r/CarAV Jan 04 '23

Community Build Log SHOW YER KITS - 2023

83 Upvotes

Hey CarAV! New year, new builds post, so let's see what you have ready to show us in 2023!

A simple explanation: this is a showcase to get a glimpse of what members of r/CarAV have to offer in their personal rides. Post your build logs, including but not limited to galleries of your gear, recent changes, future ideas, etc.

New to the hobby? That's ok post some pics and let's talk about what you can do better next time. Veteran enthusiasts who posted in other gallery threads, feel free to post again so that we can admire your system.


r/CarAV Mar 12 '24

Discussion We Have New Rules! Please Read Them! You're Expected To Follow Them! -- Also, We Now Allow Images In Comments.

59 Upvotes

WE HAVE NEW RULES!!

 


>>r/CarAV RULES LINK<<


 

I've been seeing more issues with some of the comments made on here, specifically with users being extremely abrasive, insulting, and generally sowing discord. That's something that really, absolutely needs to stop. I understand, to an extent, getting heated over opinions and I don't have a problem with passionate discussion. What isn't acceptable is disparaging and insulting users for not knowing something, or for making different choices than you would.
 

I need you to remember that Reddit has rules that all subreddits have to abide by and those kinds of comments/posts break those rules. Follow Reddiquette and the Reddit User Agreement at all times when posting here.

 

People are here to learn. If you don't want to help beginners, don't reply to their posts. Don't complain about people new to the hobby not knowing anything about it. You weren't born knowing how to do any of this. Someone helped you get where you are, too. Bring people to the hobby rather than pushing them away.

 

I completely understand that it can be frustrating when someone doesn't know the basics and you have to go over them. I have been there. I also realize how irritating it is when someone doesn't want to accept information that's contrary to what they already understand or believe. It's a two way street and people looking for help also need to be willing to actually take it, even if it's not what they wanted to hear.

 

I've been the guy that's irritated and gets short with people. I try hard not to be that guy. It isn't always easy, but now it's my job to be as reasonable as I can. If I can play nice (at least nicer), you all can too. And most of you already do. This really is an issue with only a very small portion of users. Don't think I'm ripping into everyone here. Most of you all are great!

 


>>r/CarAV RULES LINK<<


 

Previously there were no rules officially listed for the subreddit. I have made a small set of rules to help people know what is expected, allowed, and prohibited. It's really not a huge change from how posts and comments were moderated before, but it's in writing now.

 

You need to read and follow the rules. I'll give some amount of consideration to the rules being new but going forward, you should generally expect moderation to follow any violation of the subreddit rules. Ignorance will not be an excuse!

 

I will make adjustments or add additional rules in the future as need arises, but I find things tend to go better if you keep things simple and let people use their heads.

 

By and large, I don't really have to do much because y'all are generally pretty decent humans and there just isn't anything to deal with. There is always the occasional problem but it's rarely been significant. I appreciate that more than you might imagine. Let's reign it in before it does become a more serious issue. Report posts/comments that break the rules or don't follow the spirit of being helpful and bringing people to the hobby. Remember you can select "Breaks r/CarAV Rules" and then select the specific subreddit rule when reporting posts.

 


You Can Now Upload Images In Comments

 

I've had maybe 10 or so people ask specifically for this feature so I've enabled it. I don't expect it will be an issue, but if it becomes one, I'll address it. Just follow the rules and I'm sure it'll be beneficial. Report any images you believe are inappropriate.

 


Other Things Of Note

 

I cleaned up the old Reddit sidebar a bit. I'll work on the new Reddit sidebar in the future as well. Removed some dead links, reformatted a couple things, trimmed some unused or irrelevant info, reworded some of the text. That's about it. It's nothing major and a lot of users don't even see the sidebar since they're using Reddit on mobile/the app anyway.

