Subwoofer placement and other speaker questions

nstevens · 06-17-2006, 12:32 PM

I have been reading up on everybody's speaker/subwoofer installs and I'm still wondering which route I should take with my new '06 pkg 4 (base stereo). I am a big home audio guy, but know very little about car audio. I'm not looking for the ultimate sound, but want to remove the muddy mids and horribly distorted bass. I've got lots of questions.

I don't want to spend a lot of money on upgrades, so I'm trying to find the biggest improvement for the cheapest price. I have thought about replacing the stock speakers with infinity 60.7cs in the front and 63.7 in the rear (sparky's guide is great!). But then after more reading, I'm wondering if I should just try a subwoofer first?

It sounds like a lot of people are happy with the Kenwood KSC-SW1 in the 'hidden' compartment under the trunk and above the spare tire. I like this idea, but I'm worried about access to the spare tire (I've used the spare tire THREE times already in my wife's '05 Prius). With the SW1 mounted in the compartment, would I still have easy lift up access to the spare tire?

I have also been looking at the Clarion SRV303 7inch powered sub. Is there any reason why most people are choosing the Kenwood over this Clarion (both are the same price on ebay)? This sub is 13-5/8"W x 2-15/16"H x 9-1/8". Will it fit under the seat? I definitely don't want anything sticking out of the seat. If the Clarion doesn't fit, are there any other sub options for under the seat?

Presto · 06-17-2006, 01:12 PM

In my experience with dealing with stock car stereo systems, I would have to go with adding a sub making the biggest initial difference. Having a pronounced low-end of sound is instantly noticeable. Of course, you'll want to upgrade the rest shortly after. Like home audio, there's always a way to make it sound better

Prizzle · 06-17-2006, 02:01 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nstevens @ Jun 17 2006, 12:32 PM) [snapback]272707[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I have been reading up on everybody's speaker/subwoofer installs and I'm still wondering which route I should take with my new '06 pkg 4 (base stereo). I am a big home audio guy, but know very little about car audio. I'm not looking for the ultimate sound, but want to remove the muddy mids and horribly distorted bass. I've got lots of questions.

I don't want to spend a lot of money on upgrades, so I'm trying to find the biggest improvement for the cheapest price. I have thought about replacing the stock speakers with infinity 60.7cs in the front and 63.7 in the rear (sparky's guide is great!). But then after more reading, I'm wondering if I should just try a subwoofer first?

It sounds like a lot of people are happy with the Kenwood KSC-SW1 in the 'hidden' compartment under the trunk and above the spare tire. I like this idea, but I'm worried about access to the spare tire (I've used the spare tire THREE times already in my wife's '05 Prius). With the SW1 mounted in the compartment, would I still have easy lift up access to the spare tire?

I have also been looking at the Clarion SRV303 7inch powered sub. Is there any reason why most people are choosing the Kenwood over this Clarion (both are the same price on ebay)? This sub is 13-5/8"W x 2-15/16"H x 9-1/8". Will it fit under the seat? I definitely don't want anything sticking out of the seat. If the Clarion doesn't fit, are there any other sub options for under the seat?
[/b]

If you mount the sub in the trunk space with extra wire left in the wire harness ( best thing to do is put electric tape around the first 2 feet of the excess to keep it neat), then there is more than enough play to drop the back seats and lift the plastic storage box and rest it forward of the spare on top the back of the folded seats.

IMHO the Kenwood, with one 6" speaker and one 6" passive speaker and 150 watts ( 75 watts RMS) is a superior choice to the Clarion.

GeoGeek · 06-17-2006, 03:50 PM

nstevens,
If your a big home audio guy, then my guess is that you're most disappointed with
the factory mids & highs. The other posters are right about the subwoffer making
the biggest splash, but I'll bet that your ears might appreciate a good upgrade of the
factory speakers with a clean amp driving them (even more).
I had the same setup as you, '06 Package 4 with base radio.
I busted out laughing when I actually took out the factory speakers and had a look
at their thimble-sized (literally) magnets......"no wonder they sound like crap" I thought to myself.
The good news is that a good set of component speakers (5.25 to 6.5-inch mid-bass with separate
tweeters & cross-over) with a decent amp makes a world of difference. The factory speaker
locations and the accoustics of the car are capable of setting up a very nice sound stage
(both good center imaging & separation). Personally, I have Diamond Audio separates & an Xtant
amplifier & love 'em, but I suspect you could go with any decent separates & amp and be very happy.
Then if you want, you can still add a powered sub if you're looking for more low-end.
Just my two cents.....
Cheers,
Matt

nstevens · 06-17-2006, 04:13 PM

Thanks for all of the info guys. I'm feeling better about putting the Kenwood in the trunk, as long as I have access to the spare. I might just price out the speakers and a decent 4 channel amp to see what my total costs would be. Does anybody have any recommendations for the cheapest, decent 4 channel amp? Also, what would you guys estimate to be a fair price for installation (parts excluded) for the sub, 4 new speakers and a 4 channel amp?

