So most of you know I upgraded the audio in the Intrepid today. It's a 7-speaker + amplifier Infinity system from a 2004 300M, almost brand new. The car only had 23k on it before it was totalled. I scored the system for $50.
This is the head unit, a JVC KD-G320 with iPod Adapter
(http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/7274/dsc02046largeib7.jpg)
The iPod's been rewired from the glovebox to the centre console
(http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/6899/dsc02047largezf2.jpg)
First up are the two front door speakers. Nothing special, just normal ones.
(http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/1994/dsc02044largect9.jpg)
There is also new tweeters on the insides of the door mirrors, but they won't be connected until we get the wiring through the door panels on Friday evening.
(http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/7128/dsc02048largerg2.jpg)
(http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/7972/dsc02049largeqm2.jpg)
Here is the 360W Amplifier that isn't in the car yet either, it'll be connected Friday.
(http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/1459/dsc02052largead0.jpg)
And my old front door speakers. Anyone want them? They're shit, you can have them for free
(http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/7897/dsc02053largehz1.jpg)
Looks cool, Trep. :ohyeah:
(http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/1459/dsc02052largead0.jpg)
What does that thing do?
Audi modz, yo? Don't tease me! :cry:
Quote from: TheIntrepid on November 12, 2007, 04:36:01 PM
It's an amplifier.
I'm aware of that, but what does it do? I know absolutely nothing about car audio, so bear with me.
Quote from: CALL_911 on November 12, 2007, 04:37:30 PM
I'm aware of that, but what does it do? I know absolutely nothing about car audio, so bear with me.
I'm not too sure myself, but I think it amplifies the sound to produce a more pronounced, higher quality, deeper, and more powerful sound.
Quote from: CALL_911 on November 12, 2007, 04:37:30 PM
I'm aware of that, but what does it do? I know absolutely nothing about car audio, so bear with me.
The headunit itself can't power the speakers so the signal is sent to the amplifier that has its own powersource and that amplifies the signal and can power the speakers.
Quote from: Raghavan on November 12, 2007, 04:54:46 PM
The headunit itself can't power the speakers so the signal is sent to the amplifier that has its own powersource and that amplifies the signal and can power the speakers.
Ok, claro. Gracias. :ohyeah:
WTF is up with the airbag warning tag? Don't those usually get ripped off when you buy the car? :lol: :hammerhead:
Quote from: R-inge on November 12, 2007, 05:04:35 PM
WTF is up with the airbag warning tag? Don't those usually get ripped off when you buy the car? :lol:
It makes me feel like it's still new. :mask: :tounge:
Whatever floats the raft, eh?
What are you using the amp for?
Quote from: Champ on November 12, 2007, 05:07:02 PM
What are you using the amp for?
Music.
:devil:
No seriously, I don't understand the question :huh:
Quote from: Champ on November 12, 2007, 05:07:02 PM
What are you using the amp for?
To drive the speakers.
Seriously, what's the confusion?
What size are the speakers?
Quote from: CJ on November 12, 2007, 05:12:06 PM
What size are the speakers?
The hell should I know. 8" maybe?
Quote from: TheIntrepid on November 12, 2007, 05:16:58 PM
The hell should I know. 8" maybe?
The question here is; what speakers are going to be connected to the amp? You've only talked about your fronts so far, are you going full range in the rear or is the amp to drive a pair of subs- and if so, what?
Quote from: Soup DeVille on November 12, 2007, 05:19:01 PM
The question here is; what speakers are going to be connected to the amp? You've only talked about your fronts so far, are you going full range in the rear or is the amp to drive a pair of subs- and if so, what?
All of them. The upper door tweeters are wired THROUGH the lower door speakers, so those 2, plus the two rear shelf speakers, PLUS the stock sub.
7 in total.
There should be a passive crossover between the tweeters and the speakers in the lower door.
I had my car audio fun 5+ years ago, I rarely ever listen to anything very loud anymore and am content with the factory system in the RSX.
Fun stuff is still in the Accord though. I was never one for the neighborhood shaking crap, but its distortion free and well balanced up to volumes that are bordering on painful.
