If you had about $800 to upgrade audio... (2020 Prime XLE)

Discussion in 'Prime Audio, Electronics, and Infotainment' started by Cdgreg, Sep 28, 2020.

  1. Cdgreg

    Cdgreg Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2013
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    Location:
    Canandaigua, NY
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XLE
    I posted this in the main forum Saturday night but haven't received any real feedback. Cross posting here hoping for ideas!

    When I purchased the 2020 Prime XLE (with the 6 speaker "premium audio") I really wanted the Limited Trim for the JBL Audio and integrated amplifier, but I couldn't justify the +$4,000 price tag. I have about $800 set aside to upgrade the stereo system. I feel like the deep bass is lacking, highs are not there, and the mids are muffled. I'm by no means an audiophile but overall even with some tweaks in the settings the sound seems flat overall.

    If something involves a basic pop off a cover then unscrew + replace the speaker I can do the work myself. Otherwise, the cost of labor will need to be considered at a stereo shop.

    What would you spend the $800 upgrade on?

    Thanks!
     
    #1 Cdgreg, Sep 28, 2020
  2. joey185

    joey185 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2007
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    Location:
    Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    Following, just picked up XLE last night. Stereo is very disappointing.
     
    #2 joey185, Sep 30, 2020
  3. pghyndman

    pghyndman Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2018
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    Location:
    CT shoreline
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Limited
    Note: not to gloat, but having been there:

    There were so many features we eventually wished for but were not included with our Prime Premium, that we bit the bullet and sprang for a Limited. Even if the options we wanted could be individually added, the few we desperately wanted would have cost far more than the model upgrade... we aren't regretting it for a minute!
    • Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror with HomeLink®
    • Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
    • Color Head-Up Display
    • Heated Steering Wheel
    • Intelligent Clearance Sonar
    • LED Accent Lights
    • LED Fog Lights
    • Premium Audio with Navigation and JBL®
    • Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
    • And More
     
    #3 pghyndman, Sep 30, 2020
  4. m8547

    m8547 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2018
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    Location:
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    Are you using bluetooth for audio? I've been experimenting, and using an aux cable allows noticeably better highs than bluetooth.

    I turned on debugging on my Android phone, and I saw that the car seems to only support SBC out of the codecs my phone has available. AAC or AptX might allow better sound quality, but they were grayed out. That's on my 2018, so I'm not sure if other phones, newer model years, or the larger screen support any better codec, but knowing Toyota it's unlikely they would make an improvement like that.
     
    #4 m8547, Sep 30, 2020
  5. Cdgreg

    Cdgreg Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2013
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    Location:
    Canandaigua, NY
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XLE
    Yes, using bluetooth. Purposefully bought the wireless charging capability to not have to plug it in lol. Having to plug it in for better audio feels like I'm being defeated...BUT, I still appreciate the feedback and idea.
     
    #5 Cdgreg, Sep 30, 2020
  6. joey185

    joey185 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2007
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    Location:
    Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    Thanks for wasting time being an .............!
     
    #6 joey185, Sep 30, 2020
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