2012 Civic LX Build for TOTAL BEGINNER.

[Rhythm 10+ year member]

Hello!

I've been lurking here for a few months after purchasing a 2012 Civic LX Sedan (without the "premium audio system"). It's my first car and while the stock audio equipment is decent, I feel that with as much as I enjoy music upgrading it might be a good choice.

As stated in the title, I'm a complete beginner when it comes to this stuff so I have been scouring the internet (various forums, crutchfield, etc.) trying to research and learn as much as I can.

So, from what I've researched, I feel that the following is what I need:

- Four 6.5" speakers to replace the front and rear deck factory speakers.

- One 4-channel amplifier to power those speakers

- One (or two) subwoofers. I'm not trying to get people to hear me from a mile away.

- A monoamp to power the subwoofer(s).

- A box to enclose the subwoofer(s).

What I don't know is if I need a separate head unit. Removing the in dash unit seems a bit complicated, but wouldn't I have to remove it anyway to install a "Line Out Converter" if I were to stick with the factory head unit?

I don't need something huge and overpowering, just a nice upgrade from the factory stuff.

You guys seem really helpful and I would greatly appreciate any guidance or advice you could pass along to someone who is eager to learn.

Thoughts?

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[DoesDad 10+ year member]

You can go with the converter but I've always thought aftermarket head units sounded better. My wife has an '03 Honda Odyssey we did the line out converter and I personally thought it sounded like shlt. I finally got her a cheap Alpine HU and it's much better! What kind of budget do you have?

 

[Rhythm 10+ year member]

Hmm...so maybe investing in an aftermarket head unit would be the better option?

As far as budged is concerned, I wasn't thinking that a "smaller" upgrade to the soundsystem would cost more than $500-$600. Am I foolish in thinking that?

 

[cyn 10+ year member]

Hmm...so maybe investing in an aftermarket head unit would be the better option?
As far as budged is concerned, I wasn't thinking that a "smaller" upgrade to the soundsystem would cost more than $500-$600. Am I foolish in thinking that?

Is 500-600 the most you want to spend on Front Stage / Rear Stage upgrade or for total upgrade? front/rear/sub new deck etc..?

 

[Rhythm 10+ year member]

Based on the products I was looking at I didn't think that I would have to exceed that price.

If what I need exceeds that, then I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Edit: I was expecting that price range WITHOUT having too add an aftermarket head unit. I understand that if it needs to be included the overall price will go up.

 

[Rhythm 10+ year member]

Pity bump.

Anyone have any input?

 

[plantinseeds]

Head Unit - 100$

Component Speakers - 150$

Speaker Amp for comps - 150$

Subwoofer - 150$ (Medium level sub)

Sub amp - 200$ (Depending on brand/quality)

Enclosure - 45$ for MDF and design

Probably close to 150$ for all of the wires required by these amps/subs/speakers.

 

[Rhythm 10+ year member]

So I see that you guys recommend Sundown as a reputable sub, and there's a dealer on here selling a SUNDOWN AUDIO E-12 DUAL 2 OHM for $99 shipped.

It seems like a good price....am I right in thinking that? Like I said before, I don't need anything too overpowering so having multiple subs seems a bit too much.

What is a good amp to pair with this? And where could I have a custom box built?

 

[Rhythm 10+ year member]

Any thoughts on that sub?

And I was looking into the new Alpine power pack for an amp to power my door/rear deck speakers. Anything have any input?