2008 base system upgrade

HSDP · 01-08-2008, 07:36 PM

OK, I have spent 3 hours searching now, and either I am bad at it or there isn't a lot of info with pics on this. I am hoping someone kind will help me or point me in the right direction. I have an 08 with the basic single disc stereo and need to do an update.

From what I have gathered, F&R are 6.5" but crutchfield states it is not an exact fit... is this true? does anyone here make plates?

I plan not to add too much weight to the car. I am axing the subwoofer for space/weight/current draw reasons. I want to have a good front setup. Rear can be fill for all I care. I am thinking of a strong 2-channel amp (prefer one that fits under the seat), a set of good 6.5" seperates, some dynamat, and an ipod adaptor. I think I will be happy with bass of a 6.5" in a well treated door and a real amp behind it.

Questions:

1) Is there an adaptor plate that works or do I need to make one for 6.5"?
2) Where can I access the factory tweeter wires for the X-over on the non-JBL system, and what can I fit in there (or should I not even bother if it is too cramped)?
3) Where is a good source for power on the amp? Do I need to go through the firewall?
4) what ipod link works (to have control from MFD) for the 08? So far eveything I have checked is iffy for the 08. This is my last concern, my main concern is upgrading the system.

Thanks guys. BTW I am well versed in electronics, I just don't know a lot about the Prius. Why are there so few pictures of installs?

Presto · 01-08-2008, 08:48 PM

1) I have no experience with manufactured speaker adapters. Basically, I just used some 3/4" MDF and made my own adapters using the stock ones as a template. The stock ones were bolted into the door, so I had to drill them out before I could replace them.

2)The factory tweeter signal is wired the woofer, and it is x-over'd with a capacitor

3+4) I dunno. Hopefully someone can chime in on that.

There are a few other installations here. A good handful of people have upgraded their sound systems with new amps/speakers, subwoofer, carputers, etc... Have a look through the Audio/Video Forum and also the Modifications Forum. There's pictures, but I don't think there's a compilation of installs anywhere.

HSDP · 01-08-2008, 08:58 PM

Thanks. I was hoping to avoid making plates. I am surprised no vendor here sells an adaptor plate. If the tweet wire is already at the woofer then I will just install the X-Over in the door and seal it up.

Are there any preouts/adaptors for preouts on the factory non-JBL?

I had the JBL in my 06. I was not too impressed. The drivers look terrific, but the system is sooooo anemic!

zenMachine · 01-09-2008, 06:23 PM

I used these adaptors for my JL 6.5". Work great.

http://www.scosche.com/products/sfID.../productID/870

The only concern is the depth of the magnet may cause the front window glass to hit the speaker when rolled down. My solution was to apply about a cm of modeling clay around the rim of the template. Problem solved. Easy as pie.

Like Presto said, you have to drill out the entire speaker assembly to remove the stock speakers.

BTW, where did you get that avatar? I posted a picture like that on here once....

HSDP · 01-09-2008, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenMachine

I used these adaptors for my JL 6.5". Work great.

http://www.scosche.com/products/sfID.../productID/870

The only concern is the depth of the magnet may cause the front window glass to hit the speaker when rolled down. My solution was to apply about a cm of modeling clay around the rim of the template. Problem solved. Easy as pie.

Like Presto said, you have to drill out the entire speaker assembly to remove the stock speakers.

BTW, where did you get that avatar? I posted a picture like that on here once....

Thanks, what did you use for speakers and where did you get the adaptor? direct from schoshe? I can't believe I have to drill to get the stock ones out. The avatar... lol... I did a google search for "eco friendly car" and that came up. I thought it was great.

Did you use any dynamat? how is your upgrade sound-wise now?

priusenvy · 01-09-2008, 08:11 PM

The woofers for my Diamond Audio D6s are mounted in the stock plastic housings in the front doors. No rings, no adapters.

I think I'd still run power from the battery in the trunk to the amp(s), even if they were under the passenger seat rather than under the hatch as they are now. Should be easy to pull the wire from the trunk and through the door sills. That's how my speaker wires are run (from the JBL amp to the CleanSweep, and then from the MTX amp back to the stock speaker wires).

