Audio Upgrade Reccomendations

odamone · 01-12-2006, 05:51 PM

Hello,

I want to upgrade the audio in my '06 package 7 (has the upgraded JBL).

After reading this forum I see there are many hurdles to avoid and I can't seem to easily distill all the information into a clear plan of action. So, here's what I would like to do:

Replace speakers, add a subwoofer, add an amp to power either the sub only or the sub and other speakers (which is best?). I assume I'll use the infinity kappa 60.7 and 62.7 for rear and front, unless someone swears by something else. I have no idea what I should use for the sub and amp -- what are the pros and cons of using the hidden storage area in terms of sound performance and price?

I want to purchase this equipment and pay someone to install it -- preferably someone who has done a Prius before, ideally someone who reads this forum. I'm in the San Francisco bay area, any specific suggestions?

I don't want to lose any voice recognition or beeping functionality, I don't want to replace the head unit, and I've heard there are issues with ohms -- what is the fact and fiction on ohms?

What are the wiring, grounding, power issues I need to be aware of?

I think those are all of my questions. Thank you a million times over to those who answer.

odamone

aaf709 · 01-12-2006, 06:04 PM

Here's an article about putting a Bazooka BTA6100 subwoofer in a Prius. That was done at Circuit City in LA, but maybe one near you could do it.

tmorrowus · 01-12-2006, 06:13 PM

If you haven't already seen it, check out my page on prius audio

http://tom-morrow-land.com/tests/priusaudio/

I think the easiest and most cost effective upgrade is to simply power new aftermarket component front speakers from the rear channel of the JBL. Leave the rears disconnected. I think adding amps for the front speakers is probably the least cost effective thing you can do for the audio.

I think a good plan is to first upgrade the front speakers from the rear channel, and see if you are happy then. I am currently running on just that configuration (with Focal K2 speakers) and it's remarkably good, but still weak bass.

Then if the lack of bass still bugs you, the easy route is to add a subwoofer. The more involved, more expensive, but more stealth route that I'm taking is to use EQ and Maxxbass processing to get bass out of the door speakers.

benighted · 01-12-2006, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by aaf709@Jan 12 2006, 03:04 PM
Here's an article about putting a Bazooka BTA6100 subwoofer in a Prius. That was done at Circuit City in LA, but maybe one near you could do it.

[snapback]188752[/snapback]

Or you could go with a Infinity Basslink for a bit better sound.

Don't buy it from Crutchfield though, I got mine used on ebay for $120

priusenvy · 01-13-2006, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by odamone@Jan 12 2006, 02:51 PM
Replace speakers, add a subwoofer, add an amp to power either the sub only or the sub and other speakers (which is best?). I assume I'll use the infinity kappa 60.7 and 62.7 for rear and front, unless someone swears by something else. I have no idea what I should use for the sub and amp -- what are the pros and cons of using the hidden storage area in terms of sound performance and price?

[snapback]188738[/snapback]

The 62.7s aren't component speakers. You should install component speakers (60.7cs) all around; the difference in cost is minimal, the difference in sound quality is not.

If you add an amp but keep the gain the same, it opens up use of the volume levels from 45 to 60. Without an external amp, the JBL amp starts audibly distorting around a volume setting of 40-45. Relieve it of the need to drive a low-impedence speaker load, and the distortion drops. It's desireable to use those higher volume settings rather than increase system gain because the JBL amp has a flatter frequency response at higher volume settings - the somewhat drastic equalization it does at lower volume settings is usually not wanted at higher volumes. If you're wondering why you'd run the output of the JBL amp into another amp, rather than just replace the JBL amp, it's because volume is controlled in the JBL amp, not in the head unit.

I have two amps (one four channel for the door speakers, one bridged two channel driving a JL Audio subwofer) and I'm pretty happy with the setup. Now the biggest problem with the audio system is the amount of road noise at highway speeds. I think I need to get on the waiting list for a GS 450h.

benighted · 01-13-2006, 10:57 PM

I have the Infinity 60.7cs in the front and the non-component in the rear. It sounds just fine with my factory(non JBL) amp with minimal distortion and perfect stereo imaging with fade set +1 to the front.

odamone · 01-14-2006, 03:13 AM

Thanks to all for the replies. I suppose if I'm adding one amp for the sub, I'd save some labor cost when adding another for the front and rear. I had a JL audio sub once and really liked it, so I think I'll go with a system much like the one priusenvy describes/recommends.

