Some Q's regarding Car Audio (06 Civic VTi-L)

[JaCe]

Just wanted to ask a few simple Q's which I figured most ppl (who know much about car audio) would be able to help me with^^

1. What is the difference between "Mono Bloc Amplifier" and "2 Channel Amplifier" and "4 Channel Amplifier". I can figure out the difference (ie. amplifies 1, 2 or 4 signals) but can't quite fathom the point of buying a Mono bloc one over a 4 channel when the Mono is more expensive than the 4 channel (I'm just peering at the March Strathfield Car Radios catalogue- http://www.strathfield.com/images/ca...0060306/03.pdf ). Also, the different 'power ratings' for the speakers and amp, what should I be going for?

2. With the 2006 Honda Civic, it claims to have only 4 speakers (I counted 6?) but if I'm intending to keep the OEM deck, what kind of amp should I buy if I only want to add a subwoofer, and what kind of amp should I buy if I want to add both a subwoofer, and extra speakers?

3. If I add in the amp and speakers/subwoofer, will they still continue to work fine with my standard Honda deck. The dealer told me it's an Alpine system- will I need to buy Alpine gear to make it all work together?

4. I heard Sony is a crappy brand for car audio gear, but the price seems about right ($178 for 12" 1000w in genuine Sony enclosure). What do you guys recommend? Based on the above link to the Strathfield Car Radios site, within reason (ie. I want good quality stuff, but doesn't have to be the 'best'), what bits should I buy for the amp and subwoofer? As for speakers, this link (http://www.strathfield.com/images/ca...0060306/02.pdf) has prices for speakers and was wondering what you guys would recommend.

5. What are the differences between;
a) Speaker
b) Woofer
c) Subwoofer
... and which category does Tweeter come under? I remember the Astra had tweeters which made it sound awesome.

Thanks for all your help guys.
Btw, budget is about $500 or so... but I don't want to waste money if I'm not really going to appreciate the better sound quality. I'm also intending to get them to install it (so that'll probably cost a bit more I'm guessing).

Cheers,
jeff.
ps. I probably won't buy from Strathfield car radios, it's just the only site I can find which has pricelists for their gear online.

[Slow96GSR]

1-Mono block is used mostly for subs. 2 channel can be used for mids and highs and subs, depends on how you wire it and to what. A 4 channel is used mostly for your mids and highs. Mono blocks are more expensive because they produce more power, which means a bigger power supply is put in them. When you make things bigger they generally cost more.

2 and 3-Your Honda has 2 sets of speakers. The front tends to have a 2 way set, mid and a tweeter while the rear is a just the mid with out the tweeter. You can use the stock deck just fine but a Line output converter will be needed to run an amp. You can use the stock speakers and just add a sub if all you are looking for is more bass.

4-As with anything you get what you pay for. If you pay very little chances are you will get little in return.

5-Just a generalization for what I am guessing you will find most...
Speaker = mid/high
Woofer = mid bass, can also mean the subwoofer.
Subwoofer = the subs, 8"-34" are out there now. Some companies make smaller.

[bungsai]

If you have a budget of $500 the thing i would do is get

Jaycar splits -$130
Jaycar 4 X100 amp - $240
Jaycar carbon fibre sub in box - $220

So it pushes the budget a bit, and you need to get a few other things that convert signals. That system would sounds great.

A speaker is anything that plays music
A woofer is a speaker is capapble of playing some sort of bass
A subwoofer is a speaker that only plays bass (ideally)
A tweeter is a tiny speaker, about 2.5cm in diameter that plays only high trebles.

Usually you would get a set of splits which is a set of speakers that consists of a woofer usually 5.25, 6 or 6.5 inches in diameter and a tweeter. An audio signal is fed to a box called a cross-over, which sends the high frequencies to the tweeter and the low frequencies to the woofer thus 'splitting' the audio signal. These are great for a quality sound system.

I havn't heard of alpine in stock honda's though mate, however you can hook up anything you want with anything. You can have jaycar speakers with alpine head units no problem. THought you may need a few signal converters or the like to make everything talk properly. Basically everything audio is only linked by a positive and negative wire. So it doesnt matter what brand you get.

My ideal system is Splits up the front running off 2 channels from the amp. The back speakers running off the head unit and turned DOWN. And a sub running bridged (which means u combine the power of 2 channels into one) off the other two channels of the amp. Great for a budget system.

There is not that much point in getting the sub just yet, unless you do the fronts asd well...furthermore stay away from sony, that do not make quality car audio products IMO.

