Civic EX sedan questions - regarding audio upgrades

Raptors_Fan · 06-25-2007, 12:11 AM

Hey guys,

I have questions regarding custom audio installations on a sedan EX.

Here are my questions:

1) If I plan to keep the stock deck, is it possible to just install an AMP w/ Subwoofer to the stock system? or do I need to get a new after-market car deck to work with my new subwoofer and amp?

2) If I install a new after-market car deck, can I still use my "steering wheel-mounted audio" controls with it? or will the steering wheel-mounted controls only work if I keep my stock audio deck?

Any input or insights are welcome! Thanks everyone!

irichard · 06-25-2007, 12:15 AM

1) yes you can. that is my current setup right now for my sedan EX.

2)aftermarket HU means you can't use the factory steering wheel control.....unless there is a aftermarket PAC for that unit...then you can.

stealth · 06-25-2007, 12:19 AM

Hey, i have an ex sedan and i was going thru exactly the same issue as you.
Yes you can use the factory deck with sub/amp combo and thats what im running now. The sound is great and it hits hard as hell (depending on what you get)

If you get an aftermarket deck you will lose the steering wheel controls but ive herd about some part you can by to keep them... Do some searching and im sure youll find it...

I'm running a 12" MTX sub, 400 watts rms with an MTX amp... the advantage of using a MTX amp is that it comes with a bass boost controler. Its basicly a swivel style controler that you get for you to be able to add or remove some bass from the sub depending on the song and what not... I have one mounted in the little "hole" on the left of the steering wheel on the dash.

I love the setup that i have and the sound quality is great... feel free if u have n e other questions

***Stu_K*** · 06-25-2007, 01:35 AM

Regarding the audio controls on the steering wheel, it is definately possible to upgrade the head unit and keep them, and as far as i know it can be done quite easily with an adapter.

There are a couple of links here on this thread here if you are interested: Head Unit + Steering Wheel Controls

Raptors_Fan · 06-25-2007, 01:44 AM

Btw, is the Honda warranty voided if we install our own car deck or if we do any internal circuitry changes to ensure the new after-market car deck works with the steering-wheel mounted audio controls???

mO 64 StAnG 06 · 06-25-2007, 03:26 PM

With anything, the dealer can only void your warranty if the problem is linked to something you modified. So yes, they could.

***LikWidv1*** · 06-25-2007, 04:06 PM

As long as your deck doesn't cause the problems then you're fine. But if your deck causes mechanical break down. Then your warrenty is voided.

Lazy Lightning · 07-02-2008, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irichard

1) yes you can. that is my current setup right now for my sedan EX.

Does anyone have pix of their setup in their EX sedan? I am looking at doing something like this but I NEED to be able to still use my trunk/fold downs. So I can't have like.. a trunk full of equipment or anything.

krazy2o6 · 07-03-2008, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazy Lightning

Does anyone have pix of their setup in their EX sedan? I am looking at doing something like this but I NEED to be able to still use my trunk/fold downs. So I can't have like.. a trunk full of equipment or anything.

well i have my amp mounted to the backseat ill take some pictures in a second

krazy2o6 · 07-03-2008, 12:43 AM

Left side crimp for LOC

Right side crimp for LOC

The wires are kinda every where, too lazy to zip tie them together

Kinda bored so i decided to take pictures of my fireworks. About 1/5 of what i have =]

Lazy Lightning · 07-03-2008, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krazy2o6

Kinda bored so i decided to take pictures of my fireworks. About 1/5 of what i have =]

lols; I shall have to do this too. As it stands right now, if I had a car accident it would be absolutely BEAUTIFUL for spectators.

Lazy Lightning · 07-03-2008, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krazy2o6

well i have my amp mounted to the backseat ill take some pictures in a second

Thanks for those pics btw. :) I'll probably end up doing something like that; because I'd definitely want my amp not visible or i guess I'd worry about theft.

***cderalow*** · 07-03-2008, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazy Lightning

Thanks for those pics btw. :) I'll probably end up doing something like that; because I'd definitely want my amp not visible or i guess I'd worry about theft.

you could also buy a self powered subwoofer like a bazooka tube or infinity basslink.

personally, I'd recommend a basslink, as for a 10" 200W self contained sub, they hit hard as hell, and take up very little trunk space.

pks17 · 07-07-2008, 12:56 AM

Yah you can add a sub and amp to a factory deck, however it will not sound good at all, because the factory deck isnt very high voltage. Most Alpine amps are 4 volts, while some other brands are 8volts.

Also, you will have to give up the steering wheel controls, unless you buy a headunit that has a option to control steering wheel funtions, but then you will also need to buy the adaptor.

Also, dont forget you need a dashkit, wiring harness, and antenna adapter when you install a aftermarket headunit.

aaronstern · 07-07-2008, 03:21 AM

does anyone know if adding a system voids a warranty? i just got an 08 Ex..
would like to know..

LChammer · 07-07-2008, 04:23 AM

^^ ya it voids just the audio tho...i have a type r sub and amp on a stock deck then eventually going to add 4 channel amp with the alpine type r components for front and coaxels for the rear all running off the stock head unit, dont want people thinking i have sounds thats y i wanna keep the stock head unit...couple places down here said they would be able to do that easy

aaronstern · 07-07-2008, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LChammer

^^ ya it voids just the audio tho...i have a type r sub and amp on a stock deck then eventually going to add 4 channel amp with the alpine type r components for front and coaxels for the rear all running off the stock head unit, dont want people thinking i have sounds thats y i wanna keep the stock head unit...couple places down here said they would be able to do that easy

so by getting a system it wont affect the cars warranty since its just is on what you are taking out?

