07/12/2026
This 2017 Toyota Highlander came to us with one goal: make every drive feel like a private concert.
We started with the incredible Sony ES XAV-AX9000ES head unit, then paired it with the powerhouse Helix V Twelve DSP amplifier to give us complete control over every speaker in the vehicle.
Up front, we used Helix Compose CI5 M50 FM-S3 drivers in the dash for crystal-clear vocals and detail, along with another CI5 M50 FM-S3 in the factory center channel. With proper DSP tuning, the center channel helps lock vocals and instruments directly to the center of the dash, creating a wide, realistic soundstage for everyone in the front seats. The CI5 S200FM-S2 woofers in the lower doors handle the lower frequency extension and provide the midbass impact that brings music to life. Rear passengers weren’t forgotten either, with Helix CI3 C165.2FM-S3 MK2 speakers installed in the rear doors for a balanced listening experience throughout the cabin.
Taking full advantage of the Helix V Twelve’s 12 channels, we also dedicated two channels to the factory subwoofer to give it significantly more control and output, while another two channels power the factory rear satellite speakers. This allows those speakers to be properly tuned for ambient effects, creating a larger, more immersive soundstage throughout the cabin without compromising the front-stage imaging.
To get the most out of the system, we went all-in on SoundSkins sound treatment. The inner and outer door skins, front and rear, were thoroughly treated to reduce road noise, eliminate unwanted vibrations, and create the best possible environment for the speakers to perform.
As with all of our installs, everything was done without cutting into the factory wiring. We designed and 3D printed our own custom speaker adapters and built custom plug-and-play harnesses for both the speakers and the Helix amplifier, preserving the vehicle’s wiring integrity while making future service simple.
For the music enthusiast, we also installed the Helix High Resolution USB Audio Card along with a flush-mounted USB-C port in the dash, giving the owner an easy way to enjoy true high-resolution audio directly from their device. A Helix Conductor controller was added as well, providing convenient volume control when using the high-resolution source.
It’s the little details that separate a good system from a great one, and that’s what we’re all about.
If you’re looking for an upgrade that’s engineered to fit like factory while delivering sound that’s anything but factory, we’d love to help.
Dynamic Audio
Lodi CA 95240
209-333-9354
