Joined
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32 Posts
Hello all, this is my first post.
One of the reasons, besides availability, that I chose this model and trim is the supposedly good audio system. I don't have the extra $$$ to invest thousands in a complete system so I wanted the best I could get, stock.
After a great deal of reading, I've seen most say that the audio sucks, which was much to my surprise. I "used" to install complete systems, but that was in another era, before dsp, integrated safety featurs, navi, etc... So, I have some basic questions to get started. BTW, audio, although my ears are not golden anymore, is very important to me, yet so is dollars spent in achieving it!
I have seen several articles on this forum regarding the aforementioned stock system, and how to upgrade it. From as simple as a $300 Crutchfield upgrade, to horror stories to just adding a separate amp/sub, which I have done in my last several cars.
So, I'm looking for great advice here.
Here are a few questions to get me started, as this will be diy. I watched one video where the man mostly completely disassembled the front interior to get to the amp, and was using equipment that I neither have nor can afford to simply test stock amp outputs! That is on my undoable list.
Then, a great article on Focal components, all equipment bought totaling $300! Much more to my liking.
I am NOT interested in ANC, and I understand this vehicle has that, and it causes issues.
I've read how to turn of SP (or PS), which I assume is eq and signal processing, and many say that "helped".
What I was originally gonna do, providing the system was "ok" to start with, was simply tap into the existing sub connections, use my trusty loc and amp and already to go sub that I took out of the last car. From what I've read, it seems this is not as easy in this car as you would expect.
So, basically, I want to upgrade the sound, that I am now sure will be substandard, even though I don't have the car yet.
I have no issue with upgrading speakers. But, I would like to stop short of removing/playing with the stock amp or head. There are so many features combined in those two units, that I believe a total re-do would be necessary, and I wish to avoid that. Just don't want bland sound, muffled sound, etc... I think you get the picture.
So, some questions:
1. Is it possible to upgrade the stock speakers without messing with the stock amp? If so, what is suggested? Can someone point me to a diagram of where the speakers in this vehicle are actually located? That would be my starting question.
2. I would probably want to go with Focal components, if that is possible. Can someone guide me?
3. What speakers, minimum, really "need" to be replaced? Just front, or front/rear etc... I really can only imagine how horrible a rear deck mounted sub sounds in the first place, and I would just like I said before, eliminate it, and use the loc/amp/sub/box I have now.
4. Lastly, for now, does anyone know of a shop in the Pittsburgh, PA area, that understands the complexities of these Honda's, and if I chose to, can do the work for me, althoug I prefer diy? That is the least important issue for now. I'd really rather get advice, from knowledgeable people, to do just what I'm looking for.
If you can, please post links to anything you might find useful to me.
Any/all advice is appreciated! I hope to get some good answers on how to get decent sound on a minimum budget asap.
Thank all of you so much!
Viper
One of the reasons, besides availability, that I chose this model and trim is the supposedly good audio system. I don't have the extra $$$ to invest thousands in a complete system so I wanted the best I could get, stock.
After a great deal of reading, I've seen most say that the audio sucks, which was much to my surprise. I "used" to install complete systems, but that was in another era, before dsp, integrated safety featurs, navi, etc... So, I have some basic questions to get started. BTW, audio, although my ears are not golden anymore, is very important to me, yet so is dollars spent in achieving it!
I have seen several articles on this forum regarding the aforementioned stock system, and how to upgrade it. From as simple as a $300 Crutchfield upgrade, to horror stories to just adding a separate amp/sub, which I have done in my last several cars.
So, I'm looking for great advice here.
Here are a few questions to get me started, as this will be diy. I watched one video where the man mostly completely disassembled the front interior to get to the amp, and was using equipment that I neither have nor can afford to simply test stock amp outputs! That is on my undoable list.
Then, a great article on Focal components, all equipment bought totaling $300! Much more to my liking.
I am NOT interested in ANC, and I understand this vehicle has that, and it causes issues.
I've read how to turn of SP (or PS), which I assume is eq and signal processing, and many say that "helped".
What I was originally gonna do, providing the system was "ok" to start with, was simply tap into the existing sub connections, use my trusty loc and amp and already to go sub that I took out of the last car. From what I've read, it seems this is not as easy in this car as you would expect.
So, basically, I want to upgrade the sound, that I am now sure will be substandard, even though I don't have the car yet.
I have no issue with upgrading speakers. But, I would like to stop short of removing/playing with the stock amp or head. There are so many features combined in those two units, that I believe a total re-do would be necessary, and I wish to avoid that. Just don't want bland sound, muffled sound, etc... I think you get the picture.
So, some questions:
1. Is it possible to upgrade the stock speakers without messing with the stock amp? If so, what is suggested? Can someone point me to a diagram of where the speakers in this vehicle are actually located? That would be my starting question.
2. I would probably want to go with Focal components, if that is possible. Can someone guide me?
3. What speakers, minimum, really "need" to be replaced? Just front, or front/rear etc... I really can only imagine how horrible a rear deck mounted sub sounds in the first place, and I would just like I said before, eliminate it, and use the loc/amp/sub/box I have now.
4. Lastly, for now, does anyone know of a shop in the Pittsburgh, PA area, that understands the complexities of these Honda's, and if I chose to, can do the work for me, althoug I prefer diy? That is the least important issue for now. I'd really rather get advice, from knowledgeable people, to do just what I'm looking for.
If you can, please post links to anything you might find useful to me.
Any/all advice is appreciated! I hope to get some good answers on how to get decent sound on a minimum budget asap.
Thank all of you so much!
Viper