Speaker Upgrades ?

Some have gotten great results with a subwoofer. Here's an article about installing a Bazooka BTA6100 Subwoofer.

 

What's your budget?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mark Whaley @ Jun 7 2006, 02:09 PM) [snapback]267383[/snapback]</div>

Start with getting a powered subwoofer. It's pretty much plug-and-play with the existing system. there's plenty of threads discussing them. Kenwood makes a nice unit that fits into the under-hatch compartment.

That's all I added to my 2005 and am vary happy with the results. Cost: ~$160.


DGStan

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mark Whaley @ Jun 7 2006, 12:09 PM) [snapback]267383[/snapback]</div>

Your budget is going to really restrict your options.

I wouldn't add a subwoofer by itself. Then what you've got is crappy sound plus some bass. I'd rather have better sound without the low frequencies than crappy sound with the low frequencies.

My suggestion is a pair of Infinity 6.07cs component speakers for the front. They're well within your budget, around $150/pair shipped. The improvement in sound quality should be enough that you'll forget that you're missing the lowest frequencies. If you need to improve the sound for rear-seat passengers too, then two pairs of 6010cs speakers are just a few dollars over your budget, although you'll like this setup a lot better with a subwoofer. And disconnect the center speaker.

 

I looked at the Bazooka, but didn't like the amount of room it took up. Besides, my kids said I would start wearing my pants down around my knees and saying "yo" alot.

Is there a 'sweet spot' for sound upgrades? Spending a little more to get a lot more sound is worth extending my budget, but I don't want to spend lots more to get something only a little better than the previous scenario. Are there any 'good/better/best suggestions?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mark Whaley @ Jun 7 2006, 01:16 PM) [snapback]267347[/snapback]</div>

Before you spend a penny, disconnect the center speaker on the dash. It takes 2 mins and makes a HUGE difference in the sound. Cheers. K

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mark Whaley @ Jun 7 2006, 01:16 PM) [snapback]267347[/snapback]</div>

Just added SAS Bazooka BTA8100 (8" 100 watt) pre-amplified subwoofer to stock 2005 Prius sound system. Clean install, and the subwoofer tube straps easily to the two (2) anchor connectors on the
right rear seat back. No cutting, unnecessary drilling, or defacing of the interior. The WOW factor is
simply amazing! It's as though "you are there!" Total cost, with a perfect installation approximately
$250. Gold Star Audio Irvine, CA. www.goldstaraudio.com This is the simple and effective solution
for any 2004-2006[attachmentid=3753] Prius. SAS BTA8100, added to the factory Prius, provides a perfect balance to the
stock sound system. Total cash outlay is about $250, for the subwoofer, installation, and CA tax. It's amazing how so little money can make such an impact on the Prius audio sound listening experience.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Araneae @ Jun 7 2006, 09:51 PM) [snapback]267669[/snapback]</div>

So, how hard is it to disconnect the center speaker? Are there directions posted somewhere?

Thanks.

Okay, never mind. After posting this, I noticed a couple of posts addressing this.

 

Have you adjusted the built in equalizer? It makes a HUGE difference. I have the treble adjusted high and bass adjusted high. Keep the mid area approximately the same. Without changing the speakers on my 2006 package #8 that alone made all the difference in the world.

Just my 2 cents.

Cheers

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mark Whaley @ Jun 13 2006, 12:11 AM) [snapback]270359[/snapback]</div>

The OUTSIDE of the car was rattling?? That's just great! You have to be happy with that bass! :lol:

 

quote name='Mark Whaley' date='Jun 12 2006, 02:00 PM' post='270053']
So.....I just came back from getting it installed, they did an excellent and speedy job.
I need to adjust the settings slightly and locate and remove the usual rattles where bass is involved, but so far most impressed by the change in the music quality.

I highly recommend them.

I may go back later (when I can afford it) and get a new 4 channel amp and new speakers for the front and back.
[/quote]


Congratulations on the installation of your new SAS Bazooka BTA8100. Amazing how little money < $250 can change the audio listening experience in the Prius. It's as though the SAS BTA8100 has been tuned to optimize the interior space configuration of the 2004-2006 Prius. I'm convinced that the amplified Bazooka tube, in addition to providing superb bass, has allowed the stock amplifier to deliver cleaner and crisper high and mid-range audio, because the SAS Bazooka is handling the bass levels that the stock Prius audio system was simply incapable of handling. I too highly recommend Gold Star Audio in Irvine 949-752-1446 ask for Jay, Store Manager. "Happiness = Reality - Expectations." [attachmentid=3806]

 

How much better are the JBL speakers compared to the Base's? If they're also paper with that really teeny magnet, I'd highly recommend getting something else. I bet the JBL amp actually pumps out enough power, it's just the accuracy is crap with the low-cost speakers.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bsd43 @ Jun 15 2006, 09:49 AM) [snapback]271688[/snapback]</div>

The JBL speakers have significantly bigger magnets than the base ones. They have better sound than the base, but that isn't saying much when you compare it to good aftermarket speakers