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Owners' Impressions of the Sound System

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by Husker4theSpurs, Jun 2, 2009.

  1. Husker4theSpurs

    Husker4theSpurs Active Member

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    Anyone out there with the 2010 ... care to compare it to Gen 2 ... or just evals in general? I would especially like comments on the JBL option.

    Gen 2 imho -- overly bass heavy and easily overwhelmed. Sounds like an early report in an old thread believes the system has been substantially improved.

    What say you? :)
     
    #1 Husker4theSpurs, Jun 2, 2009
  2. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    me Gen 3 stereo WAAY better, but then again, did not have stereo upgrade in SPM so who am i to say?

    as far as Bass goes, it is adjustable
     
    #2 DaveinOlyWA, Jun 2, 2009
  3. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    The bass makes my dog growl.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #3 bwilson4web, Jun 2, 2009
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Agree with the heavy bass in the Gen II (2005 JBL audio). Did you read Doc Willie's audio report?
     
    #4 Tideland Prius, Jun 2, 2009
  5. Husker4theSpurs

    Husker4theSpurs Active Member

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    Yes, I did read it ... thanks! Just curious how ordinary everyday folk are finding the audio :)
     
    #5 Husker4theSpurs, Jun 2, 2009
  6. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I poked my head in the car when Doc Willie was testing the system out but I wasn't too impressed. It definately sounded much better than the stock non-JBL system that came in my 2005 but compared to a decent aftermarket system it was sorely lacking IMO.

    For what I could get with my money from the aftermarket I stay away from factory upgraded systems...
     
    #6 F8L, Jun 2, 2009
  7. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    Spoken comparing the JBL system in the 2004 (with dash mat over the center speaker) and the Denso NAV based JBL Audio in the 2010.

    Ironically, I found the Gen II JBL bass lacking. Gen III will bump if you let it. Turning DSP auto sound leveling on, and having treble and bass at +1, it'll hit all but the highest highs and lowest lows. In fact, I find sometimes bass to be overwhelming. Turning off auto sound leveling turns bass response down at highway speeds.

    The 6x9" speakers are a blessing for bass response. Only a 12"+ sub could do better IMHO. There does seem to be a bit of coloration from the squawkers, but their lower crossover frequency allows the stereo sound stage to "appear" at windshield height instead of down at the doors.

    On the plus side - at least on the NAV equipped version, audio settings (bass/mid/treble) are independent per audio source (AM vs. FM vs. SAT vs. CD vs. AUX vs. BT).
     
    #7 HTMLSpinnr, Jun 2, 2009
  8. a priori

    a priori Canonus Curiosus

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    Like Rick said.

    I think the 2010 JBL system is a VAST improvement over the JBL that was in my 2007 Pkg #6.

    It could be that the 2010 is just THAT MUCH quieter on the road, but I think a good bit has to do with removal of the big center speaker. Bass is now not just "noticeable" but distinct and enjoyable.
     
    #8 a priori, Jun 2, 2009
  9. NoMoShocks

    NoMoShocks Electrical Engineer

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    I am on a business trip to Chicago, so I took my manuals along to read without the distraction of all the beautiful shinny metal.

    As such, I just discovered the DSP feature for the JBL sound system, and now I cannot wait to get back home and try it out.

    I'll try out the +1 setting suggestion for Bass and Treble too.

    The company I work for is all about DSP, so it is cool to find DSP in my car now.
     
    #9 NoMoShocks, Jun 3, 2009
  10. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    DSP is on by default.
     
    #10 HTMLSpinnr, Jun 3, 2009
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