JackSparrow

The factory system is "powerfull" enough for me, (160 Watt) but sounds a bit muffled.
So I'd like to add some speakers that can make high frequencies so I can hear crisper sounds.

Does anyone know the frequency output range for factory Honda stereos?
Humans can hear up to 20,000 Hz, but if I had to guess (I have no measuring equipment) the Honda's stereo probably doesn't even produce frequencies at 10,000 Hz.

Basically, the system sounds like its output is 75% mid-range, 15% low-range and 10% high-range for frequencies.

Can I wire in extra speakers to the Honda radio?
If so, can I physically add some small speakers into my car? (space & wiring)

I hope I can do this without buying a whole new aftermarket stereo system.

mrdeadman

You can switch out your front speakers with a nice set of components. I would not "add" any speakers to the system though. What kind of money are you looking to spend? You want to keep your stock head unit right or no?

98civdx

just a get a good set of speakers, dont add any speakers.
focal, infinity
how much money are you talking about here?

fcm

The weak point of your OEM stereo system is the HU, replacing it will make a much bigger diff. then if you replace the speakers.

Definitely do not add speakers, if you want to go with speakers, replace the fronts with something better, keep in mind that "16 watt" is fudge wattage, it is arrived at by fudging the numbers and using max wattage, most aftermarket HUs are 4x50W, [200 watt systems].

What a system sounds like has a lot more to do with the source then it does with the speakers, changing the speakers may or may not improve SQ, replacing the source, [HU] will improve SQ. 94

JackSparrow

Is it possible to change the head unit and keep a stock-appearing dash?

JackSparrow

I'd prefer under $500 Cdn.

fcm

No, it will be an aftermarket HU so it will not look stock, you can get close if you install a double din screen, it will look close if your car came with the navigation option.
In fact, you can buy the nav. dash trim from Honda, [probably more then the Metra kit] for as close to stock as possible, although the Metra kit will be very close. 94

JackSparrow

So that would mean I need a whole new dash?

Where the radio is, the dash is one giant curve.
I don't see a place where the head unit is placed in it, rather, the unit itself seems to be integrated into the dash, and controls spread all around the giant curve.

If I'd need a new dash for my new car () to put in a good head unit, would there be any benefit in using the stock head unit and trying a speaker upgrade? (same size speaker diameter and overall size but perhaps better quality)

How much would a Metra kit or a Honda dash cost, btw?

zsudz922

no, you would not need a whole new dash.

the metra dash kit for an 08 civic LX, part #99-7871, will cost you about $40-$50.
the scosche dash kit, part #HA1561DGB, will cost about $70.
this is what the dash kit looks like- http://www.crutchfield.com/p_142HA15...h-Adapter.html

JackSparrow

Thanks.

How about head units?
Are there any that are good for what I want?
(all the audible frequencies but I don't need a louder car)

Does anyone know what makes aftermarket head units better than stock?
I'm good with soldering and can follow schematics...
Perhaps I can tweek the stock radio.

fcm

Most aftermarket HUs are better then stock, keep in mind the stock HU is already 5 year old technology the day the car rolled off the assembly line. 94

JackSparrow

I have an old-tech home stereo system that was new in 1995 and the sound quality is amazing compared to the '08 Civic's stereo, lol.

Besides having satellite radio compatibilty, what's difference with newer head units?

JackSparrow

How about the auxiliary jack?
Can speakers be plugged into it? (is it only an input jack?)

It might be cool if you can get sound out of the factory speakers and plug-in ones at the same time.

fcm

The AUX input is an input and can not be used as an output.

To start with an aftermarket HU will have more power, better frequency response and more features, depending on unit, here is an Alpine, [CDA-9887] MSRP $450... http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/prod...model=CDA-9887 got a lot of "different " things your stock HU does not.

BTW the Metra kit is a pretty good one, there are actually two of them, the one mentioned and the 99-7871T, [Taupe] the 99-7871 can be dyed to any color you what, [SEM plastic dye].94

JackSparrow

I never knew that radio channels also came in HD.
That unit sounds amazing, though the price sounds a little steep at the moment...

Are there any other cheaper head units worth considering since I want to hear more frequencies, not more dB?

(I figure it's probably cheap to go LOUD! if you don't care about sound quality )

fcm

You did say, "I'd prefer under $500 Cdn.".

You can spend less... http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/prod...&lang=en&tab=F

http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/prod...&lang=en&tab=F and still outperform the stock HU

You can find the same kind of pricing with other brands, Pioneer, Panasonic, Eclipse and Kenwood but IMO Alpine still makes the best HUs. 94

mrdeadman

I prefer Clarion to Alpine. Sorry fcm..

JackSparrow

I looked close at the fine print and it says this model's operating temperature is "60 C to -10 C" or "140 F to 14 F"...
I'm not impressed...
Our AVERAGE January morning temp is -12 C. (10 F?)
We get many mornings under -20 C (-5 F)
and sometimes under -30 C (-25 F)

Does this mean the stereo will not work when the car is -20 C, or even -15 C?

The stock stereo has always worked the same way every time,
and I've used the stock radio with the car at -19 C (-2 F) with no problems.

fcm

LOL, probably not, but then find any car CD player that will.
Like any CD HU, the radio should be turned on first for a few min. before playing a disk, [CD/MP3/DVD and so on].
Look at it this way, do you fire up your car and drive it without warming it up a little when it's mines anything outside?? 94