I just added Polk components to the front and coaxials in the rear of my '00 Integra - the factory speakers were the worst I've ever heard in a new car. But the Polks in the rear sound as bad as the factory set, way worse than the components up front (big improvement there). It was suggested to me that the factory HU is sending most of the power to the front speakers...is the factory HU amp that bad that it can't get reasonably good sound out of the rear speakers as well? My expectations aren't all that high, but it's $100 down the drain if I can't get better sound from the rear...

 

just try a new amp.. if it doesnt sound any better you can aloways return it and try someting else....

 

That was my next step, along with a sub, maybe, but I hate to give up a lot of cargo room in the hatch. Not sure where to mount an amp other than the back of the rear seat...any suggestions?
Also, can an amplified sub be used to power the whole system?
Thanks

 

Perhaps the rear speakers require more juice? Some speakers are not a good match as a stock replacement.

Like the advise others have given me, the most drastic imporvement you'll see from the stock set up is changing the HU. Don't listen to what Cruthfield said, changing the speakers is not the first step to improving the sound system. $ for $, the imporvement is only minimum. Upgrading the speakers can only be viewed as a replacement rather than improvement when dealing with a stock HU.

I too was happy with my stock HU, and looking for just an imporvement. But glad I took the high road to replace the HU. It's now light years over stock. Most any aftermarket HU will be better than stock. If you start with a clean, powerful signal, you'll see what great set of speakers you just got.

 

My first reply cross yours. So if you are set on the stock HU and are happy with the front speakers performance, than yeah, get a small amp that have at least 4 channels and able to receive speaker inputs. Have 2 channels to power the rear, and the rest to run the sub. A small 8 inch should be enough to give you some meat in your sounds, instead of ground pounding effects. Most of all, it does not take up too much space. The amp can be mounted under the passenger seat. But most shop are too lazy to do so cause it requires more work compare to mounting at the seat back.

Power amp subs does not allow you to power other system parts. A power bazooka tube may be an option if you want some base and don't want to take up too much space. But it will not help the rear speakers.

 

Actually, I guess I'm not wed to the factory HU...I have the factory security system though, which I'm told is run thru the HU, and replacing the HU with aftermarket probably means replacing the (not cheap) factory security.
What started as a simple desire to upgrade the sound is snowballing (ka-ching!)
Is there any way to keep the security sys AND upgrade to a better HU?
Sorry I have so many questions, but if you don't know, you don't know, and I don't...

 

Man.... I was in the same boat just a few days ago. When they install the Sony Xplod into my Civic, they left the stock HU in and only take out the "face plate." Then end up moving the stock HU and mouting it just below my Sony. There is space in there.

The reason was exactly as you mentioned. The alarm. Although I got a aftermarket alarm hook up with the remote, ignition disabler, backup power supply, etc., he said that it still have to be given the same consideration, and left it in.

My plan in the beginning was to spend $150 for a set of 4 speakers. After talking to everone, and learning about stereos, sounds, etc, I end up with an $720+ system. My story:
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=42879

I approach it the same by taking my own advise about lowering, getting wheels/tires, etc. Do it once, and do it right from the start. So you'll be able to enjoy it.

 

Nothing like finding yourself in the shark tank, eh? Sounds like you made it through okay, just a little poorer. I've been dealing with Circuit City - may be more expensive, a bit more than Crutchfield, but they've been extremely friendly and helpful. Thanks for the tip regarding the factory HU and security setup - I don't think the threat of theft is great enough here to spring for a more robust system, so the idea of an aftermarket HU AND keeping the factory HU for that reason only is a good compromise.

 

Ive got polks in the rear also with an aftermarket deck also, didnt really notice any difference over stock! I expected more, but oh well...

 

Factory Honda HU's aren't known to provide very much power. I'm surprised they can drive the comps up front all that well. Even aftermarket HU's only give about 15Wrms (the 45W they report is peak power). Getting an amp would help to provide more power, but the amp would be amplifying the hi-level (noisier) signal. If you replace your HU with a better one (Nakamichi or Eclipse are THE best in SQ), you can use the RCA outs for the amp. The amp will amplify a much cleaner signal and the more CLEAN power you can get to the speakers, the better they'll sound. I'm not too sure about the factory alarm as I never got one of those (too pricey for what it's worth...can get a clifford for that price), but if the dependency on the HU is the same as the dependency that the dome light has on the HU, then it's just a matter of shorting a couple of wires together to complete the circuit. I doubt they would wire any type of needed circuitry thru the HU...that's just a stupid design. A new HU and amp will make a world of difference!...a good amp that amplifies signals cleanly and has a lot of power (get as much power as you can afford...don't worry about speakers blowing...clean power is good power). I wouldn't get anything from circuit city...most of their stuff suck and their good stuff can be got for much cheaper at an audio store (e.g. Alpine). Any system is only as good as it's weakest link. And, since the HU is the master of this system, nothing will be at their potential if the source of the signals is not good. HTH.

Oh, and for subs...an 8" doesn't take up much room. If you're still concerned about room, JL as a 6.5" sub (6W0) that hits pretty good in a very small ported box. I can tell you someone who can make a custom box for either the 8" or 6W0 with matched factory carpeting and everything.


[Modified by bhcvc, 11:54 PM 6/7/2001]