For starters, I'm new to the forums. After browsing around, you all seem like a knowledgeable bunch, so I figured I would throw this out there.

I used to think the audio system in my car - the standard Bose setup for a 2001 TL - was just fine. Until, that is, I got these new Earth-shattering speakers for my computer.

If I'm looking at upgrading the audio in my car, what do I need to do? What should I look at purchasing and where should I go about purchasing what needs to be purchased (wow, I need English lessons!)? If I'm changing out the speakers, I take it I should also take out the CD-player (it pisses me off, anyway). What would be some good replacement units and, most importantly, where on Earth can I get them.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

Well...luckily our cars arent too hard to get new stuff into. It all depends on your budget. I would recommend getting all new stuff, for the best possible sound, but you can get all new speakers, amps, and subs while keeping the stock head unit - if you want to look stock. I personally wanted the added sound quality and features of my Alpine.

The speakers size that will fit in our doors are 5.25 inches or 6.5 inches. With the 6.5 inch speaker, you will have to cut the speaker hole some to make it fit - no big deal at all, plus you will gain more sound with the 6.5. The only thing you will have to watch with new door speakers is their depth. We dont have very much mounting room in our doors. I would say that you need to keep the speaker depth below 2.75 inches.

The CD player can be replaced with any that you choose. I personally like the looks of Alpine units in our car. It has some aluminum accents and nice bright blue led lights...just looks classy. I purchased my new CD player mounting kit from here...http://www.audioonlineoutlet.com/acura.html
To make it look nearly stock, you will have to wet sand the plastic and hit it with some flat black enamel spray paint. It now looks exactly like the surrounding plastic on my dash.

As for places to buy at, I have bought boat loads of stuff from Crutchfield. They are an authorized online store. Authorized meaning they have real warranties and real products...no used or refurbished. go to Crutchfield.com to look around.
Or you can always check Ebay, if you are into that.

PM me and I can send you a few pictures of my set up if you would like.

 

Thank you for the advice! A few more questions for you, though, now that I've got your attention.

1. Budget isn't really an issue since I'm very patient and can save up until I have the cash to get what is necessary. I've never been one to settle for second best. (Not a question, I know.)

2. Are all of these installs done by me or by someone else? I've never really done this before, but I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty. What I am afraid of, though, is completely buggering my audio system beyond repair. I'm pretty sure that would ruin my day. If I have to do these installs myself, are they relatively straight-forward or do I need a degree in electrical engineering (I'm chemical, so no dice there)?

3. Are there any component installation guides online or otherwise? While it wouldn't be the first time I've attacked something with a screwdriver, I'm not about to attack my baby with a screwdriver.

4. What tools, if any, would I need to do the job?

5. Along the lines of Alpine, I was looking at their website and it would seem that they have a system builder (http://iweb.alpine-usa.com/pls/admn/...em?p_sys_id=36). Would this be a good thing to do or should I avoid it?

6. What does the mounting kit look like? I couldn't find any pictures on their website...

I'll check out Crutchfield in a bit, thanks for all the help! And... ahhh, sorry for all the new questions, lol.

 

1) I was the same way. I saved up and bought each piece one at a time for over 6 months. And trust me, if you have to do that, it is worth it. I dont understand why some of the people on this site try to go cheep as possible. I mean you dont have a shitty car, why ruin it with a shitty stereo?

2) I personally have done quit a few stereo installs myself, and yes I know what I am doing, but you are bound to run into a few problems along the way. And that is ok, but I am in college and work full time and do not have a garage, so I didnt want to mess with it. Instead I looked around untill I found a shop that had actually worked on an Acura TL - the owner actually has a '03 TypeS! So, I knew they knew what they were doing. Some shops wouldnt even try because they didnt know the car. But once I saw how to do everything, I would do it, if I had the time and/or facilities.

3)You can do some more searches on this site to find some specific instructions, but honestly, its pretty straight forward - just keep all your screws. The only thing that is kinda hard is running your speaker wires through the doors.

4)You will need a basic tool set...multiple sizes of screwdrivers, and sockets, electrical tape, wire nuts/connectors, wire crimpers/strippers, tin snips (if you need to enlarge your speaker hole) and you may need some other random tool.

Honestly - if money isnt much of an issue, I would shop around and find a good install place. I am like you, I didnt want to screw anything up - just see if you can watch them some and randomly stop by - just to make sure they are being as nice to your car as you would. Also, make sure they will install your stuff even if you didnt buy it there - I had to buy the subs from the shop I went too, to make the owner ok everything. It took the shop 2 full days on my install - so I figgure it would take me at least 3 days, that does include building my box though.

5) That setup looks good, all they are trying to do though is to get you to use all Alpine - that is perfectly ok though because Alpine is a very good all around brand.

6) here is a link to a picture of that kit in someones car on this site....

http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showt...ight=metra+kit

*no problem with the questions, we are here to help!

