2012 Prius Package 5 - is this stereo upgrade possible?

the critique of the jbl premium system has been widely documented here. i really hate how the soundstage is so far forward. i plan to keep the head unit and speakers in the dash so i was wondering if there is a way to replace all the speakers in the front and rear doors (especially the woofers in the front doors with something full range) and install a small amp to power them. i understand that the head unit is programmed in such a way to keep most of the sound up front so i wasn't sure if it would be difficult to get the full range signal to the front and rear doors. i was also concerned about the size of the amp. i don't want to compromise the performance of the battery and the mileage i'm getting. thanks in advance for any replies.

*edit* also wanted to ask if anyone has a stereo shop they can recommend in the los angeles area, i'd gladly take the reco.

I've got a Prius 4 with the upgraded JBL Premium System and needless to say I was less than impressed with the sound quality. Where is the bass?!?! And those rear speakers are just worthless! I consulted with a few stereo shops in LA and I found one on Olympic (West LA). Audio 2000 Installations for mobile electronics and home entertainment | AA TECH DESIGN | - Home

After speaking with the installer, I'm going to put in a 5 channel amp, an audio controller, a pair of Focals in the front and a pair of Focals in the back. He's also going to build a custom fiberglass sub enclosure (for the back left corner) and put in a JL 10" subwoofer.

I'm also thinking about putting in front parking sensors as well (they install those too).

thanks for chiming in tom. sounds like a great set up. i'm assuming you're keeping the head unit and the speakers in the dash? please report back. i'd really like to know how it all works out.

*edit* tom - was it virgil that you're working with? i think i just spoke to him he mentioned your car. def give us an update once all the work is done. when do you plan on bringing it in?

Yes it was Virgil. Great guy, very helpful. Yes, I am keeping the head-unit (I like how its all integrated into the car).

The plan is to get it done by the end of the month. Will let you know when its done.

I'm dropping it off tomorrow. Virgil said it will be done in four days. Will let you know how it all goes!

Is the headunit upgradable in the 4/5 packages on 2012 models?

please do!

I got my car back yesterday from Virgil. Man, did they go an AMAZING job. Check out the custom enclosure they built! Looks (and feels) like something direct from the factory.

Also check out where he mounted the bass control. It looks like it came with the car!! He put the five-channel amp under the driver's seat. Couldn't have been more satisfied.

Woah! Amazing job! I'm assuming it sounds amazing. Would you mind detailing all the equipment that was installed and how/where? Have you noticed any performance issues for the car? Has the amp been a drain on the battery?

I'm a bad one to ask about performance issues/battery life. As long as I'm getting better mileage than my Porsche C4, I'm happy! If installing the stereo causes my performance to dip a bit, I'm not going to stress about it.

As for what I installed in my 2012 Prius 4:

JL 10" Woofer
Kenwood 5 Channel Amplifier XR-5S
Audio Controller (for bass) - no idea what brand
Focal IC165 (rears)
Focal IC690 (fronts)
Custom Fiberglass Enclosure for Sub

And the cost if you don't mind?

$2,900. The bulk of the cost was building the custom fiberglass enclosure.

If you're looking into putting a sub in your car (or switching out the speakers and what not) use these guys. Ask for Virgil. He's legit!

Audio 2000 Installations for mobile electronics and home entertainment | AA TECH DESIGN | - Home

congrats tom! and thanks for sharing.

Looks like a great installation, and nice to see how well a 10" fits that space.. How much, ball park, for the custom sub enclosure? I found a guy that does just the enclosures (right hand side only), for around $250.

Gen 3 Prius right Subwoofer Enclosure

I contacted Virgil.
We went back and forth a few times,
and NO, they won't sell the sub enclosure separately.

Dang, there must be some industrious person around here that can start building these sub enclosures and make a profit.....

I asked MGB4Tim if he could rent the mold for a few days....

Looks great! I can't wait for the snow to go away to also follow ALL_600D's steps to put my Boston 10" into the cubby. Must be great to have a nice subwoofer and a useful trunk at the same time!

In case you're looking for a custom fiberglass sub enclosure. I believe I paid $250 for mine at Mobile Fantasy. I dealt with Mike. (no affiliation)
Here's the thread I posted a while back:
Just added my Custom Sub Enclosure... | PriusChat