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door speaker replacements

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by wbredin, Mar 27, 2008.

  1. wbredin

    wbredin Junior Member

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    Guys,


    I just bought an 08 Prius with the JBL system. Unfortunatly, like so many others on here, I don't really like way the stock speakers sound. I want a system that has very clean vocals and highs. I don't really care about bass b/c I am going to throw in a sub at some point. So my question is:

    What speakers will work WITHOUT additional amplification that will make voice/highs sound better? I really like infinities, but from what i've read on here, it seems that amplifying them is the only way to go. Perhaps the Diamond Audio D661's? I want to hear from people who have NOT amped their aftermarket door speakers...what did you install? do you like them? THANKS
     
    #1 wbredin, Mar 27, 2008
  2. Presto

    Presto Has his homepage set to PC

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    To get the clean vocals and highs that you desire, an amp may be the only way to go. I initially ran Infinitys with the stock JBL amp (20 Watts RMS, at the most), and it made a significant difference over the stock speakers. Once amplified though, the difference with non-amplified speakers is a contrast of the darkest night, and the brightest day. If you love music as much as I do, you will not be satisfied with stock amplification.
     
    #2 Presto, Mar 27, 2008
  3. wbredin

    wbredin Junior Member

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    Damn...that is kinda what I was afraid of. I do want better quality, and I know I wouldn't be satisifed if it were running at 50% of its potential. So if I did install another amp, where would you recommend locating it? Also, I want to make sure that I don't interfer with nav voice commands or some other JBL based system that is linked to the stock head unit...Is that possible? And finally, would you recommend replacing/ampifiying the center channel?
     
    #3 wbredin, Mar 27, 2008
  4. davidtm

    davidtm Member

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    I was in the same position. I replaced the stock speakers with Boston Acoustic SX60s from Crutchfield, using all the stock wiring, including the in-amp crossovers in the front. It is significantly better. Not perfect, but I've decided to forego the expense and hassle of channel summation, equalization correction, and further amplification to preserve the phone and Nav functions.
     
    #4 davidtm, Mar 29, 2008
  5. bayareakirk

    bayareakirk Junior Member

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    It's really quite a mess and expense to add an amplifier to the complex Toyota sound system. Several here, including myself, have done it.

    To get a great improvement with out that much expense and complications, I suggest changing the front door speakers, unplugging the center speaker, and adding soundproofing/deadening to the doors. This combination makes a huge positive improvement in the stock system. Adding soundproofing/deadening material to the doors is pretty easy to do while you are adding the speakers.
     
    #5 bayareakirk, Mar 30, 2008
  6. wbredin

    wbredin Junior Member

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    Guys,

    Thanks for the input...One question though:

    If I unplugged the center channel, would my BT/Nav system be compromised? Is the center channel used exclusively for anything?
     
    #6 wbredin, Mar 30, 2008
  7. bayareakirk

    bayareakirk Junior Member

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    No, BT/Nav sound is from the front left door speaker. To remove the center sound, just lift the grill and unplug the speaker (as I recall).
     
    #7 bayareakirk, Mar 30, 2008
  8. wbredin

    wbredin Junior Member

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    Guys,

    I was blown away when I found this online...this guy did an INSANELY detailed wirte up for a 2004 Prius JBL 9 speaker sound system. This answers so many questions...this is a must read for anyone who really wants to understand their JBL system. This guy deserves some major kudos.

    Prius JBL Audio system response, specs, and photos
     
    #8 wbredin, Mar 30, 2008
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