sound system upgrade + custom sub enclosure

[F8L]

Originally Posted by ashe

the 8w3v3 has a low frequency response of 28 hz. the 10w3v3 would have provided 25 hz. my untrained ear would probably have a hard time telling the difference.

You wouldn't have really heard the difference at 25hz but you would have heard the volume difference at say 40hz or 50hz where most of the low bass in music is located. Having a low "fs" is good but when comparing different size subwoofers it gets difficult to us fs as a criteria for choosing a sub. It's kind of like saying both a Prius and a Corvette will go 100mph but the Corvette will get there MUCH faster. In this way both the 8" and the 10" will play a 30hz note, only the 10" will play it at a louder volume if power, Xmax, sensitivity etc. are similar. Generally a 10" has a different motor structure and power handling than an 8" since the 10" nearly always shares the same motor structure/magnet as the 12" in the same series. 8"s are usually outcasts and have a different motor stucture and magnet so you end up with less excursion, less cone area and less power handling than a 10". i.e. much less bass regardless of the "fs"

[ashe]

Originally Posted by F8L

Ahh ok. I didn't realize it was a 5ch amp. Very nice

It's so tiny too! My 2 amps take up 3/4 of the whole storage tray.

i love this little powerplant. i normally would go w/ seperate amps to drive my speakers & subs - it gives me more tuning options. however, when designing this system one of my main concerns was power consumption hence the single amp route. the alpine pdx-5 is a very efficient class-d amp. the power output was a pleasant surprise.

[PriusLewis]

Originally Posted by ashe

i love this little powerplant. i normally would go w/ seperate amps to drive my speakers & subs - it gives me more tuning options. however, when designing this system one of my main concerns was power consumption hence the single amp route. the alpine pdx-5 is a very efficient class-d amp. the power output was a pleasant surprise.

I've used a Clarion 5 channel for the last 2 systems. Unfortunately it is long out of production. Since a local stereo shop bought 120 when they were on closeout years ago, he had about 5 left when I did the Prius a few months ago (plus they were cheap). It is clean, efficient and has decent tuning capability for the channels. What you gain from a modern amp is the remote bass control (I really miss not having one) and probably more efficiency. I believe JL makes at least a 4-channel, if not a 5-channel, but I'll go with yours next time.

[F8L]

Originally Posted by PriusLewis

\ I believe JL makes at least a 4-channel, if not a 5-channel, but I'll go with yours next time.

They made both and in 3 different classes depending on your price range.

[kenoarto]

Two questions:
1) How much did it cost?
2) With a sub in back do you have to leave it open/exposed?

[ashe]

Originally Posted by kenoarto

Two questions:
1) How much did it cost?
2) With a sub in back do you have to leave it open/exposed?

my local shop custom-made the fiberglass sub enclosure for about $300. parts was probably around $1,200~1,300... i think. all via ebay . then there's the misc. costs for amp kit, wiring, mdf, etc.

not sure i understand your 2nd question. there's a protective grill that goes over the sub. i also keep the retractable cargo tonneau cover over the cargo area to keep prying eyes away.

[nthach]

What if you need more power from the 12V system, after all the Prius doesn't use a conventional alternator which can be swapped out with a higher output one?

[F8L]

Originally Posted by nthach

What if you need more power from the 12V system, after all the Prius doesn't use a conventional alternator which can be swapped out with a higher output one?

That is the beauty of the Prius, an alternator would limit you. The Hybrid Synergy Drive solves all problems, even those of the 12v electronic kind. The hybrid battery works to power the 12v battery via a step down conversion thus keeping it supplied with current to maintain a charge. Even with my system at full bore the voltage stays in the high 13v range which never happens even with a high amperage traditional alternator, at least once you get over 1,000 watts continuous power. I have yet to have any issues other than draining the stock 12v too many times so I recently upgraded to a yellow-top Optima.

[nthach]

How many amps/watts can the Prius 12V transformer can supply to the 12V battery then?

[F8L]

Originally Posted by nthach

How many amps/watts can the Prius 12V transformer can supply to the 12V battery then?

I heard somewhere that there waqs a limit of 100amps but I'm not sure that is correct or if it is there is some sort of protection that keeps me from blowing any circuits. The fuses on my sub amp total 160amps. It could be that I am not supplying max current to my amps but since they do do tend to overheat, unless it is a really hot day and I leave the storage well closed, I am not worried about it.