Lastly a monoblock amp only sends a mono signal whilst normal amps send signals in stereo. You can ONLY use a monoblock amp to power a sub or else itll sound bad. U only really need a monoblock amp if you are running a few subs or large amounts of power. With a budget of $500+- i dont think you need to consider this just yet.

Pm me for cheap jaycar stuff if you want. Its great budget gear.

All the best with ure car audio endeavours.

matt

[JaCe]

Thanks for the info guys, I'll read it again in the morning (it's 12:24am and I'm not really concentrating)... and bungsai, I'm not sure if that was your intention, but your username is very amusing to me (nb. I'm Malaysian-Chinese).

Anyway, wanted to ask, do you guys reckon I should upgrade/add speakers or just focus on the subwoofer + amp? This monoblock amp thing seems like the thing I'll buy, but I'd also like to add 2 more speakers if it's going to sound heaps better.

As for the Alpine thing, that's just what I heard.. whether it's true or not is another matter.

[bungsai]

hahah yeah its sposed to mean something to people that know what it means...haha

I seriously suggest u stay away from the monobloc for now...just cause you are on a tight budget. Stick with a 4 channel amp as you can power a sub very adequately off one as well as normal speakers. More speakers doesnt mean better sound. better off just getting a good set of splits up the front. In general u want ure sound to come from the front of the car, so ya.

gluck.kthxbi

[Fhrx]

Perhaps you might consider this; instead of simply running out and buying the cheapest thing you can afford, build you system in stages using quality equipment. How about something like this:

Stage 1: Deck, deadening and front splits.
Stage 2: Amplifier and cables.
Stage 3: Subwoofer and enclosure.

Sure you won't have everything at once and it might take you a couple of months, but we've all been there and your sound will be so much better at each stage than if you simply go and buy the cheapest thing you can find.;)

[JaCe]

... but all I want is more bass >__>

The deck is fine- looks nice (blends well with the new Civic interior), has 6 stack CD with mp3/wma support, and steering wheel controls. I'm not going to make the mistake of sacrificing functionality for look (ie. losing my audio controls on the wheel) like my cousin did- put in the sweetest looking Pioneer deck with the motorized front into a BMW, but then he lost all steering wheel controls.

Btw will deck, deadening and front splits really affect audio quality that much?

So far, I'm thinking... Might get that 4 channel amp, a subwoofer + enclosure, and maybe 2 more high quality speakers. Will the 4 channel amp be sufficient to power the existing 4 speakers (+ 2 more speakers) and the subwoofer?

[Fhrx]

... but all I want is more bass >__>
Ah okay then, I was under the impression you we're looking to upgrade the whole system. Sorry about that.


Btw will deck, deadening and front splits really affect audio quality that much?


Yes, a massive impact.


So far, I'm thinking... Might get that 4 channel amp, a subwoofer + enclosure, and maybe 2 more high quality speakers. Will the 4 channel amp be sufficient to power the existing 4 speakers (+ 2 more speakers) and the subwoofer?

No, if you want to amp your rear speakers and subwoofer you'll need separate channels for them. You can use a 4 channel to run a whole system but it's a mission as you have to make crossovers and L-Pads etc and it's just too much hassle. However, don't just dismiss what I said above about not amplifing the rears. If you do want to amplify your whole system, have you though about something like an Audison SRx5?

http://www.audison.com

[JaCe]

Sorry I'm not quite familiar with these things- can you explain to me what the "Audison SRx5" is?

(EDIT: Looked at the link you provided and found the info but not really sure how it'll fit in with my stock system; and how much it'll cost ><)

At the moment I'm thinking since the stock speakers sounded pretty good as is, and the only thing lacking was a strong bass... maybe I'll just get the monoblock amp and a subwoofer- that should be under $500aud I'd imagine. Will the deadening, "splits" and so on- help improve that? I'm also thinking maybe in the future I'll upgrade the speakers inside the car, but that's not for a while... and will I need a new amp for that?

Thanks again for all your help (to everyone). It's much appreciated- I feel like such a n00b ><

[Fhrx]

The Audison SRx5 is a five channel amplifier. It will provide clean power to all four of your speakers and has a specially dedicated fifth channel with more capacitance to supply your subwoofer with plenty of clean power too. :)

[JaCe]

Hmm... i'll look into it and other 5 channel amplifiers- need to find one which is locally available/covered by warranty (in Australia).