Quote from: VTEC_Inside on November 12, 2007, 05:35:28 PM
There should be a passive crossover between the tweeters and the speakers in the lower door.
I had my car audio fun 5+ years ago, I rarely ever listen to anything very loud anymore and am content with the factory system in the RSX.
Fun stuff is still in the Accord though. I was never one for the neighborhood shaking crap, but its distortion free and well balanced up to volumes that are bordering on painful.
That's just it. I don't listen to things very loud. Maybe sometimes in the summer when I'm on the highway at 120+ and the sunroof is open... but that's about it. The stock system in the Trep is absolute CRAP.
Are there crossovers between the tweeter and the other speaker in what you just installed though?
If not those tweeters probably won't last too long.
Oh and take that damn lens hood off when using the flash already...
Quote from: VTEC_Inside on November 12, 2007, 06:03:14 PM
Oh and take that damn lens hood off when using the flash already...
I always do, I just didn't feel like taking the extra 1 minute for these pictures that don't matter. :evildude:
Quote from: VTEC_Inside on November 12, 2007, 06:02:11 PM
Are there crossovers between the tweeter and the other speaker in what you just installed though?
If not those tweeters probably won't last too long.
I don't know. My guy put this stuff in for me.
fun!
Quote from: TheIntrepid on November 12, 2007, 06:04:14 PM
I don't know. My guy put this stuff in for me.
Your "guy"? Is this turning into a coming out thread?
Quote from: VTEC_Inside on November 12, 2007, 06:20:18 PM
Your "guy"? Is this turning into a coming out thread?
:lol:
My buddy Ciprian... he is very convinced that I'll fuck up because it has to do with wiring. He's probably right.
Quote from: VTEC_Inside on November 12, 2007, 06:20:18 PM
Your "guy"? Is this turning into a coming out thread?
Also, I'm not the one who told the Spin that you had a room with me in Niagara ;)
You know, while you were in the car with the camera turned on you could've taken pics of your Autostick. :evildude:
Quote from: TheIntrepid on November 12, 2007, 06:21:10 PM
Also, I'm not the one who told the Spin that you had a room with me in Niagara ;)
As I recall it was you that chose to interpret it that way. :P
If they're 6.5" and they don't have stupid paper cone elements, I'll trade you straight up for a TOYOTA hat when I get back home.
If they're 6.25", I'll give you $20.
Is there anyway I can get an aftermarket aux jack in my car without having to get an aftermarket headunit?
Quote from: CJ on November 12, 2007, 07:21:35 PM
If they're 6.25", I'll give you $20.
seriously? How do I measure? Diameter?
Yeah.
Timely posts. I'm thinking about buying a marine mp3 amp for the VW. It's made to mount on a boat to power your mp3 player without a head unit. An outlet mounts to the dash so you can plug the mp3 player directly to the amp. It only powers four speaker, but that is about all I need in the VW for now. If it works, and sounds OK (not looking for excellent) I'll mount one in the other VW when it is finished and my player goes from house to either car.
Volume.
I installedz new speakerz, but I ztill didn't rearize that the size of them is meazured in diameters. WTFLOLZBBQ?!
Quote from: giant_mtb on November 12, 2007, 08:16:19 PM
I installedz new speakerz, but I ztill didn't rearize that the size of them is meazured in diameters. WTFLOLZBBQ?!
My buddy did it for me.
Quote from: TheIntrepid on November 12, 2007, 08:17:22 PM
My buddy did it for me.
Does your buddy do all of your "mods" for you?
Quote from: giant_mtb on November 12, 2007, 08:25:47 PM
Does your buddy do all of your "mods" for you?
Nope. Only the ones involving wiring. Even most of those, like the OTIS/EVIC, he sorta teaches me. Today we didn't have ANY time so he just quickly popped off the covers and swapped them for me. The whole ordeal was like 15 minutes.
Quote from: TheIntrepid on November 12, 2007, 08:26:58 PM
Nope. Only the ones involving wiring. Even most of those, like the OTIS/EVIC, he sorta teaches me. Today we didn't have ANY time so he just quickly popped off the covers and swapped them for me. The whole ordeal was like 15 minutes.