Now I gotta find someone in the area to purchase from and install at reasonable prices.

Also, any suggestions on amps? Best value, not best in class...I know nothing about the different amp brands. I had a Rockford Fosgate once, and a mono Kenwood, I was happy with those, but really, I have no idea. I assume, for cost, I want either one five channel or one four channel and a mono for the sub -- but let me know if there is a benefit to doing a bridged two channel...

I don't want to get into more than 2 amps.

What's the ideal place to mount them? Does the concealed storage area work or will the amps overheat?

Thanks again for all the pointers, this board is awesome.

benighted · 01-14-2006, 03:49 AM

If you are going that route get the best amps you can afford. YOu get what you pay for. The car I had before my Prius had 3 - 10's running at 2 Ohms stereo (1 Kicker CVR with 2 voice coils and 2 Audiobahn with single voice coils) I don't remember what wattage I had but it was a 2 channell Rockford Fosgate. I ran the Kicker off 1 chanell and the Audiobahns off of the other chanell. Now that I think about it it was probably a bit too much, it took my entire trunk space and weighed about 100 lbs.

odamone · 01-14-2006, 06:38 PM

Well, I just unplugged the center speaker and wow. it's absolutely amazing the difference that causes.

Now...well, there still is no sub bass and the mid bass is kinda lacking, but the highs are sweet and the separation is great.

So...I'm thinking of just adding a 10" JL Audio sub and seeing where that leaves me. The cost/benefit of replacing the stock door speakers just doesn't feel right anymore...

Any reccomendations on a sub amp?

by the way, if anyone is in the San Jose area, I just found out that Caracoustics did a $10,000 job on a Prius...so they know what they are doing over there.

dss · 01-14-2006, 07:16 PM

Franks of Berkeley is one of the absolute top install places in the area. They are a small shop that does a lot of high end work and has done a ton of work on the Prius including custom sub enclosures. For mine, they did an incredible job that included installing the Kenwood sub and Alpine AMP in the rear hatch, installing 2 pairs of component speakers and a vais/sirius install on a 2005 package six. They made sure everything came out looking factory clean and sounding great. the only compromise was the kenwood powered mini-sub being far inferior to a true sub experience but I was willing to compromise for convenience on that one...

I also would recommend you look into Diamond Audio HEX series for speakers, you can get them on new on ebay for about half what they retail for. I personally prefer them to the Infinity's but either way, you'll have a a major upgrade...

Franks is far form the cheapest but they stand by their work (I had a problem with something loosening in my last car and even though it was four years later, they fixed it at no charge) and really understand what they are doing. Worth every penny in my opinion.

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01-12-2006, 05:51 PM	#1
odamone Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 10 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Hello, I want to upgrade the audio in my '06 package 7 (has the upgraded JBL). After reading this forum I see there are many hurdles to avoid and I can't seem to easily distill all the information into a clear plan of action. So, here's what I would like to do: Replace speakers, add a subwoofer, add an amp to power either the sub only or the sub and other speakers (which is best?). I assume I'll use the infinity kappa 60.7 and 62.7 for rear and front, unless someone swears by something else. I have no idea what I should use for the sub and amp -- what are the pros and cons of using the hidden storage area in terms of sound performance and price? I want to purchase this equipment and pay someone to install it -- preferably someone who has done a Prius before, ideally someone who reads this forum. I'm in the San Francisco bay area, any specific suggestions? I don't want to lose any voice recognition or beeping functionality, I don't want to replace the head unit, and I've heard there are issues with ohms -- what is the fact and fiction on ohms? What are the wiring, grounding, power issues I need to be aware of? I think those are all of my questions. Thank you a million times over to those who answer. odamone

01-12-2006, 06:04 PM	#2
aaf709 Ravenpaw of ThunderClan Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 3,840 My Car: 2005 Prius Model: Package: #6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Here's an article about putting a Bazooka BTA6100 subwoofer in a Prius. That was done at Circuit City in LA, but maybe one near you could do it.

