The EX audio system is "good" for a factory audio system, but something about the audio seems grating to me. In addition it has always been my plan to integrate one of my empeg/riocar units into my Element. I need a plan of action and would welcome advice.

In what order should I prioritize and also, what are the dependencies?
- Replacing the speakers
- Replacing the head unit with a DIN sized unit to make room for the empeg
- Replacing or bypassing the amp

I intend to only replace the speakers with speakers in the same locations, and do not plan to install equipment in places that don't already have equipment in them with a caveat that, if it becomes very necessary, I could potentially install an amp under the passenger side seat, if there is room. I intend to keep the vehicle a utilitarian vehicle, I just want it to sound better. :)

I assume that the head unit provides line level or close to that to the in-wall 6 channel amp.

However, I've also read that the OEM amp was engineered to use high-sensitivity speakers and that limits the speakers that can be used to replace the OEM speakers, unless you are replacing or bypassing the amp.

I've also read that there are no replacement amps that will fit into the space that the OEM amp sits in.

I also see there's not currently a replacement sub that fits in the place the current one sits.

Are there bypass harnesses available that could be used to bypass the amp and that would allow the from-head-unit cables to actually carry speaker-level vs. line-level signals w/o having to cut into the wiring?

Slightly-off-topic: has anyone installed an integrated speakerphone system in their Element?

Finally: who manufactures the OEM head unit, amp and speakers for the EX? Honda, a non-branded audio company or one of the audio companies we know about?

-brendan

PS - anyone else experience buzzing/shuddering of the driver side front door EX OEM speaker at moderate to high volume levels?

[quote:a72e943a8f="brendan"]

Finally: who manufactures the OEM head unit, amp and speakers for the EX? Honda, a non-branded audio company or one of the audio companies we know about?[/quote:a72e943a8f]

I believe its Alpine. I am probably wrong, but I thought I read that on the boards somewhere. If you need real assistance in the audio department, pm emass, the resident sound guru.

Whoa lots of questions. I think if you were to do it in stages then I prioritize it this way; speakers, headunit, amp. Since you do not want to put any items where it does not currently exists, you will very little options (if any at all) for an amp. AFAIK, there are no bypass harnesses available for the amp. If you want to install an amp under the passenger seat then you will have a lot more options obviously. You can see many examples of this in this forum.

What you said about the speakers isn't exactly correctly. You will find a lot of speakers with 90+ sensitivity ratings which will work for you. I would recommend you keep an eye out for the mounting depths and diameters as some speakers will requiring modifications. Check the sticky thread for speakers and fitment in this forum.

There are a couple of 6.5" subs that will fit in the stock unit but what's the point? Many of us are waiting for JL Audio's Stealthbox which will have a 10" downfiring sub. You can do a search for JL Audio and read the thread.

Alpine does make the system for Honda.

I would hazard a guess that the buzz/shudder sound is from something loose in the speaker area. Check the speaker and the speaker panel grill. It prolly happens at higher volumes due to the increasing sound vibrations.

[quote:83ec12247b="Silk"]AFAIK, there are no bypass harnesses available for the amp.

Alpine does make the system for Honda.[/quote:83ec12247b]

If there's no bypass harness, then I believe I'm stuck with these three options:

1) Use a headunit that only puts out line level to 6 channels (2XF, 2XR, 2XS), and use the OEM amp.

2) If the current head-unit to AMP wires can handle speaker-level signal: use a headunit that puts out speaker level to 6 channels, and cut wires around the OEM amp to bypass it to wire the head-unit directly to the speakers.

3) If the current head-unit to AMP wires CANNOT handle speaker-level signal: use a headunit that puts out speaker level to 6 channels, and then take the entire dash apart to add some parallel wires to OEM amp area that will also bypass the OEM amp.

Which approach is generally recommended? Or does it depend on additional factors?

An on the Alpine issue: do they make the entire system, or just the head unit/amp combination? That is, do they make those paper cone speakers too? :)

Are there sources for copies of both the wiring harnesses as well as plugs to reduce damage to the OEM wiring should I want to return everything to the OEM state?

Thanks for all the good advice,
-brendan

Silk hit the preferred order dead on.

Yes Alpine makes all the stuff including the wussy paper cone speakers.

For harnesses, please check out eMass FAQ which lists all the parts you need. If you are using factory wiring you will need 4 speaker harnesses and 1 Honda OEM harness.

I am using the OEM amp with my old pioneer HU and it sounds better than without. I don't know what you mean by the wires being able to handle speaker level output. It's not like you are running a lot of power through the wires or over great distances so I don't see a signal loss issue. (Don't make me dig out that chart).

BTW, you don't need 6 channels. The factory wiring runs the front speakers in series. The wire goes from the HU > Amp > front woofer > front tweeter (via high pass filter). The subwoofer is a mono channel so you really only need 5 channels. All of this can be found on any good HU with 3 sets of pre-outs.

You are making this way too complicated. You need to decide what your final system will comprise of, how much you are willing to spend and what level of modifications you are comfortable with. Once you figured out whether you are using an amp or not, the wiring question will naturally be answered as well. If you are not using an amp then stick with the factory wiring.

[quote:96f917f3f6="Silk"]BTW, you don't need 6 channels. The factory wiring runs the front speakers in series. The wire goes from the HU > Amp > front woofer > front tweeter (via high pass filter). The subwoofer is a mono channel so you really only need 5 channels. All of this can be found on any good HU with 3 sets of pre-outs.[/quote:96f917f3f6]

That's the trick then, make sure the HU has 2XF, 2XB & at least 1XS pre-outs. Thanks. I'll stick with the OEM amp for now, it just seems like the best way.

[quote:96f917f3f6="Silk"]You are making this way too complicated.[/quote:96f917f3f6]

LOL! Yeah, I was. :)

-brendan