1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Some questions about adding an amp and subwoofer to 2011 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by vrtigo1, Aug 23, 2013.

  1. vrtigo1

    vrtigo1 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2012
    4
    0
    0
    Location:
    Central Florida
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Apologies in advance for asking questions that have already been asked. I tried searching and found lots of info, but unfortunately some of it was conflicting and there were still some questions I couldn't find answers for.

    I have an '11 Prius 4 with the JBL navigation system. I like it fine, but I would like to add a subwoofer to enhance the bass. I have done this in several previous cars, but not in about 10 years or so and never in a car like a Prius where there are special considerations concerning the electrical system.

    I am considering adding a single Kicker Solo Baric L7 with a class D amp in the 500W range.
    1. I assume I should connect the amp power to the 12v aux battery, which from what I've read is located behind the passenged side wheel well. Is that the correct location? Are there any things I need to consider before adding additional load to that battery? From what I've read online, it seems that people have added 1000w amps with no trouble, so I'm guessing I should be fine with a 500w amp.
    2. I assume there are no RCA outputs on the factory head unit so I'll need to use a line level converter. I further assume that one of the rear speakers would be the best place to tap in to the factory speaker wire, any reasons not to do that? Will the audio source there be a full range source or has it already run through a crossover that will be filtering the low range?
    3. What's the best place to connect the amp's remote wire?
    4. Anything else I'm forgetting to ask that might be useful to know?
    Thanks!
     
    #1 vrtigo1, Aug 23, 2013
  2. Skunkworks

    Skunkworks Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2013
    101
    9
    0
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I would think that you should get the sound signal before the amp,and use a line driver.
     
    #2 Skunkworks, Aug 25, 2013
  3. nedear88

    nedear88 My 1st Prius.

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2011
    245
    140
    0
    Location:
    San Bruno, California
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I added Kicker hideaway sub, no need remote turn on lead, it sense the speaker level and will turn on the amp, use the speaker line level at each side kick panel, the factory NAVI unit does not have any RCA sub out and it's pre-amp unit and the JBL amplifier is under the passenger seat.
    The 12V straight from the 12V battery, very simple and easy. The hardest part is routing the speaker line level wire from front to pack to the Kicker sub/amp and also route the "sub-woofer" level volume control back to the front, I double-side it next the driver seat right behind the fuel door lever.
    Mine blend in well with the JBL system and most of my friends/co-worker comment how good the JBL sound system in the Prius! (I didn't tell them about the hideaway kicker sub). If you are looking for low frequency you can hear a block away...this is not what you are looking for!
    kicker.jpg
     
    #3 nedear88, Aug 25, 2013
    NoMoreNow likes this.
  4. Radiospank

    Radiospank Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2013
    152
    70
    0
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    are the wires in the front kick panels before or after the amp ?
     
    #4 Radiospank, Aug 28, 2013
  5. nedear88

    nedear88 My 1st Prius.

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2011
    245
    140
    0
    Location:
    San Bruno, California
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    after the amp, instead of going under the seat and mickey mouse the wiring...it's much easier wire tapping in the kick panel.
     
    #5 nedear88, Aug 29, 2013
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)