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Here is my setup:

HU = Panasonic C8200U
RMS = 25
Peak = 50
Equalizer = Flat
Bass = 0
Treble = 0
Max volume = 40

Front Speakers = Polk db650
Frequency response = 40 - 22000 Hz
RMS = 6-60 watts
Peak = 180 watts
sensitivity = 92db

Rear Speakers = Kicker K69
Frequency response 30 - 21000 Hz
RMS = 6-90 watts
Peak = 180 watts
sensitivity = 90db

I have this in a 2001 civic ex. My problem is that I am getting major distortion if I turn the volume above 18 "that is not even half its max". I don't understand why when the EQ is set to flat and bass and treble are set to 0. The only thing I can come up with is that the factory speaker wire cannot handle the additional power from the HU; but this seems unlikely to me. Any Ideas?

 
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It sounds like the head unit is clipping. Ideally, you'll need to get an amplifier to give the speakers the real power they want.

 
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Any way to stop the clipping besides an amp?

 
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Not really that I know of, turn it down? If you HU has a High Pass Crossover [HPF] try turn that on, set it at 50hz and see if it helps at all.

 
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make sure that the "SHDB" (super high definition bass) is not on "boom" or "tight" but off. as well as HPF set to like 80 hz

 
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Thanks I will try those things.

 
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How do I know if my head unit has a Floating or Common ground? I have it wired as a common ground I think that might be causing the problem.

 
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The HU is the issue.

Most HU's are rated to put out 50 watts, but at stupid numbers like 5% distortion. Pretty much unlistenable as far as I'm concerned. Add to that the HU power is usually not even full bandwidth. Usually 50-20,000 Hz rather than a full 20-20,000 Hz.

Its all a numbers game. If your HU wanted to say it was 60 watts @ 10% distortion it would be true too. It could also say it was 15 watts at 0.5% distortion (this is actually listenable). The problem is that most people see the high wattage numbers and get that HU based on that number alone. So all the manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon and rating the HUs that way.

What you need is an aftermarket amp that is about 50 watts, but at 0.05% distortion and has a freq range of 20-20,000 Hz. This will make a night and day difference. HU and amp power really aren't comparable.

 
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First of all I would never buy a panasonic head unit... they are all looks and no sq
(kinda like our cars)hehe.

 
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I fixed my problem. Also I have gone to many message boards and for the most part "not always" the only people who don't like panasonic are thoughs who do not have panasonic. It's all about personal preference you like what you like.

 
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How did you fix the problem ?????

 
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My preveous HU was wired for common ground my new one is Floating and I forgot to redo the wireing.