So that means that he does all of them, minus the cupholders which requires the skill of using a screwdriver.
Quote from: CALL_911 on November 12, 2007, 08:29:47 PM
So that means that he does all of them, minus the cupholders which requires the skill of using a screwdriver.
Not true. I changed the mirror, put in the trunklid liner, I put the tweeters on, the shifter, signal bulbs, license plate bracket, et al
Quote from: TheIntrepid on November 12, 2007, 08:31:25 PM
Not true. I changed the mirror, put in the trunklid liner, I put the tweeters on, the shifter, signal bulbs, license plate bracket, et al
Holy shit, fuck college, you should be a mechanic.
Quote from: CALL_911 on November 12, 2007, 08:35:51 PM
Holy shit, fuck college, you should be a mechanic.
:lol:
Quote from: CALL_911 on November 12, 2007, 08:35:51 PM
Holy shit, fuck college, you should be a mechanic.
That's what I said, until I realized I could go to college and study mechanics!
"License Plate Bracket"
You're kidding right? That requires a screwdriver. A monkey could do that.
Quote from: NACar on November 12, 2007, 08:37:55 PM
That's what I said, until I realized I could go to college and study mechanics!
So you are following through on being a mech engineer. Awesome.
Quote from: CALL_911 on November 12, 2007, 08:38:54 PM
So you are following through on being a mech engineer. Awesome.
No. I'm going to F41L calculus. I shall study the technology specific to automobiles.
Quote from: Minpin on November 12, 2007, 08:38:11 PM
"License Plate Bracket"
You're kidding right? That requires a screwdriver. A monkey could do that.
Ditto most of the other things he's done. I bet he can't even change his oil.
Quote from: CALL_911 on November 12, 2007, 08:40:54 PM
Ditto most of the other things he's done. I bet he can't even change his oil.
I can't.
Quote from: CALL_911 on November 12, 2007, 08:43:04 PM
That's REALLY pitiful.
It's not out of inability so much as out of paranoia to fuck something up.
Quote from: TheIntrepid on November 12, 2007, 08:43:26 PM
It's not out of inability so much as out of paranoia to fuck something up.
...
Quote from: TheIntrepid on November 12, 2007, 08:43:26 PM
It's not out of inability so much as out of paranoia to fuck something up.
Not a hell of a lot to fuck up.
Only really 2 critical things:
- make sure the old gasket comes off with the old filter
- take your time with the drain plug so that you don't cross thread it or over tighten it.
Quote from: TheIntrepid on November 12, 2007, 08:43:26 PM
It's not out of inability so much as out of paranoia to fuck something up.
You loosen one bolt, let the oil drain out, then retighten the bolt (but not too tightly) then take out the oil filter, take the new filter and rub some old oil along the outside for a good seal, then tighten it up, fill the car with oil, turn on the car, then turn off the car, wipe down the dipstick and recheck and then you're good to go.
Not a lot to mess up.
Installing speakers consists of removing 3 or 4 screws from the interior door panel to remove it, removing 4 or so screws to take off the speaker, disconnecting the not-fuck-up-able wiring connector, and doing the reverse with the new speaker. Honestly, my mother could do it if I told her what to do.
Quote from: giant_mtb on November 12, 2007, 09:06:25 PM
Installing speakers consists of removing 3 or 4 screws from the interior door panel to remove it, removing 4 or so screws to take off the speaker, disconnecting the not-fuck-up-able wiring connector, and doing the reverse with the new speaker. Honestly, my mother could do it if I told her what to do.
There I will disagree. Some door panels can be an absolute pain in the ass to remove. Then if you are installing aftermarket speakers, some modification may be required.
Not to mention it is critical to get a good tune on your amp. That you can't really do yourself.
Give trep a break on this stuff guys.
Nail his ass to the wall on everything else if you must, but hey at least he's trying to learn how to do these things which are pretty foreign to him and enjoying himself while he's at it.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on November 12, 2007, 09:21:13 PM
Give trep a break on this stuff guys.
Nail his ass to the wall on everything else if you must, but hey at least he's trying to learn how to do these things which are pretty foreign to him and enjoying himself while he's at it.
