[kbook]

for some reason I was thinking the OEM speakers are made by Pioneer

08 EX-L has pioneer premium speakers. However ei ei

 

[groberts]

I am having an Audio Control LC6i Active line driver and JL Audio XD400 4-channel amp installed today in my 2012 CRV. Gonna find out what the stock speakers are capable of before considering an upgrade. My local shop is a Focal dealer as well as JL Audio. I hate that the $649 set of Focal KR65's sound the best. sigh. Wish there was a less expensive alternative that sounds as good. Either way, I imagine most aftermarket speakers will outperform the stock Honda "Foster" speakers. But they do put out a surprising amount of low mid bass. So we shall see.

I was also shown a new JL Audio microsub that is a very small. It is a very narrow, rectangular ported enclosure with a 6" W3 Sub. (they also make an 8", but it's too big) The Microsub 106 however might stand up in the cargo area cubby space behind the rear wheel well. But It might prohibit access to the spare tire. I have not decided yet. The JL Audio Microsub is the only external sub I've found that will fit anywhere in the 2012 CRV and not interfere with cargo area loading. (Other than having a custom fiberglass sub enclosure built into the back side wall behind the rear wheel. (Or under the center console upfront?) Hmmm.

 

[Doozy440]

So...how does it sound? I'm having a complete JL system installed on Friday.

 

[groberts]

So...how does it sound? I'm having a complete JL system installed on Friday.

Picked up my 2012 CRV today from my high-end car audio shop. (The Specialists in Tucson. Extremely reputable shop. I've had several systems done by them over the years). I knew I was laying the groundwork for a better system by adding the Audio Control LC6i Line output driver and JL audio XD400 amp. I had hoped that might be enough. I needed to put those pieces in place before determining whether the stock speakers would leave me feeling underwhelmed. Well, the system is definitely better and the stock speakers are actually better sounding than I expected, but now, I am 85% certain I will replace them. For now, they are running full range since there is no Sub. So they are still handling more frequencies than they should.

I may learn that I'm gonna have to install a sub to be happy. Maybe crossing over the low frequencies to a sub will open up the stock speakers and then they would be ok? Not sure yet. They still tend reveal distortion. I might try a JL Audio Microsub behind the wheel well in the rear cargo space.

Front stage speakers that sound best to me on the demo board are Focal KR165 6.5" component set. Wish I could find some speakers less expensive that sound as good, but I wasn't that thrilled with Hertz or the Polyglass Focals. So I might just pony up for the Focals when the time comes. Staging the upgrades helps soften the financial pain.

In short, the Audio control LC6i Line converter and JL Audio amp were not a magic fix. The aspects that improved revealed other shortcomings. More to come.

 

[SkyeHack]

Is there anyway to retrofit the 2013 Acura RDX rear 8 inch subwoofer enclosure into our 2012+ Honda CR-V's?

Part Number: 39120-TX4-A01
Description: SPEAKER ASSY., WOOFER (20CM) (PREMIUM) (FOSTER)
Price: $111.44

http://www.oemacuraparts.com/find-parts/Acura/RDX/2013/5DR BASE (2WD)/KA6AT/SPEAKER

 

[courthouseguy99]

Wow, I just made it through this entire thread - you guys are hard core! I too have been pretty disappointed in the sound quality of my 2012 EX-L Navi. I would likely kill myself trying to modify anything on my own, but I'm curious if any of you know of a reputable place to go to in the San Francisco Bay Area to look into possible upgrades, etc. There's no way I'd attempt something like this on my own!

 

[groberts]

After living with my 2012 EX, Non-Nav system, but with Audio Control LC6i Line driver and JL Audio XD400, I have decided the stock speakers are horrible. I can barely listen to them. The Amp and cleaner signal simply emphasizes their weaknesses. They are harsh in the upper mids and trebles and cannot take clean power, even at moderate volume without distorting.

