Completely new and need some advice for build

[JTJimmy24]

Hello everyone. I am new to both car audio and also this forum.

Firstly, I'm not exactly sure where to post this, but I'll just post it here first. I have a 2012 Honda Civic EX Sedan and I'm looking to upgrade the audio in the car. I am a junior in high school currently. I am the youngest child and am using the family car. I will have it for sure the next two years until I graduate and possible in college if they decide to keep the car instead of selling/trading in. That being said, my budget is pretty cheap. Since I may only have it for two years and am only making money from a part-time job, I'm allocating up to $200 for the build. I'm obviously not looking for a high-end system at all. In my car (Complete factory system), one of the front door 6.5" speakers rattles when volume goes up to 50%. After I noticed that, I decided to upgrade the system as a whole since, besides the rattling problem, the sound quality isn't good at all.

I listen to mostly rap music and some other genres as well. The bass is going to be important. However, I am not looking for it to be very heavy in bass. I want to easily be able to hear the highs and mids of a song. Also, I like to blast the music as most people do. I want it to be pretty loud. I don't need 103 dB loud, but I want it to be loud enough to drive with windows down and can clearly hear the music.

I've been wanting to do this for a couple of months now, but I wanted to wait for Black Friday because I knew it would be very hard to get a $200 system without sales. Forgot to mention, I am not intending on getting rear speakers at all. I don't think it will be worth the extra money. And as much as I want bass, if I cant fit a sub woofer in my budget I will probably pass on one for now. I'll post what I've come up with. I need to see if the parts I currently have will work together and in my car. I've been using the "Fit my car" on Crutchfield and sonicelectronix when coming up with this list. However, I am very new so if somebody can confirm this.

I got no idea if any of these are actually good. I've been solely judging it off my slim knowledge of the specifications, reviews, and price. Please give me recommendations and opinions on what I got so far.

Possible Headunits:
Sony DSX-A415BT (DSXA415BT)

Sony DSX-A415BT Single DIN Mechless Bluetooth Car Stereo

Sony DSX-A415BT DSXA415BT • Single DIN Bluetooth In-Dash Digital Media Car Stereo Receiver with Front 3.5 & USB Auxiliary Inputs • 55W x 4 Chan. Max / 20W x 4 Chan. RMS • 2 Sets of Preamp Outputs • EQ10 Preset Equalizer • Bluetooth Music Streaming • SiriusXM Ready

www.sonicelectronix.com

JVC KD-X260BT

JVC KD-X260BT (kdx260bt) Single DIN In-Dash Bluetooth AM/FM/

JVC KD-X260BT • Single DIN In-Dash Bluetooth AM/FM/Digital Media Car Stereo Receiver w/ Text LCD Screen and Pandora/iHeartRadio/Spotify Control • 50W x 4 Chan. Max • 22W x 4 Chan. RMS • 1 Set of 2.5V Preamp Outputs • 13-Band Equalizer / Presets • Pandora/iHeartRadio/Spotify Control via...

www.sonicelectronix.com

Possible Front Speakers:
Alpine SPE-6000

Alpine SPE-6000 | 6.5" Type-E Coaxial Car Speakers

Alpine SPE-6000 • 120W 6.5" 2-Way Type-E Coaxial Speakers w/ Silk Tweeters • Peak Power: 480W • RMS Power: 120W • 3/4" Silk Soft Dome Tweeter • Mounting Depth: 2-3/8" • Polypropylene Pearl Mica Injection Cone • 4 Ohms Impedance • Sensitivity: 88.5dB

www.sonicelectronix.com

Focal Integration ISC 165

Focal Integration ISC 165

Integration Universal Series 6-1/2" 2-way car speakers

www.crutchfield.com

Possible Amps:
Rockford Fosgate Prime R300X4

Rockford Fosgate R300X4 300W Four Chan Class A/B Amplifier

Rockford Fosgate Prime R300X4 • 300W 4-Channel Class AB Prime Series Full Range Amplifier • 50W x 4-Chan. @ 4 ohms • 75W x 4-Chan. @ 2 ohms • 150W x 2 Chan. @ 4 ohms Bridged • Selectable Bass Boost Punch EQ • Variable High-Pass & Low-Pass Crossover • CEA-2006 Compliant • Soft Start Turn-On

