Subwoofer

InsightFulMan · 05-02-2009, 03:00 PM

Hi.

I'm new to this forum. I just purchased a 2010 Insight EX NAV Black- so far I'm loving it. I added the factory fog light, body side molding, All Season Package, Rear Bumper Applique, Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel and cargo trey cover. I also just did tint on the car so I think I have it to where I want it- except for the sound: I found the speaker really poor. I think I can live with it if I could just add a sub-woofer (powered). Has anyone added a powered sub-woofer that integrates seamlessly with the factory head unit?

I was looking at the sub-woofer like what my wife's 2007 Honda Odyssey EX-L has. Any after-market recommendation would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

revmort · 05-02-2009, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InsightFulMan

Hi.

I'm new to this forum. I just purchased a 2010 Insight EX NAV Black- so far I'm loving it. I added the factory fog light, body side molding, All Season Package, Rear Bumper Applique, Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel and cargo trey cover. I also just did tint on the car so I think I have it to where I want it- except for the sound: I found the speaker really poor. I think I can live with it if I could just add a sub-woofer (powered). Has anyone added a powered sub-woofer that integrates seamlessly with the factory head unit?

I was looking at the sub-woofer like what my wife's 2007 Honda Odyssey EX-L has. Any after-market recommendation would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Ditto for me...just bought my Insight Monday...and the sound is really very poor. A powered subwoofer would do it for me!

In searching subs for the Prius, there are several possibilities...one brand that came up is Bazooka. But I'd like to find someone who has actually installed a sub in a 2010 Insight.

Max_Leaves · 05-03-2009, 07:54 AM

Well it is not like having a sub, but it does help to turn the bass response up in the Insight. If you haven't done so already. It helps!

epictempo · 05-03-2009, 09:07 AM

I also increase the base to +3 and it really helps. I also avoid listening to reg. fm radio as it sounds ultra tinny. The sound straight from cd or ipod is much better. It is the a shame that the Fit I came from had 200Watts of power. The civic (sans SI), insight, accord (base) all have only 160Watts and are all pricier than the Fit.

Max_Leaves · 05-03-2009, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epictempo

I also increase the base to +3 and it really helps. I also avoid listening to reg. fm radio as it sounds ultra tinny. The sound straight from cd or ipod is much better. It is the a shame that the Fit I came from had 200Watts of power. The civic (sans SI), insight, accord (base) all have only 160Watts and are all pricier than the Fit.

That helps explain the difference I heard between the Fit I traded in and the 2010 Insight. Seems like even having better speakers would help though.

wyy183 · 05-03-2009, 03:16 PM

One other thing that is "missing" on the Insight, from the Fit - preset EQ settings!! I kept hitting the Sound button looking for the EQ settings - none to be found....

jonniedee · 05-03-2009, 03:59 PM

Is there enough room under the front seats for one of those slim "underseat" install models?

jraynor196 · 05-04-2009, 12:08 PM

I am considering the same thing.

The radio sounds pretty good, much better when listening to Ipod, right around 23-30 volume and it is pretty loud, but not that much bass.

You can hook into the factor unit if it has pre-outs, otherwise you have to use the existing wiring which is also possible although you need an extra kit to do that. You also lose so sound quality if no pre-outs are present.

The best place I can think for it is under the carpet in the rear where the space tire sits.

There is a peice of styrofoam back there which if measured, you could probably build a sub box to take up some or all of the space by taking the measurement of the insert and duplicating that with MDF baord. This would make a nice stealth install. I've also thought about cutting the cover itslef but it has "folds" and look to be too flimsy, so that doesn't seem to be an option.

I bet you could get an 6- 8" incher to fit back under the floor around the space tire.

I'm investigating JL Audio subs now and seeing if I can get a small box under the floor with the available space. It might have "wierd: dimensions to fit around the space tire.

Of course, if you don't mind losing cargo space, you could easier fit a pair of 10" or better ones back there.

Denicio · 05-07-2009, 02:33 PM

I had a 2008 civic that i traded for my insight. The civics system was so cruddy sounding, it should be banned in USA! I spent about 2500.oo on a new system with a sub, sounded great, but did not make my like the civic any more... the more i drove that car... the more i hated it.

Fast Forward, i traded my Civic with all my upgrades. At one point i took it to my Car Stereo Guru asking him about Hybrid upgrades. He said be VERY careful on what you upgrade. He claimed that putting too much stuff on there can mess up the electrical system. Now, with that said. I plan on gutting the stock speakers and getting some real speakers. If anyone has seen what honda puts in all these cars, you'd be amazed. Its basically paper speakers. Cruddy notebook paper type cones. Frakking sinful! I was entertaining the idea of adding a smaller amp to those speakers too, as the Navi Head unit is barely powerful enough. I'd think long and hard about adding a powerful sub, and ask MANY installers if they've had any issues with it.
These cars are quite complicated, and i hate to start electrical problems in this car. Oh the horror!

SO, be careful and ask many installers for their input.

Good Luck!
Dennis

jonniedee · 05-07-2009, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denicio

Cruddy notebook paper type cones.

My Fit's speakers were all plastic , from cone to frame and very small drivers / magnets.