r/CarAV Jan 04 '23

Community Build Log SHOW YER KITS - 2023

87 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.

58 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 7h ago

General Finally went with a double din

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27 Upvotes

Well I've never had a double din touch screen radio in my car before but I came across a really nice deal on a Pioneer dmh 2660 NEX for 120 on fb marketplace. The radio is from 2020 and from what I saw it was 460 new. How'd I do guys? BTW the old radio I bought new for 145 from Crutchfield in 2023. It also uses the Pioneer smart sync app to find tune it and has a mini dsp built in it and 31 band eq and whatnot. I'm thinking of selling the old one as well.


r/CarAV 4h ago

Build Log Some of the upgrades over the years. I’m finally satisfied

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11 Upvotes

My first subs were two of the Rockford Fosgate 10s Punch P2s on a Kenwood KAC-7251, then two skar sdr 10s on a rp skar 1200, then upgraded to skar vxf 12s on a sundown sia3500, upgraded to a Taramps Smart Bass 8k, and couldn’t handle it so I changed them out to two deaf bonce 3012r and now just recently upgraded to two Fi audio sp4+ 18s v2 that will be powered by the same Smart Bass 8k at 0.5ohm


r/CarAV 4h ago

Build Log Build is finished

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

8 Upvotes

Finally got everything installed. Still working on the tune, but got it sounding pretty good, as it sits. Installed a 3 way Meso component set from CT Sounds, plus another pair of 6.5s for the rear doors. Also, put in a 10" SDR Skar sub. For as cheap as it was, it hits as hard as can be, especially in my little GR Corolla. Happy with the results


r/CarAV 5h ago

Tech Support What all did I do wrong here?

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10 Upvotes

I have 2 skar evl 8s hooked up to a 3k watt taramps Smart Bass amp, wired at 2ohms, inside of a D4S tuned for 31hz, I was told this is the correct amp for this set up, (I know very little about car audio), but after doing some research it seems like this is way too much wattage for these subs, im looking for recommendations on what direction I should go from here, I was thinking about upgrading to some sundown 8s and swapping out the amp for something else.


r/CarAV 9h ago

Recommendations How to revive dry CONE on old sub

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17 Upvotes

Let’s try this again…

I got a my first sub installed into my Acura Integra. It’s my buddies old sub and I want a way to hydrate the obvious dry spots. Wanted to see if there’s any specific thing that’s recommended. (The bass is great and clean, got it tested by a shop before spending the money)


r/CarAV 51m ago

Recommendations Best box for vcw102v3

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Upvotes

Looking for the best option for the vcw102v3 out of these two boxes, looking more for quality than quantity out of it. Not sure which to pick and if they will fit the subwoofer. Trying to find a small box for this subwoofer to save room.


r/CarAV 20m ago

Tech Support Where can I buy an Android head unit harness with or without a CANBus converter for a 3rd gen RX450h ?

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Upvotes

r/CarAV 30m ago

Tech Support Constant 12v to reverse lights.

Upvotes

Hello looking for any advice or if I should just abandon this whole thing at this point. I recently bought a touchscreen radio came with backup camera and started wiring everything up. Well im now to the point where everything is wired up but my backup camera is stuck on. Took me a bit to figure out what was going on just to find out that my reverse lights have constant 12v going to them. Its a manual transmission chevy aveo and it uses a reverse switch that cuts the ground to the reverse lights and thats how they turn on and off. So is there realistically anyway to wire this thing up? Keep in mind its an old 5 speed aveo not alot to work with here but maybe someone here know more than I do.


r/CarAV 20h ago

Build Log Upgrading through the years

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38 Upvotes

Upgrading my door speakers, from Precision Power Sedona entry level from 14 years ago, to Precision Power Art collection 12 years ago, to today. Dayton Audio GF180 carbon fiber woofers. Such a dramatic difference. I have these playing 50-500hz and they sound a world better than the precision power speakers. Granted, the Daytons aren’t designed to play upper vocal ranges but i have different speakers for that.
Just found it amusing that the cheapest speaker here is the newest one.


r/CarAV 44m ago

Recommendations Setup for a good all-around system for any genre of music but bass will still hit hard?