www.sonicelectronix.com

Alpine MRV-F300

Alpine MRV-F300 | 300W V-Power Compact 4-Channel Amplifier

Alpine MRV-F300 • 300W 4-Channel Class D V-Power Series Compact Car Amplifier • RMS Power: 50W x 4-Chan. @ 4 ohms 75W x 4-Chan. @ 2 ohms • 3-Way System Protection • 4/3/2/1 Channel Operation • 8 Gauge Power and Ground Inputs • Same Power in a 40% Smaller Chassis

www.sonicelectronix.com

I don't get any possible subwoofers. I haven't been doing research on subs so I got no idea what is good or not. Also, I don't even know what size I should get for my car, so I just left this one black,

Click to read more...

 

[Boomin_tahoe 5,000+ posts]

Want's to be loud on a 200 dollar budget...lol That's def impossible unless you buy used and come across some very cheap and good deals locally. Brand new it's very difficult to work with your budget that way. That said, why not go for a smallish 5 ch amp, some speakers up front and a good hu would be a good start. Def wanna get a sub or 2 later on down the road. If you go this route, you already have the amp for the sub.

 

[BCotrell 10+ year member]

Hey dude, welcome! $200 is going to be a tall task. I think you can do it but you may be be left saving up for a few more things. He’s my shot

Deck - $60

Refurbished MVH-S501BS Digital Media Receiver W/ Bluetooth | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Refurbished MVH-S501BS Digital Media Receiver W/ Bluetooth at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

rover.ebay.com

dash kit -$25

Shop

www.knukonceptz.com

Adapter - $9

Amazon.com: Metra 70-1729 Radio Wiring Harness for Honda 2008-Up: Car Electronics

Buy Metra 70-1729 Radio Wiring Harness for Honda 2008-Up: Wiring Harnesses - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Antenna adapter -$10

Metra 40-HD11 Antenna Adapter for 2010-Up Honda Vehicles

Metra 40-HD11 • Antenna Adapter for Select 2009-2017 Honda Acura Vehicles • Antenna Adapter • Connect the factory antenna cable to aftermarket radio • Compatible with 2009-2017 Honda Acura Vehicles

www.sonicelectronix.com

Amp $99

Pioneer GM-D8704 RB 1200 Watt 4/3/2-Channel Class D Amplifier With Bass Knob for sale online

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Pioneer GM-D8704 RB 1200 Watt 4/3/2-Channel Class D Amplifier With Bass Knob at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

rover.ebay.com

amp kit $55

Shop

www.knukonceptz.com

tweeters $55

Robot Check

6.5’s -$80 (pair)

Amazon.com: Silver Flute W17RC38-04 6.5" Wool Cone Woofer - 4 ohm - Each : Electronics

Buy Silver Flute W17RC38-04 6.5" Wool Cone Woofer - 4 ohm - Each: Speaker Parts & Components - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

damn $395... I ****! those things like the wiring kits and the amp kits often tack on unforeseen doll hairs. maybe a few things others can help with
-perhaps someone has a used 4 channel they could sell you cheap
- maybe someon me can recommend a good budget Comp set for less than $135 (combined cost of those drivers
-install is never cheap, you going to tackle this yourself?

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

If you only have $200 to spend you should save your money and increase your budget. $200 will barely get you a headunit and a pair of speakers. You will also need sound deadening, an amp and a wiring kit for the amp.

You have the right idea skipping rear speakers but I would switch the fronts to a component set. You can use a 4ch amp and use the front channels for the speakers then bridge the rear channels for a low powered sub.

During the time you are saving you should look at sound deadening and an ELD bypass for your car.

Civics don't have a lot of factory sound deadening so you will need to add some to reduce rattling. Doing so will allow your budget speakers of choice to perform much better.

Next it's important to understand your vehicles electrical system. Since the early 2000s Honda has been using an electronic load detector which controls the alternator and tells it when to charge the battery and when not to. Adding aftermarket electronics increases the electrical load of the charging system so the alternator will need to work to charge the battery. The ELD turns off the alternator at certain times to aid fuel efficiency. This is not good when you have aftermarket electronics installed so you should install a bypass to circumvent this problem.

