I figured I'd start a thread for folks to show off their aftermarket sound solutions for the 4G. From bassheads to sound quality audiophiles, let's see what you have or have planned. I personally have planned infinity kappa speakers to replace all 9 factory speakers and plans for 1 JL audio W7 10 with a JL 500.1 class D mono amp in custom enclosure. Pics to follow as soon as installation is complete! I know there are a few out there such as Brew360's awesome setup. Post em here!

 

Not many audio enthusiasts out there? Well phase 1 of my audio makeover is complete. I replaced all speakers (minus subwoofer) with infinity kappa 3.5 coaxles and infinity reference 6.5 components. I went with infinity because I wanted to stay with the stock amp and have decent highs/vocals. I also had the rear deck dynamatted. The rear deck is very flimsy and this helped sound quality immensily. I have an appt next week to begin the installation of the custom box and JL XD600.1 amp with JL W710 sub.

 

Are you satified with the Infinity's connected to the OEM amp?

 

I am, they sound much clearer and the highs are spot on. The biggest improvement was the center channel. The speakers are more effecient as well and sound louder at lower volumes. I used to listen at 30-35 now 25 is plenty loud enough. Looking forward to installing my JL 10 w7 soon.

 

Good to hear. I'm sure by now that you have realized from the non-response to your thread that there are not many 4G owners who are modifying the sound system. I think most of them are satisfied with the OEM system. I've always had aftermarket so the OEM system was a huge step backwards for me.

Just in case you are interested, JBL has a new processor that may be a great addition right after the OEM amp that will allows even more sound calibration. See the attached link:

http://signature.crutchfield.com/s_1...rchdisplay=JBL

I'm in the process of reseaching it now and if it is a good fit, I will replace my two JL cleansweeps with it.

 

I've never been a fan of JBL but that processor looks quite impressive. I'd be very interested to hear if it lives up to it's own hype. If so, then it seems like exactly what I need.

I think there is a lack of response to this also because of the newness of the vehicle. I'm sure many are reluctant to mess with their audio at this point. It's a bit intimidating with the tech package and warranty issues, I'm sure. It was only a matter of time for me, and the ever-blowing factory speakers pushed me over the edge. Now, I wont stop until I have a respectable sounding system.

Question: did you change your battery? Should I go optima red top or yellow?

 

I'm with you. I've never been a fan of JBL, but it would be a nice fit. I upgraded my battery to a yellow, added two Batcap Model 400 for the JL amps and also change out the power and ground to 0 guage. Since you are adding a 10W7, I would recommend a yellow and at minimum a 1 farad capacitor.

As long as you tap into to system after the OEM amp there are no warranty issues to worry about. Acura tries to scare owners, but tapping into a signal after it has been amplified can not void a warranty. Major changes to the electrical system (high output alternator), rerouting power wires can. I got this info directly from my management contacts at Acura.

 

keep us posted. I know I'm going to do something to mine, and your venturing into this uncharted arena is bound to help immensely. FYI I had a system in my '03 CL which was based on JL components, to include replacing my Soundgate processor with the Cleansweep, and the clarity with the power was very impressive. Biggest obstacle I'm trying to figure out is the incorporation of some sort of DSP, because I don't believe a basic EQ is going to do much.

 

Do you have any pics of this install both for the components and the sub. I am thinking about doing the same thing

The only thing i am worried about on my end is i already have a amp from the last car and it is a JL 1000/1 Slash V2. I am seriously worried about the power needed to run that amp.

I had it in my jetta tdi running it at 8 ohms for half the power and it would still dim everthing in that car even with a Kenetic 1400

 

I just got my car back from the installer. The JL xd600.1 is a very small but high performing amp. We managed to mount it so that it is accessible through the ski pass through. The custom box will fit on the shelf above the rear differential and a wall will seperate it from the trunk. The wall will have the same carpet as the trunk and give the appearance that nothing has been added and the trunk just ends at the differential hump. Here are some pics of the amp install, the box fabrication is next.

 

[QUOTE=SSGHutch;12007383]I just got my car back from the installer. The JL xd600.1 is a very small but high performing amp. We managed to mount it so that it is accessible through the ski pass through. The custom box will fit on the shelf above the rear differential and a wall will seperate it from the trunk. The wall will have the same carpet as the trunk and give the appearance that nothing has been added and the trunk just ends at the differential hump. Here are some pics of the amp install, the box fabrication is next.
\QUOTE]

I love Infinity's and have been listening to them for over 20 years. Some will say they are too "bright", and I agree, but I like them.