Next Sat, Sept 15, I am sucking it up and having a set of Focal K2 Power 165 KR 6.5" components installed and I am going to try a JL Audio Microsub 106CP in the back cargo area behind the passenger side wheel well. If the JL Audio Micro sub doesn't sound musical enough I would be surprised. If so, I'll have a custom sub built and installed behind the rear wheel well with a shallow mount Alpine SWR 10T. I am not into boom for the sake of boom. So I am hoping the JL micros Sub will be enough to augment a very nice front sound stage. Doors will be dynamatted both inner and outer as well.

as a point of reference I listen to; Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Rob Thomas, Jason Mraz, RHCP, Maroon 5, Sting, Eagles, Diana Krall, Michael Buble, Rascall Flatts, Norah Jones, a little Beyonce, Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, James Taylor, Seal, Funky jazz, classic rock, Blues and more.

 

[RavenManiac]

Picked up my 2012 CRV today from my high-end car audio shop. (The Specialists in Tucson. Extremely reputable shop. I've had several systems done by them over the years). I knew I was laying the groundwork for a better system by adding the Audio Control LC6i Line output driver and JL audio XD400 amp. I had hoped that might be enough. I needed to put those pieces in place before determining whether the stock speakers would leave me feeling underwhelmed. Well, the system is definitely better and the stock speakers are actually better sounding than I expected, but now, I am 85% certain I will replace them. For now, they are running full range since there is no Sub. So they are still handling more frequencies than they should.

I may learn that I'm gonna have to install a sub to be happy. Maybe crossing over the low frequencies to a sub will open up the stock speakers and then they would be ok? Not sure yet. They still tend reveal distortion. I might try a JL Audio Microsub behind the wheel well in the rear cargo space.

Front stage speakers that sound best to me on the demo board are Focal KR165 6.5" component set. Wish I could find some speakers less expensive that sound as good, but I wasn't that thrilled with Hertz or the Polyglass Focals. So I might just pony up for the Focals when the time comes. Staging the upgrades helps soften the financial pain.

In short, the Audio control LC6i Line converter and JL Audio amp were not a magic fix. The aspects that improved revealed other shortcomings. More to come.

Doesn't the CR-V EX come with an amp?

 

[groberts]

Doesn't the CR-V EX come with an amp?

There is no factory amp with the EX stock Stereo to my knowledge. Anyone elese? I have a standard CR-V EX. Non-Nav. If there is an amp I don't know where it is. I believe the EX stereo sound system only has deck power coming straight from the deck itself.

After listening to my system with the JL Audio XD400/4 and Audio Control LC6i Line driver, the distortion of the speakers (which are getting a full range signal) is almost intolerable. I can't stand listening to it like this. Saturday can't come fast enough. I will be having Focal KR165 6.5" Components installed with a JL Audio CP106 Microsub. Hopefully that will clean things up. Then the main question will be whether the Microsub is sufficient or whether I will want and need to quickly upgrade to a custom built 10" sub enclosure along the side wall behind the passenger side wheel well.

 

[SkyeHack]

I just had this system installed on my EX-L this weekend.

Head Unit: Stock
Front Speakers: Audison VOCE AV K6
Rear Speakers: Stock
Amp: Rockford Fosgate Punch P400-4
Subwoofer: Hertz ES 250 D 500 watt 10"

I am getting a custom enclosure made this Saturday and it will be in the right rear wheel well and sit flush so I have access to the spare tire. He said he will make it eithier out of wood or fiberglass. I love this setup but I have to adjust my high's because they hurt my ears when I turn the volume past 15. Also he did a clean job hiding the AMP underneath the rear of the driver's seat. It fit's perfectly and the carpet flap just sits on top of it and you can't even see it. He also bypassed the stock subwoofer and installed a bass knob underneath the steering wheel for easy tuning of the subwoofer on certain songs, etc. I'll post pics of everything once the custom enclosure is finished. I was hesitant on going with Audison/Hertz/Rockford as I wanted to go with Polk Audio/JL Audio/Focal but he talked me into it and it sounds great. I want to go to the Acura dealership and see how their "Premium Luxury 10 speaker sound system" sounds compared to my lil CR-V. lol

 

[groberts]

Wow, That is essentially exactly what I am doing, only I am opting for Focal 6.5" components up front and I'll try the JL Audio Microsub before committing to a custom sub enclosure. If I do the custom Sub however, I will go with an Alpine SWR-10T shallow sub also behind the passenger side rear wheel well. I will have a sub control knob placed in one of the punch outs near the traction control button on the lower bottom part of the dash on the drivers side.

