I would just like to add a public service announcement: When replacing speakers: DON'T FORGET TO USE DYNAMAT! I just added Infinity Kappas that are recommended on this board and at first I was totally dismayed at the sound. The tweeters were so strong and all I could hear bass-wise were rattles and buzzing. I got back in the doors and slapped one wedge-package worth of Dynamat under the speaker mounts and wherever else I could on the inside of the plastic panel, and I can't believe the improvement in the sound. This is the first time I've ever had to use dynamat in a speaker install-our doors are so hollow and light that they are going to buzz and rattle with new speakers. I don't think Dynamat was mentioned in Sparky's guide and other posts on this board that I referred to, so don't forget to include it. Place a big square right over the speaker hole and drill the mounting holes right through it, then cut out the center and stick the cutout in the hollow interior of the door right behind the speaker. I also glued the crossovers to pieces of Dynamat and stuck them inside the hollow part of the door as well, because they were rattling. I also cut a thin strip and wrapped it around the tweeter before shoving it in the tweeter mount. USE DYNAMAT
I know it's not a Prius, but my son introduced me to Dynamat. He installed in the doors, the entire floorpan, all sheetmetal behind the rear seats of his Dodge Truck. He installed 1500W stereo with 4 speakers and 3000W sub amp with two 12" Woofers. The wire from the battery to each amp is 1/0! He also installed a 205A alternator to keep the battery charged. The sound pressure level was unbelievable. I noticed my neighbors dogs don't like the test tones my son used to tune the system. For once, the dogs didn't bark at me...the ran away :lol: Well, now that gas is going up, my son is going to sell his truck and buy a more gas friendly car. I'm glad because I kept warning him about loosing his hearing but of course, Dad's don't know anything. Sorry for the long post
I agree 100%. I just put a 3 grand system in and at first was disappointed at the sound quality- especially the midrange. Then had them put dynamat and a new prodicu- dynasorb in the door panels and what a huge difference. With the lightness of the doors and hardly any sound insulation you definitely have to use the stuff.
Re: DYNAMAT! I just finished most of my new used 05. I started w front doors & reference speakers, dynomat in & out. then I could hear the road noise behind me instead of the sides of me, then I did the rear doors, speakers & dynomat- then I could hear it further back- Next I put in the Kenwood SW10 amped sub in the back, Next I did the rear qtr panels inside & the spare tire area as well added a few pieces of foam near the shock mounts & where I could. Now I totally hear the road noise in front like it is in my speakers! crazy now I want to do the fender wells/ kick panel area. Each time the outside noise was quieter & quieter. However I noticed a dramatic difference in the stereo sound quality when I did the last qtr panel. It has taken me a ton of time to do this- but I think it is a worthwhile project. I also drove the Honda civic hybrid and found road noise to be 3 times as loud even before I finished my last qtr panel. Good luck, Steve
Re: DYNAMAT! Dynamat is a rip off. It works, but it's way too expensive. Secondskin's Damplifier is a much, much better value.
Re: DYNAMAT! >>Dynamat is a rip off. It works, but it's way too expensive. Secondskin's Damplifier is a much, much better value.<<<< Yeah- but not 1/2 the cost- maybe retail. also hushmat is the same and cheaper than dynomat- many other products out there. however, they had the dynomat in stock locally & I wanted to get started I had it. For me the time to get it offset the price savings. So whatever product you use - if you do it you wont be unhappy IMO. Steve
Re: DYNAMAT! WOW - your not kidding it is expensive. I bought from Fry's for $59.95 and I was another local store they had it for $99.95 So you can get it for cheaper if you look.
Re: DYNAMAT! A good review of sound deadening products, for anyone so interested: Sound Deadener Showdown
Re: DYNAMAT! >>>How many sqft did you get for $60?<<< That is one door kit. 4 12x36" sheets. For me I used 3 so far. 1 door kit was enough for both fronts inside & out & 1 kit for the rear doors I&O. then 1 kit for spare tire area & qtr panels. I am going to do the floor next- mostly in front & the front of the back seat areas. I figure 1 more door kit should do it. Then I'm done. I guess I could have gotten the bulk kit in the first place for the best deal. I don't think I will do the headliner. Steve
Re: DYNAMAT! $60 for that much is not a bad deal. Any pictures? Yea, if you're going this far, definitely do the floor.
Re: DYNAMAT! Just got back- I cleaned out the hamilton store- SV was out of the door kit- PA had one left- I snagged it. I also bought the H/L converter, RCA, & speaker cables to run for the amp I will install later this week. I figure do it & enjoy the car from here. Heck I already enjoy it b/cause of the sticker- speakers are good but amp w b better. Steve. I will try to snap a pic of the floor when it is apart.
Re: DYNAMAT! OK dont bother doing the floor- Stock 1/4" dampening in place- some closed cell foam, layers of mat all below the carpet- I found a few locations up front but difficult to access. I also put some on the vertical section in front of the back seat-dont know if it will help- added some to fill in the voids between the stock dampening under the rear seat as well. All in all I put in 2 sheets of the 4 one in front & one by the rear seat- I am DONE w dynomat Steve
