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Aftermarket Amp & Speaker installation

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by Colonel Ronson, Jul 11, 2010.

  1. Colonel Ronson

    Colonel Ronson New Member

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    Hey guys. Just got a Prius II. Wanted a Prius III for the upgraded sound, but parents were buying, so no choice there.

    So my option is to add an aftermarket amp and speakers and headunit to the car. My main question is: Installing an AMP is no problem right? The battery is in the back trunk which makes it somewhat easier as well. So there won't be any problems tapping into the power will there?

    Anybody know of any instructions or pictures of other amp installations on priuses? thanks!
     
    #1 Colonel Ronson, Jul 11, 2010
  2. anonymoususer

    anonymoususer New Member

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    Just make sure you tap into the 12v battery... :eek:

    I was also planning to get a low end Prius and do my own audio upgrade. For subwoofer i was planning a JL Audio 8W7 (or my Kicker Solobaric 10" L7 i have sitting around) along with a my JL Audio 250/1 which should be plenty.
     
    #2 anonymoususer, Jul 11, 2010
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  3. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    No problem whatsoever. Some have installed the amp under the passenger seat in front. I had a small amp (alpine) that I installed behind the glove box. Was going to install in the rear but figured it was better to run speaker wires back instead of input wires (reduce the interference if any).
    Look at the sticky at the top of this forum for install instructions for the HU. Enjoy and welcome aboard!
     
    #3 spiderman, Jul 11, 2010
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  4. Colonel Ronson

    Colonel Ronson New Member

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    alright and i have a question about speakers. What are most people doing? are the just replacing the speakers in the door and leaving the factory tweets on the dash, or are they replacing both and using components? Will the openings for the dash tweets support component tweets?
     
    #4 Colonel Ronson, Jul 12, 2010
  5. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    I stayed with the OEM speakers... I was happy with their performance. Of course my hearing isn't what it use to be. :) OTOH, I would like to replace the squawkers in the dash as they are really not tweeters... and I miss the really high notes.
    Just search/look around in this sub-forum and you will find many threads with valuable information about speakers you seek.
     
    #5 spiderman, Jul 12, 2010
  6. Colonel Ronson

    Colonel Ronson New Member

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    Alright. I saw the complete audio upgrade thread by ajc and it was really helpful.

    One last question, i know i'll have to use a PAC SWI to utilize steering wheel audio controls. When i've used the PAC adapters in previous cars, the trip computer buttons were all messed up too. Will the steering wheel climate/trip controls be affected at all?
     
    #6 Colonel Ronson, Jul 12, 2010
  7. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Nope, not at all.
     
    #7 spiderman, Jul 12, 2010
  8. rrolff

    rrolff Prius Surgeon

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    Just another thought - no need to install an amp right away - put the money into the HU, and you should be fine (and can always upgrade later).

    I've run Infinity reference components (6.5 in front doors, 1" tweeter mounted in the front A pillar), then switched them to the back, and put in MB Quart 216s (6.5 up front, 1.5" tweeter in the A). I think the MBs have a much better high-mid. I have a good amp - but haven't bothered installing it because the Pioneer has plenty of power for these speakers...
     
    #8 rrolff, Jul 12, 2010
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  9. Colonel Ronson

    Colonel Ronson New Member

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    Perfect! I will just upgrade the headunit now actually. I hear that does wonders for the stock speakers. I'll get a double din touchscreen and add a backup camera too. Then when i have more money ill dish out on an amp, components, and maybe a sub.
     
    #9 Colonel Ronson, Jul 12, 2010
  10. rrolff

    rrolff Prius Surgeon

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    I will argue that the 2Din and backup should be first (and are pretty easy - for anyone with a basic knowledge of car stuff).

    Next would be front speakers. I'm starting a separate thread for that - as it seems people have installed a few - I've now got two under my belt - should be a good thread.... Cost is around $120ish...

    Just do a bit of searching - everything you need to know is here in the gen III audio section...
     
    #10 rrolff, Jul 12, 2010
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