audio question

[cartoys21]

i'm fixing to get my first car and i've decided on an rsx. currently, i can't decide on a regular one or a type-s. i know how to drive a stick so thats not really an issue, but one of the big factors for me is being able to upgrade the deck, speakers, etc. i talked to a salesman at ultimate electronics and he told me that they can't work on the type-s's. he said you can't replace the deck without replacing all of the speakers and the amplifier. he said the reason you can't just replace one of those things is because of the way the bose system is configured. to be completely honest, this doesn't sound right to me, as i've seen wayy too many people that have type-s's and have replaced the decks. if anyone can help me, i'd really appreciate it. also, if anyone has any input on whether i should get an automatic or a manual (keep in mind this is my first car) i'd greatly appreciate that too.

thanks!

[crazy_canuck]

As a first car i'd say take a crappy car, get everything nailed down, then later on save up and get a better car.

As for his advice, I strongly doubt it (although I might be wrong). Check ClubRSX's audio section....

[cartoys21]

i can't seem to find an audio section on club rsx's website. am i missing something?

[RSX-S777]

So you would buy the base model because it has an inferior stereo system?

[Fastkats]

I think he's right about the Bose system. I've heard that before from two Honda owners that had factory Bose Syetems in their cars. Some how Bose made it difficult to upgrade just the stereo itself.

[cartoys21]

Well, I just got back from Best Buy and talked to one of their installers. He told me that most places can't just install something by itself, such as a deck, in a type-s without replacing the speakers as well because of the way the Bose system is configured. However, he said they've figured out a way to do it there. So, he said once I get it just take it to them and they can do and all I'll have to do is buy the in-dash kit for it because they don't carry it.

Thanks for everyone's help and if anyone has any input on what deck to get with a $300-$400 budget let me know. Thanks again.

[crazy_canuck]

http://forums.clubrsx.com/forumdisplay.php?f=14

Its on ClubRSX's message board - many Type S owners.

And jsut curious, isn't the power and luxury ammenities better than a sound system which might be slightly harder to modify?

[mmont0]

Well, I left in the Bose system and replaced the speakers. They sound much better now than they did with the stock speakers. If you're going for a nicer system, I do recommend that you get a whole new setup.

And as to the guys at Best Buy, they are wrong! You can install a deck and leave the stock speakers in there. The only problem you might have is with the amplifier for the subwoofer in the trunk. As long as you know what you're doing and you know your configuration and specs for each speaker/deck/sub/amps, then you should have no problem. I think the guys at BB are just trying to get you to buy a whole system since it will cost you more. Either that, or they don't know what they're doing. They probably only know how to install a whole kit so they don't have to think about the specs and just put it in your car without thinking!

And it's not that hard to put it in yourself. The speakers are the easiest thing to put in. The deck is a little harder. See clubrsx for install procedures if you're going to do it yourself. If not, go with the BB guys for install.

By the way, BB and Circuit City sometimes offer free installation when you buy a whole system, so wait until then 'cause they charge too much for installation, in my opinion.

[cartoys21]

Thanks for the advice mmont0. I think I'm going to replace the deck first. One of the installers at Best Buy that's been working on Honda's for a long time said he can do it for me without having to put in a whole new system. Trust me, I would love to replace everything, but on a 16 year-old's budget that's just not in the cards, lol. I'm planning on spending $300-400 on the deck, so if anyone has any suggestions feel free to let me know.

[cartoys21]

Oh, and Best Buy does a free install anytime you spend more than $100 on any audio equipment.

[mmont0]

Sounds good. Glad to hear that you're doing some research. I'm partial to the AIWA decks for the one reason that they have an AUX jack which I can then put in the audio from a portable DVD player or some other outside source like an MP3 player and such.

There are a lot of nice head units for the price range of $300-400. Check on crutchfield.com to get a good look at what will fit in your car and view the current decks. Sometimes they have specials that come out cheaper than BB since they include the wiring harness and deck adaptor. But you do have to install it yourself.

If you don't want to waste your time learning how to install and have never done it before, I would recommend doing what you suggested - have BB install it for you.

Well, good luck in getting a nice unit!

[cartoys21]

I know, I know....old thread. But, I actually have money to do some audio upgrading now and I need to know if you all think I should put in a new deck or new speakers first, can't afford both at once. I have an '02 type-s.

Has anyone had any problems doing either one?

mmont0, did you have any trouble running new speakers off of the Bose deck? What kind of speakers were they?

[mmont0]

I had no problem. They were Panasonic CJ-DD163 6-1/2" 2-way Speakers. They're actually only $39 at Crutchfield right now. $10 cheaper than what I paid, darn it.

Nope I didn't have any trouble running the new speakers off the Bose deck. They give you the wiring harness at Crutchfield which just plugs into the factory wiring. So you don't have to do anything but take out the old and put in the new. With the exception of the rears - you need an adapter(crutchfield gives it to you) or drill holes.

I noticed the initial difference of hearing high frequencies better, but when I tested my sound system with my bro-in-law's Jeep Liberty, it didn't seem as loud. The Bose system was definitely clearer at high volumes, but the loudness was not there.

If you are going for loudness, I would probably recommend getting a whole new system(deck/4channel amp/2 channel amp/subs). Putting in just the speakers w/ the stock unit might only make a minor difference, depending on the frequency range of the ones you buy. I guess I sort of changed my view from my last posts .

From the info. from Bose, I believe that there is a 4 channel amp built into the deck, so if you get a new deck, you'll probably need to get a new 4 channel amp. You might want to check this out with the Honda dude at BB and see what he says. Just make sure the stock speakers can handle the new deck/amp. You don't want to crank it up to find out that your stock paper speakers are blown/torn in the process. Of course I don't know how the rear amp/sub will work with the new deck either. This might be another question to ask him.

BTW - It looks like crutchfield has a special going on. Buy this MP3/CD deck - Panasonic MXE CQ-C5410U($239.99) you get a set of the above speakers for free.

Let me know what the Honda guy at BB says. I'd be very interested in knowing. Thanks!

[cartoys21]

As always, thanks mmont0. I think I'm just gonna hold off for a little bit until I can afford to do a deck/speaker combo. I'll be sure and let you know what BB says.

Anybody have any experience with XM vs Sirius?

I talked to a salesman at Cartoys (I'm not sure if that's a national chain or not) while I was on vacation in Denver and he said that Sirius is definitely the way to go. He said a lot of people have had trouble with XM, but, he's a salesman, so who knows, lol.