Btw have you seen the Civic deck? A lot of other forums recommend I change it straight away, but I think it'll be difficult to change... but besides, I think it's great as is with 6 stack CD, steering wheel controls, etc... and it's also very fit into the dash?

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/5792/hondacivicdeck7lj.th.jpg (http://img301.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hondacivicdeck7lj.jpg)

[bungsai]

Stick with the civic dash man, mp3, steering wheel controls?...what more could you want? more power cleaner sound?

Wont make a HUGE amount of difference unless u get a nakamachi sound quality head unit or something. More power, dont worry about it! just get a decent amp.

[ICACHA]

why nakamichi? thats not the only brand out there that is qualified in the SQ region :)

JaCe, if you want to upgrade with minimal fuss what Marty (aka FHRX) is saying is the cheapest and simplest way to do an upgrade to your car.

The only other way to get another unit in your dash (aftermarket) is wait for the American's to get their hands on the 06 Civic and I can tell you that it wont be long before there is a facia made for them thats if you want to change source units.

[aka_NSX]

The only other way to get another unit in your dash (aftermarket) is wait for the American's to get their hands on the 06 Civic and I can tell you that it wont be long before there is a facia made for them thats if you want to change source units.

yeah, then buy the module to make ur aftermarket H/U works with ur steering wheels control............


maybe I'll just get the monoblock amp and a subwoofer- that should be under $500aud I'd imagine

for me $500 i wont get the sound i like...........try to spend a lil bit more

[JaCe]

I don't mean to sound really lazy but all those things you guys suggest sound both expensive and time consuming- so I think I'll just stick to simple steps of adding amp, adding subwoofer, and maybe changing the existing stock speakers- but someone on the other topics said that it has the Jazz sound system... either the Jazz is pretty good, or I have a very low standard/bar.

If I want to change the existing speakers to good quality ones, will I need a new amp for that too? My cousin suggested that I buy two amps- one monobloc for the sub, and one multichannel for the speakers.

[spoondc2r]

if you just want more bass get a mono block amp (which is one channel and they are specially made for subwoffers) and a sub. the only thing with that is that you will need adapters to the honda head unit because stock units dont have rca outputs to connect to the amp.

changing speakers makes a major difference.

on my cr-v i installed head unit, mono block amp and sub (kicker sub and amp) and you end up getting too much bass and ended up thinking stock speakers delivered poor quality. but i guess if you just want a bass upgrade it aint a bad way to go. especially in a new car you dont wanna rip out all the new stuff.

second time around in my dc2r i just replaced all stock speakers wid fusion 6.5" and 6x9s. not as much bass but way better sound quality. i thought this was way better but then again the car was 2nd hand.

my advice would be buy quality and in the long run you will be more satisfied and alot more worth it. especially if it is a new car you are prob planning to keep it for a while.

good luck wid your install.

[ICACHA]

If I want to change the existing speakers to good quality ones, will I need a new amp for that too? My cousin suggested that I buy two amps- one monobloc for the sub, and one multichannel for the speakers.

or why not go see a specialist dealer near (could be anyone whether on here or not) you on different products which will meet your needs, plus you will be able to see them and hear them rather than asking people what "they" think as what Laski, Marty or I (being the only ones I know of that are actually nuts about music and cars) think might be no where near what your thinking even thou between the 3 of us we're got over 30 yrs working experience and can give you guides, but without you actually going out and having a sticky beak and listen for yourself you will never know if something is right for you or not :).

[bungsai]

I don't want to offend you or anything, but i suggest spending a lot more time reading a researching about car audio and finding out how it works.

I suggest reading up about Line converters, mono block, multi channel amps, and the pros and cons of each. Also head units, RCA's, Line Splitters, wire gauging, splits, coaxials, tweeters, woofers, subwoofers, cross overs. Try and get a good idea what each of these are, and how they would address you're needs.

$500 is a fair amount of money to be parting with based on what a few random guys on an internet forum tell you or what ure cousin tells you. Don't waste ya money.

I would love to help you out if u were in melb.

Cheers

Matt

[JaCe]

Thanks for the advice, I found a few "beginner" sites which describe the different terminology and so on used in sound equipment (for anyone interested- http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/index.php/id;1380929951;pp;4;taxid;2136212962#amps ); and I've also decided the first thing I'll want to do is replace the speakers rather than add a subwoofer. The question is, will my existing Honda deck be able to power them? My friends have also suggested the speakers where there's a small tweeter in the centre or something like that and that they go for around $100.

