Adding a subwoofer to the 2010

[moner]

I just got my 2010 with JBL audio, it sounds great but I'd still like more bass. I like my bass coming from the trunk area rather than under the seat so I'm thinking of installing a Infinity Basslink 200W powered subwoofer in the next couple of weeks. Infinity - Car Audio
I had this sub in my previous car and it really offers too much bass so that should fill the void. I think I will screw mount it to the back of the rear seat and make it easily removable with an electrical disconnect. That way I can get back my cargo room when needed and can compare MPG differences with and without added bass. Anyone out there added a sub yet? Any hints? I'll try to use the Gen 2 modification as a guide.

[EZW1]

Originally Posted by moner

I just got my 2010 with JBL audio, it sounds great but I'd still like more bass. I like my bass coming from the trunk area rather than under the seat so I'm thinking of installing a Infinity Basslink 200W powered subwoofer in the next couple of weeks...

I would seriously consider the additional load a 200W sub would put on the Inverter. A 200W amplifier will likely draw in the neighborhood of 22 amps at peak power, and 12-15 amps at a normal listening level. That's an extra 12-22 amp load the inverter was set up to handle. If you ever get into a worst-case driving condition: stop and go traffic in heavy rain at night. The additional load from the subwoofer might be more than the inverter can handle.

[Danny]

I had the Kenwood KSC-SW10 in my 2006 and loved it. It fit perfectly under the rear hatch and provided just the right amount of bass without blowing me out. I'm happy with the bass in the 2010 JBL system so far, so I'm not going to be adding the SW10 yet, but I would do it again if I needed one.

Amazon.com: Kenwood KSC-SW10 5-Inch x 7-Inch 150-Watt Max Powered Subwoofer with Remote Control: Electronics

Amazon.com: Kenwood KSC-SW10 5-Inch x 7-Inch 150-Watt Max Powered Subwoofer with Remote Control: Electronics
Amazon.com: Kenwood KSC-SW10 5-Inch x 7-Inch 150-Watt Max Powered Subwoofer with Remote Control: Electronics

[moner]

I am a bit hesitant about the extra load adding a sub would cause but I see that people have installed them in the Gen 2's without worry. The JBL system alone must draw a fair amount. I think adding the Basslink may be overkill, it sounds pretty good already. Danny, I love your idea with the Kenwood; it's so nice and small. The Basslink is big and heavy and would definitely get in the way. What to do, what to do...

[zenMachine]

Do you even have space beneath the seats to put a sub?

The G3's I've seen all have something underneath the seats. When I asked the salesman what they were he said they were for heated seats. Obviously this guy was clueless, as many salesmen often are, unfortunately...

[F8L]

It is as simple as adding a high to low (line output converter) to the stock system. Then just adding connections for power and ground, all of which is conveniently located in the hatch area.

As for the current draw. I cannot say whether it is good or bad but I can say I have had zero problems with a very large stereo system in my GenII for over 75k miles.

[Tideland Prius]

There's always the bazooka route (almost added one to the Gen 2). I think the higher models have a built-in amp. If it was strictly for a factory look, I'd take a small 8 or 10" sub with a custom box and put it in the right cavity (the one with the cover for the 12V battery).

[wave_slider]

Bazooka with the pre-amp is what I wanted to do, but they need to be mounted to keep from rolling around. kk6spd's setup with the Boss sub looks like an inexpensive way to add bass and keep a factory appearance.

[moner]

I don't think I want to be the first to tear apart my dash to install a sub, but once I see someone else's mod I'll probably go ahead with it. How hard is it to install this line output converter you speak of? I had the Infinity Basslink spliced into the speaker outputs in my old car, as per the attached picture. I really appreciate having the power and ground both in the back in the Prius. At least one part of the job will be easy.
I've been listening to a couple CDs I like to use to test my different car's systems and the JBL is rattling my brain pretty well. Maybe I should just grow up already!

[F8L]

Your Basslink unit is a line output converter. It takes high level speaker outputs and turns them into low level outputs (RCA) so that the amplifier can handle the lower level signal.

The only thing we have not determined yet is if the 2010 has a full range signal to the rear speakers or if it is modified with A crossover at some frequency. If the signal is not full range then we would want to tap into your speakers before the amplifier which is usually full range. Either way I do not see why you would have to go into the dash board.

As for growing up, nonsense! I'm now 34 and I have almost 2000w of continuous power at my disposal and trust me when I say people stare when they see a Prius vibrating down the road. lol