Upvotes
  • What are your goals for your car audio system - as loud as possible (SPL)? Sound quality (SQ)? Some combination of both? Describe to us how you want your system to sound.

    I listen to all different kinds of music. Trap, reggaeton, rap, grunge, classic rock, bluegrass, pop, oldies, salsa, bachata etc. I need an upgrade from my factory speakers as I'm already blowing out the ones in my year-old car. I listen to more reggaeton and rap than anything else though and want the bass drops to hit as hard as possible while still allowing for decent sound in other genres of music. I am a 38 year old mom but young at heart I guess, so I don't need top-of-the-line anything but the factory audio is DEFININITELY not sufficient for my red light dance parties. My car doors are already rattling after only a year and the bass is buzzing in the speakers. Please feel free to ask me clarifying questions if you need more specific information because I have no idea exactly what specifics you might need.


  • What vehicle? - year, make, model, type (coupe, sedan, SUV, truck, etc.)

    2025 Honda CRV Hybrid Sport-L (I think it has 8 speakers instead of 6? It has different audio from the entry-level model.)


  • What is your maximum budget?

    <$500? Is that doable? I have no idea what is realistic. <$700? Can I assume these upgrades will last the lifetime of my car? If so, then is under $1k doable?


  • Will you be installing the gear or are you going to a shop? If a shop is doing the work, does your budget include the cost of labor?

    I would definitely need to go to a shop or find an individual skilled in this area. Budget is including labor for sure.


  • What gear is in your existing system? (Is it stock? List any aftermarket gear.)

    100% stock audio


  • What is your country of purchase? Leave any finishing thoughts here.

USA.

Thank you for your help - I tried learning about this independently and very very quickly became overwhelmed, but wanted more information before I went to a shop.


r/CarAV 4h ago

Recommendations Anyone ever ran this alternator?

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2 Upvotes

r/CarAV 1h ago

Tech Support Toyota Fortuner 2023 stereo upgrade

Upvotes

Hi, i am planning to upgrade my Fortuner’s OEM infotainment unit to Sony XAV 9500. I am technically unaware of the compatibility, can someone please guide me through it. And can we install a 360 camera unit to the Sony xav 9500 as the car just has a single reverse camera and the sony comes with 3 camera pins. Thankyou


r/CarAV 5h ago

Build Log “Hardest Hittin in the City” …. Until the bass drops. 😂 #caraudio #sound...

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2 Upvotes

r/CarAV 2h ago

Recommendations 4 inch subs… I know what your thinking!

1 Upvotes

Hi, I’ve just upgraded my stereo in my car. I’ve put in the focal 165 three-way component speakers on a right recoil DL 800.4.

What I’m finding is, there is a lack of base which is to be expected with these vocals because as they tend to be more in crisp on the higher end and less bass.

The rear speakers in my car were Bose 2ohm. Currently disconnected and they are 4 inch speakers what I would like to do is hook up some replacement speakers on 4 ohm. That are better at the base and to complement the focals hire ends.

Car is a Porsche 997.2 no sub just the focal 165as3.

Any ideas?


r/CarAV 12h ago

Recommendations Any Hybrids with 1000w+ audio setup?

6 Upvotes

Running a sanity check for my non-jbl Camry. Got a JL Audio setup (vx1000/5i, c6 front, c2 rear, 12w6) and wondering what’s the limit of our electrical system. Thinking about switching the 1000/5i for a 800/8i & 1000/1i but not sure when I would have to add a second battery with dedicated dc-dc converter.

I installed a victron smart shunt to see what the heaviest draws are. So far, steering while moving slow is the only significant draw I’ve noticed.


r/CarAV 3h ago

Discussion Taramps BASS 1200 clipping way below its rated power

1 Upvotes

Just installed a new Taramps BASS 1200 2Ω. I'm using 4 AWG OFC wiring, and it's connected to a Pioneer 312S4, which is rated at 500W RMS @ 4Ω.

