rmpage

Ever since I was unable to procure an ABP TSX with Navi back in November (there just weren't any in the area with navigation and I didn't want to wait) I've been trying to decide upon, and install, an aftermarket navigation solution. This week I finally did.

First of all, I owe a prepondrance of the credit to this solution to Tsx536, who was extremely helpful to me throughout the decision process. In addition to his thread about the AVIC N1 in his TSX being a big help, he also advised me via PM on several occasions so that I could get this installed painlessly.

I had the installation performed by Tweeter in Auburn. The SR7 and AVIC N2 took about a day and a half so I left the car there overnight. Items installed were as follows:

• Pioneer AVIC N2 (the N2 is the N1 with XM Navtraffic)
• XM Satellite radio receiver
• VC-1 voice command pack
• Escort SR7 remote mount radar detector

The TSX's OE sound system is molded straight into the dash so it is not replaceable by a 1 DIN unit like the AVIC. The way the AVIC is installed is by using the 1 DIN chassis that Acura makes for their MP3/WMA player, which fits in that pocket below the environmental controls, to hold the AVIC.

Audio from the AVIC is patched through to the AUX IN of the OE head unit using the Soundgate SNHOND3, which takes the RCA outputs of the AVIC and patches right into the factory unit. The factory head unit retains all of its original functionality, only when I want to listen to XM I hit the CD button again to select the AUX input. I did not need a ground loop isolator or a preamp between the AVIC and the OE deck, as the connection was high quality and the output of the AVIC is plenty strong enough (I set the volume to about 40 and use the HU's volume control to control speaker volume)

The CPU and XM receiver modules each fit under the front seats. Finally, the microphone for voice commands was installed at the top of the driver's side A pillar.

Here are the pics:

Deck closed:


Open:



Microphone:


SR7 control/annunciator down low so the CT po po can't see it:

That thing on the steering wheel is my suicide knob.

Front radar receiver antenna (RED) and laser receiver (GREEN):

One weakness of this mounting location is that reception is slightly reduced due to the height, and therefore range of detection is as well.

Rear laser receiver:

Tsx536

Great description and writeup

Feel free to ask me if you have questions about the deck. There are so many settings and features so there's a lot to learn about what that deck can do. I recommends starting off with the custom EQ settings. This gives you a lot of control over each different frequency range. Also adjust the SLA (Sound Level Adjust) if you need a boost in sound for any of the sources.

I'm happy to see that everything worked out for you Rmpage! Looks like the installer did a great job! The fact that you don't have any ground noise and didn't need the GLI or line driver is great. It shows he did a good job running the wires. Do you happen to know where he is getting the 12V & ground for the N2?

That Passport radar is also really cool! How much did that run you?
Does it pick up Laser along with the standard K, Ka, X bands?

rmpage

Yes the detector does all four bands. For another $300 I could have added the ZR3 laser shifters, which jam laser speed detection equipment by dazzling them with flashes from an array of diodes that are triggered by the laser detector. Cops around here don't use laser though so I opted not to.

The SR7 was $825 installed. The guys at that Tweeter do awesome work. It's a little pricier than some dude with a 3 car garage, but their quality of service and workmanship is superb. I'm willing to pay for it.

rmpage

Oops, I forgot these.

XM antenna mounted on the trunk:


GPS antenna mounted in front of the passenger with a clear view of the sky:

DateTSX

That is a nice set up there. damn, I'm icthing to get an after marktet HU too. How is the angle on the screen? is there any glare or distortion?

rmpage

The angle on the screen is fine. The only time I can't read it is if I lean really far forward toward the wheel. In my normal driving position the screen is perfectly visible. Also, its angle to the windows/windshield keeps the sun from shining directly upon it at all times, so glare is a non-issue.

Nicky

That's impressive. Good job

CCColtsicehockey

Nice I really like how clean that install looks. Did they make the black piece or did they use the compartment door that came on the car.

loxllxol

I like it man..good job! That's such a stealthy install.

rmpage

The mounting bay is made by Acura to replace the pocket. It is what they use when you buy the MP3/WMA player from the dealer. I was able to procure just the kit itself from Acura of Escondido via ebay for about $80. Much cheaper (and nicer) than having one custom made.

CCColtsicehockey

really that kit works, sweet. I had been looking at that kit for a while try to decide whether or not it would work. now i know well i guess i will be adding that to my future list of mods.

virtualbong

Looks nice rmpage! The only issue I have with an aftermarket unit like that is that it has to be installed so low, which is why I opted to just have the integrated Navi that comes with my TSX. You do have DVD, MP3, WMA playability though which I am very jealous about. Man, I can't wait to see your car!

fuckleberry

Did you install that HU yourself ?

