Beginning to really luv my JBL

HURRAY!!!! Someone finally giving props to their Prius!!!! THANK YOU!

 

And I thought I was the only one who appreciated the G3 JBL so much more than the G2. Thanks for validating my sanity.

 

Yep. Can't complain about the JBL amps and speakers that are included in the G3.
I have replaced my HU with A JVC and added a PAC10 to support the JBL. Sounds great. Will install new subwoffer this weekend.
Jim

 

It's a bit unclear what you are saying. Are you comparing the G2 base to G3 JBL?

I have a 2009 with the 9 speaker JBL, and it sounds excellent comapred to my eariler vintage G2 with the base system. If you are complaing about the G2 JBL, I do not concur.

 

I have the JBL in my 2010 Prius and I replaced the front door stock speakers with a pair of Infinite ($150 at Bestbuy + $60 labour). Comparing the two, the stock JBL is like toy speakers. Well, the stock pair is alright but not good enough to call it a premium sound. The Infinite pair sounds awesome with richer mid range and deeper base. I'll say it is now 50% better. A subwoofer would be even nicer but I need all my trunk space. I have to draw the line somewhere, otherwise, I'd be spending hundreds more, if not thousands. I think it is a good investment.

 

I'm quite happy with the JBL in my '10. I find that the bass doesn't really come alive below about "16" on the volume level. After that, it's fine for my ears.

 

The speakers are awesome in the Gen 3! Even the dealership salesmen were surprised at how great the sound system was in the G3 Prius.

 

Hey toyo, what Infinity speakers did you drop in? Crutchfield recommended the 6022si to me (on sale for $60 each, and they throw in Prius-specific speaker brackets). I'd be willing to go for more expensive speakers--but not if they won't fit, or if they require more amp grunt than the JBL system has.

 

I have the Reference Series 9632CF at the front doors. I paid CAD$150 for a pair, plus $60 for installation. Originally, I wanted to get the Kappa Series but the installer (yes, I talked to the installer, not the salesperson) who seems to be quite knowledgeable. His advice was with the JBL amp, I probably won't notice the difference for paying extra to get the Kappa. The difference was about +$50 but I figured if I ain'g going to get the benefit of the extra money I put in, why bother to spend it? I am happy with it but if you are after heavy base, get a small subwoofer too. The installer says I don't have to change the JBL amp(which is only 4-channel). They have crossover wiring to hook up the sub. I may go with that suggestion later down the road.
BTW: I also paid about $30 to add extra sound insulation behind the speakers.

 

Interesting... the Crutchfield guy recommended 6 1/2 inch speakers, and they come with a bracket that makes them fit. The speaker you got is a 6x9, like what's already in there. But Crutchfield says "does not fit Prius" on the page for those. Wonder how much of a modification was needed for yours?

 

I'm intersted in changing the speakers in my car as well. Questions:

- Which Kappa speakers were you considering?
- Did you change the rear speakers as well?
- Is changing the speakers something you could do yourself or does it require professional installation?

Thanks for the help!

 

It fits alright. I didn't hear the installer adding bracket or anything. If he did, he didn't charge me extra for it. I was charged an hour of labour ($CAD60) to put it in but it took him a little over 2 hours to complete the job. It's the first 2010 Prius he worked on and he says the next one will be a lot quicker. The original JBL speaker is 6x9. However, I remember the installer had to cut a template out using plastic to house my 6x9. So Crutchfield may also be right about using 6-1/2" speakers. If you want to be safe, buy the 6x9 because you know it will fit for sure. It is also the size the Infinite website is showing.

 

I was going to get the Kappa 692.9I (2-way) but the installer's advice was an "overkill" for the JBL amp.
I did not install the rear speakers based on the installer's advice that I probably can't hear the rear speakers because as I sit at the front, the front speakers will over-powered the rear speakers. His advice is to use the money to get a mini-sub woofer.
As far as I know, changing speaker is quite easy. There are many threads in this forum. I am a computer technician and am good with wirings. Still, I didn't want to do it because I may break the clips on the door panel, or scratch the panel. It will also take me more than 2-3 hours to complete as I don't have all the required tools. For $60 a pair, I'd leave it to the professionals and it was the right decision to make.

 

Thanks for the help. Last question: You mention that you went with a 2-way speaker. I notice that Infinity offers both 2 and 3-way speakers. What's the difference?

 

I think I figured this one out - don't need the 3-way unless I replace all the speakers. One other question regarding the sub: which sub did the installer recommend? I've heard good things about the Basslink. It looks like it comes in a larger and low profile (Basslink T) model. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

2-way means 2 components, in this case a midbase and a tweeter are included. 3-way means 3 components typically a woofer, midrange, and a tweeter are included. These can be sold as individual components or assembled as a single speaker. The jbl will separate the lower frequencies and send them to the lower speaker, and the higher frequencies and send them to the squawker in the dash. You can often listen to the speakers in a store, but they will sound different in the car. If you intend to replace the speakers in the dash and in the door you should get 2 way components (6.5"). If just the doors the 2 way 6x9s are fine. If you are going 6.5" there is an adapter bracket, 6x9 requires a spacer (since the door is too close) and some shops just use the one on the existing speaker.

I installed the regular basslink, which is fairly large though much smaller standard 10" subwoofer. It's fairly cheap and easy to install. I have some vibration problems caused by the sub (need to play with the stuff I have under the floor). It does a fairly good job with the base. The best solution is probably a custom enclosure in the cubby over the battery, but that is much more expensive. Other solutions are thin units in the tray under the hatch floor.

I have the non-jbl but have seen the system, and have been upgrading my non-jbl. Enjoy your system.

 

Thanks for the help. Sounds like 3-way speakers would be overkill for me. My understanding is the front doors are 6x9 ovals and the rear doors are 6.5 round. I'm planning to replace like-for-like. I may do that first and then see about the sub.