 

here are links to pics of my system....I will take a picture of the CD player later today and post that also...

http://acura-tl.hytekhosting.com/upl...ture%20428.jpg

http://acura-tl.hytekhosting.com/upl...ture%20431.jpg

http://acura-tl.hytekhosting.com/upl...ture%20432.jpg

http://acura-tl.hytekhosting.com/upl...ture%20433.jpg

http://acura-tl.hytekhosting.com/upl...ture%20434.jpg

 

Okay, wow, that Metra Kit looks like Acura made it. That's a good thing, because when I had the audio system changed out in my (*cougn*dad's*cough*) 1997 Taurus, they used a very crappy faceplate with mostly bare plastic. It's a real eyesore, so I am relieved that it looks very passable in the TL.

I'll definitely do it right, I never was one for doing something on a budget. I guess that's a luxury I can afford myself because I'm a save-aholic, but that's me. I will look around for a garage who will do it for me. I'm guessing my local Acura dealership right in beautiful Wallingford, Connecticut should know my car pretty well. So far, I haven't had any bad experiences with them. I'll contact them and see what they say.

I do like the look of the Alpine equipment. I want something functional and aesthetically pleasing, which Alpine manages to pull off with a pretty good degree of success. And, I figure I will have a better chance of everything working correctly if it's all the same maker (wishful thinking, I know). I also agree with you: the Alpine head unit looks very nice in the TL dash area. The colors compliment it nicely and the curves are pleasing to the eye.

Now, on to your pictures, if you have the time.

Picture 2 - What on Earth is that? Does it go behind the rear armrest?

Pictures 3 - 5 - AMAZING. People must hear you coming three miles away. I generally listen to jazz, orchestra, classic rock, and metal, so I like to get high-fidelity audio, but I'm not sure I want the opportunity to fulfill my "menace to society" quota through my TL! Loud is good, but your setup might be a bit much for what I'm looking for.

Damn, that is an impressive setup, though.

I also do a lot of traveling, so I kinda need the trunk space, lol. That basic Alpine setup won't take up that much space, will it?

 

pic 3 is my Capacitor. Basically it is a very fast discharge/recharge battery that is inline with my power wire right before my amps. It helps to regulate the voltage durring bass peaks. So when my music is loud, it lessens the strain on our stock electrical system. And the numbers it has, is a real time voltage reading. To get max output of most amps - a 14 volt reading is best. I had the guys install it there, just for looks and fun, and I can monitor my voltage anytime w/o having to open the trunk.

I know JL Audio amps put out the same power from 11-14.4 volts - just a side note.

I know your Acura dealership wont install your system BTW - you need to go to a stereo shop for that.

Sticking with all Alpine will not give you any advantage over mix and match - other than you can say its all Alpine. The amps my integrate with some Alpine CD players better, but thats about it.

Yes my system is very loud - too loud for most, but it isnt the loudest at all. I just wanted something that would sound good at low volumes - enough bass that you could still hear and feel it, and when I wanted to impress, I could do so w/o worrying about hurting it.

 

Is a capacitor something I should invest in if my only real desire is casual listening?

There actually is a sound equipment store directly across from the Acura dealership, but I hadn't thought about it until you mentioned it. Maybe I'll stop in sometime this week after work and ask how well they know a TL.

 

I didnt really know how good our stock electrical system was, so I got one just in case. The rule of thumb is you should have one if you stereo has over 1000 watts - continuous power that is (RMS). Mine is a little over 1100, so I got one. But if I watch the voltage with the stereo up loud, AC on, heated seats on, and lights on...the voltage doesnt drop below 12.5 volts...so unless you plan on having a system like mine, you dont need one.

 

Excellent, thank you for the assistance. I will look into this stuff this week.

Any other upgrades you would recommend that would help me get the most out of my car (be they audio or not)?

 

Well it all depends really on what you are looking for. IMO getting new springs to lower your car slightly makes a HUGE improvement in looks and handling. I have the Comptech springs that are good to have if you have a system in the trunk. If you go to your tires and put your fingers together, you can probably put nearly all five fingers together inbetween the tire and fender...while now I can barely fit 2 fingers in. It doesnt make the car look stupid or "ricey" or anything. I think it makes it look the way it should have looked to begin with - similar to a BMW or even the new TL look. Nice and sporty.

there are countless other mods for our cars, I would just search all over the site to get ideas.

 

OU....

What do you think of Kenwood Decks?

I am thinking about getting this one:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....6&type=product

the reason I am thinking of that brand is because I have Sirius Sat Radio and would LOVE to get rid of the huge Audiovox thingy.

From the reviews I have read it seems to be a very good unit.

 

I already replied on your other thread, but yes I think it is a good unit, I would just be nervous that it could break - I mean how it has to fold down and out... My dad has an older Kenwood Excelon unit and he has had to replase the gear mech. twice already - but considering it has the Sirius built in - that is a big plus.

 

For those who want to follow the Alpine or Kenwood thread:

http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showt...066#post863066