Is the Prius JBL sound system comprised of speakers only, or does it use an entirely different receiver? Is it much of an improvement over the base sound system, and if so, can it be retrofitted, or would I be better off installing aftermarket speakers?
The JBL system uses a different receiver with added features - CD changer, more and better speakers, AN a power amp located under the passenger seat. I just happen to have an extra JBL system sitting in my garage. It came from a an '07 that had been called salvage after an accident. I bought the radio package and homelink/auto dimming mirror. Willing to find a new home for this equipment.
How much would you want for this setup and would it be a simple bolt-in affair? I wouldn't require the mirror as I already have one.
I have the JBL system and didn't like the sound of it. The speakers are not very clean, the amp is kinda weak. So ended up replacing the speakers and adding a bunch of stuff to make it sound right (to my ears.) You might want to find someone with a JBL system in their Prius to hear what it sounds like first before making a decision. When it comes to sound systems, we all have different taste and budget.
I'd agree with Zen Machine on the listening test. I also purchased the jbl Premium stereo with my 2008 Prius. Since they tier package these things I wasn't too bothered paying for it since I wanted navigation, bluetooth and leather. Don't get me wrong, it is not a bad sounding stereo and I was at times impressed by the sound. It really depends on what you expect. My re-work of the audio system is just beginning and I spent $510 on a Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty.2 sound processor to integrate into the jbl system. With that addition, I was able to add an Orion amplifer, some Orion 5 1/4" components to the front doors and 2 Orion 10" subs in an Orion enclosure. Does this set up sound worlds apart from the jbl, yes, but it's like comparing apples and oranges. Everything but the the sound processor came out of the jeep I replaced with the Prius. The system is still in it's infancy and over the next few months I'll be upgrading/replacing most of the parts Weirdo
