Aftermarket stereo experience?

Sound-quality-wise, prepare to be underimpressed with the Prius. Feel good about the fact that you didn't waste your money on the "upgraded" JBL system, because almost everybody on this message board who has it is equally unimpressed with it as well.
The big sticking point with upgrading the Prius is that you need to keep the factory head unit in order to maintain the radio's interaction with the touch screen, steering wheel controls, and NAV/Bluetooth (if you have it). Therefore, most folks opt to upgrade the speakers & amplifier (and some add pre-amp equalization) and keep the factory head unit.
Unfortunately most of the easy solutions for adding bluetooth and iPod integration come packaged in new aftermerket head units.....but there are options that will allow you to add these features and keep the Prius factory head unit. Dice & Vais both make ipod integration units you can read about extensively here on PriusChat.
Bluetooth is trickier, but do-able...look into some of the Parrot units.

Good Luck!

 

I don't miss having the stereo controls on the MFD. The feautures on the aftermarket head unit more than make up for that loss.

 

I used a Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X791. You can find the quick write-up I did by using x591 in a search. If I had known I would be later installing all this other super high end equipment I would have went with the X991 which is a great sound quality piece. Alpine makes a very nice headunit in the $500 range but like the X991, it is not really worth it unless you plan on a fairly high-end system.

I'm currently using the old Diamond Audio D9 7" comp. set, D9 800.2, D6 1500.1 and two D9 10D4s.

I was somewhat happy with the stock setup and just the subs and sub amp but the rest of the upgrades were definately worth the effort. Especially since the equipment was just sitting in storage. lol

The convenience of the aftermarket stereo is well worth losing MDF controls IMO and makes switching media sources (iPod, USB, Aux) quite easy.

 

Can you post some pictures of the install?

 

HERE is the closest I have. The resistor wiring info can be found in a link on page #3.


I didn't take pics of the install because:

#1 I assumed everyone knew how to take the dash apart. I'm sorry

#2 I was in a hurry because I was doing this at work and had to help customers in between.

 

Just my two cents worth here... I have a Parrot CK3200L bluetooth added into my Tacoma and have installed the same units in a half dozen other models for customers, (including my Service Director's Prius) The Parrot unit (using an ISO to Toyota wiring adaptor) plugs directly into the factory wiring and into the radio head unit. The microphone is best mounted above the rear view mirror and running that little wire is the hardest part of the install. The kit also includes an ECU and a color screen that shows caller ID. It simulates factory bluetooth in that you hear the incoming call through the left front speaker and the radio is automatically muted when the phone rings.

Since you don't even have to cut the factory wiring, there is no chance of warranty issues with Toyota. Sound quality is quite good, and the nicest feature I noted is that with my Cingular/ATT Nokia phone, (the one they give you free with a contract) the phone book is updated every time I get into the vehicle. If I change a number during the day, it will be in my Parrot as soon as I start the engine.

 

I bought a device called VisorTalk from COSTCO (works for me) its portable and I can take it with me to my wifes car or my Z. And if anyone has an iPhone I bought a Kensington LiquidAUX Auxiliary Car Kit with Remote, these 2 items are well woth it. I personally like to keep my cars stock and NOT tear into them. Mods are kool as long as they dont interfere drastically with the original design of any car IMO.

 

The Parrot uses a direct connect harness that integrates into the factory system with no hastle. I sell those also. I just don't like having to mount more crap on my dash than I have to (GPS and Scan Gauge II). A lot of new decks come with Bluetooth built in starting around $250. They don't do the nice photo options that the Parrot and EGO do but as long as it shows the name of the person I am happy with less wires laying around.