[navin]

Originally Posted by sumeethaldankar

GUys wanted if it's possible to fit a Head unit with aux and usb in and which is just like the Civic stock unit so that i do not have to fit the dashboard trim kit.
I am aware of the option where one can get a aux in fitted on the stock OE but don't want to risk cutting wires etc.

I believe companies like Caska and Motevo have HUs that will look like stock in you Civic and give you a lot more functionality (from DVD playback to Navigation etc..).

They are usually supplied with a harness so you do not need to cut wires.

[Sawyer]

If I wanted to replace the HU of the Civic with one that will allow future expansion for better sound, but also immediately provide the existing set up access to USB and Bluetooth connectivity, what would be a good unit to buy? The new HU should fit in place exactly the way the OE unit on a 2008 car does.

[moralfibre]

Originally Posted by Sawyer

If I wanted to replace the HU of the Civic with one that will allow future expansion for better sound, but also immediately provide the existing set up access to USB and Bluetooth connectivity, what would be a good unit to buy? The new HU should fit in place exactly the way the OE unit on a 2008 car does.

What you need to fit in a stereo in the Civic is a "dash kit". Most reputed aftermarket accessory stores would have one. It is kind of an adapter which facilitates fitment of a single or a double DIN head-unit. In all likelihood, a single-DIN headunit should suffice your requirement.

If you are looking for an aftermarket stereo in the exact shape as the one in your Civic then it would be a little difficult to find.

Take a look at stereos fitted in these two cars for an idea:

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/sound-...nto-disco.html

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/sound-...uch-hertz.html

[Sawyer]

Originally Posted by moralfibre

It is kind of an adapter which facilitates fitment of a single or a double DIN head-unit. In all likelihood, a single-DIN headunit should suffice your requirement.
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All I want to do first is to change the HU to one that will work with AAC files on my iPod, via a USB socket to dock connector link, that will also charge the iPod. And which can be easily installed into the existing wiring behind the existing HU in the car, once the adapter is installed.

Later the new HU should be able to integrate into any subsequent audio system upgrades.

What are the advantage of a double DIN HU?

And single or double DIN, any recommended makes/models?

[Sawyer]

Originally Posted by Sawyer

What are the advantage of a double DIN HU?

And single or double DIN, any recommended makes/models?

I have figured out the DIN thing, is there any make for HUs that is advised over others?

[nitrous]

Originally Posted by Sawyer

I have figured out the DIN thing, is there any make for HUs that is advised over others?

Alpine for best sound quality.
Pioneer products have really gone downhill.

[DerAlte]

Originally Posted by Sawyer

... is there any make for HUs that is advised over others?

Originally Posted by nitrous

Alpine for best sound quality. ...

There is no make that can be advised over others. The ultimate quality is model dependent - each brand has at least one product which is really great. In general Kenwood and Alpine have sweet sound, though one cannot say Pioneer, JVC or Clarion doesn't make good music (which, incidentally, many agree that Sony is not able to). Between these and white branded products from China (Pyle, Boss, ... and 2DIN 'computers' like Caska, Motevo) there is a distinct difference in quality.

[coolkurt]

Greetings..I've got a 2006 civic and I was looking to improve the overall audio experience. I listen to Trance and house and the bass from stock speakers isnt anything to talk about. I'm low on cash now so was thinking about a staggered upgrade. Change the speakers now and add an amp and sub later.

Should I go in for components for both front nd back or components
at the front and co-axials at back? Any idea how much do
component speakers and co-axial speakers cost, on an average for a pair?

Anything else I should keep in mind? wattage of the speakers etc? Any particular brands u recommend? Keeping in mind that I will add a sub and amp, I want to make a proper choice hence the questions. sorry but I'm a noob when it comes to Car audio

[DerAlte]

Originally Posted by coolkurt

... Should I go in for components for both front nd back or components
at the front and co-axials at back? Any idea how much do
component speakers and co-axial speakers cost, on an average for a pair? ...

1. Components in front and coaxials in the back

2. Components in the back won't enhance the experience in the front. The rear seat passengers do hear the fronts too. OTOH, components in the rear pull the front image back a bit, since the rear tweeters are nearer the front seat

3. Components start about 6K for a pair. Round coaxes are usually 3K or less

[coolkurt]

Originally Posted by DerAlte

1. Components in front and coaxials in the back

2. Components in the back won't enhance the experience in the front. The rear seat passengers do hear the fronts too. OTOH, components in the rear pull the front image back a bit, since the rear tweeters are nearer the front seat

3. Components start about 6K for a pair. Round coaxes are usually 3K or less

Thanks. Any particular speakers that you recommend? particular brand/model? JBL are good I heard. Is there any specific wattage that I need to watch out for? Something too high and the stock HU might not be able to handle it

[DerAlte]

Originally Posted by coolkurt

Thanks. Any particular speakers that you recommend? particular brand/model? JBL are good I heard. Is there any specific wattage that I need to watch out for? Something too high and the stock HU might not be able to handle it

There are others: Infinity, Bull, Morel, Hertz, ... audition as many as you can so that you can select one to your liking.

Don't worry about wattage - all car speakers can take power from HU.

[coolkurt]

Originally Posted by DerAlte

There are others: Infinity, Bull, Morel, Hertz, ... audition as many as you can so that you can select one to your liking.

Don't worry about wattage - all car speakers can take power from HU.

I am looking to spend around 10-12k. Budget for Components is arnd 6-7k a pair and around 4k for a pair of co-axials. Any recommendations within this budget for a Civic? future proof of course as I intend to add a sub and amp later.

All I'm worried is whether I would see a difference. Some folks tell me there will be a marked difference while others say not much if I stick with the stock HU.

[DerAlte]

Originally Posted by coolkurt

... All I'm worried is whether I would see a difference. Some folks tell me there will be a marked difference while others say not much if I stick with the stock HU.

I assume you mean difference between stock speakers and replacement components. No, there is a marked difference between stock and after-market speakers even when the stock HU is driving them.

There are 2 issues with stock HU otherwise:
1. Since the stock HU is biased internally (like an Equalizer) for limited capability stock speakers, replacement speakers might have either bass or high frequencies artificially accentuated. Needs a subtle adjustment in the HU equalizer to correct it

2. The power of the internal amp of the HU is very limited, which results in distortion setting in at loudness level that external amps will not distort. Also, with the higher power of external amps, the dynamic range is much better (a sudden very loud passage at a moderate volume does not distort)

[coolkurt]

Originally Posted by DerAlte

I assume you mean difference between stock speakers and replacement components. No, there is a marked difference between stock and after-market speakers even when the stock HU is driving them.

There are 2 issues with stock HU otherwise:
1. Since the stock HU is biased internally (like an Equalizer) for limited capability stock speakers, replacement speakers might have either bass or high frequencies artificially accentuated. Needs a subtle adjustment in the HU equalizer to correct it

So it's not something I can't adjust. I plan to stick to the stock HU as I prefer the stock look.

For around 6k for components and 4k for co-axials, any particular brands that provide performance at these prices?

[DerAlte]

Originally Posted by coolkurt

... any particular brands that provide performance at these prices?

Please see post 56 above - I already gave some brand names to audition.