I got my PiP (owned a 2007, '09 beforehand) on Friday. Chose the basic model simply b/c I didn't value most of the advanced features. Was shocked at how bad the speaker/sound system was on the PiP. Far worse than the 07 or 09 I have. (neither of which were loaded with JBLs) On Monday I went to a local trusted audio shop, and told him I want new set of speakers to fix the crap. He threw in a new set of front and rear speakers (no tweeter replacement though) and I requested dynamat on all the doors. Night and day. I can actually listen to music and have to turn down the bass (when before I maxed the bass out and it still sucked) Wondering if its worth it to get a JBL MS-8 as a next step, or to replace the tweeters (the audio shop guy talked me out of the tweeter replacement...actually talked me out of buying more stuff which was refreshing) Also, if one installs a JBL MS-8, where do you end up putting all the hardware? Any thoughts? -TD
I would recommend the replacing the dash speaker. It made a huge difference to me as it brought up the sound stage and of course really brought out the high frequencies. I used a 2-way coaxial. Follow the A/V upgrade link in my sig.
I put in the pioneer speakers spiderman recommends in the dash. It made a large difference. I did use a larger capacitor 200uf. That makes the dash speaker closer to a full range speaker. I also put in a 2 ohm resistor in series to minimize the load on the receiver. I also changed all 4 door speakers. For the front speakers, I also put a 2 ohm resistor in series. (the front door and dash speakers are wired in parallel for the OEM system). I replaced the rear door speakers, hoping to get a bit more bass. It was a waste of effort. I used kenwood 3ways in the doors that cost $50 for a pair at crutchfield. The OEM speakers are complete junk. I am considering putting a subwoofer in the trunk, as my system has very little bass.
Aha - thanks. Will look into swapping the tweeters. Could you please let me know which model of pioneer tweeters you used? (sorry can't find the spiderman reference)
There is plenty of room for electronics in the under-deck storage area in the trunk: The JBL MS-8 is a smart upgrade. Wire 6 of the 8 available 20W outputs to: 2 x Dash Squawkers (mid-tweeter drivers) 2 x Front Doors 2 x Rear Doors. 120 watts is plenty of power. Leave the final 2 outputs unused, making one available for line-level output to a possible future upgrade of external amp and subwoofer.
If you follow the A/V upgrade link in my signature, it will show you how. Let us know if there is anything different with the '12 dash.
so to replace the speakers it would require a dremel and soldering? no simple plug and play wire harness no dremeling fitted speakers available for the PIP?
The attached template for tweeter mounts might help. It is sized for a 2" tweeter opening, but should be easy enough to modify.
So, I got my audio local audio custom shop to do the install. Love the new dash speakers--- definitely made a big improvement. however, I noticed that they are making a light popping noise every once in a while (audible when playing soft rock --- sounds like light crackling pop a record would make every few seconds) It seems to be coming from both dash speakers. Any ideas?
One possibility might be that there is a lose connection in the wiring. I would take it back and have the shop check it out. Another possibility might be one of the speakers has a manufacturing defect. Do you have the OEM HU or an aftermarket?
Hey guys, So I took it in, and figured it out. It was just the song or two from my input device -- ie. the iphone --- which seemed to be recorded poorly. So all's good. Now just wondering how much difference/improvement the JBL MS-8 will do. Saving up for that as the next likely mod. Other question - anyone put a sub-woofer in the prius? Might be overkill....
Cool - thanks everyone for the feedback and thoughts. Well, its already a 10x improvement (man the stock speakers were garbage --- come on Toyota!) I'll probably hold off for now, but will look at a sub-woof and MS-8 at some point.
