If you're into crisp and clear sound (lossless was mentioned somewhere in the manual, but I didn't understand if it actually supports any lossless format), then maybe. It definitely sounds better and there's a dedicated sub-woofer. More PMPO power. I would have upgraded if I had spare €830

 

In Decembre when I tested the C-HR, the JBL system did sound pathetic in direct comparison with the Mark Levinson in my 2008 Lexus GS.
The so-called JBL system is just an amp + sub + 2 additional tweeters in the front. I guess also the rest of the speakers are changed, but that's all. No additional media options.
For that amount of money you can add an aftermarket amp with sub + sound insulation. The last one would make much better difference compared to the massively overpriced JBL option.

 

I have JBL and listen music mostly trough Spotify Premium. In my opinion the sound is crisp and well balanced. The bass could be a little bit stronger and if there was a volume control for lower bass only? But I am satisfied. You have to understand that the sound is not at high end level! But much better than my previous MY14 BMW f30 "hifi system"!
At home I have Genelec 8050 active monitors and I use plenty of time with good quality hifi music also at home!
Uti

 

I have JBL and listen music mostly trough Spotify Premium.

How did you set up Touch 2 to listen the to Spotify, give some details.
Is it via bluetooth? Can you skip to next song from steering wheel? Control volume?

 

By bluetooth.
Uti

 

And yes, all that is working fine!
Uti

 

You have to have Spotify Premium because you need Spotify Connect !
Put bluetooth on at your phone and link your phone to your Touch&Go2 for music use and for phone use, Set volume max-position or att close at your phone, choose bluetooth-input of Touch&Go2 settings and start listening. Remember, that you can set individually tone controls depending the input you are listening. And enjoy music.
Sorry my bad english
Uti

 

Nothing else is needed!
Uti

 

Uti, did You know You can edit a comment?

 

Thank's, yes I know that!
Uti

 

Uti, thanks for your answer.
I'll have to find a good spot for my iPhone then.

 

Hi,

regarding lossless format:
I'm using 1TB usb drive with lossless FLAC files. Works with no problem, sounds very good.

Maciej

 

In Decembre when I tested the C-HR, the JBL system did sound pathetic in direct comparison with the Mark Levinson in my 2008 Lexus GS.
The so-called JBL system is just an amp + sub + 2 additional tweeters in the front. I guess also the rest of the speakers are changed, but that's all. No additional media options.
For that amount of money you can add an aftermarket amp with sub + sound insulation. The last one would make much better difference compared to the massively overpriced JBL option.

Have to agree, if you have a C-HR and it is actually yours (not on a lease or a company car) then do the modifications yourself.

I am no audiophile but replaced all of the speakers in my Jaguar XK and upgraded with a sub/ crossovers/4 additional tweeters+ insulation. i used infinity kappa kit.

At my Jag dealer the dealer principal and two of his team compared my set up with a car they had in with a Mark Levinson set-up and all of us agreed that my sound was superior.

In my Audi many agree that the standard audio sounds better than the bose system with only the B&O being an improvement over stock by some margin (and £3k), so simply bunging in an 'off the shelf' system purchased on a budget, won't deliver ideal sound, it will just be a compromise.

 

so.....Thanks everyone. Dynamic on order with premium. Let's hope it's worth it !!! I'll be using 'lossless' digital to give it the best chance to shine.

 

You have to have Spotify Premium because you need Spotify Connect !
Put bluetooth on at your phone and link your phone to your Touch&Go2 for music use and for phone use, Set volume max-position or att close at your phone, choose bluetooth-input of Touch&Go2 settings and start listening. Remember, that you can set individually tone controls depending the input you are listening. And enjoy music.
Sorry my bad english
Uti

 

The JBL is good, and a decent upgrade on the stock 6 speaker stereo if you like your music. I heard the similarly priced (£600) Focal 10 speaker HI Fi in the new Peugeot 3008 the other day, and it blows the JBL out of the water. The fact they charge £600 for the JBL, and you can't order it without the leather makes it poor value, especially if you already have that great Excel interior. You can buy a nice set of after market speakers, sub woofers and amp for significantly less than £600.

 

I had it in my Prius and I was not impressed, not a great deal better than standard at medium volume, on loud it was better than the standard. For the money though I wouldn’t bother. A car sound dealer would do a much better job.

 

The infotainment system on my 22 CHR is the best thing about the car. I can't imagine that it could be improved really. I use a fairly high volume that helps to block out the noise of the vehicle and it really is clear, sharp and tonally balanced.

 

JBL was one of the options I picked when I ordered my C-HR - I do like my music so a factory fitted audio upgrade was worth ticking the box.

A lot of my previous vehicles I've upgraded the speakers in for better audio, with the C-HR & ordering it new I don't have to bother with that in the future.

Yes you do miss out on the right hand boot storage compartment with the JBL system due to the subwoofer but boot storage space wasn't a worry for me.

 

Same here - worth the investment and boot space taken by sub.
I drove quite few times non-JBL C-HR. 2019, 2021 and 2022 models. So I could compare it with my 2018 C-HR with JBL and with Orange one.

It is a huge improvement! True, may not matter at all for listening radio with people talking non-stop.
But for music...

Don't want to offend anyone, but on long'ish trips I found the normal audio system boring, it sounds like a bucket!
Last year I had to rent for a 400km trip. And on the way back I did something stupid and use headsets to keep myself alert.

 

Cranked up the volume to 50 this morning as Lauren decided to play Jump in The Line - Harry Belafonte on BBC 6 Music, sounded very clear with a nice dose of bass.
A decent sounding audio system is a must for me.

 

50? WOW!
My music is already LOUD at 35!

It's fun and disturbing how mirrors are "jumping" with loud music. Thanks to subwoofer

 

30 is around my normal level but for a decent song I'll raise the volume up 😂

 

I only have the standard Audio but 36 is the magic number for me. Base already reverbs around the car at that level.

 

I was driven in a mates car over the weekend who doesn't have the upgrade. Really noticed the difference. Just a lot lighter sound. Noticed the road noise a lot more too.