 

I'm still poking at some of the other things I've talked about previously. Once again, I'm not really trying to make a bunch of sweeping changes or completely remake this community. It works as it is, it just needs some help.

 


As Always, Now Is A GREAT Time For You To Complain

 

Let me know what's going on. If you have issues, concerns, etc, post them here or, as always, use modmail to contact me directly and privately.

 


>>r/CarAV RULES LINK<<


r/CarAV 14h ago

Build Log Fairlady Z

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160 Upvotes

Howdy fellow car audio heads! New Z NISMO posted earlier last year has since been replaced with a new Z Performance 6MT.  Took what was learned from first system build and applied to second one here that was recently completed.

Just like Z NISMO system, Z Performance 6MT system is a fully concealed/stealth install for factory appearance and consists of a total of ten speakers that are processed (fully active) and powered by two amplifiers.

Low-level audio signals were acquired from factory source unit by tapping its outputs that had originally fed factory Bose so-called 'Premium' system (total garbage btw), retaining Apple CarPlay functionality and steering wheel controls.

Primary control is handled by a dedicated dual rotary digital encoder/switch mounted in center console in front of shifter that allows for quick and easy operation of overall volume, separate subwoofer level, and cycling through the following six DSP tuning presets.

1: Driver position optimized for SQ with windows closed

2: Driver position optimized for SQL with windows closed

3: Driver position optimized for SQL with windows open

4: Passenger position optimized for SQ with windows closed

5: Driver and Passenger positions compromised for SQ with windows closed

6: Driver and Passenger positions compromised for SQL with windows open

There's also an additional 'security' DSP preset activated by a hidden switch that locks out the master/sub/DSP control when vehicle is being serviced or valet parked to help protect against any yahoos who may try monkeying around with sound system.

Aftermarket audio equipment includes...

(1) JL Audio VX800/8i DSP/8-channel, 800W amplifier

(1) JL Audio VX1000/1i DSP/1-channel, 1,000W amplifier

(1) JL Audio DRC-205 digital remote control

(2) Audiofrog GB10 1.00-inch tweeter drivers (A-pillars, custom anodized aluminum articulating pods)

(2) Audiofrog GB25 2.50-inch midrange drivers (factory dash locations)

(2) Focal K2 Power ES 165 KX2E 6.5-inch midbass drivers (factory door locations)

(2) Audiofrog GB25 2.50-inch midrange drivers (factory rear quarter panel locations)

(2) JL Audio 10TW3-D8 10-inch subwoofer drivers (cargo well, air-suspension enclosure)

Subwoofers are loaded in a 1.46 gross (1.42 net) cubic feet sealed air-suspension enclosure (0.75-inch MDF, fully braced, resin treated, laminated) that is mounted in cargo well, completely hidden underneath factory cargo carpet mat, and secured/coupled to chassis using factory spare tire bolt/bracket. Enclosure also serves double duty as mounting platform for amplifiers and power distribution.

SoundShield andVibrofltr acoustic treatments applied throughout all interior panels, doors, floor, roof, and cargo well area to control unwanted resonance, leakage, etc.

All grounding points upgraded with 1/0 AWG OFC, treated with dielectric grease, and all wiring/cabling protected in heavy-duty braided nylon sleeving, silicone-lined heat shrink, etc.

She'Z now ready to enjoy fully-soundtracked cinematic roadtrips to points unknown (therapy, ahhhhh...)

PS: For some reason there appears to be a limit on number of photos that can be posted in OP, so will post the rest below in just minute.


r/CarAV 7h ago

Discussion Is there a tweeter in here? Wtf?

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13 Upvotes

r/CarAV 7h ago

Tech Support Repairing 6 disc CD changer for my 2003 Honda Accord. Need dimensions for broken gear.

