Base Stereo vs. JBL Stereo

OT: There was an Ogg decoder written for hardware without an FPU, it has been around for many years, it does require a bit more processor power than mp3 decoding. Ogg decoders have been written for portable players with limited hardware, even my old iRiver HP-100 with Rockbox firmware can play that format.

 

Since I have to have XM I need the upgraded unit. I've had 2 standalone units stolen (once when I forgot to lock the car and once when someone else drove my wife's car and didn't lock it, so partially our fault). Also it allows 4-6 (4 if you get NAV) CDs loaded in-dash. Those features plus the improved audio quality make it worth it to me. I want the backup camera for safety reasons so I have to get it anyway with the NAV. Is it all worth $4600 over the base unit? I'm sure for many people the answer is no.

Rich N.

 

I had a basic JBL stereo in my 2007 Prius w/Package 2. The upgraded JBL stereo in my newer 2010 Prius V w/AT package sound a lot better to my ears. I am glad that I have the better JBL stereo in my2010 Prius V.

 

From what I can see, you had a base audio system in your old carhttp://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-main-forum/20082-2007-prius-std-features-option-packages.html. The JBL name was just for the better audio system, with 9 speakers (apparently the designers thought the more speakers the better the system, never mind the quality of the speakers!) and a JBL power amp under one of the front seats.

Anyway, glad you like the JBL audio system in your new car.

 

1000 for III vs II
1800 for NAV

2800 total over base msrp

What else are you adding in to get 4600?

 

I have Prius II. Last night I was driving on a local medium-busy street, and I was stopped at a red light. I had my music pretty loud (it was Pink Martini... very relaxing music... nothing crazy). When the light turned green, I was the only one who proceeded to move, and for a second I thought I was being too agressive compared to everyone else around me, but then I looked right and saw a fire truck coming towards the intersection I was crossing, and I suddenly realized why no one else moved. Thankfully I was already almost across when the fire truck was still a little ways off, and it wasn't turning towards the direction I was heading.

Anyways, from this experience, it seems like the Prius II's speakers are just fine. I was so engrossed in the music that I didn't hear the fire truck's siren when everyone else around me did, which is probably not a good thing. I don't consider myself hard of hearing. In fact, I normally hear things that others don't that bug me (ex. a CRT being left on). I'm also very picky about the way music sounds.

In my opinion, $1000 is a lot to pay for speakers.

 

Oops. I apologize. I was doing it for a IV (2800 from III to IV plus 1800 for the NAV.) I should have done it for a III. Shows where my mind is.

Rich N.

 

It's not only the speakers mate... Do you know that you have to pay $500 to get the satellite radio hardware installed in the Prius 2 in the dealer? You can always get an aftermarket at a much reduced cost but the quality is not the same. In addition, the upgraded JBL is not only 2 extra speakers... it has more KW power too and you get a 6-CD charger, not just a single CD. Plus, Prius 3 comes with Bluetooth as well. You can also have factory installed Bluetooth in your 2 for $250... , so in reality, the difference in price between Prius 2 and 3 is pretty fair in my opinion, unlike the Prius 3 to 4.

 

I can't compare with the non-JBL stereo, but two observations:

1. I had some musician friends in the back seat and they commented how clear the music is, as compared to the back seat of most cars.

2. There is a fair amount of base, but it's not tight like a subwoofer.

Also, I've found the Bluetooth to work very well, so for me the improved stereo (including more speakers and 6-CD in-dash) plus the Bluetooth is a solid upgrade. A little over-priced, but very nice.

 

I sat in the demonstration vehicle yesterday and turned the music up to check the sound. I currently have the FJ cruiser with the subwoofer (non-JBL) system. I hooked up my ipod via the aux input and proceeded to listen to reggae, Metallica, Player, and Hawaiian music.

The sounds are very clear and can get pretty loud. It doesn't have quite as much bass as I would like, but did have great sound quality. I am interested to find out what type of modifications are possible and are the most "bang for your buck".

Not that I need a booming system, but I would like a little more bass and volume out of the system. Any suggestions???

 

My current commuter (POS ford taurus) had it's stereo stolen about a year ago and we've never replaced it. So the JBL stereo sounds AMAZING compared to my current one (which consists of holding my Verizon chocolate up to my ear while I drive at 70 mph with horrible wind noise blowing through 2 front doors).

But in all seriousness, I thought the base stereo was much better in the 10 than the 09. Didn't get to hear JBL cause they didn't have any III or higher on the lot here.

 

We've had the base stereo for a couple of weeks now and, to us coming from vehicles with OLD stereos, it's just great! Plenty of bass, good highs, plenty of volume. The one CD is OK as well. Not too sure about the ASL feature yet, maybe on our drive this week we can play with it some. I figure better sounds are always good but we find we're very happy with what we have.

radio

 

The base stereo sounds very good to me. Good, tight bass, decent treble and fairly crisp highs. I'm not an audiophile by any means but I am a musician who works with audio equipment all of the time- and I am actually quite pleased with the standard stereo in the 2010 Prius.

My last car had a full Sony Mobile Audio rig with a 10" Pioneer sub and amps. I used to just slam the thing with high volumes. It sounded truly fantastic, but my ears have paid the price! So, I am used to a pretty nice system but I don't feel like I'll want to upgrade the Prius.

