Rep Power: 0

Hey everyone this is my first post on these forums. i have an 04' civic EX 2 dr coupe i have never done anything to my speakers. My car is in the shop right now due to some fool almost totalling my car rolling it over twice. but anyways, i am looking to replace my stock speakers because i personally cannot stand listening to them anymore the treble is all squeaky and it hurts my ears whenever i listen to any high pitched noises in songs. the bass is really scratchy and all around i'm tired of listening to them. im sure you guys know what the stock speakers sound like.

I was thinking that replacing the speakers would make the biggest difference in sound, but i am not sure. would getting a new deck or amp or sub be a better choice? My budget is somewhere around 1k max, but i am looking to get a high quality system for a bit under that if that is possible. I don't know much about car audio but i was thinking about having the shop put some Alpine speakers in while they are rebuiliding the car pretty much from scratch.

If any1 could give me some advice on some good speakers to get, and if it isn't too much money I would like to get a new sub as well and maybe a new amp. But again I dont really know anything about car audio, but would I need to get a new amp to power my new speakers? Any help is appreciated, and basically im looking to get a high quality and nice sounding system with a good amount of bass that can go loud without getting distorted. Thanks in advance for the help!

 
Rep Power: 813

if you get speakers, you need an amp for them, something that will give them around 1/2 to 3/4 their max rms power handling. otherwise dont even bother they will sound terrible. a deck is nice cause it makes amp connections easy with RCA plugs and overall has more features than stock, but this doesnt have to be expensive, just something that gets the job done. try that first, then if youre still not happy with the bass from the amped speakers, you can add a sub with its own amp. just be sure the HU you buy has 3 sets of preouts (2 for front/rear speaker amp and 1 for sub out). you can also get a separate set of tweeters for the front to run off deck power if you dont get components for the front.

 
Rep Power: 0

thanks for the help man. some of that made sense but some didn't.. im a total "nub" when it comes to car audio so you gotta kinda make it plaina and simple for me if you can .

But I need to figure out what I am buying within a few days so I can order it and drop it off at the shop in time.

does anyone have any links to a good place to buy speakers and which ones are good. what i really want is a complete system that sounds great and has a lot of power for not a crapload of money.

I am thinking of course, that i want to replace all of my stock speakers, so that would be 4 new speakers (not really sure how much $$ that will be). and like you said, i will need an amp for the speakers to work to their full potentional, correct? And if I have any money left over, a sub would be the next choice right? Well actually, what I really want is some good bass so i'm gunna have to put a sub up there on the priority list.

So, if i get 4 good new speakers to replace my stocks, a new sub to replace the stock one, and an amp to power all this new stuff. Im guessing I could get all that done in under 1k right?

If i still have some cash left over, what should i go for next? Thanks for the help all!

 
Rep Power: 241

partsexpress.com has some real good stuff at very good prices. they have a bunch of Blaupunkt headunits that are really good. not too many people have used them, or even heard of them for that matter, but I have had good experiences with them. if you plan on amplifying your speakers, new speaks are definately a must. your stock speakers are paper cones that are designed to take about 25 watts. I have alpine R speakers in my vic and they sound amazing. Do yourself a favor and get some sound deadening material to put around the speakers. the site i posted has some real cheap stuff thats basically knockoff dynamat. works real well and costs like $2 for a 10x10 sheet. i have about 1.5 sq ft of dynamat going around each speaker. hope that helps. lemme know if oyu have any more questions

 
Rep Power: 287

I think the biggest improvement would be a HU and new speakers, if you like bass then a small sub if on a budget.

I recommend a lower end Alpine with Eclipse mid range. I have an older Alpine that was 300 with the Eclipse mid range (3-way front 4-way rear) unamp'd and it sounds awesome. I also have 2 12s to compliment them but they sound great even with the subs turned off. HU and unamp'd speakers are really simple too.

EDIT: Here's what I have...
front:
http://carstereo.pricegrabber.com/se...terid=31533858
rear:
http://carstereo.pricegrabber.com/se...terid=31533863

 
Rep Power: 0

Alright, thanks for all the help... much appreciated. I pretty much understand now what i have to get to have a bumpin system. i dont really have to worry bout my budget either, got plenty of the green . I think i am going to buy some dynamat or something similar. im thinking that im gunna get the real dynamat just so i can be assured that it will work and keep my doors from rattling and sound proofing the car a bit.

Here's what im thinking, give me some feedback please.