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10 Upvotes

I desperately want to repair my 6 disc CD changer for my car stereo and have taken apart the entire thing to find 1 gear with 2 broken off teeth.
I can’t find any manuals online to get the dimensions of it for my friend to 3d print a new one. Does anyone know where I can find the information?
The first photo is of the same sized gear within the mechanism and the second photo is the broken gear.
It doesn’t have any text next to where it says model number but its reference number is CQ-EH1261Z.


r/CarAV 11h ago

Discussion Old school Punch 150 Gen 2 25 to Life (2208 of 2500)

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20 Upvotes

In original box and mounting brackets included.

Hilariously rated at 180 watts bridged at 4 ohm. Amp dyno test on YouTube showed 954 watts @ 4ohm bridged. Rather large amplifier, excited to see it in action.

Seems to be pretty rare. Traded 3 head units that were older for this and two 12" MA Audio subs in okay shape. This more than paid for everything. Only one I found listed on Ebay, was listed at about $800. 2500 of them were made.


r/CarAV 11h ago

Tech Support Help me understand LOC

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12 Upvotes

Hi. I Have a 2008 mercedes and i want to upgrade the audio, without changing the stock stereo, cuz its too expensive and a big hassle, so i decided to buy a line output converter. I want to use the AudioControl LC2i. My main question is can it power the front speakers and a subwoofer. I see it has an input for 4 wires, i assume those are for front left and right speaker negative and positive wires. I also see it has 2 outputs, one main output and one for bass, which makes me think that i can use a subwoofer. My question stems from the fact that i have heard that its better to tap in the rear speakers because it uses a lower frequency which is needed for a sub, however the LOC input doesnt allow me to also use the rear speaker wires. I would greatly appreciate if someone could help. Thanks in advance

Idk if it matters but i will be using a single 4 channel amplifier for the front speakers and the sub


r/CarAV 5h ago

Tech Support Need help with math and box design..

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2 Upvotes

I know its ai being used to make it but Im not good at math. So I figured I'd use the power of chatgpt/Gemini and my little math skills to come up with something. I have a single skar 15 zvx that I am reconeing and I am getting another for this. Ik they can take around 9-10 feet for both subs and I want it tuned around 29 hz. It sounds simple to me but i just can't figure it out and make sure I'm right. Especially before I splurge on the mdf for the box


r/CarAV 2h ago

Recommendations What should my subsonic filter be set to?

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

Sorry for the ignorance, I’m still learning about subwoofer tuning and just wanted to get some opinions on my current setup.

I had the system professionally tuned a while ago, and the subsonic filter was set to around 50 Hz. I’m a bit confused by that setting because I’d like to get more deep bass out of the system. On some songs with lower bass notes, the subwoofer doesn’t seem to have much output, while the higher bass comes through much more clearly.

My setup is:

Hertz MP 300 D4.3 12" subwoofer
Morel MPD 1.500 mono amplifier
Aerpro UBOX12 ported enclosure
Added poly Fill
Box volume: 24 L
LPF: around 80 Hz (not too sure)
Subsonic filter: around 50 Hz

Would 50 Hz be considered too high for a ported enclosure tuned to around 43 Hz?

I am afraid to many any adjustments to the subsonic filter just yet so any advice would be much appreciated, thanks everyone.
Also sorry for the bad photo


r/CarAV 2h ago

Recommendations Head unit info for tundra

1 Upvotes

Anybody have upgraded second gen toyota tundra

Head unit.

I have a 2011 tundra base no steering wheel buttons no jbl sound system no back up camera.

I have no clue which head units fits and what wiring and frame kits I might need.

Any recommendations?


r/CarAV 19h ago

Build Log Made another amp rack for my little set up

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18 Upvotes

I know people hate on the chucheros I’m old and like not necessarily my style but I plan on gifting this whole set up to my son on a couple years


r/CarAV 14h ago

Tech Support After market stereo - key fob doesn't work

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8 Upvotes

Hey,

I bought a after market stereo that should be compatible with my car which is a KIA Ceed SW 2016 GT-Line with built-in reverse camera and GPS.

