Best Audio Mods in Southern California

savingtheearth · 03-02-2006, 10:23 PM

Does anyone know of some great places/people in the Los Angeles area for audio upgrades to the current 2006 system? I would like to seriously pimp my ride, but want someone/someplace that perhaps specializes in the Prius- or at least knows it very well- I want the system to be seamless. Thanks in advance for your help.

mssmith95 · 03-03-2006, 12:00 AM

I used to work for a great stereo shop who has a location in Culver City, called Stereo City. The owners name is Horst. You can tell him that Mike Smith, who used to work for Don at the other store, referred you.

I do not know their experience with the Prius, but I know that their work is very good, and they will be honest about their capabilities.

Their prices are also really good, and they will take the time to work with you, unlike the big chains.

Good luck!

aaf709 · 03-03-2006, 12:05 AM

Here's a review about installing a Bazooka subwoofer in a Prius. This was done at Circuit City in West Covina.

hngu7721 · 03-03-2006, 11:18 AM

Stay away from CC and BB if possible! I did my research on the car audio forums awhile back when looking to upgrade the stereo and there are only a handful of shops in the LA/OC area that are widely known/praised for their work.

Beach Auto Sound (where i got mine done, and highly recommend. Reasonably priced too) in Huntington Beach

Speaker Works in Orange (Expensive)

Audio Advice in La Crescenta (straight shooter, very honest. Too bad its too far)

I have pics of my fiberglass sub install (10' Diamond Audio), and will try to post later if you're interested.

H2OSkier · 03-03-2006, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by hngu7721@Mar 3 2006, 08:18 AM
Stay away from CC and BB if possible! I did my research on the car audio forums awhile back when looking to upgrade the stereo and there are only a handful of shops in the LA/OC area that are widely known/praised for their work.

Beach Auto Sound (where i got mine done, and highly recommend. Reasonably priced too) in Huntington Beach

Speaker Works in Orange (Expensive)

Audio Advice in La Crescenta (straight shooter, very honest. Too bad its too far)
I have pics of my fiberglass sub install (10' Diamond Audio), and will try to post later if you're interested.

[snapback]219645[/snapback]

I'd be interested in the pic and any other info on how you have your system setup. I'm interested in keeping everything stock except maybe speakers, sub, amps.

Thanks,

Ken

savingtheearth · 03-03-2006, 01:41 PM

That would be great to see your pics. I am in West LA- if you know of any others on the westside- let me know as well. Thanks so much for the help.

hngu7721 · 03-03-2006, 04:13 PM

Ask and ye shall recieve.

I'm running stock HU with

-CDT Audio CL-61 components in front
-CDT Audio CL6EX coaxials in rear
-10" Diamond Audio DS3 sub
Hifonics TX8805 amp; powering front components and rear sub. I'm using stock HU power for rear coaxials

I had initially wanted a JL Audio W0 or W3, but decided otherwise after hearing the Diamond subs; much tighter bass.

HTH

H2OSkier · 03-03-2006, 05:29 PM

Bingo !!! We have a winner. Your setup is just about what I'm looking for.

I do have a couple questions if you don't mind:

- why did you use the CL6EX in the rear instead of another set of components ?
- how are the fronts hooked up e.g. how did you get the front signals combined ?
- if you don't mind how much should I budget for this upgrade ?
- I take it you're happy with this setup

Was it a nice upgrade, day & night diff ?
- any issues with phone/nav or the like ?

Thanks for your time,

Ken

hngu7721 · 03-03-2006, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by H2OSkier@Mar 3 2006, 02:29 PM
Bingo !!! We have a winner. Your setup is just about what I'm looking for.

I do have a couple questions if you don't mind:

- why did you use the CL6EX in the rear instead of another set of components ?
- how are the fronts hooked up e.g. how did you get the front signals combined ?
- if you don't mind how much should I budget for this upgrade ?
- I take it you're happy with this setup Was it a nice upgrade, day & night diff ?
- any issues with phone/nav or the like ?

Thanks for your time,

Ken

[snapback]219919[/snapback]

-rear speakers are predominantlly used for rear fill only. Music just plain sounds better when there is a primary source; front comps. I'd even go so far as to suggest keeping the stock speakers in the rear.

