Stealth install an aftermarket stereo in Prius

Thanks very much for the information and inspiration F8L. I just purchased a 2007 prius yesterday, and I was disappointed in the audio system. I was determined to find a way to upgrade it, and this seems like the perfect project. I can't wait to get started!

My pleasure. With the simple addition of a great head unit and a small sub, you can make a big increase in sound quality. Even with the stock speakers!

Next week I plan on helping krrk install his stereo stealth style. He is going to video the process and I'll update this thread with more clear and concise instructions.

Is there anything you guys would like more clarity on?

Once the thread is cleaned up maybe the mods can make it a sticky?

In terms of a small sub, can you provide more information, F8L? I'm interested in upping sound quality but don't want anything booming or rattling - I don't like cars driving by that give me heart palpatations b/c their subs are so loud. what is approx cost for that and where does one install it?

thanks!

There are a number of options. I think if you don't want a lot of bass then one of the small, amplified subs would work well. A lot of members here had excellent results with the Kenwood KCS-SW10 or the older model. Kenwood - KSC-SW10. Some users also like the Boss 600 system.

PC threads on this subwoofer:
http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-audio-electronics/42592-subwoofer-location-4.html
http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-audio-electronics/18333-installed-kenwood-subwoofer.html

This will not take up much room and can even be installed in the storage tray under the rear deck lid.

You can also choose to have a custom fiberglass enclosure made to fit into one of the side compartment in the very rear. It could house a quality 8" no problem but would be much more expensive.

Or you can buy a simple 8" enclosure and just stick it in the hatch area if you don't need all of the space all of the time. I have a large 12" ported enclosure but I like a lot of bass. I just remove it when not needed.

This is an example of a powered subwoofer but is likely overkill for your needs: JL Audio PWM110-WJX PowerWedge MAX 10" powered subwoofer at Crutchfield.com

At last i got BHA1761 & BHO1761, please please help me in connection.
Thanks

I am updating this thread with a video series on this type of install. Video #1 is up and I should have the rest up by this evening. The videos are located in the first post of this thread. I re-edited the second video to take out unimportant dialog and footage.

Thanks

Thanks alot, videos are very very helpful i have installed JVC KD-AVX44 in my prius 2005. I completed this task becasue of your help..

Leo, I think you could have easily completed this without my help. I'm happy you finally got your unit installed.

You did an excellent job installing the radio where it wouldn't be noticed.

That said, I guess I think about it from a different viewpoint... I think I may just install a good double DIN in place of the factory and let my insurance company worry about someone stealing it.

Thanks, Southern Dad.

Nowadays double DIN units are pretty cheap and if you don't mind the non- oem look I says go for it. The only double DIN units available that had the high end sound quality features I wanted retailed at like $1800. Now they are much more affordable.

There is a great how to thread that usbseawolf2000 put together to show you how to install the double DIN.

I am looking to buy a 2004 Prius. First I want to know though if I can replace the stereo/radio/CD player with a standard aftermarket stereo

You can either install the stereo like I did or you can't remove the factory stereo and install an aftermarket unit in its place.

I recommend the stealth method if you are using a single DIN stereo. If you want a double DIN then install it in the oem stereo location. Usbseawolf2000 has a great how-to thread for that install.

I just had this install done at a shop, but now the red "!" warning light comes on but everything is fine. I suspect it has to do with a misplaced plug somewhere...anyone have any ideas what's going on?

Thanks for the help.

It's pretty common for that to happen. Usually after a few miles driven the triangle goes away. If it does not then you can try unplugging the harnesses and plugging them back in OR disconnect your 12v for a few minutes and reconnect it. If that doesn't work please post back up and let me know. I'd be happy to talk to your installer if needed.

Thank you! I remember seeing this post awhile back and KNOWING that I had to get it done. Very happy with the results!

Awesome! Glad I could help. BTW, are you in Walnut Creek? If you continue to have trouble just give me the name of the shop that installed it and I'll see if I can help them figure it out.

F8L - figured I'd check this out from a link in your signature on tdiclub.com. That's a pretty sweet install. Now if I only I could do the same on the TDI.

Out of curiosity, did you also upgrade the Toyota OEM speakers as well?

Hey, pkhoury

I used some equipment I was planning on installing in my truck before I sold it. I have a set of Diamond Audio D9 7" components up front, a D9 400w amp to power the mids and a 500w Arc Audio mini amp to power a single Orion 12" sub in a ported enclosure.

With all of the cool new technologies out now you could mount the stereo in the glove box. It would be pretty stealth that way.