Btw do any of you guys know good places in Sydney? Preferably in the Hills district, or maybe near Atarmon, Chatswood or Parramatta? I mean, a good place to buy stuff, and a good place to get installs. I've heard Strathfield Car Radios do shocking installs (from various people) so I was considering going over to JB Hi-Fi in Castle Hill since they also do installs. Any opinions?

Also, I don't want to end up like spoondc2r or my cousin where there's way too much bass that it ruins the music- my cousin put dual 12" and it was just... way too heavy for my liking. Sure it sounds good on dance/heavy bass music, but when you go to listen to normal music, it just didn't sound nice anymore.

[bungsai]

i think FHRX on this forum is an awesome car audio dealer/shop, not sure.

The speakers ure friends are referring you to with a 'tweeter' in the middle is called a coaxial 2 way speaker. In general splits > co-axials for good sound quality.

I recommend in addition to finding out what all those above terms mean, go and see if you can have a listen to some of the systems of some of the local ozhonda guys.

It is possible to have great sound with a sub, with it not being overbearing, as long as you have a good front stage, and dont just turn up the sub to the max for doof.

IMHO, stay away from 6 X 9's and co-axials.

[spoondc2r]

your stock headunit will be able to power new aftermarket speakers however you will not be getting the full potential out of them. stock headunits only run like 4x15w (something like that) which mean 15w to each of the 4 speakers. aftermarket headunits supply 4x50w or even better ones 4x52w (normally anyway).

most aftermarket speakers are at least 100w if you want a decent pair maybe look for something around 250w - 300w. so if you wanna replace speakers you prob should run them off a headunit atleast or even better a 4 channel amp.

im assuming though that you are mainly after bass?? and if your not full into sound systems and then im guessing the stock system in your civic will be fine (they aint that bad) and just put in a sub and an amp for extra bass which stock systems do lack.

im not sure about others but on kicker amps you get a seperate sub control which you can quickly turn the bass level up and down which will half solve the problem of having over powering bass (if you get a sub you should get good speakers to match).

many may disagree but this is the approach i would take considering its a new car i wouldnt go ripping this out here and there. anyway thats my opinion good luck.

[bungsai]

yeah also JACE, look into power handling of speakers and amps, especially learning the difference between RMS (nominal) PMPO (max) power handling. I myself am no 100% sure about the difference between the two.

Basically you want to look at the RMS figure which is always the lower of the two, as this gives a realistic idea of how much power you can put into your speaks. An example would be that my Panasonic head unit says 4 X 50w. In reality this is 4 X 50 watts max power, and the usable or normal power (RMS) that it could exert would maybe be 25watts.

That is why you see subs like pioneer or sony for example that have 1000w subs, but in reality they can only handle 200 or 250 watts. They can handle 1000 watts before they blow :D...

My stock stereo consisted of a head unit putting out what i think was 4 X 40 and 20wrms. My speakers were 15wrms, and like 30wpmpo.

I guess the thing i want to tell u is to look out for rms figures asnd not be fooled by pmpo figures.

Cheers

Matt

[spoondc2r]

yep definately...always look rms not max power...

[ICACHA]

i think FHRX on this forum is an awesome car audio dealer/shop, not sure.

Sounds like your of 2 mind sets about Marty.

Now those of us who know him personally know he is, i mean how could you judge him if you have never met him or spoken to him?

[bungsai]

wow pessimism all round. :P

let me rephrase, i think there is a trader here called FHRX that owns a good car audio dealer and shop, how ever i am not 100% sure about if there is a trader here called FHRX that owns a good car audio dealer and shop.

as posted above by ICHACHA, i have never met the person if they exist, etc. I am sure he/she is a great person.

[ICACHA]

i just love pulling peoples legs hahahahaha

[Fhrx]

let me rephrase, i think there is a trader here called FHRX that owns a good car audio dealer and shop, how ever i am not 100% sure about if there is a trader here called FHRX that owns a good car audio dealer and shop.

I've never heard of him.:p

Just kidding; we are a trader yes and you're always welcome to contact us. We don't advertise ourselves on here much because it's against forum rules.:(

[mj3610]

I've never heard of him.:p

Just kidding; we are a trader yes and you're always welcome to contact us. We don't advertise ourselves on here much because it's against forum rules.:(
its against the rules for a reason...

[JaCe]

I think they should be allowed to advertise if people are asking (eg. me) because that way, if they are doing something dodgy or ripping ppl off, other ppl in the forum can say so!