My JL Audio XD400 is also under the front passenger seat and tucks nicely underneath the floor mat. I also have my Audio Control LC6i mounted there. Easy access, out of the way.

Did you have your doors dyna-matted?

Did your installer use any sort of active line driver to boost the factory stereo signal?

Will your sub enclosure be covered in matching carpet to match the interior?

I just had this system installed on my EX-L this weekend.

Head Unit: Stock
Front Speakers: Audison VOCE AV K6
Rear Speakers: Stock
Amp: Rockford Fosgate Punch P400-4
Subwoofer: Hertz ES 250 D 500 watt 10"

I am getting a custom enclosure made this Saturday and it will be in the right rear wheel well and sit flush so I have access to the spare tire. He said he will make it eithier out of wood or fiberglass. I love this setup but I have to adjust my high's because they hurt my ears when I turn the volume past 15. Also he did a clean job hiding the AMP underneath the rear of the driver's seat. It fit's perfectly and the carpet flap just sits on top of it and you can't even see it. He also bypassed the stock subwoofer and installed a bass knob underneath the steering wheel for easy tuning of the subwoofer on certain songs, etc. I'll post pics of everything once the custom enclosure is finished. I was hesitant on going with Audison/Hertz/Rockford as I wanted to go with Polk Audio/JL Audio/Focal but he talked me into it and it sounds great. I want to go to the Acura dealership and see how their "Premium Luxury 10 speaker sound system" sounds compared to my lil CR-V. lol

 

[SkyeHack]

Wow, That is essentially exactly what I am doing, only I am opting for Focal 6.5" components up front and I'll try the JL Audio Microsub before committing to a custom sub enclosure. If I do the custom Sub however, I will go with an Alpine SWR-10T shallow sub also behind the passenger side rear wheel well. I will have a sub control knob placed in one of the punch outs near the traction control button on the lower bottom part of the dash on the drivers side.

My JL Audio XD400 is also under the front passenger seat and tucks nicely underneath the floor mat. I also have my Audio Control LC6i mounted there. Easy access, out of the way.

Did you have your doors dyna-matted?

Did your installer use any sort of active line driver to boost the factory stereo signal?

Will your sub enclosure be covered in matching carpet to match the interior?

He told me that shallow subs sound like crap and he would be able to fit a 10 inch no problem in the specified space. I told him that I didn't want anything crazy, I just want to experience the presence of bass and I have to keep my bass knob at 50% because any higher and it sounds like I got something serious going on in the back to other drivers/cars lol. Can't believe how hard 1 10" hits without evening trying.

My doors are not dynomatted. I always wanted to do it but honsetly I have never experienced listening to a sound system with a car that has been wrapped. I mean my CRV sounds awesome as it is without the dynomat.

I'll have to ask him about the active line driver. I think he installed something "PAC" with RCA cables he threw in for free.

And he gave me a generic sub box temporarily and it matches the carpet 100%. He said when he does the custom he will use the same carpet.

the only thing i miss about my pioneer headunit in my other car was that I was able to tune the different levels of frequencies and had a crap load of preset EQ's to choose from. All I can do with the stock CRV headunit is adjust the bass, sub, treble and thats it. I need to ask my installed how to adjust the high's from my tweeter's because I like to listen to my music loud but the brightness is a little too much. too much of a good thing in this case is a bad thing lol.

 

[groberts]

He told me that shallow subs sound like crap and he would be able to fit a 10 inch no problem in the specified space. I told him that I didn't want anything crazy, I just want to experience the presence of bass and I have to keep my bass knob at 50% because any higher and it sounds like I got something serious going on in the back to other drivers/cars lol. Can't believe how hard 1 10" hits without evening trying.

