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Custom Stereo Install - JL Audio and DLS - Sub in Cubby Hole

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by vidoprof, Aug 10, 2011.

  1. vidoprof

    vidoprof New Member

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    SO as most of you know I have been asking like 1,000 questions on where and what to install where in my new Gen III Prius.

    I decided to go with all the DLS stuff that was in my TL. In the front doors I installed a Component Set of DLS Ultimate 3ways (using only the 6.5" woofer and the tweeter). The tweeter is in the dash 3" location (no pics yet as I still have to take them), but they are in the factory location there under the factory grill. We moved them around quite a bit and they sounded just as good to me in the A pillar as the factory dash location (plus it would have been another $$$ to get them to custom make an A pillar for the tweeters.

    I had a Fiberglass sub enclosure made at the shop on the right side above the battery. It comes out somewhat easily, but it fits nice and snug in there so it doesn't move around. It's a JL 10W3 in there and it really sounds great. Nice tight, low, punchy bass. It seriously sounds like a high end 12" in there.

    I installed my Avic N4 in the dash (it's a flip out screen that plays DVDs, and has Nav). I just didn't want to spend another $1400+ on a new HU just to play DVDs.

    All doors are dynamatted (which I paid through the nose for) but so worth it. The doors now give a nice thud when closing and the sound is really great coming from them. The imaging in nice and right up front in the middle of the dash which I like.

    A nice surprise is that this HU can stream bluetooth audio and I can play Pandora through the speakers. I can also voice dial with the phone as well.

    And here are the pics, MORE to come soon as soon as the rain stops.
     

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  2. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Looks great, probably sounds great too.

    Did they dynamat the hatch door? I did that with some roofing stuff and it made a huge difference with rattles coming from that area.
     
  3. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Sub came out nice. Look forward to seeing the rest. :cool:
     
  4. mgb4tim

    mgb4tim Noob

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    looks really good. Did you cover the face with headliner material?
    I guess I need to get out in the shop to make some recessed subwoofer rings.
     
  5. vidoprof

    vidoprof New Member

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    I found material that was really close to the carpet in the rear trunk area with a little bit of roughness to it. Looks really close. It was the best I could do.

    They didn't actually and I have NO rattles as of right now. I used a whole box on the doors alone. Inside between the door panels (where the windows go) and outside (as you can see). The only rattle is from the license plate frame (and I am fixing that today)

    Thanks man. IF the rain goes away today I will take a few more pics of the amp install area (under passenger seat) and the tweeters along with the HU. Not much really to see.. but it's nice and stealthy except for the HU.

    Ryan
     
  6. inseek

    inseek Enthusiast

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    That's exactly the subwoofer I am looking for... Unfortunately, I am not nowhere close to Tampa :(
    How much did you pay for subwoofer enclosure, how long did it take to set everything up? How are you going to compensate missing speaker from the 3-way front set? What amplifier did you use?
     
  7. ahmeow

    ahmeow Prius Lover

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    Wow, nice sub and mod. I love it.:rockon:
     
  8. vidoprof

    vidoprof New Member

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    Thank you thank you. I love it. I appreciate the comments.
    Ryan
     
  9. vidoprof

    vidoprof New Member

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    The sub enclosure was a bit steep, not sure why I was charged so much, but I paid close to $500 for mine, shop said it took unusually longer than expected (2 days of labor). They had the car about 7 days total for everything, which again seems really long, but I told them I was in no rush and to get it right.

    I don't think I need to compensate for the missing 3". It sounds really good to me, maybe I am missing something, but I can't tell and really that is all that matters to me. Bluetooth even sounds pretty good over a car phone connection.

    I used the JL 900/5 amp to power everything. 100x4 + 500x1

    Let me know if you have anymore questions. I'll be happy to answer them

    Ryan
     
  10. Judas Prius

    Judas Prius Junior Member

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    Looks great! I'm hoping to upgrade to a decent sound system in my car within the next several months. Driving with the windows down on the freeway and they stereo at MAX volume doesn't have much sound at all.

    Congrats on the new sounds!
     
  11. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    "They had the car about 7 days total for everything, which again seems really long, but I told them I was in no rush and to get it right."

    Sounds familiar and I'm glad you pointed that out. Lot of folks think you can go to Best Buy, Frys or Car Toys and be in and out in a few hours. Like you, I found it takes time for a custom install vs the standard radio swap. Mine took 2 weeks.