Does the lower pocket (not-an-ashtray) open smoothly ?

Is that HU's surround frame flush against the panel's DIN opening ?
Because the panel a bit of curvature.

Benz_05_TSX

iTrader: (1)

That looks awesome man!! Damn i want your plate...

I would love to do an Alipine unit and those radar things....it would definitly help me ALOT

rmpage

1. No, I had it professionally installed.

2. Yes it does.

3. No, not perfectly. This is actually the only imperfection in the installation as far as I'm concerned. The center is flush but due to the aforementioned curvature the ends are not. It isn't really obnoxious though.

TSX420J

WOW Looks very nice.. Maybe one day I'll do the same since I always wanted a navi too..

MTLer

Sorry to bring up an old thread, but do the oem controls and radio still work?

rmpage

Yes, everything works as it did when I bought the car. The only difference is that now, when I press the CD mode button, it enters the "CD-C" mode (for CD changer I assume) and the audio source becomes the AVIC N2. So, if I want to listen to XM for example, I hit the CD mode button on the OEM radio until it says CD-C. Also, this is the only way to listen to the voice cues from the navi chick, which is one of the two main drawbacks of this method (the other being that the screen is a bit lower than I'd like).

kyotousa

i think this install is nicer than the self-made mold install......
i think it looks more stockish.....

how much is the install?

i am just wondering...if N3 is better in anyway

MTLer

Cool, thanks. I only asked because locals tsx'ers and dealer unwire the sotck system and just hook it up with another amp and such, thus disabling the stock system. That got me thinking on how everyone else (you and tsx536) were able to do it. I guess the local guys did not know to use the soundgate to have it out put to the AUX jacks.

I am planning on doing the same setup as you, since the N2 has dropped in price.

Thanks!

MTLer

Turns out that the reason they did it was to get better sound and wanted to go all out. Im not really an audiophile so i should be fine.

Also they mentioned that due to the soundgate most of the audio feature of the N2 would be useless, is that true?

Thanks

ACURA TSX'D

just wondering, i'm considering installing the Pioneer AVIC n3, but i hear that if i were to install it, i would take the bluetooth function out of my 06 tsx...is that true?

Tsx536

I went the AUX route myself. For a couple of reasons. First, I wanted to keep the OEM steering wheel controls. Second, I wasn't planning to run an external amp to power my highs. Third, I didn't want to deal with the extra wiring and splicing of the factory wiring. The way my system is now, I can easily take it back and it will be just like stock. No wires were spliced.

Soundwise though, having the N3 directly wired to the amps is better though. The N3's RCA outs are 4 volts outs. So they have a strong signal and will deliver good sound.

Another route you can go, is to make the N3 the primary stereo and hook it up to the OEM amp. Then, splice the wiring outputs of the factory HU, put RCAs on the end, and have it feed sound into the N3 via the N3's aux input. I've thought about going back and rewiring my system to be like this, but I've decided that I like how my system sounds right now and don't want to deal with the extra wiring. Basically, if it ain't broke, don't fix it

There was also a module recently released by PIE, that will allow you to keep the OEM steering wheel controls while having an aftermarket deck. So if you decided to go that route. You could use this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/PAC-SWI-PS-Pione...QQcmdZViewItem

Another

Tsx536

I'm not sure how the phone sound for the bluetooth in the 06 is wired, so I can't really say. This is assuming you want to make the N3 the primary stereo.

If you go the route of the hooking the N3 up through the AUX, bluetooth would be uneffected. It would be no different then if you were to hook an Ipod up through the AUX input. The only difference is your sound source will be the N3 instead of the ipod.

ACURA TSX'D

I think that would be fine hooking up an N3 to through the Auxhillary. I do have an ipod currently connected through aux but if i were to buy the N3, i can hook up the ipod through their instead. OOH...where can i get that installation kit for the bottom compartment to install an aftermarket radio?

Tsx536

Yeah, sounds good through the AUX. Btw, I did get a line driver and Ground loop isolator for the AUX. The line driver helps boosts the audio system and the GLI took out some ground noise I was having. I don't think Rmpage has a GLI though, so hopefully you won't need one.

As for the mp3 attachment kit. I bought mine from one of the sellers on Ebay. Just email them the Acura part number and ask for a quote. I think I got mine for around $80 shipped.

theone55699

hey rmpage.. where did u get your equipment installed? i'm still searching a good place for my stuff to be install. i also live in boston. any reconmendation??