Subwoofer for '08 Prius - thoughts?

rpg, you might want to browse crutchfield.com to read up on some of the basic components of car stereo. It'll help you decide on what you really want (or need).

What are component speakers?

 

I just installed the Blaupunkt THb 200a powered subwoofer in our '08 Prius in the back hatch above the spare. We're extremely satisfied with it! It enhances the JBL system nicely and fills in the missing low end. I wasn't looking to shake the windows or anything but I'm quite impressed with how much it improves the sound quality of the system. I like that its hidden away in the back hatch, too.

Great site, this is my first post. Prius owner for 1 month now and loving it!

 

I have the standard system - not the jbl - I went with the standard mostly because I use my iPod, not CDs and I really don't want to spend money on a 6 disc changer. BUT - I would like to improve this system a bit and I don't want to do anything terribly expensive or change the stock appearance of my 08 Prius.

Tell me, how difficult was it to install that Blaupunkt subwoofer? What is involved? Sounds like that might be the way for me to go too.

 

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Excellent DIY / use of space.

Very creative!

 

AAA+ Job, What a nice installation. That spot is begging for something like that. Did you utilize the little storage compartment under the space as part of the bass box, ???

What are you driving it with and where did you get the feed to it??

Nice work derserves a ATTA BOY!!! and a beer!!!!

Pat KK6PD

 

Thank you. It took a little bit of time to put that together. I did utilize the storage area underneath. I needed the extra space to get the volume required for the sub. The pictures show a little more detail.

The sub and amplifier are a matched pair I removed from an MTX Thunderform enclosure. These typically would not be my first choice, but since they were already sitting in my basement the price was right. Plus they were both designed to be efficient and operate in a small space.

The amplifier is mounted inside the enclosure. It accepts speaker level inputs so I tapped into the rear output from the JBL amp under the passenger seat.

 

Do you still have the mold for that enclosure?

 

I actually just used the car as a mold. Taped up a couple layers of aluminium foil and put in the first two layers of fiberglass. Made sure to completely seal off the rest of the car with plastic to keep the fiberglass smell out. Once that had set up I removed it and finished the remaining layers outside the vehicle.

I would have made a second shell, but I had to drive the car to work the next morning.

 

I ended up getting a JL Audio 10" Subwoofer in a PowerWedge enclosure and driving it with a JL Audio A1200 Amp mounted in the tray. There is even a remote knob in the dash to turn the bass up or down. The subwoofer enclosure is removable so that I can travel with my family and all our stuff.

Enjoy.

Oh, and I turn up or down my music based on my surroundings.

 

That Blaupunkt is just the kind of subwoofer I was thinking of (once I finally get my Prius). The Bose sub in my 1997 Audi is very small but provides incredible depth to the sound. I don't want boom-boom the neighbors will hear, I want rich lows I will hear (and maybe others standing within 10 feet based on my Audi).

Compact car subs can be found cheap too.

 

Here was my solution. It sounds great. Kicker amp and sub

 

That's exactly what I was looking to do. Did you do both sides or only driver side? Do it yourself?

 

is the battery located at the rear at the car? i would imagine this makes it easy to install an amplifier. can someone confirm this? thanks!

 

Battery is located on the passenger side, behind the brake light.

 

I am really loving this concept. How is it working out for you? I have an 04 and am always pulling the seats down to load video gear for work. I can't keep a larger box in the car like I did before I upgraded from a 4Runner. This would be the perfect option. I've not messed with fiberglass but am handy and tech-savvy. How long did the process take? What kind of expense am I looking at for materials (not including sub)?

Thanks!

 

I don't have the jbl system in my prius, but I thought the stock sound was atrocious (the worst I've ever heard in a car). So I did the stealth deck install with a new sony media player and it sounds SOOOOOOO much better. Plus I get a ton of more radio stations (surprisingly). I still don't have the lower end bass I want/need. I'm looking into the under seat sub installs. I will likely buy 1 and put it under the driver seat and if I want more bass/a vibrating seet for the passenger I'll buy another one. Be sure to upgrade your head unit first and see how you like it.

 

Can't delete..

 

I decided I'm going to try a sub under the driver's seat. Does anyone have instructions on how to run power from the trunk and rca, rem to the console?