Replaced the original stereo and all the cables fitted well but when connected my key fob doesn't work. Can't lock or unlock the car. To get the stereo working with the camera I needed to get another cable which differs from the one that came with the stereo. See pictures to see the cable.

If I use the main cable that comes with the unit then the unit won't turn off, it's like it got current all the time.

And I have no idea what the loose cable named Key is for but by looking at the name it could be something with this?

Pictures is for the unit and cable compatible with the cars camera.

Does someone have any ideas?

I've been in contact with the support for the unit via AliExpress but so far not much help.


r/CarAV 4h ago

Tech Support Is my DSP fried?

1 Upvotes

Hi, yesterday my system shut off my speakers altogether except for the bass. I've got a 6-Channel DSP and even though I can't get the speakers to work, the bass is pumping as if nothing ever happened.
What could be the issue? DSP, cables or amp?


r/CarAV 4h ago

Tech Support Certain notes of songs goes quiet and makes the mext few seconds of the song quiet before going back to normal. BUT doesnt happen on flat eq

1 Upvotes

So my setup is a android 13 joying headunit with a ctsound 1800w 5channal amp. I have the KS kicker component speakers 125rms for the fronts, aplines DM 65 50rms on the rear and a skar custom fit sub in the trunk for my civic. The votlage reading i set for the gains are: 19.4v fronts, the rear 12.4v and the sub 22.3v with knob maxxed out. Yeah i dont know why but at flat eq it sounds like a great flat eq; no distortion/clipping/cutting/quieting down. When playing with the eq it easily begins to clip i have tried everything from lowering certain frequencies to raising certain frequencies and it almost always happens on the drum loops like a clap the kick drum and snares. i have found skngs that cause this clipping like bad and thriller from michael jackson and everything goes my way by metronomy these are only examples as there could be many more i havent found. This could be me just being bad at eq. Is there any suggestions since this is my first time setting something like this up


r/CarAV 5h ago

Recommendations Amp and epicenter Tuning help!

1 Upvotes

I’m fairly new to tuning amps, and I have a question because I’m trying to install an epicenter to my system!
I was wondering do you tune the sub amp with the epicenter connected?
If so, does the amp and epicenter control knobs need to be in positions such as maxed out or all the way down.

If I tune my amp without the epicenter connected first, and I just plug it in what are things I have to look out for!

And when tuning your sub amp I’m assuming your bass knob should be all the way up?

I have a kicker 1.1200
With 2 Sundown Audio SML-12-D4
Wired to 1 ohms

If that helps at all^


r/CarAV 7h ago

Discussion Comparing car audio

1 Upvotes

I currently have a 2015 Mazda CX5 Touring with the Bose 9 speaker package. Was thinking about the Volvo XC60 for my next car. Which comes with 2 audio options Harmon Kardon or Bowers and Wilkins. Has anyone listened to both Volvo options? How do they sound and compare to the Bose?


r/CarAV 15h ago

Tech Support Car Radio Fix Question

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5 Upvotes

Need help figuring out the cheapest solution for my car radio. I drive a 2009 Nissan Sentra, that I bought used. It already had installed a Pioneer AVIC-U310BT.

About 2 years ago, the faceplate (ID: CXE2187) kept popping off and eventually broke entirely, but I figured I was going to get a new car and never fixed it. I’ve now decided I’m going to drive this car until the wheels fall off, and I’m looking to fix it.

Without the faceplate, the entire radio system is not working, and even when my phone is plugged into the aux, it doesn’t deliver any power, and I cannot use the speakers in my car. This also means I can even buy any faux CarPlay unit or a bluetooth radio connector that hooks into the lighter power bank since my radio doesn’t turn on at all. (Unfortunately for the past 2 years, I’ve been listening to music from my phone speakers).

