Standard i-Tech JBL sounds bad

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to get some opinions on the standard fit JBL system in the Prius. We've had ours for about 18 months now and wasn't until the last 3-4 months that I've been driving it regularly and I've noticed that the sound system is, how can I put it, a bit rubbish!
I'm definately expecting better low and high ranges from a JBL system as it just sounds very tinny or flat no matter how I adjust the settings, bass is practically non-existent.

Does anyone else have the same issue?
Is this what's it's supposed to sound like?
Shoud there be a seperate sub/woofer that I should look for?

Cheers

 

Thanks valde3, I know I haven't cooked the speakers, maybe the previous owners have?! Listening to them though, there's no distortion or anything, it just sounds bad quality.
Is the centre speaker the one in the middle of the dash?

Found a thread on replacing the stock speakers which seemed to help the OP there, will have to investigate and see what the cost would be.

 

Just to update, I have checked the speakers and they haven't blown. I've come to the conclusion that it's just a bad set up, may look into speaker upgrade after I get some tinting done.
As a side note, I cranked the volume up past 30 (not much past) and there's a slight thump of bass but it's unconfortably loud at that level, for me anyway! No distorion at that level, I suspect it could go higher. Tried it with various tracks, all MP3's at 320kbps, one or two at 192kbps and a couple of flaq conversions but to no avail. With these tracks I get a proper low rumble and thump in the standard audio set up in my other car. Ho hum.

 

Need your thoughts guys.
Finally went to an audio specialist today to get some ideas about upgrading the speakers, after lots of listening and umming he suggested that the only remedy to my problem (lack of low end) would be to line the doors with some dynamat stuff.
I asked if a change of speakers would be a more efficient use of my money to which the answer was no. I was expecting/hoping to resolve this issue with a set of new speakers in the rear doors, one with a better low frequency capability and a higher sensitivity. I've seen some component sets around the $150 mark and even some 2-ways for $40. The price the chap wants for fitting the matting is $300+!!

Question is, is he right, or can I get better low end sound by simply replacing the speakers?


Thanks

 

Wow. Wasn't expecting anyone to go with the matting hahaha, I was hoping for the cheaper alternative. Looks like I may as well give that a go eh? Went to get a second opinion at another car stereo shop today and they didn't even bother to listen to the set up, just straight off the bat suggested adding a sub for $500.

Thanks valde3, I'll explore the dynamat option.

 

Thanks Kevin and valde3 for your input, unfortunately I took the plunge and had the dynamat fitted. Disappointed to report that although there's a slight improvement, it's not given me the desired results. I now have to wait a few month before I can approach the subject again and have a pair of subs or maybe low end responsive components fitted into the rear doors.
A bit of me feels that I should have gone down this route first, but having discussed my problem with a couple of car audio places, the mats seemed more cost effective and appropriate.

You live and learn as they say, onwards and upwards for the next simple mods on the car, interior LED's, sharkfin aerial and those window things(weathershields). Will also give the tinting a go when have full function in my leg again.

Thanks all.

BTW. How do you guys get the shop here to deliver outside of the US? I've emailed the shop but they haven't replied.