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New Speakers - PiP basic

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by tommy_is_here, Aug 15, 2012.

  1. tommy_is_here

    tommy_is_here New Member

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    I got my PiP (owned a 2007, '09 beforehand) on Friday. Chose the basic model simply b/c I didn't value most of the advanced features.

    Was shocked at how bad the speaker/sound system was on the PiP. Far worse than the 07 or 09 I have. (neither of which were loaded with JBLs)

    On Monday I went to a local trusted audio shop, and told him I want new set of speakers to fix the crap. He threw in a new set of front and rear speakers (no tweeter replacement though) and I requested dynamat on all the doors.

    Night and day. I can actually listen to music and have to turn down the bass (when before I maxed the bass out and it still sucked)

    Wondering if its worth it to get a JBL MS-8 as a next step, or to replace the tweeters (the audio shop guy talked me out of the tweeter replacement...actually talked me out of buying more stuff which was refreshing) Also, if one installs a JBL MS-8, where do you end up putting all the hardware?

    Any thoughts?


    -TD
     
    #1 tommy_is_here, Aug 15, 2012
  2. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    I would recommend the replacing the dash speaker. It made a huge difference to me as it brought up the sound stage and of course really brought out the high frequencies. I used a 2-way coaxial. Follow the A/V upgrade link in my sig.
     
    #2 spiderman, Aug 15, 2012
  3. lopgok

    lopgok Member

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    I put in the pioneer speakers spiderman recommends in the dash. It made a large difference.
    I did use a larger capacitor 200uf. That makes the dash speaker closer to a full range speaker.
    I also put in a 2 ohm resistor in series to minimize the load on the receiver. I also changed all 4 door speakers. For the front speakers, I also put a 2 ohm resistor in series.
    (the front door and dash speakers are wired in parallel for the OEM system).
    I replaced the rear door speakers, hoping to get a bit more bass. It was a waste of effort.
    I used kenwood 3ways in the doors that cost $50 for a pair at crutchfield.

    The OEM speakers are complete junk.

    I am considering putting a subwoofer in the trunk, as my system has very little bass.
     
    #3 lopgok, Aug 15, 2012
  4. tommy_is_here

    tommy_is_here New Member

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    Aha - thanks. Will look into swapping the tweeters. Could you please let me know which model of pioneer tweeters you used? (sorry can't find the spiderman reference)
     
    #4 tommy_is_here, Aug 15, 2012
  5. tommy_is_here

    tommy_is_here New Member

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    #5 tommy_is_here, Aug 15, 2012
  6. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    yup.
     
    #6 spiderman, Aug 15, 2012
  7. tommy_is_here

    tommy_is_here New Member

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    Sweet - ordered them and will have them installed. Looking fwd to the full makeover.
     
    #7 tommy_is_here, Aug 16, 2012
  8. ultraturtle

    ultraturtle Newb

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    There is plenty of room for electronics in the under-deck storage area in the trunk:

    IMG_0111.JPG

    The JBL MS-8 is a smart upgrade. Wire 6 of the 8 available 20W outputs to:

    2 x Dash Squawkers (mid-tweeter drivers)
    2 x Front Doors
    2 x Rear Doors.

    120 watts is plenty of power.

    Leave the final 2 outputs unused, making one available for line-level output to a possible future upgrade of external amp and subwoofer.
     
    #8 ultraturtle, Aug 16, 2012
  9. ikagan

    ikagan Junior Member

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    Tommy, what speakers did you use in the doors?
     
    #9 ikagan, Aug 16, 2012
  10. tommy_is_here

    tommy_is_here New Member

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    Folks any idea how hard it is to install the new tweeters on the Prius dashboard?
     
    #10 tommy_is_here, Aug 16, 2012
  11. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    If you follow the A/V upgrade link in my signature, it will show you how. Let us know if there is anything different with the '12 dash.
     
    #11 spiderman, Aug 17, 2012
  12. stackcheese

    stackcheese Junior Member

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    so to replace the speakers it would require a dremel and soldering? no simple plug and play wire harness no dremeling fitted speakers available for the PIP?
     
    #12 stackcheese, Aug 17, 2012
  13. ultraturtle

    ultraturtle Newb

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    The attached template for tweeter mounts might help. It is sized for a 2" tweeter opening, but should be easy enough to modify.
     

    Attached Files:

    #13 ultraturtle, Aug 17, 2012
  14. tommy_is_here

    tommy_is_here New Member

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    So, I got my audio local audio custom shop to do the install. Love the new dash speakers--- definitely made a big improvement.

    however, I noticed that they are making a light popping noise every once in a while (audible when playing soft rock --- sounds like light crackling pop a record would make every few seconds) It seems to be coming from both dash speakers. Any ideas?
     
    #14 tommy_is_here, Aug 19, 2012
  15. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    One possibility might be that there is a lose connection in the wiring. I would take it back and have the shop check it out. Another possibility might be one of the speakers has a manufacturing defect. Do you have the OEM HU or an aftermarket?
     
    #15 spiderman, Aug 19, 2012
  16. tommy_is_here

    tommy_is_here New Member

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    Hey guys,

    So I took it in, and figured it out. It was just the song or two from my input device -- ie. the iphone --- which seemed to be recorded poorly. So all's good.

    Now just wondering how much difference/improvement the JBL MS-8 will do. Saving up for that as the next likely mod.

    Other question - anyone put a sub-woofer in the prius? Might be overkill....
     
    #16 tommy_is_here, Aug 20, 2012
  17. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Shoot yah, made a custom box with a 10" Hertz. Just now hooking up a JL 900/5. Need more wire,,,
     
    #17 spiderman, Aug 21, 2012
  18. tommy_is_here

    tommy_is_here New Member

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    Cool - thanks everyone for the feedback and thoughts. Well, its already a 10x improvement (man the stock speakers were garbage --- come on Toyota!) I'll probably hold off for now, but will look at a sub-woof and MS-8 at some point.
     
    #18 tommy_is_here, Aug 21, 2012
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