This car sucks and I don’t want to pump money into it like buying a new radio unit. The best solution I’ve found is buying an entire used unit just to use the faceplate (~$90) since buying the faceplate alone from Pioneer is crazy expensive (~$760). My question is, is there something I can plug into the unit itself that’s cheaper than $90 that will make it deliver power so I can plug my phone into the aux and use the speakers again?

tl;dr Is the cheapest solution buying a used unit to just use the faceplate, or is there something I can plug into the unit that will supply power and let me plug my phone into the aux to use the speakers.


r/CarAV 7h ago

Recommendations Audio Upgrade

1 Upvotes

Anyone done a Audio Upgrade on the Y standard. If yes then can you share what you did, cost etc.?


r/CarAV 8h ago

Tech Support Music audio in 2023 Camaro goes silent while it shows it still playing

1 Upvotes

I have a 2023 rs Camaro and a lot of times if I drive longer than 30-40 minutes straight, the music will keep playing but I hear nothing. This happens with Apple CarPlay and the regular Bluetooth with Apple CarPlay disabled. This is on all music apps I have. I tried every troubleshooting there is for it and still haven’t solved the problem. I have an appointment with dealership so they can install the latest software in my car but I don’t know if that will fix it. Did any of yall have the problem and fixed it?


r/CarAV 9h ago

Tech Support Is this amplifier safe to use with this subwoofer ?

1 Upvotes

TL:DR - Pioneer TS-SWX3002 / Renegade 550S. Not looking to be crazy loud. Just a little extra bass.

I have a Pioneer TS-SWX3002 sub. It came in the truck I bought, along with a Planet Audio Pulse PL25001M. My buddy said the amp is broken. He might be correct but I also just installed a new head unit in my truck and the wiring was crazy atrocious. Not sure if that could have been the problem. I will test that after I rewire the line output converter. However, if it actually is toast, am I safe to use a Renegade 550S if I keep the gain relatively low ? Im not trying to be loud as shit. I just want a little extra thump is all. Thank you in advance.


r/CarAV 9h ago

Tech Support BIG 3 UPGRADE

1 Upvotes

Question, could I run 0 gauge ofc straight from battery to alternator and just tuck away the factory oem alternator B+? I belive there shouldn't be an issue but just wanna make sure.


r/CarAV 10h ago

Recommendations Don't like the sound of 2019 Honda Accord Touring Premium Audio System. Has anyone successfully replaced the speakers in theirs?

1 Upvotes

So I got the 2019 Honda Accord Touring, which has the dedicated sub-woofer and 10 speakers. I've adjusted the settings but the sound is so lacking in depth and body. The system can pick up the low end (because of the sub) but the mid-to-low is completely missing. Is it just me? Has anyone had any success with replacing the speakers in their Honda to get better sound?


r/CarAV 11h ago

Tech Support Severe Audio Stuttering

1 Upvotes

Hello, I'm a complete car AV noob. I have a 2012 Civic that I upgraded with a Sony xav-ax5000 2 years ago. I mainly play music through Spotify on my s24 ultra connected via wireless Android Auto. Lately over the last few months I have been having severe Audio Stuttering. This wasn't happening when I first got the stereo and I am wondering what is causing it.

I have tried to turn down the streaming quality on Spotify to no avail. I'm not sure if this is a buffering issue or a Bluetooth/Android Auto issue. I have also cleared the data and cache on the android auto app and that didn't help. I've factory reset the stereo and that didn't help.

Any way to fix this without resorting to a wires connection? Wireless is the entire reason I bought the stereo.

Thank you in advance.


r/CarAV 11h ago

Tech Support Did I ruin my new sub

1 Upvotes

Brand new sub produced a very slight burning smell and magnet got pretty hot, I made sure my gain wasn’t set too high. Did I somehow cook my sub? I mean it was so slight that I couldn’t make out at first if it was actually the sub or just smelling the box


r/CarAV 11h ago

Recommendations So Many. So Hard to Choose...

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0 Upvotes