I just finished sound proofing and installing my new sound system. I've had my 2013 Prius C for about two years and always felt like I was driving a tin can. The road noise was ridiculous, and the stock sound system sounded like garbage if turned up over 25 not that I blast my music, but covering up highway noise was next to impossible without blowing my ears out. As an audio engineer, I thought it'd be cool to use my knowledge and turn my car into an acoustically-sound car. I installed the cheaper Dynamat (might be called Kilmat, not sure) and installed it on all the doors and trunk. I took off the side panels in the trunk and installed a lot there, as well. I just don't have pictures for it. I didn't feel like ripping my entire car apart again lol For the front, I installed Focal ISS 165s, a component system. I used a heat gun to remove the stock tweeters, and glued the new ones on. I have to say, the new tweeters are absolutely terrible. They are SOOO bright. I had to do MAJOR EQ'ing. In the back, I did some other Focal coaxial speakers, I don't remember the name off the top of my head. The amplifier is under my passenger seat, and is a Kenwood amp. I don't remember the model name, but I get 45watts per speaker. Powerful enough for me, especially after sound proofing. I originally did not want a new head unit, so I purchased an Lc7i, which turns RCA inputs to hard wire, so you can keep the head unit. Unfortunately, after a few months, I realized the head unit wasn't giving me enough clarity. My guess is from the bad AD/DA converter in the unit. I replaced the head unit with a Kenwood DMX905s. I bought it because of wireless Android Auto, and it's been working great! It allows me to adjust phase issues and even have two different audio sources if I wanted (I don't at all). Luckily, since the Lc7i turned all the RCAs to hardwire, it was extremely easy to install. I also installed an 8 inch Polk subwoofer. I didn't want too much at all. I'm all about a nice balance in the mix. I have the sub turned up a bit on the input, so I can make volume adjustments on the head unit if some tracks are lacking in the low end. I shoved some sound-proof foam in the doors wherever I heard some sort of rattling. There is absolutely zero rattling now I attached some pics. I wish I had more, but I'm EXTREMELY happy with the result of this project. Road noise is significantly lower, the sound is incredible. and I'm 100% hands-free and wireless!! Very cool! P.S. This system has had zero effect on my fuel efficiency. I still get about 50-55mpg. Another thing for road noise, I replaced my old stock tires with Continental Pro-Contacts. Huge improvement, as well.
In terms of road noise which part of the dampening works best? I'm contemplating as well. But do not wish to put on too much weight as I do track the car.
The door dampening definitely helps with wind. I live in Illinois, so there's a lot of noise, even when going 25-35mph. I also did it just to prevent rattling when listening to music. For highway road-noise, I give credit to the tires. I'm really glad I did the sound dampening though. It's a lot quieter in the car. Makes it seem more luxurious. I highly recommend it.
I installed the OEM audio plus system in my 2015 prius c. it is a custom made system tuned to the car. It is awesome. well worth the money.
On my Gen 2. There all tin cans. Lol I did my floor doors and roof. Much better! Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Assuming the Focal had a way to turn the tweeter level down a little? Did you try turning the sub towards the back of the car? Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
I LOVE Alpine. Looks really good Yeah I was considering getting that for the longest. I just couldn't get myself to spend that much money. Did you do some sound deadening, as well? Unfortunately there's no way to turn it down, only dramatic EQ. I'm pretty disappointed I didn't look at the frequency response of the tweeters. It's so damn bright lol I have not turned the sub towards the back, but I have turned it towards the seats. Did you hear any significant change?
No tweeter + or - on the crossovers? How do you have them aimed? I aimed mine towards the center of the car in my Gen 2. Dash mat helps to and I put some padding and fabric on my upper part of the doors panels. But yes dynamat on the floor, inside and outside panels of the doors and even the ceiling. Bass has a smoother response when aimed to the back. I can't do that with my custom box though. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
I have them aimed the same as the OEM. I heated the stock tweeters off and glued the new ones on the same way. They're just aluminum tweeters, so they're naturally brighter. There is a crossover and it does some taming, but not enough for my taste. The eq I have currently does a lot though. Any advice on getting to the ceiling? Also, I cannot for the life of me get the front seats out so I haven't been able to deaden the floor.
Side panels and sun visors need to be removed and anything else screwed to the ceiling. Seats are just 4 bolts. Probably size 14 bolt. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Thanks for the wisdom I'll definitely give it a shot when my C is out of the shop. Stupid hail damage
My fabric panel top of the door and dash mat. Help tame the reflective interior. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Looked and interior pics of your car. If you can angle the tweeters inward more inside stock location it should help. It's just angled at the other door which all reflective plastic. Stock system may have compensated for that. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Y’all have done some nice work on your cars. I love the quiet in our c. It got a little better when I added some mass to the doors, but I didn’t treat any other areas for noise. I’m interested in taking some noise measurements of the car while it is still fairly fresh. I’m trying to think of a nice easily repeatable scheme for measurements. The hardest part is planning a test route. When a road gets resurfaced, the noise profile will change considerably.