Coming from you, I say that's fair.
That is, you will nail our collective asses to the wall on anything mechanic.
Quote from: CALL_911 on November 12, 2007, 09:23:16 PM
Coming from you, I say that's fair.
That is, you will nail our collective asses to the wall on anything mechanic.
Except for Onslaught and Roy and possibly Payman.
Quote from: Raghavan on November 12, 2007, 09:24:21 PM
Except for Onslaught and Roy and possibly Payman.
And Trep and ChrisV.
Quote from: CALL_911 on November 12, 2007, 09:24:49 PM
And Trep and ChrisV.
Trep?? :confused:
Oh yeah, and me. I am t3h pwnzor. :lol:
Quote from: Raghavan on November 12, 2007, 09:25:29 PM
Trep?? :confused:
Oh yeah, and me. I am t3h pwnzor. :lol:
No. Not you.
Quote from: CALL_911 on November 12, 2007, 09:23:16 PM
Coming from you, I say that's fair.
That is, you will nail our collective asses to the wall on anything mechanic.
That sounds vaguely disturbing and homoerotic.
(and people have already noted several that likely have more mechanical experience than I, and I can think of several more right now)
I don't know what you guise are talking about, but here is a picture of an Audi V8:
(http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/2188/AudiUS-V8.jpg)
Quote from: Soup DeVille on November 12, 2007, 09:27:17 PM
That sounds vaguely disturbing and homoerotic.
(and people have already noted several that likely have more mechanical experience than I, and I can think of several more right now)
That's because you wanted it to sound vaguely disturbing and homoerotic. Perv. :rolleyes:
:lol:
Quote from: CALL_911 on November 12, 2007, 09:29:11 PM
That's because you wanted it to sound vaguely disturbing and homoerotic. Perv. :rolleyes:
:lol:
Don't start getting all freudian on me now.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on November 12, 2007, 09:30:51 PM
Don't start getting all freudian on me now.
Shut up, you stupid id. :rolleyes:
Quote from: Raghavan on November 12, 2007, 09:24:21 PM
Except for Onslaught and Roy and possibly Payman.
What about Jay Doubleyou See?
Quote from: VTEC_Inside on November 12, 2007, 09:17:52 PM
There I will disagree. Some door panels can be an absolute pain in the ass to remove. Then if you are installing aftermarket speakers, some modification may be required.
lol
Quote from: Champ on November 13, 2007, 10:07:14 AM
What's funny about that?
Because I never thought that a pain in the ass door panel would be reason enough to have someone else do it for you. Cutting wires, I can understand, but since I doubt that was necessary in this application, it makes it funny.
Quote from: giant_mtb on November 13, 2007, 01:51:32 PM
Because I never thought that a pain in the ass door panel would be reason enough to have someone else do it for you. Cutting wires, I can understand, but since I doubt that was necessary in this application, it makes it funny.
There are some door panels that are SERIOUS PITA. I would wager splicing wires is an easier "general skill" that anyone should have, than removing some door panels.
Quote from: Champ on November 13, 2007, 04:22:04 PM
There are some door panels that are SERIOUS PITA. I would wager splicing wires is an easier "general skill" that anyone should have, than removing some door panels.
...and what does that have to do with this particular case?
Quote from: giant_mtb on November 13, 2007, 06:07:46 PM
...and what does that have to do with this particular case?
You said you can understand getting someones help to splice wires, but could not understand getting help taking the door panel off.
Quote from: Champ on November 13, 2007, 06:14:50 PM
You said you can understand getting someones help to splice wires, but could not understand getting help taking the door panel off.
You lie. I said that I couldn't understand having someone else do it for you.
Hey now, stop the thread!
Getting door panels off is EASY.
The tricky part is taking them off without breaking/warping them or those obnoxious little plastic pieces- then getting them back on without them rattling or squeaking too much as you roll through the 'burbs..
[resume thread]
Quote from: Raghavan on November 12, 2007, 04:54:46 PM
The headunit itself can't power the speakers so the signal is sent to the amplifier that has its own powersource and that amplifies the signal and can power the speakers.
