Prius v Problems & Complaints.

sounds normal to me, what the problem?

 

Yup, they all do that. It's less so with the JBL amp upgrade, but still does it.

 

I wouldn't be happy with the poor sound quality using only the rear speakers either. I have a 2012 Prius Plug In Advance with the JBL system. I just checked mine. Moving the speakers from front only, to the middle, both front and rear, no decrease in volume. Moving the bar all the way down, to rear speakers only, results in a slight decrease in volume, only slightly noticeable. Your rear speakers sound "muffled". If possible check their location, and check the wiring connection first, and ensure nothing is covering them to reduce the sound level. If unsuccessful, when convenient, stop by the dealer and check out a similar model with the same radio, with dealer service to verify.

 

They are all sound like that on a v. In part because of the speaker locations low on the rear door panels; in part because of the speaker itself which some replace. I also suspect that the radio is using a crossover circuit (frequency splitter) to send bass to the back and it requires high volume to hear it. I have my fade about 2/3 to the back and can hear the back speakers at higher volumes (at least 20) when there is a heavy bass component, particularly on HD radio.

In some engineer's mind, this is probably logical as bass is not directional and most media is recorded in stereo, not quad. People are used to a pseudo quadraphonic setup with rear speakers bouncing off a rear glass and the left/right channels reversed in the back.

In addition, the radio has no bass boost or EQ (equalization) settings so the frequency response is not adjustable.

A reasonable cost solution might include a speaker level amp for the back and a pair of new speakers. The amp could be interfaced through the existing speaker wires and 12v while mounted under the seat. Speaker level amps simply follow the volume (with a preset gain boost) and follow source material of an existing head unit. This maintains existing features such as navigation, satellite, phone and vehicle integration functions while simplifying the installation. One bump up would add a standalone woofer for the bass from the new amp.

Changing the radio is possible but you risk losing the car's integrated reporting and features including steering wheel controls.

Speaker Level Input Amp with Subwoofer Capability

Three Channel Mode for Above Amp

 

If that's the case, it's unacceptable. A local audio shop could do better. Toyota needs to do better. Every v (lowercase v) owner with that system needs to complain to their local dealer.

 

I disagree with them using the rears for bass. If I go Front only, the bass is still the same. It does have bass boost on the Sound controls. Moving it all the way fading to Rear only, no bass, very little sound. Even putting your ear to the speaker they're pretty quiet.

 

It's clear there's no EQ other than standard Bass and Treble controls. Try finding a FM HD station with Rock and you will hear the difference.

 

Where is the iPhone placed for the recording ?

I'll guess that rdgrimes is right and deliberate choices were made by Toyota. Not a defect, just not what OP wants.

 

Agreed. I can't speak to the standard system. My JBL system has 4 speakers in the rear doors. The rear tweeters are more or less right next to the ear of the front passenger and driver. If they were not attenuated they would over power the fronts. When faded to rear only, its muted but still quite audible. In any case, the system is designed to have all speakers working at once.

 

So, the OP didn't listen to the stereo of the car they were buying before buying it? Hmm. Not a defect, just a crappy stereo. If you want a better one find an auto stereo place who works on these cars and spend $200-$300. If that's too rich for you, live with it.

 

I've been fighting Toyota over this problem for the past 2 month. It's making me sick they can watch the video I created and say this is total fine. I get it, we can go to a audio store and get it fixed but we shouldn't have to. I'm going to keep fighting them until they get tired of me.

 

Can't believe there isn't power and clout in numbers (fellow Prius v (lowercase v) owners). If enough owners complain in unison, Toyota will respond.

 

But they can't fix it cos it ain't broke, it's just a poor design. What exactly do you want them to do, redesign it and retrofit to your car.
My 2010 lift back was the same, I got over it by increasing the volume then balancing the 4 speakers part way back.

 

+1

Hey, my v has crappy pickup compared to my old 328i, what gives?

 

Something to note... And this is not to say Toyota is perfect... To be honest, there are a few things I may not be pleased with how the Prius v is designed in some respects as well as some choices that I think they should have done (Like LED lighting inside versus the incandescent lights, the Nav system requiring paying for a USB stick update users should be able to update in another way...)

However, something to note, is in some cases, the car designers are not exactly 'audio engineers' and could mess up on doing the how the back audio, especially given the form is not exactly some of their normal car builds like the SUVs or the Minivans.

 

I did listen to the stereo, and I am not requesting a high end one that will cause ear damage, but I paid money for a vehicle I liked, which had many other features which I wanted. So don't be so quick to go and pass judgement on others. At lease I am willing to take the time to work with Toyota on this issue, not only for my sake, but for the sake of all others as well. Some of us are not selfish. Thanks Toyota for at least working on this and acknowledging a problem.

 

i don't see in what post toyota is 'working on this and acknowledging a problem'? in your first post, they told you it's normal. in post#12, cj thunder says they told him it's fine. can you please let us know how and in what way they are working on it? thanks!

 

Toyota only told me they will look into it which really means, leave us alone.

 

exactly.