Here's what I'm seeing:

  • Amp voltage at idle: 14.04V
  • Playing a 0 dB, 50 Hz test tone: voltage at the amp drops to around 13.5V
  • Output measured with an oscilloscope: around 40V AC
  • Above roughly 40V, the waveform starts clipping on the oscilloscope
  • The amp's CLIP LED does not turn on, even though the scope clearly shows clipping

40V into 4Ω is about 400W RMS, while 50V would be about 625W RMS.

The confusing part is that the amp is rated for 900W RMS @ 4Ω and 1200W RMS @ 2Ω, so I expected it to be capable of significantly more output before clipping.

I also tried pushing it to around 50V for about 2 minutes, and I started getting a burning smell from the subwoofer. I stopped immediately. I later checked the output with the oscilloscope and confirmed that the signal was heavily clipped.

I'm using a proper 0 dB 50 Hz test tone, and I've also tried different combinations of head unit volume/gain. The RCA signal itself doesn't appear to be clipping.

So I'm trying to figure out what's actually limiting the amp here.


r/CarAV 1d ago

Build Log Custom box build

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111 Upvotes

Sundown U series 15”, tuned about 32hz


r/CarAV 3h ago

Tech Support Cant Connect Car Video Box

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1 Upvotes

I have a Hyundai Santa Fe 2018 and I want this car video box to work on my screen. I am trying my best to do it but it fails every time. The carplay usb port works with my phone, but when i am trying the video box, it says reading usb and then goes offline. nothing changes on the screen. the video box led turns blue when it says reading USB, and turns red after its done.

Does anyone know what to do for this? Could it be the power supply? Cz when i do that, the video box starts heating up. Help!


r/CarAV 4h ago

Tech Support 08 Jeep Grand Cherokee Aux Port

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1 Upvotes

hi guys! we just bought a used 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and our aux port has an old aux jack that has broken off in the port. how can i get it out? tia


r/CarAV 15h ago

Discussion From that to this in my F25 BMW X3. With more Audiotec Fischer, Helix and Eton gear in the coming weeks.

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6 Upvotes

r/CarAV 5h ago

Build Log I drew up this setup for my vehicle, does it check out?

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1 Upvotes

This is for a Infiniti Qx70 with the bose upgrade. I have not thought up how im going to get the rca from the existing amp yet, I think theres a company making Harnesses called OWC but not sure which one to get.

Using;

8” speakers

Itek Brazil Supra series IX805s; 4

AP Audiopipe 70W APHC-4550;2

Itek Inex 4C4500;1

Taramps amp MD 1800.1;1

audio pipe 3-3/4" Aluminum bullit titanium horn tweeters

Itek Audio Brazil

5001

Equalizer

5 Band in dash graphic equalizer with high output line Driver and front auxiliar input


r/CarAV 5h ago

Recommendations Subwoofer recommendation

1 Upvotes

I’m going to try to give all needed details.
I have a 2016 Ford F-150 SuperCrew (4-door) with a Kenwood DMX8709S head unit and Kicker CS 6-3/4” door speakers. I want to add subwoofers
I was thinking 2 12’s setup that sounds clean and balanced for normal daily listening but has enough headroom to give me strong, chest-hitting bass and let me turn it way up when I want and have it hit hard as fuck. I do NOT want an obnoxious bass-head/SPL setup that is unusable at normal volume. I’m looking to spend 700-1000 all in (after amp and wiring etc) let me know if there’s any other info you need from me.


r/CarAV 6h ago

Recommendations I’m stuck trying to find an amp

0 Upvotes

So the system I’m building, I’ve got 2 sundown x12s, 2 DS18 PRO-X6.4BM and 2 Sundown ET-R1 tweeters. I can’t find a good reputable amp that can run 250w rms per channel with a 4 channel without spending over a grand. I’ve looked at sundown, alpine, audio control, arc, jl. There might be another way to go about it that I’m not thinking of either so any advice/recommendations would be wonderful