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New speaker or new system?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by Annomy, Oct 19, 2013.

  1. Annomy

    Annomy New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
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    I have a 2004 Prius with about 70K miles on it. We’ve started hearing a boom-boom from the driver door speaker, which can be mitigated by turning down the bass or adjusting the balance. We don’t blast the stereo, but good sound is a must! So a fix is in our future, hopefully the near future. A few questions: How can we be sure the problem is just the speaker and not the amp/whole system blown? If it is the speaker, should I be wary of the local (Queens, NY) car audio shop that says they can replace both door speakers with good ones for $225 including installation, or will install any we buy for $50? My spouse is concerned that they’ll trash the door panels and we’ll lose windows/door locks, etc... If we decide to replace the whole system anyway for an upgrade (currently our auxiliary is through one of those cassette adapters) and maybe HD radio, we heard somewhere that the sound isn’t as good as the original system, which is optimized for the interior of the car. Any knowledge on this? Please be aware I have essentially no tools and park the car in a commercial garage. Many thanks for any advice!
     
    #1 Annomy, Oct 19, 2013
  2. vskid3

    vskid3 Active Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    I have never seen anyone on this site give the stock system any praise. I replaced the headunit and added a small subwoofer and it sounds much better, even without the sub. I don't know how hard replacing the speakers is, but the headunit isn't bad. The only tools you need are a couple screwdrivers, wrench/socket to remove the MFD (can't remember if you need to, I think its 10mm), and a wire stripper/cutter/crimper.
     
    #2 vskid3, Oct 20, 2013
  3. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    2017 Prius Prime
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    Prime Premium
    99% its the speaker is toast. stock speakers are junk anyway, and any reputable installer can replace your door speakers w/out screwing up the doors. if you do replace the crap head unit in the future, you will want decent speakers to go with it anyway. do some research, and buy the biggest woofer high end brand component speaker system that will fit in your doors. if you were capable, you can modify the door to fit up to an 8" woofer, i've installed dayton audio 7" woofers in my back doors and the bass response is fantastic.
     
    #3 69shovlhed, Oct 27, 2013
  4. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    #4 KK6PD, Oct 27, 2013
  5. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    right. 4 ohm speakers are what you need.
     
    #5 69shovlhed, Oct 27, 2013
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