GeoGeek · 01-10-2008, 08:24 PM

PriusChat Member "DocVijay" did a great write up on making the trim rings.
Go to his website at: 2006 Prius Hybrid Mods
There are good install pics there, but the doco on trim rings is buried deeper at:
Woofer Baffles for Doors

The factory wires for the fronts have full range signal running to both the woofer & tweeter...it's just that the tweeter has a small capacitor on it to block the bass frequencies. I took the wires going into the tweets and fed them as input to my components passive crossover....then I ran aftermarket wires out to the new woofers & tweets.

Pull the power for the amp from the 12V battery in the right rear corner.

I used a Scosche SLC-4 line-out-converter for a while and it worked great (no noise), but eventually I upgraded to an Audio Control Three.1 as my pre-amp.

I have no first hand knowledge of the iPod adapters, but check out the Dice, Vais Tech, and Coastal Electronics offerings....not sure about '08 compatibility, but it sounds like not much has changed since '06 with the base stereo.

Hope this helps....Cheers!

zenMachine · 01-11-2008, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HSDP

Thanks, what did you use for speakers and where did you get the adaptor? direct from schoshe? I can't believe I have to drill to get the stock ones out. The avatar... lol... I did a google search for "eco friendly car" and that came up. I thought it was great.

Did you use any dynamat? how is your upgrade sound-wise now?

I got the adaptors from the link I posted.

I used Damplifier from Secondskin instead. A much better value and the quality is as good, if not better in many respects, than Dynamat which is, IMO, way overpriced. I got 80sqf of Damplifier for half the price of Dynamat. Check out the Secondskin website for more info.

My upgrade was along the same line as Doc Vijay's, except I also have a Kenwood self-powered sub under the driver's seat. The Cleansweep units are a bit pricey, but the results are outstanding. For a less expensive alternative, search for banjoman's hack.

Just tonight I cranked up "Come Together" to test out my new Sansa MP3 player, and couldn't be more surprised by how clean and tight everything came out. (BTW, I plug my MP3 into the Cleansweep instead of the Aux input because for some reason it sounds much better that way).

Of course, with Damplifier everywhere (even on the roof), the car is a whole quieter and the speakers and sub really come alive.

BubbaVO · 01-21-2008, 08:48 PM

HSDP - How did you make out?

I've got the same set up. I drove home and the first thing I told my wife was , the stereo su*&s. So I ended up contacting Crutchfield. Here's what I got:

Polk Audio db5251 5-1/4" Component System - I know they handle 6.5 but the rep basically told me to watch out for the height of the speaker in relation to how the stock one is mounted so this would be an easier fit (circuit city indicated the polks at 6.5 were fine) and that since I was installing other goodies I could rely on the tweeter and the smaller woofer for the highs.

Kenwood KSC-SW1 150W Compact Powered Subwoofer - will put this under the passenger seat - seems like it will be able to move a lot of air

EFX Amplifier Wiring Kit 8-gauge w/Patch Cord - seems like 4 gauge is way more than necessary

Blaupunkt THA475 75W x 4 Car Amplifier - seemed like a good compromise since I'm not looking for bust da windows sound, but a really clean and good sounding system

StreetWires FB8 8-ga. Firewall Bushing

StreetWires UCT14 per foot 14 gauge Blue/Copper Speaker Wire

Posi-Products Connector Kit 6 pieces Posi-Tap Assortment

Anything I should look out for when trying to install all this stuff?

HSDP · 01-22-2008, 07:50 PM

I haven't done anything yet. Its funny you mention crutchfield because when I talked to them, they gave me a very strong warning against using any sort of high current amp in the Prius. They said it is draining on the car and that it will even affect the synergy drive system. Honestly the guy did sound like he knew a lot, and talked in detail about the Prius they had tested at crutchfield. He steered me towards small powered subs, specificaly Bazookas, because they had class D amps and very little current draw. He recommended a speaker upgrade, but running off the stock radio.

I didn't know what to make of it all. Obviously anytime you tax a car's electrical system the alternator has to make up for it. Energy comes from some place, in this case, eventualy, gasoline. But I think the effect may have been a bit overblown. Although I am weary of any sort of high powered amplifier, especially a class A/B amp, I think that a smaller class D amp should be OK. They are light, small, and very efficient. I just can't find anything with modest power and cost. The Alpines are very nice but waaay too much for what I am looking for.