    Save your 3" mids. I looked up your DLS speakers Audiogear Reviews - Product Review - DLS Iridium 6.3 and they are quality. With your equipment now in place, it would be very easy to place the mids where the tweets are now and move your tweets to one of the various areas discussed. 4 wires from your cross overs, 2 mounts or holes and you have your 3-ways back, but with this incredible Amp I'm sure you now appreciate. I know others told you 2-ways sounded better and were "easier, well I'm telling you now, they were only half right. I do however understand the costs you had to consider and decisions you had to make prior to installation. I'm the first to tell anyone "do it your way", just keep the idea open for later after you recover. Guess I missed it but what did you use in the back doors?

    Feel good and enjoy your system. :cool:
     
  12. inseek

    inseek Enthusiast

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    Did you use any capacitor? Just wondering if it is required for this amplifier or Prii's electrical system can handle bass peaks...

    Where did you purchase it from? I am also thinking about JL 700/5 as alternative..it is cheaper, smaller but less powerful.
     
  13. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    It can handle it without a cap. I ran 1,900 watts with no issues and the bass was tight and transient response was fast. A cap is always nice if you have the money and space.
     
  14. mee081224

    mee081224 New Member

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    I got a knock off cap from like 10 years ago, that I never installed. I believe it is a 1 farad cap. Im wondering if I should just throw it in, if I do the same setup.

    I might call the shop monday and ask about pricing for everything. Since they did this once, maybe they can get it done quicker this time.
     
  15. mee081224

    mee081224 New Member

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    PIcture 15 is that your distribution block? for the speakers or what, I cant really tell.

    Where did you put your amp? under the trunk floor board?
     
  16. inseek

    inseek Enthusiast

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    Ryan, I was thinking about your 3-way set that you installed only woofer and tweeter. Did you get the Ultimate UP36i? I noticed on your photos that you're using a 2-way crossovers under the seat, does that set include separate crossover for midrange speaker? I am considering now either Hertz HSK 163 or Ultimate UP36i if I decide to go 3-way route, but still conducting research about 3-way vs 2-way.

    Thanks.
     
  17. mgb4tim

    mgb4tim Noob

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    Ryan - any idea on the inside measurement of that outside ring?
     
  18. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Very clean install! Looks great.
     
  19. vidoprof

    vidoprof New Member

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    Thanks Man.. I appreciate it. I drive so much that I needed a good sound system.

    Frodoz: I used my DLS 6.5" coaxials that I had in my TL that had these DLS 3 ways in as well. They sound good and nice compliment to the fronts and a real smooth sound. I already had all the higher end equipment so it didn't make sense to buy everything new. I WOULD have bought the Hertz stuff had it not been I already had everything. On the 3 way route.. That is still possible, but for me I really like the sound as is, but then again I am sure it could always be better.. I might look into it in a few months when I get the itch to do something with the car.

    Inseek: No cap. F8L already chimed in ( I was going to refer you to his system about any power issues.. He ran his 1900+ watt system for like 2 years with no issues, so my 900 watt amp (which doesn't even draw that really) was nothing. Plus I didn't want to add anything else to the mix I didn't need).

    On the three way question... I have the DLS Ultimate UR6.3 but i chose not to use the 3" midrange in this setup. I didn't want to pay for the bigger expense of them remaking the A Pillars to put the tweeter in. I used the entire 3 way component in my TL and this sounds pretty damn close to me. I did have more power going to the 3way in my TL, but this still sounds very smooth and really clean. The midrange DOES have a separate crossover and the crossover under the drivers seat is for the 6.5" and tweeter. They look really cool actually. :)

    My 900/5 fits under the passenger seat with NO problems at all. I bought the amp from the Stereo shop that installed the entire system.

    F8L: Thanks for chiming in. :) People need to know someone put a TON of power into this car and it ran just fine.

    Mee: Are you talking to me about picture 15?

    MGB: No clue. I have to imagine that it would be on the JL website somewhere based on the woofer. No? I didn't make the box nor did I really have any know how on this which is why I brought it to the stereo place. Sorry I can't be of much help here. Wish I could. I can measure something if you want me to though, as long as it doesn't involve me removing the woofer or anything.

    32colors: Thanks man.. I appreciate the comments. I will be updating pics tomorrow. with under the seats.

    Any other questions feel free to ask. I will help if I can.

    Ryan
     
  20. bzyrice

    bzyrice Active Member

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    Looks awesome!!

    What year tl did u have? I traded my 04 tl manual for my 2011 prius..