Built in Amplifier?!

I want a lil more out of my sound system, but nothing drastic. I'm happy with the head unit, as it's already an in-dash changer, I just wanted to add a lil thump. However, I was told by a sales clerk at a car audio place that the 6th Gen Accords have a built-in amplifier, and adding an amp or sub would simply add distortion. Has anyone else heard this, or is this guy just talking out of his ass?

[ebpda9]

what do u mean it has a built in amplifier ? i think every car has one. how do u think they get 20W without and amplifier ? if you get an am make sure you use the high output for your sub

[Accord Man]

whoa, I missed this thread..


forget what the guy said.

what do you mean by a little thump? just a little better sounding, or you want subs?

So tell us whats your budget and what you're looking for.

Wellll,

I was thinking of adding a sub for that deep thumping sound, but I'm not trying to compete with people or anything. I spend lots of time in my car, so I'd like to have GOOD music in it. Accord Man, you're a local so you'll know what I'm talking about...I went to JD's car audio and he said that the 6th Gen Accords have a "built in amplifier" and that the speakers and head unit were configured with that in mind. He said something about "only adding distortion by adding a sub or amp."

Yeah, I guess a lil better sounding. As for the budget, I guess it depends on what I'm getting...I'm flexible.

[Accord Man]

if your happy with the quality of the sound, but just wanna add some bass, then all you need is an amp and sub.

but if you really wanna have better sound all around, then you'll need to replce the HU, cabin speakers, add an amp and a sub.

if you dont want anything too fancy, just sounding good, then you can get all of the above for a little over 1k$ But like I said, dont expect to impress anyone, however your ears will be pleased.

a draft :
- HU : 300
- Speakers(4) : 300
- Sub: 130
- Amp: 250
- wires : 75


+ taxes + install

now this was a guesstimate, if you go shopping for an HU, you'll more than likely to want one with colors stuff.. so that may be 400$ and up.. so you know how it goes.

Is it worth replacing the speakers without replacing the Head Unit? I have the 6 CD In-Dash Changer, so I feel like I've pretty much got a good head unit. I know that it'll limit the sound improvement, but is it worth replacing a head unit that I'm really happy with?

[Accord Man]

nope it isnt worth replace the cabin speakers if you dont replace the HU.. however, here'S what I'd do. Replace only the front speakers, and use an amp on them, and the stock rears would run off the HU.

Okay,

Do I add a sub?

And how high do I go for the amp and speakers (quality wise) considering the rears and hu is still stock?

[Accord Man]

If you want bass, you gotta have a sub.. when I say bass, I dont necessarily mean big block-rocking bass.. Just real unadulterated
bass.
A Pioneer/Kenwood or equivalent sub will do.. Not MTX though.. Around 120 at Future Shop.. Though you could find it for less elswhere. I strongly suggest a 12".

And an amp that could produce around 200w rms.


For the front speakers dont cheap out, caus they are the main players. For the stuff we have around here, figure atleast 200-300$$ .. 200 = Cerwin Vega components, 300 = JL components..
And a decent amp that coupld feed 2 * 60+ w rms (as long as it isnt a spark-o-matic or equivalent..) .

Do you think I should I replace the tweeters? Also, are the new front speakers going to be much better than the old ones?

[Accord Man]

yup tweeters also..

Components = mid bass driver + tweeter

Yes the sound will be much better.. You probably think your speakers are quiet good.. but they arent..

[Accord Man]

even bottom line pioneer speakers would be noticeably better!

Thanks!

So how come I shouldn't replace the rears? Are they better than the fronts, or do you think the change will just be less noticable?
Or will the sub drown 'em out anyway?

Oh, and any recommendations on speakers, sub, amp based on personal experience or through friends?

I don't mind spending the cash if it's gonna sound much better.

[Accord Man]

the rear is just for ambient sound.. kinda like its their, but we're not listening to that..

I could list dozens of combos..but you gotta give me something to start on.. either $$, or how loud, or what quality sound you like..

If you can tell me what type of stereo you have at home, or what stereo you'd like to have.. I could transpose the situation..

Welllll,

Downstairs I have a Harmon/Kardon and Kef setup...
but in my room, I have a jvc boom box, so I could go either way!

I DO want to stay reasonable in terms of price...so I'm not looking for anythin Nakamichi (sp?) or anythin like that...

[Accord Man]

hey cool, I run Harman/Kardon & Paradigm.

are you able to tell the difference between your 2 setups? Does one sound better? Which one do you prefer..

After you answer this, I'll be able to point out the brands that would suite you best!

Well, obviously the sound quality is much better out of the H/K's then out of my JVC, but it was a cost-conscious decision.

Yeah, I can tell the difference, but I realize that it's not in my budget to replicate that.

I'd like to improve the sound quality...get a little more base...enjoy my music a bit more...at a reasonable price. That's about it.

Accord Man? Yelloo?

Did you forget about me?

[Accord Man]

oops, sorry..

roughly how much are willing to spend for the amp and sub(s)..
is trunk space an issue, we could 1 or 2 subs..

I was thinking of around 1500...give or take. Is that reasonable given the things you've talked about? Oh, btw...what about that bose sub that fits right in the spare, that thing any good? Otherwise, it's fine if the sub(s) take up a lil trunk space...I used to have a prelude, I had NO trunk...so this is a bonus.

[Accord Man]

I'm really busy right now.. will give you a detailed answer in the morning.

1 sub vs. 2...

would that be, say, a 12 incher, vs two 10's?

Is it basically a cost issue?

[Accord Man]

for you it may be.. but it shoudlnt be that way..

12's better for lower bass (humming).. 10's will be cleaner and sound more true to life.. But if you listen to music with synthesized sounds, it wont do you much good. But there are many variables to this..

With all the info you've given me.. Here's what I'd suggest.

2 * JL 12w3 in a sealed box.. powered by any decent amp that could put out 600w rms mono (or 300 * 2 rms)..
The JBL 600.1 isnt very expensive and does a good job.


If you listen to a lot of hip hop or stuff with big bass, simply put the subs in a ported box.

Cool...any suggestions on the front speakers/tweeters? I listen to R & B and Hip Hop...so are the 12's the best option?

Oh, and btw...WHAT are you doing to that honda?


Looks like someone could use a little privacy.

[Accord Man]

I luve Honda!!



Cool, we listen to the same stuff. So yup, 2 12s.

for the front, how much do we wanna invest?

For the front...again, it'll depend on how much I get for the money. It seems like we have some stuff in common (music, cars, city...) what would you go for in the front? Do you think it's possible to do the entire system in about 2 grand...or not really?

[Accord Man]

for sure its possible.. but it depends on what you get..


My HU alone set me back 1G (Alpine).. Though you could get it for lie 700 now...

Okay...well at least I'm not gonna have to worry about a HU...

About the fronts/tweeters, what would u suggest?

[Accord Man]

your not getting an HU??

for the fronts.. one brand that isnt known very well and performs very well is AVI.. Auto Perfect Son, in Laval, sells them.. THey dont sell for very exoensive, but are among the best. Though they will set you back around 400..

I don't think I'll get a HU cuz I'm pretty happy with the in dash changer that came stock. As for the fronts...I'll check out AVI this week. Any other suggestions...fronts/amp/sub...whatever...

[Accord Man]

in all honesty I really dont think you'll be able to find a better or even an equal speaker to the AVI.

for the amp and subs, you heard what I had to say..

Cool. Thanks

[Accord Man]

Originally posted by SilverCoupe2K1
Cool. Thanks

No prob.


So is this thread over yet?? j/k