Wait, so I've got an invisible amplifier between my HU and my speakers?! 0_o
Quote from: NACar on November 12, 2007, 08:16:09 PM
Volume.
speakersize=((area^2)/(4*diameter*volume*e^2.7439))^1.6
And
that's how you find how big your speakers are, end of discussion.
Quote from: TheIntrepid on November 12, 2007, 06:00:13 PM
That's just it. I don't listen to things very loud. Maybe sometimes in the summer when I'm on the highway at 120+ and the sunroof is open... but that's about it. The stock system in the Trep is absolute CRAP.
I almost LOL-ed at that 120 number. Then I remembered where you live. Use units, Canuck! :lol:
Quote from: Psilos on November 14, 2007, 01:16:21 AM
Wait, so I've got an invisible amplifier between my HU and my speakers?! 0_o
Most aftermarket units actually have decent amps builtin.
Many OEM stereos don't- you'll find an amp somewheres.
My SHO had 2 amps behind the rearseat (but hidden from the trunk by a panel)- and 2 subs under the reardeck speakers..
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on November 14, 2007, 09:42:04 AM
Most aftermarket units actually have decent amps builtin.
Many OEM stereos don't- you'll find an amp somewheres.
My SHO had 2 amps behind the rearseat (but hidden from the trunk by a panel)- and 2 subs under the reardeck speakers..
Mine's above the glovebox behind the dash panels...hidden from view.
Under the passenger seat in the RSX-S.
Mine's above the ceiling covered in three layers of duct tape underneath the rear shelf system next to the spare tire of the right-rear wheelwell.
Quote from: CALL_911 on November 12, 2007, 08:40:54 PM
Ditto most of the other things he's done. I bet he can't even change his oil.
Intrepids don't need oil. They use a little hamster with one of those wheel thingies, they need seeds to keep the hamsters alive.
How come over the many times I've done things with car audio bits, I've never heard of this?
Heard of what?
Speakers are connected as of 12:43am :rockon:
They sound freaking SWEET.
According to Ciprian the amp puts out 360W.
Quote from: VTEC_Inside on November 14, 2007, 08:41:19 PM
Heard of what?
This amp between the stock HU and the speakers that everyone seems to have.
Quote from: Psilos on November 14, 2007, 11:17:08 PM
This amp between the stock HU and the speakers that everyone seems to have.
Maybe your head unit had a built in one. :huh:
Quote from: Psilos on November 14, 2007, 11:17:08 PM
This amp between the stock HU and the speakers that everyone seems to have.
Its not a very widespread thing. You'll generally only see it on cars equipped with fancy radios from the factory.
To my knowledge all factory installed Bose radios use a seperate amp somewhere in the vehicle.
Ah, fancy radios.
None of my cars have had that.
Trep, the Subie and the Trep use the same size speakers. If they don't sound like complete rubbish, I'll trade you for a Toyota hat.
Quote from: the Teuton on November 15, 2007, 08:13:12 PM
Trep, the Subie and the Trep use the same size speakers. If they don't sound like complete rubbish, I'll trade you for a Toyota hat.
YOu have a reply on AIM. :tounge:
Quote from: Psilos on November 15, 2007, 06:59:01 PM
Ah, fancy radios.
None of my cars have had that.
Sometimes you're not missing out. Many aftermarket decks (no added amp) with a decent pair of 6x9s in the back sound just as good.
Our 99 Grand Caravan has the "upgraded" Infinity system w/ cd and tape- not sure where they would hide an amp, the HU is hugish. It has speakers in the front doors and back seat (under the windows) then also has smaller speakers on the dash and (2 tweeters?) in the "D" pillars. Sounds like a decent aftermarket would but I'm sure the option was expensive.
The SHO though-
Sigh. That thing sounded Good w/ JBL stereo, 4 speakers + 2 subs + 2amps.
I just "modded" my Miata last summer by reconnecting the tiny headrest speakers. Now my phat rig cranks out sick amounts of treble! :rockon:
Quote from: TheIntrepid on November 12, 2007, 04:28:22 PM
So most of you know I upgraded the audio in the Intrepid today. It's a 7-speaker + amplifier Infinity system from a 2004 300M, almost brand new. The car only had 23k on it before it was totalled. I scored the system for $50.
