To JBL, or not to JBL?

The JBL system is quite a capable system. I'm sure I could do the blind fold test on it.
It's def. built for fidelity more then impact in that it sounds good for certain type of music (classical, jazz, folk music) but only decent for others (Rock, HipHop etc). It's base is pretty accurate but it lacks umph.

Many people have removed the center speaker and claimed better sound quality. I believe this to be true. The JBL center speaker seems like a marketing ploy (we have 11 speakers) more then anything else. It tends to make strange noises sometimes.

 

If you are used to decent audio systems you will be disappointed with the JBL system. I found it so poor that I stopped listening to it altogether until I had the time to upgrade it. If you're used to listening to crap you might find it acceptable.

I replaced all the speakers with Infinity component speakers, added a JL Audio subwoofer, and two MTX amps: one 4x100 for the door speakers and one bridged 1x250 for the subwoofer. I did the install myself and it came in well under $1000, and the result is infinitely better than the JBL system.

At a minimum you've got to get rid of the JBL speakers up front, especially the crappy tweeters in the sail panels. You could do that for under $150 by buying replacement speakers on Ebay.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Soylent @ Aug 8 2006, 02:14 PM) [snapback]299700[/snapback]</div>

I think the bluetooth and JBL are tied together, so if you want the bluetooth you must get the JBL.
I think JBL fine, after all it's a CAR not a CONCERT HALL.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(syncmaster @ Aug 8 2006, 12:04 PM) [snapback]299721[/snapback]</div>

My JBL is fine. The car is so much quieter than my Subaru, that I cn actually hear the stereo now. What a difference.

 

I have no problems withe the JBL-system.
If you are looking for a bass that someone can feel 5 cars away from you, it will disappoint you, but I feel the music is clean and let's you hear the nuances of the music very well. Bass is precise and tight.
The settings I use: treble +1, midddle at 0, bass +2. left-right balance 1 or 2 steps to the left and front rear balance 1 or 2 steps behind the driver seat.
That gives nice stereo-effect.
Can't compare with the standard audio system, but I'm happy with this one.

 

From what I've read here, it seems that anyone who cares enough to upgrade their stereo would choose to upgrade it to something *other* than the JBL stereo.

We have the standard stereo in our Prius, and I am satisfied with its performance. On the other hand, I don't spend a tremendous amount of time in the car, so I haven't had time to get sick of it yet.

 

I ended up with a 2005 with the JBL package and can't say I'm all that impressed so I probably would have been disgusted with the standard stereo. For what they charge, I can't believe it doesn't include a decent graffix equalizer. I love the car but they missed some little things that would make it nicer.

 

I find the JBL system to be more than adequate. the only thing i might consider is adding a subwoofer at some point. I play mostly MP3s and my music player has a 10 band graphic equalizer on it, so I can customize my sound to my liking, and I like it. I was listening to a live Dave Matthews Band selection earlier this afternoon, and the nine speaker system held its own very well. Granted, my home system is a JBL studio set up, and there is no comparison, but for car audio this factory system is very acceptable, AND I wanted the bluetooth and phone set up, which is tied into the JBL system.

Good luck. Choose wisely grasshopper!!