In the meantime the more I listen to the stock radio, the more I think it sucks. As bad as I thought the JBL was in my previous prius, it was a world better than this one. The midrange especially is horrible. It is very fatiguing on my ears.

01-08-2008, 07:36 PM	#1
HSDP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: MA Posts: 36 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: #2 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	2008 base system upgrade OK, I have spent 3 hours searching now, and either I am bad at it or there isn't a lot of info with pics on this. I am hoping someone kind will help me or point me in the right direction. I have an 08 with the basic single disc stereo and need to do an update. From what I have gathered, F&R are 6.5" but crutchfield states it is not an exact fit... is this true? does anyone here make plates? I plan not to add too much weight to the car. I am axing the subwoofer for space/weight/current draw reasons. I want to have a good front setup. Rear can be fill for all I care. I am thinking of a strong 2-channel amp (prefer one that fits under the seat), a set of good 6.5" seperates, some dynamat, and an ipod adaptor. I think I will be happy with bass of a 6.5" in a well treated door and a real amp behind it. Questions: 1) Is there an adaptor plate that works or do I need to make one for 6.5"? 2) Where can I access the factory tweeter wires for the X-over on the non-JBL system, and what can I fit in there (or should I not even bother if it is too cramped)? 3) Where is a good source for power on the amp? Do I need to go through the firewall? 4) what ipod link works (to have control from MFD) for the 08? So far eveything I have checked is iffy for the 08. This is my last concern, my main concern is upgrading the system. Thanks guys. BTW I am well versed in electronics, I just don't know a lot about the Prius. Why are there so few pictures of installs?

01-08-2008, 08:48 PM	#2
Presto Has his homepage set to PC Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,144 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: B Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 3	Re: 2008 base system upgrade 1) I have no experience with manufactured speaker adapters. Basically, I just used some 3/4" MDF and made my own adapters using the stock ones as a template. The stock ones were bolted into the door, so I had to drill them out before I could replace them. 2)The factory tweeter signal is wired the woofer, and it is x-over'd with a capacitor 3+4) I dunno. Hopefully someone can chime in on that. There are a few other installations here. A good handful of people have upgraded their sound systems with new amps/speakers, subwoofer, carputers, etc... Have a look through the Audio/Video Forum and also the Modifications Forum. There's pictures, but I don't think there's a compilation of installs anywhere. __________________ Daniel 2k5 Prius 'B' Package PriusPuter(nav/wifi/entertainment) E-Bay Motorized VGA Touchscreen Deluo USB GPS DLS A7 Ultimate 5-Channel Amp (4 x 60 W + 1 x 300W) Focal 165KP Component Speakers JL Audio 10W6v2 Subwoofer B-Quiet Sound Deadening (front doors, hatch, spare tire well) EV Button CAN-View V2 TRD Sportivo Shocks and Springs Tom's Strut Tower Brace Tom's Lower Suspension Brace Tom's Rear Brace

01-08-2008, 08:58 PM	#3
HSDP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: MA Posts: 36 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: #2 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: 2008 base system upgrade Thanks. I was hoping to avoid making plates. I am surprised no vendor here sells an adaptor plate. If the tweet wire is already at the woofer then I will just install the X-Over in the door and seal it up. Are there any preouts/adaptors for preouts on the factory non-JBL? I had the JBL in my 06. I was not too impressed. The drivers look terrific, but the system is sooooo anemic!

01-09-2008, 06:23 PM	#4
zenMachine Just another Onionhead Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 1,080 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: #3 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: 2008 base system upgrade I used these adaptors for my JL 6.5". Work great. http://www.scosche.com/products/sfID.../productID/870 The only concern is the depth of the magnet may cause the front window glass to hit the speaker when rolled down. My solution was to apply about a cm of modeling clay around the rim of the template. Problem solved. Easy as pie. Like Presto said, you have to drill out the entire speaker assembly to remove the stock speakers. BTW, where did you get that avatar? I posted a picture like that on here once.... __________________ "Grey the Magnifique"

01-09-2008, 08:11 PM	#6
priusenvy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Silicon Valley, CA Posts: 1,758 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: 2008 base system upgrade The woofers for my Diamond Audio D6s are mounted in the stock plastic housings in the front doors. No rings, no adapters. I think I'd still run power from the battery in the trunk to the amp(s), even if they were under the passenger seat rather than under the hatch as they are now. Should be easy to pull the wire from the trunk and through the door sills. That's how my speaker wires are run (from the JBL amp to the CleanSweep, and then from the MTX amp back to the stock speaker wires).

