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Stereo Multimedia unit , change speakers?

Discussion in 'Prime Audio, Electronics, and Infotainment' started by Tony1988, May 30, 2024.

  1. Tony1988

    Tony1988 New Member

    Joined:
    May 16, 2024
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    Location:
    Sweden
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius PHV
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    How powerful is the original stereo in the prius plug in 2020, maybe the same stereo / media unit in all prius? will there be a big difference in the sound if you change the speakers? tested an exclusive with jbl sound, adjusted no settings but the sound was not good at all, bought a car that doesn't have jbl sound so it's supposed to be even worse. or is an external output stage required to reach bass from the speakers?
     
    #1 Tony1988, May 30, 2024
  2. Danno5060

    Danno5060 Active Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2023
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    Location:
    Wyoming
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    I got a 2019 Prime Advanced with the JBL. Yeah, it's embarrassing, for JBL. I also have a Gen 2 with JBL logos on the speakers. Still embarrassing for JBL. I no longer consider them a quality audio system. For something that's supposedly a quality system, I'd want to see at least a 5 band equalizer. My 1994 GMC pickup truck has a 6 band equalizer.

    None of them, including the pickup truck, give a good audio experience. The truck is limited by the speakers, and the fact that it's a pickup truck. The Prii because of other reasons. I'm only guessing, but the engineers probably didn't make any sacrifices - when it comes to fuel economy.

    I think the best thing to do for the audio would be to increase the sound isolation. I can hear the stereo almost as clearly on the outside of the cars as I can on the inside. The Prius doesn't have a loud engine, so it doesn't need to carry the weight of the extra sound isolation in the door panels as well as the other parts of the cabin. It's got a smaller 12V power system, so it doesn't have the power to drive a massive, low-efficiency audio system. It doesn't have the room for the large speakers needed for a booming bass response (without dumping a bunch of power into them).

    I did hear a lot more bass in the 2019 Prime than I expected, but it took sitting in the car with the engine off to actually hear it. When driving (even in EV mode) the road noise and vibrations make the audio experience less than satisfying.

    In the end, yeah - less than something a JBL premium audio sound system should be. I'll take the gas mileage, and it's miles and miles ahead of the cars I've had in the past where I did change out the original radios and speakers. (Those had stereos that were way less integrated with the rest of the car, and had really pathetic audio.)

    Change it if you want, but with the integrated multimedia system I'm wondering if you'd be setting yourself up for other issues. There is another thread her on adding sound isolation that may be more of the ticket.
     
    #2 Danno5060, Jun 3, 2024
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