-the speakers are powered from the (2) front channels of the amp, channels 3 and 4 are bridged for the sub

-a little under 1200 for everything. Purchased speakers from woofersetc.com, amp off ebay, and install, custom fab done at Beach Auto Sounds.

-its so much more enjoyable now with the upgrade. definitely worth it.

-i have a package 3, so no issues with that.

HTH

H2OSkier · 03-03-2006, 05:58 PM

I'm not sure with the package 3 but with the 8 the amp does the x-over internally, so I think those signals need to be combined. Then that signal goes to the x-over that comes with the components. Had you heard the CDTs before buying them ? I have Infinity Kappa's in my truck, which sound nice but always open to something new.

Thanks again !!

Ken

PS Any heat issues with the amp ?

03-03-2006, 11:18 AM	#4
hngu7721 Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 50 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Stay away from CC and BB if possible! I did my research on the car audio forums awhile back when looking to upgrade the stereo and there are only a handful of shops in the LA/OC area that are widely known/praised for their work. Beach Auto Sound (where i got mine done, and highly recommend. Reasonably priced too) in Huntington Beach Speaker Works in Orange (Expensive) Audio Advice in La Crescenta (straight shooter, very honest. Too bad its too far) I have pics of my fiberglass sub install (10' Diamond Audio), and will try to post later if you're interested. __________________ 2006 Silver w/ Package 3

03-03-2006, 05:29 PM	#8
H2OSkier Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 161 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Bingo !!! We have a winner. Your setup is just about what I'm looking for. I do have a couple questions if you don't mind: - why did you use the CL6EX in the rear instead of another set of components ? - how are the fronts hooked up e.g. how did you get the front signals combined ? - if you don't mind how much should I budget for this upgrade ? - I take it you're happy with this setup Was it a nice upgrade, day & night diff ? - any issues with phone/nav or the like ? Thanks for your time, Ken __________________ 2006 Seaside Pearl #8 w/gray leather - 3M paint protection - Formula One Pinnacle 50 tinting - HeatShield Shade - BT Stiffening Plate - Fumoto Drain Valve - DICE iPod Integration - Scangauge II

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03-02-2006, 10:23 PM	#1
savingtheearth Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: LA Posts: 70 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Does anyone know of some great places/people in the Los Angeles area for audio upgrades to the current 2006 system? I would like to seriously pimp my ride, but want someone/someplace that perhaps specializes in the Prius- or at least knows it very well- I want the system to be seamless. Thanks in advance for your help.

03-03-2006, 12:00 AM	#2
mssmith95 "I think my Dad's gone CRAZY!" Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 533 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I used to work for a great stereo shop who has a location in Culver City, called Stereo City. The owners name is Horst. You can tell him that Mike Smith, who used to work for Don at the other store, referred you. I do not know their experience with the Prius, but I know that their work is very good, and they will be honest about their capabilities. Their prices are also really good, and they will take the time to work with you, unlike the big chains. Good luck!

03-03-2006, 12:05 AM	#3
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 a review about installing a Bazooka subwoofer in a Prius. This was done at Circuit City in West Covina.

03-03-2006, 01:41 PM	#6
savingtheearth Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: LA Posts: 70 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	That would be great to see your pics. I am in West LA- if you know of any others on the westside- let me know as well. Thanks so much for the help.

03-03-2006, 04:13 PM	#7
hngu7721 Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 50 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Ask and ye shall recieve. I'm running stock HU with -CDT Audio CL-61 components in front -CDT Audio CL6EX coaxials in rear -10" Diamond Audio DS3 sub Hifonics TX8805 amp; powering front components and rear sub. I'm using stock HU power for rear coaxials I had initially wanted a JL Audio W0 or W3, but decided otherwise after hearing the Diamond subs; much tighter bass. HTH

03-03-2006, 05:58 PM	#10
H2OSkier Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 161 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I'm not sure with the package 3 but with the 8 the amp does the x-over internally, so I think those signals need to be combined. Then that signal goes to the x-over that comes with the components. Had you heard the CDTs before buying them ? I have Infinity Kappa's in my truck, which sound nice but always open to something new. Thanks again !! Ken PS Any heat issues with the amp ?