 

[JTJimmy24]

Want's to be loud on a 200 dollar budget...lol That's def impossible unless you buy used and come across some very cheap and good deals locally. Brand new it's very difficult to work with your budget that way. That said, why not go for a smallish 5 ch amp, some speakers up front and a good hu would be a good start. Def wanna get a sub or 2 later on down the road. If you go this route, you already have the amp for the sub.

Well I mean considering my current factory system is already accomplishing my loudness desire at 75% volume, 200 should defintiely work. My speakers are probabally 15w RMS, if I get 40w speakers it should be much louder considering I power it with the proper power.

Want's to be loud on a 200 dollar budget...lol That's def impossible unless you buy used and come across some very cheap and good deals locally. Brand new it's very difficult to work with your budget that way. That said, why not go for a smallish 5 ch amp, some speakers up front and a good hu would be a good start. Def wanna get a sub or 2 later on down the road. If you go this route, you already have the amp for the sub.

Why should I go with a 5ch amp instead of a 4 channel? If im just getting front speakers and a sub, cant i use two of channels for front two speakers and then bridge 2 channels for the sub?

 

[JTJimmy24]

Hey dude, welcome! $200 is going to be a tall task. I think you can do it but you may be be left saving up for a few more things. He’s my shot

Deck - $60

Refurbished MVH-S501BS Digital Media Receiver W/ Bluetooth | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Refurbished MVH-S501BS Digital Media Receiver W/ Bluetooth at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

rover.ebay.com

dash kit -$25

Shop

www.knukonceptz.com

Adapter - $9

Amazon.com: Metra 70-1729 Radio Wiring Harness for Honda 2008-Up: Car Electronics

Buy Metra 70-1729 Radio Wiring Harness for Honda 2008-Up: Wiring Harnesses - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Antenna adapter -$10

Metra 40-HD11 Antenna Adapter for 2010-Up Honda Vehicles

Metra 40-HD11 • Antenna Adapter for Select 2009-2017 Honda Acura Vehicles • Antenna Adapter • Connect the factory antenna cable to aftermarket radio • Compatible with 2009-2017 Honda Acura Vehicles

www.sonicelectronix.com

Amp $99

Pioneer GM-D8704 RB 1200 Watt 4/3/2-Channel Class D Amplifier With Bass Knob for sale online

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Pioneer GM-D8704 RB 1200 Watt 4/3/2-Channel Class D Amplifier With Bass Knob at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

rover.ebay.com

amp kit $55

Shop

www.knukonceptz.com

tweeters $55

Robot Check

6.5’s -$80 (pair)

Amazon.com: Silver Flute W17RC38-04 6.5" Wool Cone Woofer - 4 ohm - Each : Electronics

Buy Silver Flute W17RC38-04 6.5" Wool Cone Woofer - 4 ohm - Each: Speaker Parts & Components - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

damn $395... I ****! those things like the wiring kits and the amp kits often tack on unforeseen doll hairs. maybe a few things others can help with
-perhaps someone has a used 4 channel they could sell you cheap
- maybe someon me can recommend a good budget Comp set for less than $135 (combined cost of those drivers
-install is never cheap, you going to tackle this yourself?

I don't think I need a component system. I am just getting into car audio and don't need anything crazy. Coaxials will already sound much better compared to what I've been currently listening to. Also, I am not sure if I am going to get tweeters at all. I know I will be missing out on the highs, but if It could save 60$ and I won't notice it too much. I would rather pass on that.

Also, is there a cheaper dash kit or amp kit I can get? I see the crutchfield amp kit is $20.

 

[JTJimmy24]

If you only have $200 to spend you should save your money and increase your budget. $200 will barely get you a headunit and a pair of speakers. You will also need sound deadening, an amp and a wiring kit for the amp.

You have the right idea skipping rear speakers but I would switch the fronts to a component set. You can use a 4ch amp and use the front channels for the speakers then bridge the rear channels for a low powered sub.

During the time you are saving you should look at sound deadening and an ELD bypass for your car.

Civics don't have a lot of factory sound deadening so you will need to add some to reduce rattling. Doing so will allow your budget speakers of choice to perform much better.

Next it's important to understand your vehicles electrical system. Since the early 2000s Honda has been using an electronic load detector which controls the alternator and tells it when to charge the battery and when not to. Adding aftermarket electronics increases the electrical load of the charging system so the alternator will need to work to charge the battery. The ELD turns off the alternator at certain times to aid fuel efficiency. This is not good when you have aftermarket electronics installed so you should install a bypass to circumvent this problem.