1 of these - http://www.crutchfield.com/S-HonqDyW...00&I=1086010CS - (sorry my car has been in the shop forever, all i would need is to buy 1 of these and that would satisfy replacing the 2 stock speaks that are in the front of my 04' ex, right?) - And does anyone know if those tweeters will fit where the factory tweeters are now?

And the last stock speaker is the one in the back? does anyone know what size that one is? Is it a 6x9" ? And any ideas on what to buy for that spot?

I also want to get a sub, but would i need to make a box for the sub, or where would i put it? I want to get one 12" sub for deep bass and i was thinking either - http://www.crutchfield.com/S-HonqDyW...20&I=108K1227W - OR -EDIT http://www.crutchfield.com/S-iniGfhD...124&tab=review
So there are my 2 front speaks replacing all the stock, 1 rear speak i guess that is where the sub would go, right? (sorry i dont really have any idea, the shop is gunna install it for me just trying to make sure i get everything)

As far as the amp goes i need help with that, i've read that you needa know some math to make sure the amp provides enough power to all the speaks and the sub and etc. - so as far as that goes i need some recommendations please for a good amp to go w/ the rest of my system! I want to get an Alpine amp but i dont know which one to get there are about 10.. ty!

And LAST but not least.... a head unit? Could anyone recommend a good one to get, and would all of them fit where the factory one is now?

EDIT: Sorry for all the questions heh, but.... what exactly do the crossovers do that come w/ the component combo i wanna order and where would they be mounted?

 
Rep Power: 0

im getting those same componets for the front. the rear deck speakers are 6 1/2''. the sub will go in your trunk. i have a jbl 12'' sub thats great. also you don't need to build a box for it if you dont want too. id recommend getting a new HU, front speakers, and a sub then go from there. you will need an amp for the sub and if you want the speakers amped you need one too. what do you mainly listen to in your car? like cds, mp3, ipod. i have a panasonic HU which is amazing with the ipod

 
Rep Power: 0

Nice man, yea those infinity's look good. yea i know for sure that i want an amp cause im gettin a sub and i want som power, i just don't know where to start on the amps. the amp business is all really confusing to me if any1 knows what a good one would be for this setup including the sub and front speaks. I listen exclusively to my ipod 24/7 when im in the car heh.

and yea man, how is that panasonic HU you have, sounds like a good match for me since i listen to my ipod all the time. right now i have one of those thigns that you plug into the cigarette lighter and you listen to it from a radio channel that no one uses.

EDIT: BTW, it's been a long time since i've been in my car. i miss it . but is there only one 6 1/2" on the rear deck? If so, how would i buy a speaker for that slot most of the speakers i have seen come in pairs. so i would have 1 extra speaker?

-last question i promise, i've got all the basics down for how im gunna put these things to use except..... where would i put the subwoofer in the trunk? like would i mount it somewhere or what if i didn't want to make a box for it?

 
Rep Power: 813

infinity ref is great, ive had mine bumping strong for four years, same with the alpine amp and zero problems. the speakers are even a lil torn around the edge but they still sound good.

 
Rep Power: 0

Alright man, i appreciate the help a lot. But if you had to recommend a good amp to buy for this system. which would it be? I see all of the alpine amps but i don't know which one is a good fit for what i am going to be doing. If anyone could gimme a link or tell me how powerful of an amp to get i'll be all set. THANK you everyone for your help, it has helped me all the way into what to buy. thanks again.

And sorry i still haven't cleared this up yet - what kind of speaker should i put in my rear deck. i BELIEVE but am not totally sure.... the factory speak in the rear deck right now is a 6 1/2" but please correct me on this. If that is so, what should i get for that spot. Because so far all i've seen is speakers that come in pairs and there is only 1 speaker on the rear deck so would i be left with an extra? kinda confused on this. Thanks again all!

 
Rep Power: 255

The best Improvement over stock, as a Start would be your radio. Buy a good Quality Head-unit: Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, Eclipse,etc. It doesn't have to be nothing fancy $130-$260, those Radios are Better then Stock . Then buy the Four speakers all around. 6 1/2 speakers in the front doors, and 6x9's in the Rear deck. Get 2-way or 3-way speakers, check CRUTCHFIELD.com. They may be expensive, but they have a large selection.

New Aftermarket radio + New interior Speakers all around Your music will sound loud & clear. You don't Need an external amp for those speakers, At least for now. The Head-unit can power those. I'm just saying to save money, You can always later on Install External amps for your Mids & Highs. If you want to Install subs; then you need a box, subwoofers, amps, amp kit, wires,etc...more things. Focus on the Radio & 4 speakers first for Better quality Sound.