I don't hear much buzzing or distortion, and the music sounds like it should at moderate volumes. I'd like to listen to the JBL system just for reference, but the base stereo sounds much better than the one on my wife's 2002 Focus.

 

Re: Bluetooth Base Stereo vs. JBL Stereo

So it seems if you want both bluetooth and XM, it makes sense to just get the III since price will be close and and you get the steering wheel buttons, 6-disc changer and extra speakers.
However, it you have no intention of ever installing XM, the Blu Logic retails for $299 if port installed and that's much cheaper than the $1000 upgrade to a III.

Now what about Bluetooth functionality of Blu Logic vs JBL on-Nav?

I like the easier to access steering wheel controls on the III.
The III has bluetooth "integrated" into the stereo, but since it only displays "INCOMING CALL" instead of the caller's name, that is of very limited value. That is actually irritatingly useless since you know there is a call coming in due to the ringing sound. Kind of negates the value of having the integration.
There is a 20 entry limit for importing contacts from your phone on the JBL Non-Nav unit and if you can't import contacts at all, then you need to make manual entries.
The Blu Logic adds A2DP audio streaming (unfortunately they crippled it so the sound only plays through the front speakers). I suppose that's OK for audio books and podcasts, but it is a stupid limitation.
I don't know if there is any control of skipping track forward and next or Fast Forward and REWIND within a track over bluetooth streaming. I don't see that feature listed. Does anyone have the answer?

The Blu Logic doesn't "import" any contacts, but if you have a compatible phone, you have full access to voice dialing of your phone's phonebook by name, so it isn't a big disadvantage.

So, to me the big advantage of the JBL bluetooth without navigation vs Blu Logic is the convenient steering wheel controls and not much else.
If they improved caller-ID and address book transfer functionality on the JBL, then I would change my mind. Caller-ID and phonebook transfer can work well when you have the navigation system package, but then you are spending $2800 over a II to get that.
Where is the Blu Logic microphone installed?
Which bluetooth to get also depends on your phone since it's possible that your phone only works properly on one or the other. I don't think they share the same phone compatibility list.
I really wanted to get a III, but if my phone functions 100% with the Blu Logic (if voice dial works and BT streaming works), I will be tempted to just get a II since I don't really care about XM radio.
I drove a III with nav and if the nav JBL is the same as the non-Nav JBL, then I'm not impressed with the sound improvement over the base radio.
I think the base radio plus a BassLink would sound better than the JBL or I would just live with the base stereo as is if the 12v battery can't handle the extra load of a BassLink.
I like good sound, so if it was a massive night and day like difference like it is with a base Corolla radio vs the 440W JBL for the Corolla, then I would get it and even buy a new phone that works with the bluetooth if required, but the sound improvement seemed so "meh" over the base stereo.

 

Re: Bluetooth Base Stereo vs. JBL Stereo

It depends on your standards -

The base stereo sounds ok, but base and midrange are muddy, the highs are a little bright.

The JBL improves a little but to my ears not very much. JBL advantages include blue tooth with steering wheel control which I want, a 6 cd changer which I don't care about, and XM. 8 speakers versus 6 makes no difference in general, but with jbl the rear tweeters are mounted higher which is a better location.

The jbl does not support blue tooth well for my phone (iphone 3GS). The usb control for ipods/iphones are poor. So I decided I would need anouther head unit. The jbl unit has a bizzare proprietary amp that makes it less than ideal for integration with new hu and speakers. I'm leaning toward the pioneer 110BT which has very good blue tooth and ipod integration, navigation, and the ability to add a back up camera (which I now think is important with the poor rear visibility). The cost of unit and install without back up camera is less than $1200 (in january when an american dash kit comes out). Then it is much easier to upgrade speakers, add subwoofer, and optionally add another amp. There are other cheaper options that will sound better than the jbl premium system. If you are ok with the sound quality of the jbl, and your phone works well with the bt (toyota has a list) I would stick with that as its less of a hassle. Otherwise get a II trim and upgrade what you want.

 

I have a IV.

Rich N.

 

RE: Adding aftermarket Nav/Radio/Bluetooth to 2010 Model 3

I just bought a Model 3 Prius (first-timer) and just love it. I didn't want the factory Nav because after the software was inferior to what is out there in the aftermarket world. Ex. the Kenwood DDX 514 has a very Apple-like iPod interface and the Nav is Garmin software which I think is the best. It has blutooth, but it's controlled from the head-unit, and installing the unit will disable the voice-activation that comes with the car. My questions are: (1) Anyone have a particular recommendation on a great head-unit that does it all? (2) Even though I would have it done at a reputable car audio place like Al & Ed's or International Auto Radio (in Los Angeles) I am nervous about anyone messing with the electronics of my new baby -- should I be or is this a pretty standard modification? (3) I am being quoted prices around 1300-1500 for installation. This seems high when you see the price of the 514 under $800 on Amazon. I know labor is expensive, but what is the price it should really be coming in at? Thanks for your help.

 

I just had a quote to install HU on my III and labor should not be more than $150 MAX. If you are only replacing the HU and leaving factory speakers & amp then the install should be $150 at the most.

 

If you are buying a Prius with the intention of replacing the head unit within a short time, why not get a II instead and save the extra $1000?
There are aftermarket head units with built-in amplifiers that still sound better than the JBL's amps and there are head units with bluetooth integration also.