I am not committed enough to go through with all of that. That seems like a ton of work and I don't have enough knowledge or money to go through all of that.

Actually seeing people are saying it's gonna cost $400 or so, I think I may go with just a car stereo and front speakers. I know it won't sound amazing or loud, but I'm okay because I'm not about to spend $400 on a family car for 1.5 years. I got a question though. Say I get speakers that are fitted for 40w RMS and the stereo is like 18w RMS. Will this damage either the speakers or the stereo?

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

I am not committed enough to go through with all of that. That seems like a ton of work and I don't have enough knowledge or money to go through all of that.

Actually seeing people are saying it's gonna cost $400 or so, I think I may go with just a car stereo and front speakers. I know it won't sound amazing or loud, but I'm okay because I'm not about to spend $400 on a family car for 1.5 years. I got a question though. Say I get speakers that are fitted for 40w RMS and the stereo is like 18w RMS. Will this damage either the speakers or the stereo?

It will only damage the speakers if you jack up the bass boost.

 

[BCotrell 10+ year member]

I don't think I need a component system. I am just getting into car audio and don't need anything crazy. Coaxials will already sound much better compared to what I've been currently listening to. Also, I am not sure if I am going to get tweeters at all. I know I will be missing out on the highs, but if It could save 60$ and I won't notice it too much. I would rather pass on that.

Also, is there a cheaper dash kit or amp kit I can get? I see the crutchfield amp kit is $20.

You can get a cca amp kits for way cheaper. Should do the job I just hate recommending cca. Also, that dash kit was spec’d off Crutchfield. If you bought the new version of that pioneer I sent it’s like 110$ but comes with that kits but I was trying to shave you 20$ because I have that unit I linked and it’s a great media receiver. Newer year doesn’t always mean better

coaxials ****, it puts all your highs down low on your door and gives you no tunability. Also, a Componetn set that comes with a tweeter and mid and crossover is gonna be meh because your paying for a crossover that you already have built into that deck. Not to mention a 50$-70$ Comp set is going to be pretty much not awesome.That 115$ pairing I sent you on an amp shreds Comp sets approaching 300-350$

Amazon.com: Polk Audio DB6501 6.5-Inch 2-Way Component System (Pair, Silver): Car Electronics

Amazon.com: Polk Audio DB6501 6.5-Inch 2-Way Component System (Pair, Silver): Car Electronics

www.amazon.com

above is an example of a budget component kit guys have been using forever in car and marine apps. Only 110$ but for 5$ you can have better drivers and get tunability on your deck.

I know you’re not trying to go all in but just save a little more and you can put in a foundation that sets you up for success. many of guys have come on here saying they’re on a shoestring budget only to get the itch after their initial install and want to go full Ratard(you should never go full ratard).

forum question, could op run network on hu power until he saves up for an amp. The flutes and the ct2’s? I’ve read yes on tweeters, wasn’t sure about the 6.5s

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

I am not committed enough to go through with all of that. That seems like a ton of work and I don't have enough knowledge or money to go through all of that.

Actually seeing people are saying it's gonna cost $400 or so, I think I may go with just a car stereo and front speakers. I know it won't sound amazing or loud, but I'm okay because I'm not about to spend $400 on a family car for 1.5 years. I got a question though. Say I get speakers that are fitted for 40w RMS and the stereo is like 18w RMS. Will this damage either the speakers or the stereo?

that would actually be the most logical move. Just get a QUALITY stereo 120ish range and a coaxial pair. Save money, add an amp and sub later. It'll be fine for now. Its way better than buying trash gear all around and getting shit results.

If you want loud, none of your choices are good both are 88 db sensitivity which is absolute dogsh*t for getting loud. Sensitivity ratings is key. 93 db sensitivity drivers will be waaaay louder on the same power compared to 88 db sensitivity, almost twice as loud.

these infinites are 3 ohms will definitely draw more power out of a head unit and its 93 db sensitivity, would be my go to drop in for head unit power and should have enough bass to hold you over till you get a sub.