H2OSkier · 06-17-2006, 08:28 PM

I'm looking to upgrade my 06 package 8. The amps I'm looking at are made by Zed Audio. Zed Audio has been in the business for quite some time and has designed amps for many different companies. The four channel amp is not the cheapest you're going to find but if your into quality I think you'll find it to be a very good value.

Ken

tochatihu · 06-17-2006, 10:57 PM

I just installed the Kenwood SW1 under the driver's seat in 2001 Prius. I am very satisfied with its performance so far. I will note that if boosted way up it will vibrate the seat. Somewhat distracting. I normally don't run it that high.

Presumably it could fit in the same place in the new model Prius?

Not familiar with the Clarion - you mean SRV 303? The epinions reviews are not promising (if that matters)

http://www.epinions.com/pr-Clarion_SRV303_...isplay_~reviews

compare

http://www.epinions.com/Kenwood_KSC_SW1_W_...isplay_~reviews

nstevens · 06-18-2006, 09:09 AM

Tochatihu, Does your sub stick out from under the seat at all? I was under the impression that the SW1 was just a little bit too big to fit completey under the Prius seats. Does anybody know if the classics have the same size seats?

tochatihu · 06-18-2006, 10:17 AM

No protrusion. To check, I built a cardboard box to the specification size and tested the fit, before buying.

There is a rear seat HVAC vent that got blocked. I tried to redirect its flow, crudely, but I think that it should be regarded as effectively blocked.

Rangerdavid · 06-19-2006, 01:43 PM

oh oh........ i just ordered a 2006 with package #5 that has the 9 speaker JBL disc changer and Mp3 plug thinking this will be a kick ass stereo........ from what I am reading here, it's not very good??? Is the sound in the factory speakers really bad? will I have to replace all nine of them? The amp also? I thought the "voice" was somehow integrated in the amp.... if I replace the amp, will I lose the voice as well?

Crap, this 4-6 week waiting period, and I only have a week under my belt... seems like forever...... help?!?!?!!

06-17-2006, 03:50 PM	#4
GeoGeek Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Auburndale, FL Posts: 274 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: IV Package: Solar Roof Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Friends: 0	nstevens, If your a big home audio guy, then my guess is that you're most disappointed with the factory mids & highs. The other posters are right about the subwoffer making the biggest splash, but I'll bet that your ears might appreciate a good upgrade of the factory speakers with a clean amp driving them (even more). I had the same setup as you, '06 Package 4 with base radio. I busted out laughing when I actually took out the factory speakers and had a look at their thimble-sized (literally) magnets......"no wonder they sound like crap" I thought to myself. The good news is that a good set of component speakers (5.25 to 6.5-inch mid-bass with separate tweeters & cross-over) with a decent amp makes a world of difference. The factory speaker locations and the accoustics of the car are capable of setting up a very nice sound stage (both good center imaging & separation). Personally, I have Diamond Audio separates & an Xtant amplifier & love 'em, but I suspect you could go with any decent separates & amp and be very happy. Then if you want, you can still add a powered sub if you're looking for more low-end. Just my two cents..... Cheers, Matt __________________ 2010 Blue Ribbon Metallic, Pkg. IV, Solar Roof "Griffin" XM Satellite Radio Diamond Audio D6 5.25" Components JL Audio 10W3v3 More to come....

06-19-2006, 01:43 PM	#10
Rangerdavid Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Boone, North Carolina Posts: 1,279 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #5 Thanks: 1 Thanked 15 Times in 7 Posts Friends: 25	oh oh........ i just ordered a 2006 with package #5 that has the 9 speaker JBL disc changer and Mp3 plug thinking this will be a kick ass stereo........ from what I am reading here, it's not very good??? Is the sound in the factory speakers really bad? will I have to replace all nine of them? The amp also? I thought the "voice" was somehow integrated in the amp.... if I replace the amp, will I lose the voice as well? Crap, this 4-6 week waiting period, and I only have a week under my belt... seems like forever...... help?!?!?!! __________________ ******************************* Rangerdavid Boone, North Carolina 2006 Silver Pine Mica, Package #5 All weather mats, mud flaps, PC front window heat shield ScanGauge II BT Stiffening Plate Engine Block Heater (installed by FireEngineer) Rear Bumper Protector Wheelskins Two-Tone Leather Steering Wheel Cover Belkin cup holder unit for PDA/mp3 Player Winter front grill wind blocker

