What aftermarket stereo do you have?

Well, you already know what I have but for the sake of your thread I'll add to it.

Head Unit: Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X993

Reason for purchase: Because I wanted a unit with a 24bit D/A for maximum sound quality, High Voltage Low Impedence RCAs, Time Alignment to help create an accurate sound stage (the lead vocalist is coming from the center of the dash, not out of the corners of the doors), Bluetooth, and USB capability.

Amplifiers: Diamond Audio D9 800.2 (400Watt RMS) very high end amplifier at nearly $2000 retail. Powering the front speakers
Diamond Audio D6 1500.1 (1500Watt RMS)

Front Speakers: Diamond Audio D971. 7" Midrange component set Retail $1500

Subwoofers: Two Diamond Audio D910D4 10" subs (currently blown) using two Diamond D6 12" subs for now.

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...alth-install-aftermarket-stereo-in-prius.html

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...iamond-audio-midranges-installed-finally.html

 

Nice F8L, that's the first time I've seen the full rundown. Like your Diamond Audio now do ya? ;-)

I don't have it yet, but I'll add the Alpine iDA-X305 to the list.

We've picked that one due to the relatively low cost and excellent iPod interface. We have no need for playing CDs. It also supports adding all the many Alpine peripherals, like Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD radio, CD changer, Power Pack and their IMPRINT sound processor.

- D

 

I got a smokin deal on the Diamond stuff years ago so I saw no need to not use it in the Prius. lol

That looks like a very nice head unit. The Burr-Brown DAC is great! Add in the PXA-H100 and you're set, especially with the time alignment feature.

 

Yeah, I saw that post too. Certainly good features for the $$. I've never seen one in action. But one thing to value in a head unit is interface and ease of use. You don't want to fiddle with it too much while driving. So get to a shop and try some units out in person if you can, see what works for you.

- D

 

Keep in mind that Dual is what I could consider a "ghetto" band. You cannot get high quality, lots of high end features and a low price all in one unit unless it is stolen.

Also for those with GenII Prius and planning on installing via the stealth location, the front mount USB interface is terrible for you will not be able to close the cover while the USB is stuck in it. Rear mount is the best choice in this case.

 

True, and I apologize if my comment on the Dual brand came off as rude. It wasn't meant to be. Not everyone can or wants to spend more money on a head unit and that makes perfect sense.

 

Put in a new head unit a couple years ago, Kenwood KVT-512.
Needed a built in GPS, after years of using a portable.

I like the motorized touch-screen, esp. for the GPS interface (to a Kenwood [Garmin] KNA-G510).

It's got a lot of other features (USB or IPOD interface, external Audio/Video input, pre-amp outs, etc.) but not using them for now.

 

Head units, Head units, Head units! What about speakers? What can be used in the stock tweeter grills?

 

Anything cheap. lol

The really good speakers have large tweeters and you will have to make your own pods or cut into the door panel. You can also try mounting them flush with the midranges but your sound stage will drop noticeably.

 

I may not need "really good". I need something for $250 or less. My wife's JBL is way better than my aftermarket 3ways in the door (non-JBL head) I want to take it up a notch, don't need to go over the top. Anyone out there got a reccomendation for the stock mounts?

Thanks!

 

I have Boston Acoustic SC60 component speakers with tweeters, and BA SC65 speakers in the rear - Kenwood KDC-X993 head unit and an Alpine amplifier.

The speakers are pretty good, but leave something to be desire imo. Combined with the head unit they put out some decent bass, but I ended up totally popping one of my tweeters, so I will probably have to try something else. It sounds like some folks on here have tried and liked the Infinity Kappa series.

 

I just installed Kenwood Excelon DNX-6960. I am doing a write up so this is just a tease.

 

Eclipse CD5030 HU "5 volt pre-out", Alpine PDX-4.100 Amp, Polk MM6501 Components (front & rear), Infinity BassLink Sub.