01-10-2008, 08:24 PM	#7
GeoGeek Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Auburndale, FL Posts: 238 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #4 Nominated 4,294,967,295 Times in 4,294,967,295 Posts TOTM Awards: 1 Friends: 0	Re: 2008 base system upgrade PriusChat Member "DocVijay" did a great write up on making the trim rings. Go to his website at: 2006 Prius Hybrid Mods There are good install pics there, but the doco on trim rings is buried deeper at: Woofer Baffles for Doors The factory wires for the fronts have full range signal running to both the woofer & tweeter...it's just that the tweeter has a small capacitor on it to block the bass frequencies. I took the wires going into the tweets and fed them as input to my components passive crossover....then I ran aftermarket wires out to the new woofers & tweets. Pull the power for the amp from the 12V battery in the right rear corner. I used a Scosche SLC-4 line-out-converter for a while and it worked great (no noise), but eventually I upgraded to an Audio Control Three.1 as my pre-amp. I have no first hand knowledge of the iPod adapters, but check out the Dice, Vais Tech, and Coastal Electronics offerings....not sure about '08 compatibility, but it sounds like not much has changed since '06 with the base stereo. Hope this helps....Cheers! __________________ 2006 Seaside Pearl, Pkg. 4, "Poindexter" Integrated Sirius Satellite Radio Xtant 3300c Amplifier Sony XM502 Amplifier Audio Control Three.1 Diamond Audio M5 12" Subwoofer Diamond Audio D6 5.25" Components Diamond Audio M6 6.5" Components

01-21-2008, 08:48 PM	#9
BubbaVO Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Philly Posts: 43 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: #2 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: 2008 base system upgrade HSDP - How did you make out? I've got the same set up. I drove home and the first thing I told my wife was , the stereo su&s. So I ended up contacting Crutchfield. Here's what I got: Polk Audio db5251 5-1/4" Component System - I know they handle 6.5 but the rep basically told me to watch out for the height of the speaker in relation to how the stock one is mounted so this would be an easier fit (circuit city indicated the polks at 6.5 were fine) and that since I was installing other goodies I could rely on the tweeter and the smaller woofer for the highs. Kenwood KSC-SW1 150W Compact Powered Subwoofer - will put this under the passenger seat - seems like it will be able to move a lot of air* EFX Amplifier Wiring Kit 8-gauge w/Patch Cord - seems like 4 gauge is way more than necessary Blaupunkt THA475 75W x 4 Car Amplifier - seemed like a good compromise since I'm not looking for bust da windows sound, but a really clean and good sounding system StreetWires FB8 8-ga. Firewall Bushing StreetWires UCT14 per foot 14 gauge Blue/Copper Speaker Wire Posi-Products Connector Kit 6 pieces Posi-Tap Assortment Anything I should look out for when trying to install all this stuff?

01-22-2008, 07:50 PM	#10
HSDP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: MA Posts: 36 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: #2 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: 2008 base system upgrade I haven't done anything yet. Its funny you mention crutchfield because when I talked to them, they gave me a very strong warning against using any sort of high current amp in the Prius. They said it is draining on the car and that it will even affect the synergy drive system. Honestly the guy did sound like he knew a lot, and talked in detail about the Prius they had tested at crutchfield. He steered me towards small powered subs, specificaly Bazookas, because they had class D amps and very little current draw. He recommended a speaker upgrade, but running off the stock radio. I didn't know what to make of it all. Obviously anytime you tax a car's electrical system the alternator has to make up for it. Energy comes from some place, in this case, eventualy, gasoline. But I think the effect may have been a bit overblown. Although I am weary of any sort of high powered amplifier, especially a class A/B amp, I think that a smaller class D amp should be OK. They are light, small, and very efficient. I just can't find anything with modest power and cost. The Alpines are very nice but waaay too much for what I am looking for. In the meantime the more I listen to the stock radio, the more I think it sucks. As bad as I thought the JBL was in my previous prius, it was a world better than this one. The midrange especially is horrible. It is very fatiguing on my ears.