01-12-2006, 06:13 PM	#3
tmorrowus Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 444 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Friends: 0	If you haven't already seen it, check out my page on prius audio http://tom-morrow-land.com/tests/priusaudio/ I think the easiest and most cost effective upgrade is to simply power new aftermarket component front speakers from the rear channel of the JBL. Leave the rears disconnected. I think adding amps for the front speakers is probably the least cost effective thing you can do for the audio. I think a good plan is to first upgrade the front speakers from the rear channel, and see if you are happy then. I am currently running on just that configuration (with Focal K2 speakers) and it's remarkably good, but still weak bass. Then if the lack of bass still bugs you, the easy route is to add a subwoofer. The more involved, more expensive, but more stealth route that I'm taking is to use EQ and Maxxbass processing to get bass out of the door speakers.

01-13-2006, 10:57 PM	#6
benighted Chief thread hijacker Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Westport, WA Posts: 530 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I have the Infinity 60.7cs in the front and the non-component in the rear. It sounds just fine with my factory(non JBL) amp with minimal distortion and perfect stereo imaging with fade set +1 to the front.

01-14-2006, 03:13 AM	#7
odamone Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 10 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Thanks to all for the replies. I suppose if I'm adding one amp for the sub, I'd save some labor cost when adding another for the front and rear. I had a JL audio sub once and really liked it, so I think I'll go with a system much like the one priusenvy describes/recommends. Now I gotta find someone in the area to purchase from and install at reasonable prices. Also, any suggestions on amps? Best value, not best in class...I know nothing about the different amp brands. I had a Rockford Fosgate once, and a mono Kenwood, I was happy with those, but really, I have no idea. I assume, for cost, I want either one five channel or one four channel and a mono for the sub -- but let me know if there is a benefit to doing a bridged two channel... I don't want to get into more than 2 amps. What's the ideal place to mount them? Does the concealed storage area work or will the amps overheat? Thanks again for all the pointers, this board is awesome.

01-14-2006, 03:49 AM	#8
benighted Chief thread hijacker Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Westport, WA Posts: 530 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	If you are going that route get the best amps you can afford. YOu get what you pay for. The car I had before my Prius had 3 - 10's running at 2 Ohms stereo (1 Kicker CVR with 2 voice coils and 2 Audiobahn with single voice coils) I don't remember what wattage I had but it was a 2 channell Rockford Fosgate. I ran the Kicker off 1 chanell and the Audiobahns off of the other chanell. Now that I think about it it was probably a bit too much, it took my entire trunk space and weighed about 100 lbs.

01-14-2006, 06:38 PM	#9
odamone Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 10 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Well, I just unplugged the center speaker and wow. it's absolutely amazing the difference that causes. Now...well, there still is no sub bass and the mid bass is kinda lacking, but the highs are sweet and the separation is great. So...I'm thinking of just adding a 10" JL Audio sub and seeing where that leaves me. The cost/benefit of replacing the stock door speakers just doesn't feel right anymore... Any reccomendations on a sub amp? by the way, if anyone is in the San Jose area, I just found out that Caracoustics did a $10,000 job on a Prius...so they know what they are doing over there.

01-14-2006, 07:16 PM	#10
dss Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 6 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Franks of Berkeley is one of the absolute top install places in the area. They are a small shop that does a lot of high end work and has done a ton of work on the Prius including custom sub enclosures. For mine, they did an incredible job that included installing the Kenwood sub and Alpine AMP in the rear hatch, installing 2 pairs of component speakers and a vais/sirius install on a 2005 package six. They made sure everything came out looking factory clean and sounding great. the only compromise was the kenwood powered mini-sub being far inferior to a true sub experience but I was willing to compromise for convenience on that one... I also would recommend you look into Diamond Audio HEX series for speakers, you can get them on new on ebay for about half what they retail for. I personally prefer them to the Infinity's but either way, you'll have a a major upgrade... Franks is far form the cheapest but they stand by their work (I had a problem with something loosening in my last car and even though it was four years later, they fixed it at no charge) and really understand what they are doing. Worth every penny in my opinion.