I would have built a box so that the speaker faced the interior through the armrest door. Are you going to remove the stock subwoofer and port the sound through the rear deck?

 

I should have mentioned to you that you should consider dynamatting your rear deck and trunk; and also to remove your OEM sub or it will act as a radiator resulting in a very distorted low bass frequencies. Also, if you dynamat the doors, your will get even more sound quality from your Infinitys.

 

Top of the rear deck is already dynamatted, the trunk will be dynamatted as well. I do intend on removing the factory sub as well. I can't leave my car for days at a time, so the install is going in phases. We fabricated an enclosure template out of cardboard and test fitted it and tweaked airspace ect. Now the actual box is being fabricated and we will test fit that soon. I am very excited about this and I think it should turn out well. My main goal is to look as oem as possible and maintain trunk/spare tire accessibility. (an also have awesome bass lol)

 

I'm the same way. BTW, I will give you the rundown on the JBL MS-8 once it becomes available (hopefully late May, early June) and I get it installed. Based on the manual, this processor is definitely going to meet my 5.1 needs and more.

 

ok I am sold! At first I kinda shyed away from changing out the OEM audio. But I have blown 2 passenger door speakers. And want some better sound quality!

 

SSGHutch what speaker sizes do i need to get?

 

I am a novice. I want to upgrade my audio on my mdx but im nervous. ideas for places to go?

 

3.5 inch for the center x1
6.5 inch components for the fronts x2 with tweeters
3.5 for the rear doors (must be modified to fit) x2
6.5 for rear deck midbass x2
8 inch free air sub for rear deck x1
(I recommend removing the sub and installing one in the trunk)

 

I had the sub installed a couple of days ago. Wow, does that make a difference! The JL w7 10 is a work of art. And the tiny JL XD amp is nothing short of amazing. I'll post pics when I get the chance.

 

Any pics of the sub?

 

Here are a few first pics. Keep in mind that the liner above the box will be reinstalled after some modification and hide all the mess above the box. Also, my trunk is dirty, I'll fix that soon enough. And finally, we had to make the box a lil bigger than expected to meet JL's air space requirements. The vent and enclosure volume was designed with the help of a tech from JL. That is one of the reasons we didn't go sealed. The bass is still very clean even though it's vented. Also the sub is located in the far corner for space and bracing purposes. Since the size of the box increased, we abandoned the wall approach. I still have full access to the spare tire and can fit two suitcases in my trunk.

 

I'm sure you have all of the bass you were expecting. BTW, I purchased the JBL MS-8 processor over the holiday and will have it installed on the 12th. I will send you an update once I have had time to tweak it.

 

Nice! I would've tried to keep the pass through for practicality purposes, though.

 

Mee too but this way he can still get his clubs in the car....

 

For me, the pass through was really too small to be practical. This was the only way to get the required airspace and still keep enough space for two suitcases. To each his own I guess.

 

If this involves the removal/replacement of the Clean Sweeps, try to get some cleaner pictures of the current wiring etc of them before they are removed.

tks

 

The sweeps will be removed and I will personally take pics and post when completed. The install is on 6/12/10.

 

I had the JBL MS-8 processor installed over the past weekend and all I can say is "WOW" . For those who really want system calibration flexibility at your finger tips, this is the way to go. I have one small issue that needs to be change and that is with the center channel. The processor takes all 8 inputs (AWD with Tech Package) and sums them to a full range signal (front, rear door, rear deck, center and subwoofer) before allowing you to apply crossover points and 31 band equalization. Because of this, my voice command and nav voice is not working properly. All I have to do is run the center channel through a separate line driver and connect directly to my amp and everything will work properly. I would recommend the JBL MS-8 to all 4G owners who want a really nice sounding system. It's not a cheap component though but those serious audiophiles will appreciate it.

Here is the link:

http://www.jbl.com/EN-US/Products/Pa...spx?CID=SIMPLE SOUND SOLUTIONS

 

A better link with more details:

http://press.jbl.com/ms-8