Hi guys.

How's the Civic 8th gen stock radio sound quality in comparison with aftermarket ones?

I use only AUX and do not need any other options, I have pretty good source of signal(HTC One with PowerAMP player EQ'ed), and like how stock radio looks so I don't want to change it unless it produces bad sound (?).

I ordered two pairs of Kicker 40CS654 and also considering to get Kenwood SW11 small under seat subwoofer. I do not want to buy an amp, and sub will be connected to the rear speakers if I still need it after installing Kickers.

So is it worth upgrading to aftermarket radio if I do not need any functions like Bluetooth/USB/navi/etc.? Can I get good signal through aux with this stock radio?

Also who is manufacturer of this stock radio? Does it have enough power for proper supporting 4*Kicker 40CS654?

In few words I'm not going to shake the windows of neighboring cars but looking to get good amount of bass inside my car on low to mid volume levels. In the same time I would like not to invest in external AMP and aftermarket head, if that possible in my conditions.

Thanks a lot.

 

i don't think there's a point in getting a receiver if you're only using your phone.

I also use my phone as the source and I bypass the stock receiver.
Galaxy S4 (Poweramp) --> USB DAC --> AMP --> 2 front speaks, rear subwoofer.

 

If you want sound quality then you need to upgrade the radio period.

Also if you are getting a sub your stock radio won't be able to power that sub you need an amp no matter what. Just getting a better radio will make a world of difference.

I have a Kenwood Nav radio with the premier sound package and it made a nice difference with the premier amp and sub (it's nothing great but enough for my needs right now).

 

I meant powered sub. Just didn't want to buy an 4-channel amp for speakers.
But seems like speakers will be underpowered with stock radio

So the Honda stock radio passes signal from AUX with big losses?

It suppose to sound great but I'd like to keep steering wheel volume controls.

Maybe there are any aftermarket radios with stronger outputs to properly power speakers directly w/o 4-channel amp?

 

if you are big in audio sound you won't be overly impressed... if you are one of those people that just wants to play music loud to show off you won't really care!

 

I'm listening at low to mid volumes and looking to good bass response. That's all what I want to get from my system. The only one amp that I may install is the 75RMS powered sub Kenwood SW11. Also cause it's hybrid I wouldn't like to put 4-ch amp for speakers. The strongest head outputs that I found are 22*4 RMS on various Kenwoods/JVC's/etc.
Anyone knows what is RMS of stock civic radio?

 

A lot lower... probably like 10 or 12 RMS.

Just upgrading to a better headunit you will gain a huge sound quality difference. Plus you will have more control of your lows, mids and highs.

That Kenwood Sw11 don't expect much from it... It will give you bass but it won't be able to pick up the low frequency you will want to get! It's not made to handle that kind of delivery as it's an 8" sub. Just want to let you know before so you won't be disappointed!

 

Thanks a lot I've never tried this Kenwood so maybe I'll reconsider getting anything 8-10" to the trunk after regular speakers and HU.
What would you suggest between good HU and cheap 4*50RMS amp for those 100w RMS speakers?

 

Honestly if you are going to do it right I would not get a small *** amp like that!

I would get a good HU like a Kenwood (they are pretty much the best right now). I have a dual din nav hu. I can play dvds also.

When you are ready to get more bass, I would get a 10" ported enclosure in the trunk. You can search and find a slim fit enclosure for the civic. It's actually pretty nice and I was considering it at one point. From there we can look at what would be a good amp for you to get.

That is the correct way of doing it. Cause getting a cheap amp and then to have to repurchase a better amp doesn't really make sense! It's best to spend your money wisely so you spend it once and not twice. Yes you can always sell the cheap one but will come at a lost.

 

I'm looking to Pioneer AVH-X1500DVD
Is those Pioneers worse than Kenwoods?

 

Pioneer is honestly garbage period! Kenwood pretty much left the competition behind like 5 years ago!

I would honestly get this instead:
http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entert...igation/DDX790

 

I'm going to use USB only as a music source.
Looks like Kenwood has higher RMS output per channel, but Crutchfield representative told me that actually it's just because they calculate it in different ways, but it fact their wattage is the same.
That's why I'm looking at Pioneer AVH-X1500DVD and Kenwood DDX271. Cause I'm under 300usd for head. So you strongly recommend Kenwood?