My doors are not dynomatted. I always wanted to do it but honsetly I have never experienced listening to a sound system with a car that has been wrapped. I mean my CRV sounds awesome as it is without the dynomat.

I'll have to ask him about the active line driver. I think he installed something "PAC" with RCA cables he threw in for free.

And he gave me a generic sub box temporarily and it matches the carpet 100%. He said when he does the custom he will use the same carpet.

the only thing i miss about my pioneer headunit in my other car was that I was able to tune the different levels of frequencies and had a crap load of preset EQ's to choose from. All I can do with the stock CRV headunit is adjust the bass, sub, treble and thats it. I need to ask my installed how to adjust the high's from my tweeter's because I like to listen to my music loud but the brightness is a little too much. too much of a good thing in this case is a bad thing lol.

Thanks! You and I are on very similar paths!

You make me question if maybe I should look into an 8" sub? or even a regular depth 10" sub. The shallow subs are stupid money too. so a normal depth sub would be cheaper. I would probably go with a JL Audio if it would fit. I like 8" drivers too. So, ..hmmmmm. I'll have to ask if that's possible, or even a normal 10" sub. Is your enclosure sealed or ported? When will you have it built?

I just want tight punchy bass. Not boom city. What color is your carpet? Mine is the Tan interior. I would love for the sub carpet to blend in!

I hope the tweeters on the Focals are not too bright. I've had focal's before and loved them, but tweeter placement was different in my former vehicle. and from what I've read, the CRV tweeter pods are nicely placed and angled to crossfire to the opposite front seat, Driver or passenger.

I agreed to have my doors Dynamat treated since the door panels will be off. May as well do it right the first time and not wonder. That's my thinking.

 

[SkyeHack]

Thanks! You and I are on very similar paths!

You make me question if maybe I should look into an 8" sub? or even a regular depth 10" sub. The shallow subs are stupid money too. so a normal depth sub would be cheaper. I would probably go with a JL Audio if it would fit. I like 8" drivers too. So, ..hmmmmm. I'll have to ask if that's possible, or even a normal 10" sub. Is your enclosure sealed or ported? When will you have it built?

I just want tight punchy bass. Not boom city. What color is your carpet? Mine is the Tan interior. I would love for the sub carpet to blend in!

I hope the tweeters on the Focals are not too bright. I've had focal's before and loved them, but tweeter placement was different in my former vehicle. and from what I've read, the CRV tweeter pods are nicely placed and angled to crossfire to the opposite front seat, Driver or passenger.

I agreed to have my doors Dynamat treated since the door panels will be off. May as well do it right the first time and not wonder. That's my thinking.

it's sealed. i wanted tight and accurate/clean bass. im dropping it off first thing on saturday morning so he can have all day to build it.

my carpet is black/dark. example:

so far i spent $1,600+ bucks on my system. I wanted to buy everything online and then bring it to him to save money but i was impulsive.... lol

 

[groberts]

it's sealed. i wanted tight and accurate/clean bass. im dropping it off first thing on saturday morning so he can have all day to build it.

my carpet is black/dark. example:

so far i spent $1,600+ bucks on my system. I wanted to buy everything online and then bring it to him to save money but i was impulsive.... lol

Thanks for sharing! Can't wait to see how it looks. Can you find out what the depth and spec's are of the 10" Sub you're going to use and post? I want to let my installer know he should not limit himself to shallow 10" Subs if a regular depth sub will have enough air space to sound good and physical space for a flush fit without blocking the spare tire floor panel. I also would go sealed as I want tight accurate bass as well. Did you leave your stock speakers in the rear door panels? Are they running off deck power? Do they even matter anymore with your front stage upgrades?

What are you doing about the treble/highs being too bright? Did you get those dialed in?

Aaah, Black carpet is easy to match. My interior is tan. The JL Audio Micro Sub is black. So it sticks out like a sore thumb. If I have a custom sub enclosure built, not sure if they can match the tan carpet or brown plastic. If I have a sub enclosure built, I want it to look like it was not an afterthought.

