greengo

Hello,

I own a '99 Acura TL. The existing stereo is a Bose/Acura
unit, with a single in-unit CD player (no changer). I would
like to upgrade the stock stereo system, but I keep finding
conflicting information on the web regarding how the system
is configured, etc. I will describe what I would like to do,
and hopefully someone can answer my questions:

I'd like to:
-keep the existing head unit
-keep the existing in-door speakers (for now, at least)
-upgrade the stock subwoofer with a sealed 10" unit
-replace the existing power amp with:
-one unit (mono), dedicated to the subwoofer
-one unit, 4 channel, dedicated to the 4 door speakers

My current understanding is that the head unit is just a
controller/preamp, with no built-in EQ or power amp section.
If this is the case, then I have the following questions:

-where is the EQ? Is it combined with the existing power amp,
or is it a stand-alone unit?

-is there currently one amp, driving all 5 speakers, or are
there two power amps?

-what sort of line converter (if any) is required to interface
the existing head unit with aftermarket power amps?

-I've read that the stock door speakers are "special" somehow.
Is there any truth to this? Is this where the EQ is located?
Are they powered speakers?

-If a line converter is involved, can it be installed at/near
the rear deck? I'd like to localize all upgrades to this area,
and avoid having to remove the console or head unit, if I can.

Basically, what I'm looking for is a complete description and
wiring information for the entire stereo system, and then
information about what needs to be done to upgrade it, as
described above.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks,

Dave

shawhite

wow i can see you getting flammed on... use the search function there are alot of good right ups on this subject.. but i will answer what i can for you... 1st of all the headunit does have an amp in it.. that powers the 4 door speakers.. the eq is located behind the ac or navi controls in the dash depending on what model you have.. there is a 2nd power amp that is located behind the passanger side of the rear seat that powers the woofer... i dont see the use in powering the stock door speakers with a new amp.. if you are going to go thru that trouble then you should just go ahead and replace them as well.. you may want to use locs depending on which route you take.. but i believe there are people on here that have done this without using locs (line out converters...)... and like i said in the beginning use the search function for more info..

dsclaus

Greengo, although everyone's preferences are different, I've just spent a HECK of a time trying to replace pieces of my system at a time and I ended up forking out more money because the "quick fixes" drove me nuts (always something missing).

Contrary to what general websites have said, you can keep ANY stock piece connected, although you'll have variance in sound quality. The Bose system was made (albeit extremely poor!) to work together, but you CAN upgrade a few pieces at a time. Some folks here have replaced the stock HU and kept the stock speakers and sub with some satisfaction although there have been many complaints that a good HU connected to the existing door speakers sounds worse because there's no more stock EQ trying to compensate for the SHITTY speakers that come in the doors.

On that note, I would suggest (if upgrading slowly) keeping the stock HU and upgrading the door speakers (if you care about sound quality at least) - when you see the $20 cone speakers you have in the door, you're gonna be PISSED that Acura has the nerve to pawn those off on a +$30K car. On the other hand, if you're just aiming for more punch (which your description sounds like), then you can just replace the stock sub and power it with an external amp.

I would NOT recommend powering the shitty door speakers with external amps though, they'd blow so quick you'd need to upgrade anyway... my recommendation - 6.5 JL Audios XR, VR, or TR series (depending on your budget)

greengo

OK, thanks guys. This helps a lot. Knowing that the door speakers,
and not the anemic power amps, are the main cause of the poor sound
quality, changes the order of upgrades somewhat. I think I'll replace
the door speakers first, as recommended, and perhaps upgrade the sub
and it's power amp later. I think that should be the easiest upgrade path,
and still not necessitate removing the console and head unit.

As for searching existing forums, I did do some initial searches, on keywords
such as "stereo", "upgrade", "wiring", etc., but they either returned irrelevant posts, or so many posts that I would have spent hours searching
through them, trying to piece together the information I was looking for.
I promise in the future to search a little longer before posting my questions.

Thanks again.

shawhite

hey greengo dont get me wrong i am one of the people that does not mind answering any question i am capable i am jus saying there are some others on here that are quick to flame on someone for not searching... as far as your upgrade order goes i dont see a problem with it... just adding a sub amp is not hard at all... you just tap into the signal right before the stock sub amp... solder on some rca connectors and connect them to your amp for your new sub.. there ya go.. oh yeah you will need a power and ground and an amp turn on lead but pretty simple stuff..

ResidualFreedom

Her you go, I couldn't get the picture to come out larger. if you need it pm me with your e-mail and I will fire it off. It opens huge and clear on my computer, but I con't get it to open large when posted on Cardomain. wierd....hasn't happened to other files....I even saved it as a bmp and a jpg to see if that was tha problem.
enjoy