Audio Settings

[bear1906]

Hi,

05 Limited (JBL Synthesis Stereo). Whats the best Audio settings (Bass, Mid, Treble, Surround) to get the best sound (crisp, clear, etc). I listen to a mix of music from Jazz to R&B to Acoustic, and alot of talk radio. It sounds like the Surround setting makes more of a difference for the rear passengers, than the front passengers, but either way, it doesn't sound quite right (kind of hollow, echoey). Nothing is wrong with my speakers, so I am hoping someone has the magic combo for the sound settings.

The stereo system seems to get glowing reviews, but I just dont get it. The Bose systems I have had in previous vehicles (Nissan, Infiniti, Audi, Cadillac) all seemed to sound alot bettter.

[tfelton]

Sound is a very personal thing and I don't think anyone can tell you how to set your sound system. I would just suggest just start adjusting different ways and see what works best. For example, years ago I used to be and audiophile but now my hearing is shot. I can't hear high frequencies very well so I lower the bass and raise the treble to compensate. I never worry about the people in the back seat. Usually they're kids with their ears plugged with iPods.

[XXagon]

One of the sound setting is SURROUND, turn it off. It's ok for some types of music.
It introduces an echo effect to create the SURROUND feature.

[Tom in Tacoma]

Originally Posted by XXagon

One of the sound setting is SURROUND, turn it off. It's ok for some types of music.
It introduces an echo effect to create the SURROUND feature.

Actually - that's not quite accurate. By enabling the surround feature you bring 7.1 surround sound into the interior of the car instead of 2-channel stereo.

The 7.1 surround sound sound stage that's created is optimized for every seating position in the car. The JBL Synthesis uses an algorithm to convert a 2-channel stereo signal into a multichannel format, creating a 7.1 sound stage. Turning the surround feature off gives you left and right (and a woofer).

You can learn more about it here: http://www.toyotajbl.com/audio_advantages.asp

[boosted-fc3s]

^^^ I agree about the sound stage. Its much better with surround on in my car, imho. I even have a blown driver side tweeter, and I can really only tell its bad when I turn the surround off.

[XXagon]

Music appreciation is a very subjective thing. My reply was directed to bear1906. The JBL 7.1 is not a true 7.1 but a concocted scheme to fool the ear into hearing what sounds like 7.1. In the process it gives stereo music a hallowed (echoed) affect that I think bear1906 was comlaining about.
I personally have turned SURROUND off for the same reasons that bear1906 said.
Sorry for the confusion in my previous reply.

[Tom in Tacoma]

Again, I'll disagree.

By simple definition the JBL system meets the definition of 7.1; front (a-pillar and front door), center (rear door), rear (rear shelf), center (the dash) and the woofer. Seven locations and one woofer.

Of course the system fools the ear into hearing what sounds like 7.1. A stereo does the same thing by establishing a left and right channel. This just breaks down the music to determine what should take center stage and introduces a sound stage effect that distributes the music into a more lifelike layout versus left and right.

The 'hallowed' effect exists in real settings such as recording studios, concert halls and movie theaters as well as your home, office and church. Why would that be objectionable in the car? The 'hallowed' effect is nothing more than the time delay between when the sound reaches your ear and when it reaches the back of the space, bounces off it and again reaches your ear.

But you're right. Sound is very much subjective. We could probably see this thread become several pages long (and perhaps we should).

One thing I wanted to ask bear1906 - what is the source of your music? Radio? CD? Satelite? Aux input?

[bear1906]

I listen to CDs, Radio (AM Talk, FM, & Sat) and MP3