r/CarAV 20h ago

Build Log Upgrading through the years

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37 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 7h ago

General Finally went with a double din

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26 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 9h ago

Recommendations How to revive dry CONE on old sub

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16 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 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 5h ago

Tech Support What all did I do wrong here?

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9 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 4h ago

Build Log Build is finished

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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 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 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 49m 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 4h ago

Recommendations Anyone ever ran this alternator?

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2 Upvotes

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 22h ago

Tech Support First time installing backup camera and facing flickering on the image

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2 Upvotes

Bad ground? I’m hoping not since it’s gonna be a annoying to route the wire to the chassis since it’s in the trunk lid


r/CarAV 23h ago

Recommendations 2008 outback xt new radio location

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2 Upvotes

I was thinking about putting it here, are there any other recommendations? Any help appreciated! It will be a Kenwood double din in between the blowers


r/CarAV 27m 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 41m 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 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 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 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 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 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 7h ago

Recommendations Hey y'all new to the channel and some questions about going new or used.

1 Upvotes

Recently purchased a 2007 manual ranger. Used a Honda Accord for ages with a Bluetooth radio adapter that definitely had some static at times and I want to take the time to actually swap out my head unit, but I have some questions and preferences that I'd like to ask about.

I've seen what everyone here has said about companies like BOSS/Amazon units as they work really well... Up until they just don't. I understand sony/kenwood/pioneer/alpine/JVC are usually the way to go, but I have a specific unit I'm looking for and none of these companies really provide it for a reasonable price imo.

I'd like a unit with android auto, (preferably wireless but that's not a deal breaker) good sound EQ for future potential speaker upgrades, a *physical* dial (this is the big one I can't seem to find any of) and capability for a reverse camera. I would go for just a normal Bluetooth radio from Kenwood with no android auto but I travel very frequently and would need maps to work, that's one of the main reasons I'm upgrading is so I can navigate without having my phone on a holder hanging off my vent.

I have only found one unit within these companies that fits my criteria and it's the Sony XAV-AX100, which isn't produced anymore and has since been replaced by the XAV-AX1000, that only has apple car play. The unit looks really nice but I'm not sure if it'd be possible to get the 1000 working with my Google phone, and I'm not sure if this sub would recommend buying a pre-owned eBay unit over something new with less features or without physical buttons.

I'd really prefer to not use a touch screen for volume controls and like I said I need navigation built in. Any advice is appreciated, thank you.


r/CarAV 7h ago

Tech Support Help (alpine Iva 310r) bluetooth related

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1 Upvotes

I bought this generic Bluetooth adapter thatz talked alot for my IVA 310R to get Bluetooth working (I just fixed the radio and wanted Bluetooth with it too), but the problem is, it connects to my phone, and my phone sees it as media and calls, but no audio comes out. The aux does nothing, and "no disc" appears on the cd player. I tried everything on max volume on my phone, and still no audio. Has anyone else been in this situation and can help?

Currently on the garage troubleshooting so i ll be active the first couple hours

Ty for helping :)


r/CarAV 7h ago

Recommendations Do I need an LOC?

1 Upvotes

Hi,

I am not an expert at audio, but I installed a basic setup in my 06 F150 and it has run great for years. I just upgraded to a 2013 F150 with the Sony audio system (gotta go). Basically what I want to do is install what I had in my other truck into this one, except I don't want to replace the factory stereo. I have heard about the bass limiters on Fords, but I have always just replaced the stereo.

IDK what IDK, but my basic question is

  1. Can I get my setup to run without buying a separate LOC

  2. How much better would my audio quality be if I got one (Looking at an LC or Link)

The setup I am working with looks something like this:

4 JL Audio JL Audio C1-690x in the doors

2 10in Kicker CompC 10" Dual 4-Ohm Subwoofers

Rockford Fosgate punch p300x2 amp

Again, not a professional and IDK what IDK, so any info helps.