Please post pics and a review when you can. Can't wait to hear your report! Thanks again!

 

[groberts]

I had the Focal Kr165 Component set installed in my 2012 CRV today. when I went to my shop, I did one last comparison between the Focal KR165's and the Focal 165KR2's and I also listened to the KRX165's. I really liked the balance of the KR165 set (6.5" components ) so I stuck with that decision. I had the inner and outer skins of my doors finished with Hushmat. My shop prefers it to Dynamat, but I'm sure both are good.

I also opted for the JL Audio Microsub CP106 with the understanding that if I am left wanting for more sub/low bass, they will refund the cost of the Microsub and issue credit for a custom sub enclosure with a 10" shallow sub. (unless I can fit a regular depth sub without cutting into the Honda side panel)

I already had an audio control LC6i and JL Audio XD400 amp installed last week, so the ground work was in place for the front components and the JL Sub.

The Front sound stage is ......SUPERB!!! absolutely confident I made the right choice sticking with the Focals and the Hushmat for my doors. the Midbass punch and slam even surprised the sales rep at the shop. and the highs are clear, smooth and sweet. Lots of air, sparkle and superb clarity.

The JL audio CP106 Microsub fills out the low end and never calls attention to itself. My system sounds like the punch and low end is also coming from the front sound stage. But the bass control knob is all the way up. There is only so much air the 6" sub can move. It does not issue the kind of sub bass you can 'feel.' I didn't really expect that. I had hoped for a little more low end whooomph, but that is not gonna happen with the 6" JL Microsub. I will live with the system for a week or two and then make the decision whether to have a custom sub built. I am sure the custom enclose with a 8" or 10" would leave me feeling totally happy. So for now, I am pleased, but on the fence as to whether the JL Microsub will stay. It is a very elegant nice fit without interfering with load-in/out and I have full access to the spare tire compartment.

 

[groberts]

hey SkyeHack,

Did you get your sound system upgrades done yet with the custom sub enclosure. I'm dying to find out if your installed had to cut the panel molding to make the stock depth sub fit? And how does it sound and how does it look? Check in when you can ok?

He told me that shallow subs sound like crap and he would be able to fit a 10 inch no problem in the specified space. I told him that I didn't want anything crazy, I just want to experience the presence of bass and I have to keep my bass knob at 50% because any higher and it sounds like I got something serious going on in the back to other drivers/cars lol. Can't believe how hard 1 10" hits without evening trying.

My doors are not dynomatted. I always wanted to do it but honsetly I have never experienced listening to a sound system with a car that has been wrapped. I mean my CRV sounds awesome as it is without the dynomat.

I'll have to ask him about the active line driver. I think he installed something "PAC" with RCA cables he threw in for free.

And he gave me a generic sub box temporarily and it matches the carpet 100%. He said when he does the custom he will use the same carpet.

the only thing i miss about my pioneer headunit in my other car was that I was able to tune the different levels of frequencies and had a crap load of preset EQ's to choose from. All I can do with the stock CRV headunit is adjust the bass, sub, treble and thats it. I need to ask my installed how to adjust the high's from my tweeter's because I like to listen to my music loud but the brightness is a little too much. too much of a good thing in this case is a bad thing lol.

 

[SkyeHack]

Thanks for sharing! Can't wait to see how it looks. Can you find out what the depth and spec's are of the 10" Sub you're going to use and post? I want to let my installer know he should not limit himself to shallow 10" Subs if a regular depth sub will have enough air space to sound good and physical space for a flush fit without blocking the spare tire floor panel. I also would go sealed as I want tight accurate bass as well. Did you leave your stock speakers in the rear door panels? Are they running off deck power? Do they even matter anymore with your front stage upgrades?

What are you doing about the treble/highs being too bright? Did you get those dialed in?