OnlineCarStereo.com
SoundDomain.com
CarDiscountStereos.com
IkeSound.com
WoofersEtc.com
Crutchfield.com

 
Rep Power: 255

I have the same car you have.

I have 6 1/2 speakers in the front doors. 2-way Pioneers

and I have 6X9 speakers in the rear deck. 3-way Pioneers

I have a Pioneer head-unit, and a Pioneer External Amp for the Mids & Highs (all four speakers inside the car). You don't really Need that External Amp, because with the radio alone it's sufficient.

go to CRUTCHFIELD.com and read, research, and look at all their products. If you still have No clue then go to your nearest "Car Audio" store like Best Buy, or Sound Advice,etc.. Ask them what you want & What do They recommend.

This was the first Mod that I did to my car. It's a Huge improvement in Sound quality

 
Rep Power: 0

no you have 2 6 1/2'' speakers in the rear. this HU is great. I just bought it and the ipod cable and its the best ive seen so far(besides a touch screen) to control your ipod from. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-04opqz9...05U&i=133C7105

 
Rep Power: 0

put the box next to the seat that folds down 40% and screw L brackets into the floor to keep it secure.

 
Rep Power: 255

All those speakers that you chose are Great

For the head-unit or anything In your Car stay away from SONY; Sony is only good for Playstation's lol!

You need Companies that are Known for Car Audio. As for head-units I don't know about Panasonic, but I dont know they make good T.V.'s My opinion on car radios would be Alpine, Pioneer, Clarion, Kenwood, Eclipse.

When it comes to Bass & Subwoofers: Kicker, Rockford Fosgate, Pioneer, Kenwood, JL Audio, Alpine, MTX, etc....

These are products that I would buy for my car

 
Rep Power: 255

6 1/2 ??

I have the same car he does, 2005 Civic coupe (2door) EX, same as the 2004. The car came Stock with 6X9's in the back deck, so I installed 6X9 Aftermarket speakers. And also that's what Crutchfield.com says too.

Before this car I had a 1999 Civic coupe EX and it was the same Set-up. 6 1/2 in the Front, & 6X9's in the Rear deck.

 
Rep Power: 0

my bad i didnt read it was a coupe so it is 6x9

 
Rep Power: 813

dont forget, coupes have 6x9 in back and sedans have 6.5 and actually the 6.5 sounds better to me for the music i listen to (trance)

 
Rep Power: 0

Sweet... much love to u all for the help. appreciate it. Think i got this all up in wraps, here it is.

Front: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Gr238Y8...00&I=1086010CS

Rear Deck: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-2A7r2Za...927I&s=0&cc=01

HU: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Gr238Y8...P390&s=0&cc=01 - thanks for all the advice on the head unit, but i was searching on crutchfield and i saw this one with 60 reviews and 5 stars - i was like wow, this must be a good unit and only $130. So i had to go for this one over the $200 panasonic one, supports Ipod's too!

Amp: i've gotten mixed feelings on buying an amp, but it will make all the speaks and the sub i want to get sound much better. So please, anyone know a good amp for me with this system i got going here? - Really got no clue on what amp to buy, i have no idea how powerful it needs to be etc. so if anyone could gimme a link to a good amp or tell me how powerful it should be or a good brand etc. would be very helpful ty! - Last piece of advice I need before i order all this.

Subs (x2!) - http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Gr238Y8...250W&s=0&cc=01 - 2 of these baby's!

Also buying this, don't really wanna make a box for the subs. Found the perfect thing on crutchfield... check it out - http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Gr238Y8...12D2&s=0&cc=01.

Damn, excited about this sytem. Gunna be thumping like mad, get some sound deadening in the car and damn... civic's gunna be bumpin'. Just need to find a good amp to get pref. under $300 if that is reasonable for a decent amp. Lemme know if i'm missin' anything, i'm gunna get this professionally installed just makin sure i got everything i need. thanks for the help all!

 
Rep Power: 813

make sure you find a good shop, i had to completely redo my install after circuit city got done with it lol. they are not great at installing sound deadening ill tell you that right now. and one of the speaker spacers was cracked with the screw falling out lol. if you cant diy, then find a good place, small custom audio place to do it and watch them if you can. thats good stuff you have there. kappas are gonna pound with an amp. just make sure you get something thats around 3/4 the max rms power handling of the speakers. you can get a 4 channel amp and run all four speakers off it, and get a separate amp for the subs.

