Upgrading Prius 2015 Sound System

Wow. Same situation here. But I know less. Like "what is a head unit?" So, like Friendlyx, I'm all ears. Currently with Bass/Mid/Treble all the way UP, sound focus a bit toward front for just okay sound. But isn't life supposed to allow mesmerizing classical music while in motion? Holding on to coat tails of original poster, I'd like to learn how to go about upgrading in affordable little purchases...no digging into the console, please.

 

Oh No. I was hoping that some different speakers might upgrade to a more pleasant sound. And I was looking for someone who would have done that and could say that Brand Z here, Brand X there, items so and so...did the trick. Don't think I'm up to ripping into anything other than that. But there's sufficient if minimal sound at bass/mid/treble all up. <sigh> The Prius luckily has other aspects that inspire.

 

If you're willing to pull out the console there is a Class D Alpine amp I think it provides 50 watts of power by 4. I have one installed in my car with upgraded Alpine speakers. It is not too hard to install and also since its class D or digital amplifier it doesn't draw too much power from the 12 volt battery.

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Alpine

With this you keep your stock headunit. The increase power really helps music sound cleaner. Part this with some speakers and you keep all the stock steering wheel control and look.

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I've gone thru the path of upgrading the stereo of my 2015 non jbl system and here's what I would recommend.

Upgrade the head unit first. It's the weakest point of the whole system not just in sound but the GUI is terrible and the GPS is no good either.

I would get something along the lines of a kenwood excelon. (I have a 893s in mine).That alone even with the factory system speakers really helps bring out the sound sound along with the many diff adjustments that can done with out that factory can not do. Also having built in Garmin GPS is much better.

Next upgrade after:
Now as far as a amp I would go a 5 channel all in one amp that can power a sub and all inside speakers. ( i have a alpine pdx v9).

I personally wouldn't upgrade the inside speakers until you can have a amp to power them. I upgraded my speakers first (Hertz HSK) and since they were so under powered it didn't sound right but once I amplified the it really brought them to life.

Also as far as a sub i think a 10 inch is perfect for the car cause with the hatch design it sounds great in the cabin and isn't too much and is well balanced. I was going for more of a SQ set up then all out bass storm.

 

If you change the hu how do you change settings such as smart key, day time driving lights,doors unlocked when shift to park? I like to surf and I always turn off smart key when I go but turn it back on when I'm finished. Is this possible with an aftermarket hu?

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I'm not sure on that but I didn't lose any features

 

Before anyone changes speakers, get a good head unit first. I bought a JVC with great features and lots of power for my last car, so I pulled it and put it in the Prius when I got it. I was shocked at how much better everything sounded when I did that. Now, if you're looking for big bass and that, then obviously a switch to new speakers and sub is needed, but if you're just looking for better sound, then start with the head unit. My wife (who owned the car before me) was almost upset after she heard it thinking I bought all new speakers behind her back!

 

How does alpine pdx v9 work for you? Change your mpg? Did you change to Optima?

 

Greetings!

i recently purchase this vehicle with JBL sound system, factory amp has two ports/connectors. i wanted to add a little more bass with it. i decide to add an separate amp with sub. the wiring process is the same as you will on any other vehicle, you will need positive, remote and ground the fun part was the RCA converter i pigtail of the right rear speaker and NOT THE TWEETER. at first the sub was restricted as you all know that the rear speakers are at a lower setting. WHO KNOWS WHY... but i ended up pig tailing to the front door speakers. sub woofer sounds "OK" not the best for sure but now i have some extra bass with the equalizer bass setting at LOW.

factory JBL sound sounds alright to some people, but if you know and can tell the difference because you are into sound systems then you'll know the change, adding this sub made at 70% difference in a good way.

Side note: try to get an amp with bass control knob, if you can get your self an "EPICENTER AUDIO DEVICE" that's if you are into music with hard too feel and hear bass type of music.

as of now, 10" ported box is doing GREAT! especially if i crack the windows and lower the rear seats, I'M BUMMPN.

i will take pictures and post them later.

 

What sort of power are you running. I did alot of research and then decided to settle for a 12" alpine type r sub capable of 750w rms being powered by an alpine mrp-m450 amp running 400w rms at 2 ohm. I put in 2 rockford fosgate T1693 6×9s in the front doors which are powered by the standard head unit as I was afraid of using too much power from the small 12v battery. The system however has been running fine for over a year where it has been used through countless taxi shifts of 8 hours and longer. The amp now though has been playing up and turns off sometimes so I am thinking of replacing it with another amp namely the Alpine SA60M which is capable of 600w rms. However I'm still wanting to be careful and see if anyone else is running over 600w rms in their car without any problems..

 

Also are you running a different stock battery or still the same original one that came with the car. I'm just thinking if possible I would prefer to have the rockford fosgate T1693s amped up aswell if its not going to cause any damage to the stock battery and hybrid system.

 

I hate to change the head unit…. You lose too many features and controls like on the wheel for audio…

I commute 52 miles each way…. so I went with Infinity reference speakers which have a much higher efficency (increase volume without any more watts). I’m older in my 50s and have only changed my dash speakers…. Wiring for door speakers… the 6.5 for the rear, the 6x9 and the kilmat are coming in tomorrow. As is; The stereo is louder than I have any business listening to with just the 3.5 dash speaker replacement- Prius is all about efficency…. Acoustic guitar, drums, and vocals crystal clear. At 55 volume on the factory engine (w/o JBL) I’m uncomfortable…. Turn it down…. Stairway to heaven… Journey, Eagles, Pink Floyd, Crosby Stills & Nash are amazing…
I have tinnitus and hearing loss from working on jets… but even my 19 yo daughter and 22 yo son were dumbfounded with the change….

think of watts as HP…. Sensitivity as efficiency….

It’s like having 500 hp, but not being able to get enough traction to use it…

So for about $200 for speakers and wiring harnesses…. you can go from AM radio-esqe soundto digital surround sound… with just speakers… albeit without MONSTER BASS…. but if you don’t listen to rap, you’ll probably be satisfied….