WRONG!
????
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on November 16, 2007, 05:53:04 AM
Sometimes you're not missing out. Many aftermarket decks (no added amp) with a decent pair of 6x9s in the back sound just as good.
Our 99 Grand Caravan has the "upgraded" Infinity system w/ cd and tape- not sure where they would hide an amp, the HU is hugish. It has speakers in the front doors and back seat (under the windows) then also has smaller speakers on the dash and (2 tweeters?) in the "D" pillars. Sounds like a decent aftermarket would but I'm sure the option was expensive.
The SHO though-
Sigh. That thing sounded Good w/ JBL stereo, 4 speakers + 2 subs + 2amps.
I'd pretty much prefer a shitty stock radio so I can upgrade it myself.
Quote from: heelntoe on November 16, 2007, 10:48:54 AM
WRONG!
2 front tweeters, 2 lower door speakers, 2 rear shelf speakers, 1 small rear shelf subwoofer.
2+2+2+1 = 7.
Quote from: Psilos on November 16, 2007, 03:10:58 PM
I'd pretty much prefer a shitty stock radio so I can upgrade it myself.
Fo shizzle.
Add up quality aftermarket deck, amp, and 4x speakers and it usually is still half of what you would pay for the "premium stereo" option- plus most places will install for free if you buy that much crap.
Quote from: Psilos on November 16, 2007, 03:10:58 PM
I'd pretty much prefer a shitty stock radio so I can upgrade it myself.
I dunno, if you get a decent stock radio you don't have to fiddle around with anything and its less likely someone will break into your car to steal your shit.
I don't live in a place where I have to worry about people stealing my stuff. :ohyeah:
I want this head unit for the Civic
(http://www.clarion.com/us/en/MungoBlobs/906/749/DFZ675MC.jpg)
Anybody have any experience with clarion?
No experience, but that thing looks awesome.
Quote from: TheIntrepid on November 16, 2007, 03:46:10 PM
2 front tweeters, 2 lower door speakers, 2 rear shelf speakers, 1 small rear shelf subwoofer.
2+2+2+1 = 7.
that's only six speakers, so it's a 6.1 system.
Quote from: heelntoe on November 17, 2007, 08:57:33 AM
that's only six speakers, so it's a 6.1 system.
A subwoofer is still a speaker, so he does have 7 speakers.
The .1 description came about because thats how they described the bass channel on theatre surround systems. Calling his car system a 6.1 is inaccurate because the sub in his car is not receiving any different signal than the rest of them, its just crossed over (like the tweeters should be) to only deal with the bass frequencies.
So really he only has a 4.0 system. The tweeters up front receive the same signal (albeit filtered I hope) as the bigger speaker lower in the same door.
there goes my attempt at trying to sound smart. :lol:
Quote from: heelntoe on November 17, 2007, 10:07:09 AM
there goes my attempt at trying to sound smart. :lol:
Sucka.
Quote from: VTEC_Inside on November 17, 2007, 09:08:18 AM
A subwoofer is still a speaker, so he does have 7 speakers.
The .1 description came about because thats how they described the bass channel on theatre surround systems. Calling his car system a 6.1 is inaccurate because the sub in his car is not receiving any different signal than the rest of them, its just crossed over (like the tweeters should be) to only deal with the bass frequencies.
So really he only has a 4.0 system. The tweeters up front receive the same signal (albeit filtered I hope) as the bigger speaker lower in the same door.
Some head units have a separate sub output (mine), so they could be described as a .1 system.
As far as calling it a 4.0 system, that might be a stretch. Even though it outputs separate front and rear signals, it's really just a crossover located in the HU, not separate audio channels. Any form of media that is input into the HU is going to be a stereo format, so I'd have to call it a 2.0 system.
It's kind of like when my dad set up a surround system in our living room, but didn't realize that digital audio was necessary. For years we had stereo audio outputing into a 5.0 system, until I installed our new TV this past summer.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on November 16, 2007, 07:18:14 PM
I want this head unit for the Civic
(http://www.clarion.com/us/en/MungoBlobs/906/749/DFZ675MC.jpg)
Anybody have any experience with clarion?
