So what’s next? Besides fixing the images in this thread?
In my opinion the system sounds phenomenal as evidenced by the before and after RTA screenshots below. I can’t imagine the Morel components had such a terrible response curve and Honda must have equalized the car to compensate for some issues with the OEM speakers. It’s quite the difference and the LCQ-1 allows me to disable equalization from the dash mounted sub control to compare.
Other than using the factory HU, the components are all mid to good quality from reputable companies and should sound respectable.
Additionally I used dampening material and fiberglass insulation in the doors (Keep Hope Alive) to create a better environment and this treatment, while not finished, would make any speakers sound better.
The sub box, while a prefab, has angled panels along with internal bracing to minimize cancellation. The bracing adds rigidity and the box is completely sealed (can’t push the driver in) and it’s stuffed with fiberglass.
This started as a budget upgrade to the factory system and other than adding some additional sound dampening measures (for both sound quality and noise reduction) it’s nearly complete.
From a budget perspective I did pretty good:
Zapco ST-5X II and 4 guage install kit: $150 (after $70
Amazon promo credit and Christmas sale price)
Alpine 12” Type R ($50) with sealed enclosure $(35): $85
Morel Maximo 6 components with install rings: $150
AudioControl LCQ-1 with remote: $180
Dayton Audio RTA microphone, extension cable, misc. RCAs – free (after $40
Amazon promo credit)
Audio Tool app $8
Miscellaneous sound deadening: $42
Total: $615
Not bad! Several things in my favor but most important is I performed all of my own labor. I don’t know what the labor would be as the amp, eq, sub and 6s were straight forward. The tweeters were somewhat custom plus all the sound deadening and the remote install.
I also cut corners where I could. For instance the factory wiring is still in place and I used generic wiring and RCAs (sub is short run of 14 gauge Monster Cable) and realistically I’m not sure I (or anyone) could hear a difference if I ran quality wiring to the speakers and upgraded interconnects.
Then there’s the equipment. Amp, box and components along with RTA, wiring and sub control we’re new however I got deals from
Amazon and
Crutchfield along with credit for applying for
Amazon credit cards (which I used the credit and cancelled the cards). Sub was BNIB and LCQ-1 was like new and not that old.
I figure retail on the equipment is $1,200 plus what, $500 - $700 labor? So $1,700 - $1,900 system for under $650 and I got to have some fun researching, planning and installing along the way. Sure the install is simple but it’s still practical and sounds great.
Still playing with rear speaker options (whether or not to use) and may go active on the components as I have two channels free. At this point I’m not interested in a DSP but one certainly isn’t out of the question.
-Eric
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