Guys, I have a question. I have looked over the posts on how to bypass the factory EQ and I want to know: What advantage do you get from it? I would like to keep my factory headunit and install 2 amps, replacement component speakers, and a real sub.

If there’s a guide on how to interface with the factory stereo, please point me to it because I missed it.

About bypassing the EQ, what does that do and what’s the advantage? Is it only if you want an aftermarket EQ?

I have a 99TL, stock w/o navi

 

The main thing to expect from bypassing the Blose EQ is losing the high end push....i.e. as the Blose speakers themselves suck a$$ the stock EQ boosts the treble a bit to make the overall sound amenable to the "crowd". The stock speakers are a typical BS 6.5 inch paper cone full range without any tweeter whatsoever.

Hell, they don't even have a whizzer cone. So, Blose realizing that they stuck total POS speakers in the car decided to make up for the lost upper frequencies by putting an EQ that would "boost" the lost upper frequencies. Major headache for those of us who just want to upgrade without dealing with this BS.

The stock "EQ" is designed to make up for the shoddy quality of the speakers. Once you look at them, you'll know what I'm talking about. They look like the kind of speakers you'd pay $5 apiece for. They are total crap. Acura should be ashamed for having them installed in a >$30K car. They are truly some of the worst stock speakers I've ever seen. (I can only imagine what they're replacement costs would be - - Again, the only word that comes to mind is HORRIBLE!!)

You have two choices, bypass the entire system and install a quality aftermarket system, as I am in the process of doing, or bypassing the stock EQ so your aftermarket amps/speakers won't sound like $hit.

I was originally going to keep the stock HU and deal with the EQ mods. However, I decided against it since I wanted to have the ability to play mp3s and am replacing the entire Blose system.

I say screw the entire thing. Too many instances of proprietary software/hardware to be worth dealing with. Obviously, Blose/Acura wants you to keep the cards you were dealt.

Your mod level is up to you. You have to decide what works for you.

Here's a link to what I've done with my system so far:
http://www.cardomain.com/id/bozzchem

Remember, it't all about what works for you.

Good Luck!!!!!!!!

 

Bozz,
Thanks for answering my question. I have had a few changes of heart over this audio install. I am a college grad but still live in a college town as I am working and waiting for my fiancee to graduate from grad school. I live in a apartment complex housed primarily by students and low income families. I will be moving to a house when I get married soon, and it’s not in the best of areas. I freaked out so many times when I bought this car because I was afraid of it getting stolen or otherwise violated. I have no garage and won’t when I move to the house. I originally wanted to go with a new deck, components, and a new sub, coupled with 2 amps. I have since decided that I don’t want to deal with making it look less factory. I think that’s the best way to protect the car. My goal at this point is to keep the inside looking plain jane except I must put tweeters in the sail panels, I can’t stand the lack of tweeters right now.

I also had 2 more issues with the stock stereo. I really don’t like having to spend so much on a kit for a deck install, I know I own a 30k+ auto and I shouldn’t balk over a couple hundred, but I do for a piece of plastic. Also, I like my steering wheel controls. I drove another car the other day and found myself reaching for them with my thumb unconsciously. I know I could work it into a new deck or replace the controls with a deck remote, but it wouldn’t be the same without more investment.

Ideally, I’d like a good system with great sound. In a couple of years, when I have a garage to hide my car in, I’ll look into getting a post factory stereo. Right now, it’s more about security than money for me.

I think I’ll try bypassing the factory EQ. I think I’ll get into the project in a week or two, I’ll keep the board posted with anything you all might find interesting. If anyone has any tips or other ideas, please let me know.

 

Dolemyte,
I pretty much was thinking the same thing as you as far as keeping the stock look of the vehicle, so I decided to stick with the factory HU. I think you will be pleasantly surprized with the SQ you can get with stock HU, EQ bypass and some descent speaks and amp.

Southbound and I pretty much hammered the EQ bypass to death and I think we came out with a pretty good solution. I'm not sure what you have read so far on the matter, but I can direct you to some of the posts which contain drawings and schematics. Let me know.

Good luck,
Iggy

 

Iggy, I would like to be pointed in that direction as well. Could you tell me which posts you're referring to?

 

I totally understand where you're coming from. A stealth install is the best way to make sure your system doesn't get "borrowed". I figure I'm going to have to update my alarm system now that I've decided to go the opposite route. I'm also in agreement about the cost for an install kit -- ridiculous. Mine was $200 and I still had to modify it when it came in. I'm curious as to why no other manufacturers have made a kit for our car. It's not that complicated....but sh!t happens.

Iggy and Southbound have mastered the requirements for designing a system around the stock HU. You can do searches using their names to find a plethora of information as to how to bypass the stock EQ and build a great system around the stock HU.

The only thing I picked up from you that I don't agree with is putting tweeters in the sail panels. Your best bet for keeping the soundstage intact is to mount the tweeters as close to the mids as possible. Of course, it's up to you. It's YOUR system.

Good luck with your install and keep us posted on your progress!!

 

Bozz,
The reason I want to mount tweeters in the sail panels is simple. I'm a big guy and I drive with my left leg against the door. It kills the left side imaging. If I put my foot right next to the brake and extend my leg straight, I'm not very comfortable but I can hear the front left speaker. I want to move the sound somewhere else, out from behind my knee. If I landed the tweet on top of the mid, I'd be in the same boat. There are pics of a sail panel install floating around, not sure whose it is, but I will make sure they point at me, not downwards.

Bozz, if you have an idea for me that will solve my problem, I will do it. I realize I'll lose imaging, but my soundstage sucks balls right now, and I'm looking for a way out.

 

bozz,
Your first post in this thread had me cracking up... you described the pathetic Blose system and duly reprimanded Acura for their use of it!

Iggy,
Thanks as usual for covering this one.

dole,
Yes, Iggy and I have extensive electronic and audio knowledge and we successfully came up with a problem free method of bypassing the factory EQ. Unless you properly bypass the EQ, you can end up with lots of engine ignition noise and/or engine whine, etc. BUT If you DON'T bypass the EQ while upgrading your system with additional amps... your sound quality will be extremely sibilant and overly pre-emphasized.

It is HIGHLY recommended to bypass the factory EQ whenever you add an aftermarket amp. The process will drop your overall volume by around 6db, but that can easily be made up by the gain in the new amps. If you only add new speakers without a new amp, you're kind of in a "catch 22" situation. IF you don't bypass the EQ, your new speakers will sound like crap, and if you do bypass the EQ, they won't quite sound loud enough.

That's the basic info... As Iggy has mentioned there is a ton of info on the subject under both his names and mine, as well as many others. If he doesn't put up a good link, I'll try to search for one of the better threads.

Go for it, you'll be glad you did!
Good Luck!
Southbound
P.S. Iggy, how's the day job these days? Hope you're still in the seat!

 

One thing I also noticed bypassing EQ and leaving everything else same makes the overall volume level drop quite a lot.
When it comes to the head unit, I miss my old Accord, where i could put any head unit I wanted.
I was planning to put Infinity speakers with EQ on, then it would make the high pretty bad wouldn't it...