 
Rep Power: 0

Cool man, thanks. Would http://www.crutchfield.com/S-iiLOiSy...109GTO7556#Tab work? a 6-channel amp... does it have enough power to power all 4 of those infinity speaks and 2 12" subs?? Doesn't seem like it does, but i read on a comment that he uses it to power 4 inifinity's and 2 12" MTX subs. What you guys think?

 
Rep Power: 0

I have a coupe but I put a pair of 6.5'' on the rear deck instead of 6x9 and another set of 6.5'' in my doors, then kick panels w/ 5.25'' ... I started w/ Alpine and they blew (literally) , sounded really good while they worked but they're better for clarity than bass. Now I have kicker all around and they sound excellent. I have it run off a 4/3/2 channel alpine and then 3 Alpine type R 10'' running off a 2/1 channel alpine. I've had my setup for almost 5-6 years and it sounds great.

 
Rep Power: 275

I agree with all of the above suggestions regarding speakers, amps, etc, but nobody seems to be talking about sound deadening...

If you are doing any of this yourself, you really owe it to yourself to research the sound deadening options out there. Civics have a well-deserved reputation for doing a poor job of cutting down on road noise, and i'd hate to see anyone disappointed in their new system at highway speeds.

Required reading:

http://www.sounddeadenershowdown.com/

I haven't personally used RAAMmat yet, but when / if I do my car, I will probably use it. Asphalt is for suckers - get something butyl rubber based unless you want your car stanking up the joint in the summer.

From the pro audio guys i've talked to, they say you can do a close-to-pro caliber job with heat... get a heat gun from harbor freight and a spreader tip and just get the metal nice and warm and totally moisture-free before you apply the deadener. That way you have a nice activated glue to keep the matting down without bubbles. Careful not to burn yourself, but looking in the back at the install shops, they use heat guns a bit.

If you are on a budget, do just the doors and the front floor by the firewall / pedals. You will be amazed at the difference...

 
Rep Power: 262

I have:
Infinity front components (cs1010)
Infinity rear coaxials (6012i)
Infinity 4ch Amp (7541a)
Pioneer 6900UB deck

I vow to go subless, but i think i need more.lol
Best sound for a really good price, I bought some stuff off the internet but was disappointed that one of my tweeters were blown from the start. Oh well. Really good sound, and really clean!! Tweeters are a bit harsh, but thats because i fit them into the A pillar.

The only thing that i would recommend, that i would hope to do soon is Dynamat the doors. Louder music doesn't sound as well because the door panels are rattling so much, but other than that, I couldn't be happier.

 
Rep Power: 264

I'd recommend Infinity Kappa Front Components and Rears (2-way), as for a Sub or two, either the Infinity Kappa 122.7W or JL W3v3. For Amp. MTX Thunder TC6004 (specs), and for the sub(s) JL Slash 500/1 (specs), and if you dont have a Receiver, grab the Alpine CDA-9883.

IMO this would be a great set up if you want to just crank the stereo and have a good hard hitting clear, crisp system.


My setup is: Infinity Kappa Components and Rear Deck, 12" Blue Thunder Extreme Subwoofer, MTX Pro 400X5 Amp and a RF 1 Farad Capacitor --All Dynamatted

 
Rep Power: 241

ha beat me to it!

For the guys using Pioneer HUs, how have they worked out for you? I had one and i got about a year out of it. I was using it with my stock speakers, so i think that might have been the problem. I blew a few of them, so it likely blew bc it was overdriving the speakers.

 
Rep Power: 262

I love my Pioneer HU. They are and have been a great product. Very trusted and well priced. I havent seen the motorized screen in action in the winter yet so I cannot give a good review on it yet. But so far, best HU ive had. ...my other HU was a Sony..

 
Rep Power: 0

I just bought the same head unit as you, Peteman990 ... the Pioneer DEH-P3900MP ... I moved from stock AM/FM/CD Player and addon cassette deck to this new head unit. I kept stock speakers (for now), until I can afford to purchase new fronts & rears. I think I will do the rears first, then fronts, then subs. I think I'm going to put the sub in the spare tire well.
I have an '05 Civic (Sedan), and installation was pretty easy. I've never done a stereo before so I didn't quite know what to expect, but it was really more time consuming than difficult. Only hard part was one of the screws was in too tight securing the cassette deck, and it almost fully stripped.