Clarion's a pretty respected brand. I don't know anything about them specifically (my aftermarket stereos have been Aiwa (loved it, but they don't make many, if any, anymore), Sony (crap, and expensive), and Panasonic (acceptable in every way, excellent in none), so I can't give any solid advice.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on November 17, 2007, 02:46:54 PM
Some head units have a separate sub output (mine), so they could be described as a .1 system.
As far as calling it a 4.0 system, that might be a stretch. Even though it outputs separate front and rear signals, it's really just a crossover located in the HU, not separate audio channels. Any form of media that is input into the HU is going to be a stereo format, so I'd have to call it a 2.0 system.
It's kind of like when my dad set up a surround system in our living room, but didn't realize that digital audio was necessary. For years we had stereo audio outputing into a 5.0 system, until I installed our new TV this past summer.
The separate sub output is just the low frequencies from both of the other 2 channels. The .1 is reserved for a dedicated bass only channel.
You are right that I f'd up a little up there, it is just a 2.0 system if anything in most cars, blame heelntoe for that one :P
FWIW, the headunit in my Accord also has 3 sets of preouts and a built in crossover for the front/rear, and sub channels. I cheated by splitting the front outputs into two at the amp, didn't want to run another set of RCAs. 5 channel amp running everything.
Quote from: thewizard16 on November 17, 2007, 02:54:53 PM
Clarion's a pretty respected brand. I don't know anything about them specifically (my aftermarket stereos have been Aiwa (loved it, but they don't make many, if any, anymore), Sony (crap, and expensive), and Panasonic (acceptable in every way, excellent in none), so I can't give any solid advice.
For the sake of experience, a buddy of mine bought a Clarion CD deck a while after I got my Pioneer. He has had a bit of trouble with the CD player in it. I've never had a problem with my Pioneer.
I've had a couple of Clarion units. They sound good (though I haven't compared them to other brands' HUs at the price point mine have been at), and mine have been reliable.
FWIW Aiwa is Sony..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aiwa
And I've always liked the layout and sound of Pioneer decks- and the guts of the middle-range units are found in the cheapest of the cheap too, so you don't suffer sound quality (just features and display bling) if you're a cheapskate like I am... :-)
I'm planning on doing an SQ build next year. CDT Audio M6s all around, with their tweeters + x-ovre in front, and a Profile amp. I'm debating getting a sub...
Quote from: sportyaccordy on November 20, 2007, 06:56:41 AM
I'm planning on doing an SQ build next year. CDT Audio M6s all around, with their tweeters + x-ovre in front, and a Profile amp. I'm debating getting a sub...
What is there to debate? :-)
Unless you're short on space and/or money I see no reason not to. It will only enhance whatever music you listen to, guaranteed...
Quote from: VTEC_Inside on November 17, 2007, 03:50:20 PM
The separate sub output is just the low frequencies from both of the other 2 channels. The .1 is reserved for a dedicated bass only channel.
I agree with what you're saying, but I've seen computer speaker systems advertised as a 2.1 even though it works the same as car's system does.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on November 21, 2007, 09:22:58 AM
What is there to debate? :-)
Unless you're short on space and/or money I see no reason not to. It will only enhance whatever music you listen to, guaranteed...
My last system was adequate with just the 6x9s in the back handling bass duties...
With a sub you have to worry about time delay, phasing, etc. I mean I will get distribution blocks to add future amps just cause, but the bulk of the music I listen to doesn't require earth shaking bass... and the CDT Audio M6s are more than up to the task of handling the lows...
If I do get a sub... it's gonna be strictly SQ, probably a Dayton 12" in a sealed box. But I would have to change my HU, as this one doesn't have time delay settings. See the downward spiral car audio creates???
I didn't worry about the time delay- I'm not an afficionado, either.
I like bass though, and honestly to me any stereo sounds better with a sub..
But I know what you mean about spiralling-
I bought a $50 mp3 player last week (Sansa e250 from tigerdirect) and already I'm pricing cases, armbands, extra memory, etc... :nono: