Stereo Install questions - type of equip

I placed 2-ways in the dash and I am very happy with the sound presents up front. I don't think it would sound good with just 3-ways down low.

Follow the A/V upgrade link in my signature.

 

In put tweets in the A pillar up front (removing the squakers) - the sound was very nice - but since adding 3.5" 2-ways, now the soundstage is very nice up front....

 

As rrolff says, having the dash speakers completes the "soundstage" up front. With the tweets/mids down low in the doors (no dash speakers), I think the sound would be sub-par. Just my opinion.

 

I spent many, many hours researching this topic before and after purchasing my Prius. What I learned is there are infinite choices and infinitely more opinions. Here is mine.

Standard 2-ways, bass in the door and "small tweeter" up front, has a problem with good frequency separation, and the tweeter being to bright. 3-ways (separate or triax) in the door only, is too flat. My solution was the woofer in stock door location and mid-tweeter in the squawker location. The small tweeter took a little time though. We moved it around trying to find the best location, while maintaining a stock factory look. The 2 angles on the lower A-Pillar were the best compromise. I chose the angle closest to the windshield. It is important that you use active crossovers to tune the frequency separation points. I used Coax speakers in rear factory door locations, as this is more for back fill.

Regarding the sub-woofer, I will never go without again. The Prius hatchback design is excellent for rear facing units because the longer wavelength needs more distance to sound correct. I used a 10" in a SEALED custom box with the correct volume and geometry, but an 8" would work. With component speakers, the woofer usually does not have the lower bottoms, but with the sub, the combination just sounds incredible.

The gains, crossovers, time domains, ect... must be tuned to the vehicle and your tastes, by someone expert in the science and art of this craft. It is not easy and takes time. With regard to brands and models of 3-way component speaker sets, there are less choices that use the 3" mid-tweeter that I wanted to replace the squawker. I give credit to ShawnB2 with enlightening me to the Hertz product. These are not the most expensive, but sound like them. I would add that I use a singe 5-channel amp to power these gems.

This was my solution, yours may be different. Either way, good luck and best wishes.

 

I put in MB Quart components (used to have Infinity ref - which got moved to the back) - but really, it was adding the 3.5 that filled everything out...

The 3.5 is just in parallel to the component set (with a bass blocking cap). I got lucky in that the pioneer 3.5 matched the MB Quarts, so no need to fiddle around with extra amps etc...

 

Image 10, capacitor added. Image 12, stronger grill was later added to sub box. Image 13, remote for sub. Image 15, PTT for Kenwood. Sub is Hertz HX250D. Amp is JL HD900/5. Hope these help.

 

I used the Hertz High Energy Series. HSK 163 up front, HCX 165 in the rear and single HX 250 D sub. A generic 4GA Amp Kit and 1 Farad Capacitor was used. You will see two different pictures of the amp, one has cap and one without. My installer only made one oops and corrected this after inspection. Vent clearance and airflow is excellent on the Cross-Overs and the Amp. After the cap was added, the vent on that side was only slightly obstructed, but this will be corrected when I make time and at no cost. I opted to wait as it was completed during Christmas week and I just have not made time. The capacitor just clears 2 plugs under the seat right now, so I may swap places with the amp, but will decide later as a new mount base will be made. No fan is or has been required. These digital amps run very cool with no problems as opposed to the older type that cooked. The only way to describe how the speakers sound is I personally have never heard better, and I have listened to some real money. They are not cheap, but you will have to spend considerably more to do better, and I do mean "considerably". The excellent job they did tuning the system to the car really made the difference too. Placement of the front tweeter was still the hardest decision. I really love the way ShawnB2 did his and it may sound a little better, but I wanted a factory look that didn't say steal me. I also very much liked his approach with the sub, but with costs adding up... My guide lines for the sub were simple, clean quality sound, removable for loading and the ability to change a tire in the rain with out taking the sub out. If you notice the sub face has the Toyota emblem. My installer takes real pride with his craft and hand carved that out of a rubberish laminate placed on the wood frame before covering. I think it's time to give credit where credit is due, and I am not being paid for this Danny, ok. I chose the components and made the decisions, but my installer made it happen. Premier Autosports The Owners name is Mario and they are in Plano Tx if you live in this part of the country. Best recommendation I can give. Thanks again.