I know we have a audio forum here but this only applies to the fifth gen CRVs so thought it might get a little more traction here. Kicked around this idea a few yrs ago and made some changes. Now I think I'm ready to make some more. I'm using the stock head unit on 2017 EX-L w/ nav. I added a 10" Memphis audio sub powered by a Kicker mono amp 600 w x 1. Also, installed LC7i LOC. I would like to change out the front dr spkrs. and would prefer not to add on another amp for them, want to use the head unit. Talked w/ Crutchfield and they suggest the JL Audio C2-650 that someone had mentioned earlier in this thread. Thought I wanted Infinity Kappas or Focal but was told they both worked better w/ a separate amp. Have used JL products before and pleased w/ them but since I'm not really using them for the bass, will they give me the highs and mids that I'm looking for? Any thoughts here are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Factory speakers
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No problem leaving it here, JD! I'll keep an eye on it, or let me know if you don't get the responses you want, and I will move it for you. 
Wow, you are ambitious! The last time I did any mods to a factory audio system...hmm, let me think...OH! I added tweeters to my 2001 EX Civic, back in 2002..Not long before I passed it to my youngest son. I actually bought it one year old, with 4,000 miles on it...5 Speed.
My wife drives our '20 CR-V, and she doesn't care how it sounds, and I, well, the RDX doesn't need any "help".
Wow, you are ambitious! The last time I did any mods to a factory audio system...hmm, let me think...OH! I added tweeters to my 2001 EX Civic, back in 2002..Not long before I passed it to my youngest son. I actually bought it one year old, with 4,000 miles on it...5 Speed.
My wife drives our '20 CR-V, and she doesn't care how it sounds, and I, well, the RDX doesn't need any "help".
Yeah, after 4 yrs I think I've decided I'll probably keep this car longer than I had originally planned. I've gotten used to it and also have not had any of the issues that many here on the forum have. When we bought my wife's new car in Nov. I had opportunity to drive a lot of different vehicles. There are some nice new features that I would love to have but there is also a lot of things I don't like about the newer ones. Updating my spkrs. is small change compared to paying for a new car. I know a couple of yrs back there were some on the board here that made audio upgrades. Maybe you're still around and can help me out.
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Here is a huge thread that includes sound deadening but also speakers
Speaker Upgrade and Sound Deadening Build Log
Posted by @mnestrud , who was last seen about 3 months ago.
And another:
www.crvownersclub.com
Speaker Upgrade and Sound Deadening Build Log
Posted by @mnestrud , who was last seen about 3 months ago.
And another:
5th Generation CRV aftermarket Audio Upgrades
Hi everyone. Let us share our aftermarket audio upgrades both DIY and professionally installed. Maybe there are 5th Gen. CRV owners like me that are considering upgrading their audio/speakers system. Let's identify our CRV trims together with our upgrades.Let me start by sharing: Mine is a 2018...
www.crvownersclub.com
So you didn't amp the spkrs and you're getting good sound? To be clear you're using power from the existing head unit?
To be clear, both CR-Vs had/have an Alpine 445 mini-amp which goes between the head unit and all the door speakers. This unit operates off of the head unit power, not needing a separate line from the battery. This unit is so small that it was/is placed in the dash behind the head unit.
Depending on the surrounding ambient noise, I've listened to clear audio with the radio on 5. Usually listen with the radio on 7-9. If really enthusiastic about the music, have played up to 20, but not for extended periods. Have enough doctors for whatever ails me. Don't need to start supporting an audiologist.
The Accord doesn't have the Alpine amp in it, but the replacement speakers produce a better sound than the OEM speakers. As you may well know, replacement Honda OEM speakers cost around $10.00 per speaker. Like OEM tires, some are satisfied with OEM level speakers. As you have researched, many want to replace the OEM with something better. How much better is entirely up to the buyer's ears & wallet.
Have also done extensive sound deadening in the doors, spare tire well, and rear hatch. Am satisfied with that. I don't want to go through the extreme sound deadening procedure of removing all the interior to the bare metal & double lining everything that touches the outside metal.
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Absolutely. I replaced my Civic's OEM door speakers with Signat H16 woofers and they played much better with the original amplification even with the added crossovers for tweeters. Once I passed it to my Mother in Law I switched them back to OEM, removed the crossovers and re-experienced the difference. Will probably install those Signats in the CR-V but with an amp.
Ok, had my JL Audio speakers installed yesterday. No aftermarket amp, just running off the HU. Sound is way better than. It's almost as if I didn't have separate tweeters before. The volume level didn't change any, I guess since it's still the same amount of power. The highs are really brilliant and I'm hearing sounds I never heard in the past. Only problem is it seems a little "boomy". I do have a subwoofer but I think this is from the new woofers in the door. I tuned down the bass level on the HU to two notches below center. I asked them to adjust settings on the sub amp to blend the new speakers but not sure if they did. I'm going to give the speakers a week or so to "break in" before I go back to ask about the settings. Sound reasonable, any thoughts? Thanks.
Pics?
if u need a better eq u can run hondahack and viper on the stock HU and customize it plus boost bass or output
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648 Posts
I am also interested in this. I do have a specialist in town who can recommend and install, but from what I've been looking at... Focal tops, Polk Audio or Kicker coaxials/woofers, and just using the factory amp and sub for now -- which are actually Pioneer.
Read my original post, Focals require more power than you will get from the HU amp. I'm a fan of Kicker but think they also require more power, that's why I went w/ the J L Audio. They had the highest S/N ratio which translates into less required power needed.
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Crutchfield said the Focals that they recommended work perfectly with the factory 330W amp. There are many variations.... Oh... nevermind, the 5th gen EX-L doesn't have the premium system like the 4th gen EX-L. Disregard.
Ok, so day three. I've noticed I'm listening at a higher vol. level now, about 25. I attribute that to using the HU amp to push the spkrs. Don't think it will hurt anything though. Our vol goes to 40 right? May look into a DSP/equalizer to get the blend I really want. Don't want to add another amp if I don't have to. The car audio shop I use suggested a Kenwood Excelon XR401.4. There is also a Kenwood X302.4 that has less power but I think would still work. Stay tuned.
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