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06-17-2006, 12:32 PM	#1
nstevens Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: St Paul, Minnesota Posts: 31 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I have been reading up on everybody's speaker/subwoofer installs and I'm still wondering which route I should take with my new '06 pkg 4 (base stereo). I am a big home audio guy, but know very little about car audio. I'm not looking for the ultimate sound, but want to remove the muddy mids and horribly distorted bass. I've got lots of questions. I don't want to spend a lot of money on upgrades, so I'm trying to find the biggest improvement for the cheapest price. I have thought about replacing the stock speakers with infinity 60.7cs in the front and 63.7 in the rear (sparky's guide is great!). But then after more reading, I'm wondering if I should just try a subwoofer first? It sounds like a lot of people are happy with the Kenwood KSC-SW1 in the 'hidden' compartment under the trunk and above the spare tire. I like this idea, but I'm worried about access to the spare tire (I've used the spare tire THREE times already in my wife's '05 Prius). With the SW1 mounted in the compartment, would I still have easy lift up access to the spare tire? I have also been looking at the Clarion SRV303 7inch powered sub. Is there any reason why most people are choosing the Kenwood over this Clarion (both are the same price on ebay)? This sub is 13-5/8"W x 2-15/16"H x 9-1/8". Will it fit under the seat? I definitely don't want anything sticking out of the seat. If the Clarion doesn't fit, are there any other sub options for under the seat?

06-17-2006, 01:12 PM	#2
Presto Has his homepage set to PC Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,277 My Car: 2005 Prius Model: Package: B Thanks: 4 Thanked 7 Times in 6 Posts Friends: 4	In my experience with dealing with stock car stereo systems, I would have to go with adding a sub making the biggest initial difference. Having a pronounced low-end of sound is instantly noticeable. Of course, you'll want to upgrade the rest shortly after. Like home audio, there's always a way to make it sound better

06-17-2006, 04:13 PM	#5
nstevens Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: St Paul, Minnesota Posts: 31 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Thanks for all of the info guys. I'm feeling better about putting the Kenwood in the trunk, as long as I have access to the spare. I might just price out the speakers and a decent 4 channel amp to see what my total costs would be. Does anybody have any recommendations for the cheapest, decent 4 channel amp? Also, what would you guys estimate to be a fair price for installation (parts excluded) for the sub, 4 new speakers and a 4 channel amp?

06-17-2006, 08:28 PM	#6
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 looking to upgrade my 06 package 8. The amps I'm looking at are made by Zed Audio. Zed Audio has been in the business for quite some time and has designed amps for many different companies. The four channel amp is not the cheapest you're going to find but if your into quality I think you'll find it to be a very good value. Ken

06-17-2006, 10:57 PM	#7
tochatihu Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kunming Yunnan China Posts: 2,568 My Car: 2001 Prius Model: Package: Pioneer #1 Thanks: 2 Thanked 85 Times in 70 Posts Friends: 15	I just installed the Kenwood SW1 under the driver's seat in 2001 Prius. I am very satisfied with its performance so far. I will note that if boosted way up it will vibrate the seat. Somewhat distracting. I normally don't run it that high. Presumably it could fit in the same place in the new model Prius? Not familiar with the Clarion - you mean SRV 303? The epinions reviews are not promising (if that matters) http://www.epinions.com/pr-Clarion_SRV303_...isplay_~reviews compare http://www.epinions.com/Kenwood_KSC_SW1_W_...isplay_~reviews

06-18-2006, 09:09 AM	#8
nstevens Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: St Paul, Minnesota Posts: 31 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Tochatihu, Does your sub stick out from under the seat at all? I was under the impression that the SW1 was just a little bit too big to fit completey under the Prius seats. Does anybody know if the classics have the same size seats?

06-18-2006, 10:17 AM	#9
tochatihu Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kunming Yunnan China Posts: 2,568 My Car: 2001 Prius Model: Package: Pioneer #1 Thanks: 2 Thanked 85 Times in 70 Posts Friends: 15	No protrusion. To check, I built a cardboard box to the specification size and tested the fit, before buying. There is a rear seat HVAC vent that got blocked. I tried to redirect its flow, crudely, but I think that it should be regarded as effectively blocked.