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Non JBL to JBL head unit upgrade (see pic)

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by galileofigaro, Nov 16, 2020.

  1. galileofigaro

    galileofigaro Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2018
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    Location:
    98203
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    III
    JBL prius.jpg Photo attached shows the difference between my non JBL radio (original) and a JBL head unit (upgrade) from back angle. As you can see all connections are the same with the exception of speakers maybe? I don't really know what they do. Anyway, is there an adapter I can use in order to connect the JBL head unit to my PiP?
    Thanks!
     
    Mike D. likes this.
  2. galileofigaro

    galileofigaro Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2018
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    Location:
    98203
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    III
    I got these replies from Tacoma world forum:
    JBL won’t work in a non JBL. Non JBL has a built in amp JBL doesn’t that why they have one behind the rear seat and different wiring

    Yup. The JBL head unit has no internal amplifier so it's not capable of sending sound to your speakers. You would also need to install a corresponding JBL amplifier - which is a much bigger job than swapping the head units. It's been done before here but it's not something I'd consider worthwhile.

    The JBL equipped vehicles do not have better sound because of the head unit. The reason the JBL sound systems are better is because the speakers are better, they have a subwoofer and a dedicated amplifier which produces more power than the non-JBL internal amplifier. The head unit itself is not an upgrade.

    Having the non-JBL stereo is actually a little bit of an advantage if you want to upgrade with aftermarket stereo equipment. You can pretty easily keep your stock stereo and add new door speakers, a small amp to power them and a small powered subwoofer. This would be relatively affordable and would make for a great stereo. Trying to do that with the JBL equipped vehicles is a bit more of a challenge and requires some add-on items to get it to work.
     
    Mike D. likes this.
  3. Kasra Oskuie

    Kasra Oskuie New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2024
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    Location:
    Folsom, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    One
    Does anyone have the wiring diagram for the none JBL unit wiring? I know the two gray small plugs are USB and Nav, The blue one is satelite XM or iTune, the two plugs to the left are speakers and power, The small 16 pin plug above is Rear camera, But what are each pin wire on the 28 pin above? It must be for Mic, Steering wheal control and other things. But, which one is which?
     
  4. TomTom11

    TomTom11 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2024
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    Location:
    AZ
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    Ok I’m new here but had 2012 v5 and now 2013 v5 … got hooked on form researching a rattle deep in steering colum … found a short video depicting a universal joint and sound that seems correct but where is that Universal ?
    Any other cool upgrades appreciated especially remote start and speakers