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Upgrading JBL Audio -- Anyone actually done it?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by zonker, Feb 28, 2006.

  1. zonker

    zonker New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2006
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    OK, I've read sparky's guide, and I've read all the specs on the JBL system -- very helpful. But has anyone out there actually done a speaker replacement or any other upgrade to a JBL premium audio system? If so, what did you do and how did you like it? If not, any reason why people are hesitating? I'd love to bump up the sound quality, but I don't have the knowledge/skills to be the first to jump in that pool.
     
    #1 zonker, Feb 28, 2006
  2. ibcs

    ibcs New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2005
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    Location:
    Englewood , Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Last weekend, I added the Kenwood KSC-SW1 following the instructions from several sources to the JBL system. I could not be happier with the system. My problem with the JBL system was that it did not have any bass until the volume was at 30, which is louder than I like to listen to music. Now I can have the system at 15 and listen to music and hear subtle bass that is not overpowering. Of course, my 12 year old son says it still does not have enough, but I don't want thumping bass.

    I've ordered the rear replacement speakers before installing the subwoofer. Had I waited, I might have kept the stock speakers in the rear.

    Hope this answers your questions, I will be adding the rear speakers once they arrive.

    One mistake I did make was that I put the subwoofer in the storage area in the back to the passenger side. It sounded like the bass was coming from that direction, so I remounted it to the center of the storage area. That made the sound seem like it was coming from the rear, but from the center of the car.

    ---Kent
     
    #2 ibcs, Feb 28, 2006
  3. Presto

    Presto Has his homepage set to PC

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2005
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    Location:
    Vancouver, BC
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    I upgraded the JBL system the first week I got the Prius. I had a plan to upgrade before I even got the car. At this point, the JBL amp and headunit are not even used anymore except when I have to listen to the hockey game.

    I have replaced the front speakers with Rockford tweeters and Elemental Design (sub)woofers. I also have a 10" Infinity Kappa subwoofer in a sealed box in the trunk.

    To power the system I have DLS A7 5-channel amp. I'm not using a headunit for the sound source, instead, I have a computer installed under the seat with a touchscreen for display and control. The sound is almost perfect and sounds way better than the JBL stock system.

    Click on the links in my sig to see my setup
     
    #3 Presto, Mar 1, 2006
  4. priusenvy

    priusenvy Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2004
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    Location:
    Silicon Valley, CA
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    You could have found the answer to the question if you had used the search function.

    I've added the following to my 2005 w/JBL audio:

    Two pairs Infinity Reference component speakers
    One 300x1 watt MTX amp
    One 100x4 watt MTX amp
    JL Audio 8" Subwoofer
    OEM (Pioneer) integrated Sirius tuner
     
    #4 priusenvy, Mar 3, 2006
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