Aaah, Black carpet is easy to match. My interior is tan. The JL Audio Micro Sub is black. So it sticks out like a sore thumb. If I have a custom sub enclosure built, not sure if they can match the tan carpet or brown plastic. If I have a sub enclosure built, I want it to look like it was not an afterthought.

Please post pics and a review when you can. Can't wait to hear your report! Thanks again!

It is a Hertz ES250D 500 watt subwoofer. Here are the specs.

http://www.hertzaudiovideo.com/doc/pdf_es250d.pdf

The stock speakers are still in the rear door panels and running off the headunit and used for fill. I don't even notice them with the front stage upgrades.

The primary guy that was helped me orginally had his day off on Saturday so I am going to catch him next week to take care of dialing in the system.

I had the Focal Kr165 Component set installed in my 2012 CRV today. when I went to my shop, I did one last comparison between the Focal KR165's and the Focal 165KR2's and I also listened to the KRX165's. I really liked the balance of the KR165 set (6.5" components ) so I stuck with that decision. I had the inner and outer skins of my doors finished with Hushmat. My shop prefers it to Dynamat, but I'm sure both are good.

I also opted for the JL Audio Microsub CP106 with the understanding that if I am left wanting for more sub/low bass, they will refund the cost of the Microsub and issue credit for a custom sub enclosure with a 10" shallow sub. (unless I can fit a regular depth sub without cutting into the Honda side panel)

I already had an audio control LC6i and JL Audio XD400 amp installed last week, so the ground work was in place for the front components and the JL Sub.

The Front sound stage is ......SUPERB!!! absolutely confident I made the right choice sticking with the Focals and the Hushmat for my doors. the Midbass punch and slam even surprised the sales rep at the shop. and the highs are clear, smooth and sweet. Lots of air, sparkle and superb clarity.

The JL audio CP106 Microsub fills out the low end and never calls attention to itself. My system sounds like the punch and low end is also coming from the front sound stage. But the bass control knob is all the way up. There is only so much air the 6" sub can move. It does not issue the kind of sub bass you can 'feel.' I didn't really expect that. I had hoped for a little more low end whooomph, but that is not gonna happen with the 6" JL Microsub. I will live with the system for a week or two and then make the decision whether to have a custom sub built. I am sure the custom enclose with a 8" or 10" would leave me feeling totally happy. So for now, I am pleased, but on the fence as to whether the JL Microsub will stay. It is a very elegant nice fit without interfering with load-in/out and I have full access to the spare tire compartment.

View attachment 7423

View attachment 7424

My audio shop also carries hushmat. I wonder if I should wrap my front doors as well...

hey SkyeHack,

Did you get your sound system upgrades done yet with the custom sub enclosure. I'm dying to find out if your installed had to cut the panel molding to make the stock depth sub fit? And how does it sound and how does it look? Check in when you can ok?

This last Saturday/Sunday they made the moldings and shape and it will be half wood and half fiberglass. It will be carpeted in black carpet but I needed my car mon-fri as I will be out of town so they are going to finish making it pretty and drop the finish product in this coming Saturday to wrap it up. The custom box is gonna cost me $350.00 I should have taken a picture of the progress when I saw it on Sunday when I picked my car up but they were really busy. My car smells like fiberglass now lol. I will have the final update and pics on Saturday bro. I will inquire them on wrapping the front doors as well maybe... lol

 

[benne017]

I just want to know where everyone is getting the dash kit for the deck. Scosche hasn't released one yet, neither has Metra. Are you guys getting custom kits fabricated?

 

[SkyeHack]

me and groberts have not changed out our headunit. so i have no idea.

im keeping my headunit because it already has

- bluetooth
- ipod integration
- integrated with iMID
- IMID has rearview camera
- I am using garmin for navigation

so there are no other options really that I need to change out the stock headunit with. I will change out the headunit if they come out with an android powered headunit. i have had the last 2 year generations of pioneer 7 inch navigation headunits in my old car and i have been less then impressed with them. I can buy a $200 Google Nexus 7 that has way more features and options then that $1,000 + navigation headunit. For right now, I am content. Let's see what the future brings....