***cderalow*** · 07-07-2008, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LChammer

^^ ya it voids just the audio tho...i have a type r sub and amp on a stock deck then eventually going to add 4 channel amp with the alpine type r components for front and coaxels for the rear all running off the stock head unit, dont want people thinking i have sounds thats y i wanna keep the stock head unit...couple places down here said they would be able to do that easy

there's the off chance that it voids the warranty for all electrical components, since tapping off a constant 12V source and from the battery provides a potential for an previously unconsidered short.

aka: i was installing this sub, and accidentally grounded the 12V power source out and fried _____ = NO WARRANTY FOR YOU!

pks17 · 07-07-2008, 04:55 PM

Dont bother hooking up subs to the stock deck. Because you will get bass, but as soon as you turn it up past half way your going to wish you did things the proper way first.
Because to get the line adaptor is like 50 -100 bucks, then if you get someone to install it its gonna be more. So when you do decide to upgrade your headunit, all that money will have gone to waste.

06-25-2007, 12:11 AM	#1 (permalink)
Raptors_Fan Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 128 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Civic EX sedan questions - regarding audio upgrades Hey guys, I have questions regarding custom audio installations on a sedan EX. Here are my questions: 1) If I plan to keep the stock deck, is it possible to just install an AMP w/ Subwoofer to the stock system? or do I need to get a new after-market car deck to work with my new subwoofer and amp? 2) If I install a new after-market car deck, can I still use my "steering wheel-mounted audio" controls with it? or will the steering wheel-mounted controls only work if I keep my stock audio deck? Any input or insights are welcome! Thanks everyone!

06-25-2007, 04:06 PM	#7 (permalink)
*LikWidv1* I'z a Ricorz! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Houston Age: 24 Posts: 4,854 "NBA" iTrader: 2 / 100%	As long as your deck doesn't cause the problems then you're fine. But if your deck causes mechanical break down. Then your warrenty is voided. __________________

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06-25-2007, 12:15 AM	#2 (permalink)
irichard Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,101 **** iTrader: 1 / 100%	1) yes you can. that is my current setup right now for my sedan EX. 2)aftermarket HU means you can't use the factory steering wheel control.....unless there is a aftermarket PAC for that unit...then you can.

06-25-2007, 12:19 AM	#3 (permalink)
stealth Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Montreal Posts: 1,269 iTrader: 3 / 100%	Hey, i have an ex sedan and i was going thru exactly the same issue as you. Yes you can use the factory deck with sub/amp combo and thats what im running now. The sound is great and it hits hard as hell (depending on what you get) If you get an aftermarket deck you will lose the steering wheel controls but ive herd about some part you can by to keep them... Do some searching and im sure youll find it... I'm running a 12" MTX sub, 400 watts rms with an MTX amp... the advantage of using a MTX amp is that it comes with a bass boost controler. Its basicly a swivel style controler that you get for you to be able to add or remove some bass from the sub depending on the song and what not... I have one mounted in the little "hole" on the left of the steering wheel on the dash. I love the setup that i have and the sound quality is great... feel free if u have n e other questions

06-25-2007, 01:35 AM	#4 (permalink)
*Stu_K* VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Qatar Age: 24 Posts: 276 iTrader: 2 / 100%	Regarding the audio controls on the steering wheel, it is definately possible to upgrade the head unit and keep them, and as far as i know it can be done quite easily with an adapter. There are a couple of links here on this thread here if you are interested: Head Unit + Steering Wheel Controls

06-25-2007, 01:44 AM	#5 (permalink)
Raptors_Fan Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 128 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Btw, is the Honda warranty voided if we install our own car deck or if we do any internal circuitry changes to ensure the new after-market car deck works with the steering-wheel mounted audio controls???

06-25-2007, 03:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
mO 64 StAnG 06 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Wylie, Texas Age: 20 Posts: 3,009 iTrader: 0 / 0%	With anything, the dealer can only void your warranty if the problem is linked to something you modified. So yes, they could.

07-03-2008, 12:43 AM	#10 (permalink)
krazy2o6 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: seattle, WA Age: 18 Posts: 590 Henry To iTrader: 0 / 0%	Left side crimp for LOC Right side crimp for LOC The wires are kinda every where, too lazy to zip tie them together Kinda bored so i decided to take pictures of my fireworks. About 1/5 of what i have =]

07-07-2008, 12:56 AM	#14 (permalink)
pks17 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 805 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Yah you can add a sub and amp to a factory deck, however it will not sound good at all, because the factory deck isnt very high voltage. Most Alpine amps are 4 volts, while some other brands are 8volts. Also, you will have to give up the steering wheel controls, unless you buy a headunit that has a option to control steering wheel funtions, but then you will also need to buy the adaptor. Also, dont forget you need a dashkit, wiring harness, and antenna adapter when you install a aftermarket headunit.

07-07-2008, 03:21 AM	#15 (permalink)
aaronstern Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Socal Posts: 104 Aaron iTrader: 0 / 0%	does anyone know if adding a system voids a warranty? i just got an 08 Ex.. would like to know..

07-07-2008, 04:23 AM	#16 (permalink)
LChammer Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kailua HI Posts: 66 leo iTrader: 0 / 0%	^^ ya it voids just the audio tho...i have a type r sub and amp on a stock deck then eventually going to add 4 channel amp with the alpine type r components for front and coaxels for the rear all running off the stock head unit, dont want people thinking i have sounds thats y i wanna keep the stock head unit...couple places down here said they would be able to do that easy

07-07-2008, 04:55 PM	#19 (permalink)
pks17 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 805 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Dont bother hooking up subs to the stock deck. Because you will get bass, but as soon as you turn it up past half way your going to wish you did things the proper way first. Because to get the line adaptor is like 50 -100 bucks, then if you get someone to install it its gonna be more. So when you do decide to upgrade your headunit, all that money will have gone to waste.