Infinity Reference REF-6522ix

6-1/2" 2-way car speakers

www.crutchfield.com

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

Jbl has a compoment set for $60 at sonic

 

[JTJimmy24]

that would actually be the most logical move. Just get a QUALITY stereo 120ish range and a coaxial pair. Save money, add an amp and sub later. It'll be fine for now. Its way better than buying trash gear all around and getting shit results.

If you want loud, none of your choices are good both are 88 db sensitivity which is absolute dogsh*t for getting loud. Sensitivity ratings is key. 93 db sensitivity drivers will be waaaay louder on the same power compared to 88 db sensitivity, almost twice as loud.

these infinites are 3 ohms will definitely draw more power out of a head unit and its 93 db sensitivity, would be my go to drop in for head unit power and should have enough bass to hold you over till you get a sub.

Infinity Reference REF-6522ix

6-1/2" 2-way car speakers

www.crutchfield.com

Do you have any recommendations for a $120 car stereo?

 

[Boomin_tahoe 5,000+ posts]

Well I mean considering my current factory system is already accomplishing my loudness desire at 75% volume, 200 should defintiely work. My speakers are probabally 15w RMS, if I get 40w speakers it should be much louder considering I power it with the proper power.

Why should I go with a 5ch amp instead of a 4 channel? If im just getting front speakers and a sub, cant i use two of channels for front two speakers and then bridge 2 channels for the sub?

I don't think you realize that 200 bucks isn't a whole lot to spend on a COMPLETE audio section redo. Have you even shopped around and did some price comparison? Esp buying new...then you'll see what I mean. 40 watts isn't a whole lot of power either but even for you compared to us might be just enough for now....

5 ch amp because 4 ch amps aren't meant to drive subs, and typically don't have enough watts to drive them. Doable? Sure. Recommended? No.

Also get a HU with 2-3 RCA pre outs. Will make things easier for easy amp hook up when that time comes.

You can always buy one thing atta time when $$ allows. I have done this many times every other payday or so if I'm not able to buy everything at once. Just a small list of 5 ch amps... https://www.sonicelectronix.com/cat_i45_5-channel-or-more-amps.html

 

[JTJimmy24]

I don't think you realize that 200 bucks isn't a whole lot to spend on a COMPLETE audio section redo. Have you even shopped around and did some price comparison? Esp buying new...then you'll see what I mean. 40 watts isn't a whole lot of power either but even for you compared to us might be just enough for now....

5 ch amp because 4 ch amps aren't meant to drive subs, and typically don't have enough watts to drive them. Doable? Sure. Recommended? No.

Also get a HU with 2-3 RCA pre outs. Will make things easier for easy amp hook up when that time comes.

You can always buy one thing atta time when $$ allows. I have done this many times every other payday or so if I'm not able to buy everything at once. Just a small list of 5 ch amps... https://www.sonicelectronix.com/cat_i45_5-channel-or-more-amps.html

Do you think I should go for component or coaxials? I am thinking of just going with coaxials because I am not a huge audiophile, but everyone is saying to go for component even though it will cost like 60$ more. And if I go for coaxials, can you give me a recommendation that would be decently loud and good quality.

Also, I just looked on sonic electonix and they have two options for 3 RCA pre-outs. There is front, rear, and subwoofer. And then there is front, rear, and mono-subwoofer. What ones should I look at?

 

[BCotrell 10+ year member]

sensitivity of these is 92 and they’re 60$

JBL GT7-6C | GT7-Series 6.5" Component Speaker System

JBL GT7-6C • 6.5" 2-Way GT7-Series Component Speaker System • Peak Power: 150W • RMS Power: 50W • 1-3/16" PEI Edge Driven Dome Tweeter • Mounting Depth: 2-3/8" • Polypropylene Plus One™ Cone and Foam Surround

www.sonicelectronix.com

Do you think I should go for component or coaxials? I am thinking of just going with coaxials because I am not a huge audiophile, but everyone is saying to go for component even though it will cost like 60$ more. And if I go for coaxials, can you give me a recommendation that would be decently loud and good quality.

Also, I just looked on sonic electonix and they have two options for 3 RCA pre-outs. There is front, rear, and subwoofer. And then there is front, rear, and mono-subwoofer. What ones should I look at?

Pioneer DEH-S6220BS

CD receiver

www.crutchfield.com

comes with wiring kit too. Components offer better Imaging but that cost might be excessive for you right now.