321990[/snapback]</div>

1. Replace the front speakers makes a huge difference if you have stock non-JBL...

2. not sure but i don't see why they wouldn't

3. most people say to disconnect it

4. i used 4 and wouldn't go any lower.

5. yes im looking for it right now because i need to rewire my front speakers, darn connections went bad

6. i went with kappa series. I think i got the rear speakers for something like 80 and the fronts for like 160 i think... 240 isn't bad for a whole car speaker replacement.... but if you have the JBL sys you probally would use the 160$ ones because they are a compont set... the 80$ ones aren't...

7. It'll cost an arm and a leg but there is something called cleansweep by JL. I just got it and i have heard ALOT of good things about it from some friends and audio nerds i know... its pretty pricy thou :-/