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Adding a subwoofer to the 2010

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by moner, Jun 22, 2009.

  1. moner

    moner New Member

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    I just got my 2010 with JBL audio, it sounds great but I'd still like more bass. I like my bass coming from the trunk area rather than under the seat so I'm thinking of installing a Infinity Basslink 200W powered subwoofer in the next couple of weeks. Infinity - Car Audio
    I had this sub in my previous car and it really offers too much bass so that should fill the void. I think I will screw mount it to the back of the rear seat and make it easily removable with an electrical disconnect. That way I can get back my cargo room when needed and can compare MPG differences with and without added bass. Anyone out there added a sub yet? Any hints? I'll try to use the Gen 2 modification as a guide.
     
  2. EZW1

    EZW1 Active Member

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    I would seriously consider the additional load a 200W sub would put on the Inverter. A 200W amplifier will likely draw in the neighborhood of 22 amps at peak power, and 12-15 amps at a normal listening level. That's an extra 12-22 amp load the inverter was set up to handle. If you ever get into a worst-case driving condition: stop and go traffic in heavy rain at night. The additional load from the subwoofer might be more than the inverter can handle.
     
  3. Danny

    Danny Admin/Founder
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    I had the Kenwood KSC-SW10 in my 2006 and loved it. It fit perfectly under the rear hatch and provided just the right amount of bass without blowing me out. I'm happy with the bass in the 2010 JBL system so far, so I'm not going to be adding the SW10 yet, but I would do it again if I needed one.

    http://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-KSC-SW10-150-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B00134X0AO
     
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  4. moner

    moner New Member

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    I am a bit hesitant about the extra load adding a sub would cause but I see that people have installed them in the Gen 2's without worry. The JBL system alone must draw a fair amount. I think adding the Basslink may be overkill, it sounds pretty good already. Danny, I love your idea with the Kenwood; it's so nice and small. The Basslink is big and heavy and would definitely get in the way. What to do, what to do...
     
  5. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    Do you even have space beneath the seats to put a sub?

    The G3's I've seen all have something underneath the seats. When I asked the salesman what they were he said they were for heated seats. Obviously this guy was clueless, as many salesmen often are, unfortunately...
     
  6. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    It is as simple as adding a high to low (line output converter) to the stock system. Then just adding connections for power and ground, all of which is conveniently located in the hatch area. :)

    As for the current draw. I cannot say whether it is good or bad but I can say I have had zero problems with a very large stereo system in my GenII for over 75k miles.
     
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    There's always the bazooka route (almost added one to the Gen 2). I think the higher models have a built-in amp. If it was strictly for a factory look, I'd take a small 8 or 10" sub with a custom box and put it in the right cavity (the one with the cover for the 12V battery).
     
  8. wave_slider

    wave_slider New Member

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    Bazooka with the pre-amp is what I wanted to do, but they need to be mounted to keep from rolling around. kk6spd's setup with the Boss sub looks like an inexpensive way to add bass and keep a factory appearance.
     
  9. moner

    moner New Member

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    I don't think I want to be the first to tear apart my dash to install a sub, but once I see someone else's mod I'll probably go ahead with it. How hard is it to install this line output converter you speak of? I had the Infinity Basslink spliced into the speaker outputs in my old car, as per the attached picture. I really appreciate having the power and ground both in the back in the Prius. At least one part of the job will be easy.
    I've been listening to a couple CDs I like to use to test my different car's systems and the JBL is rattling my brain pretty well. Maybe I should just grow up already! :rolleyes:
     

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  10. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Your Basslink unit is a line output converter. It takes high level speaker outputs and turns them into low level outputs (RCA) so that the amplifier can handle the lower level signal.

    The only thing we have not determined yet is if the 2010 has a full range signal to the rear speakers or if it is modified with A crossover at some frequency. If the signal is not full range then we would want to tap into your speakers before the amplifier which is usually full range. Either way I do not see why you would have to go into the dash board. :)

    As for growing up, nonsense! I'm now 34 and I have almost 2000w of continuous power at my disposal and trust me when I say people stare when they see a Prius vibrating down the road. lol
     
  11. moner

    moner New Member

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    Yep, I need someone else do this successfully so we can get the answers to all the nagging questions. Adding the Infinity should be a simple process after that. Only problem with it is that it's rather big and cumbersome so I won't make it a permanent installation.
    If you're running 2000W, I don't think I'm going to worry about a meager 200W in mine! :rockon: Screw growing up.
     
  12. venom700

    venom700 Just call me Brian...

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    You just use the supplied nylon and anchor it up against the back seats using the child seat bars. It won't move at all!
     
  13. Smirv

    Smirv AkA: Ryan

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    Good thread. Im interested in putting a sub in mine. I want something thats not way too overpowering and something that can coexist with the stock JBL nicely. Suggestions????
     
  14. BDunker

    BDunker New Member

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    I just ordered a 10" kicker comp vr, kicker zx300 amp, and a box that will only take up roughly 1 cubic foot in the trunk. It should be here soon, and sound really good. The amp also comes with a bass remote so that you can turn up/down the sub without going to the trunk.
    got everything, sub amp box wires + 3 yr warranty on all of it, for 327 shipped from onlinecarstereo.com
    i'll be sure to post how it sounds when i get home on leave
     
  15. Smirv

    Smirv AkA: Ryan

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    Im a really big audio noob. I have a couple questions. Ive been looking around and not sure what wattage to get. I dont want to draw too much from the car but what would be the highest wattage for just the subwoofer??? The amp??? Thanks a lot.
     
  16. brad_rules_man

    brad_rules_man Hybrid electric revolutionizer

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    I got a nice little crossover box or wtv installed under the amp under the seat, then had the wires ran back in the car. I purchased a Boss 8" all in one deal, and it stopped working, so Best Buy stuck a cheap little 10" Alpine with a Kenwood amp and it sounds MUCH better. The output is 400w, which is exactly that of the speaker. And that is the true continuous wattage, even at the set ohm. Perfect. It really thumps, but I don't tend to go around booming. lol
     
  17. summit123

    summit123 Junior Member

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    For the people who installed the Kenwood KSC-SW10 or similar sub in the trunk area UNDER the hatch in that little storage area, did you notice that the bass was dampened/compromised as it is not open into the interior space but covered up with that folding floor cover? I would like to install mine there but then was thinking that I would have to turn up the volume/level higher to compensate for this location and then risk possible distortion. The space under the front passenger seat is the other option I am considering.
     
  18. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    I have a Boss1200 under the hatch and I would have to say being in there actually enhanced the sound. It seems to use the entire car as the box.
     
  19. summit123

    summit123 Junior Member

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    That is very interesting. Guess I'll start with that first. It's probably the easier location so I don't have to break my back working in the tight space under the seat and worrying about the heater blowing hot air right onto the unit.

    Did you connect the power wire directly to the (+) post of the battery? The Kenwood manual stated to run this power wire to the fusebox, which I don't understand what that means at all.
     
  20. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Of course my sub is rated much higher than what you got.

    Yes, I connected directly up to the battery terminal. My sub has a sensing wire from the HU that will turn the sub on when needed. No problems with the 12v discharging so far.

    Now do you already have the Kenwood sub?