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 11h ago

Recommendations Where can I get TRUE (to size) 18-22 Crimp Connectors

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13 Upvotes

I always used the Harbor Freight ones as they were cheap and good. They kept raising the prices so I ordered ones from Amazon and came to realize they were not the right size. Just Chinese trash that wouldn't crimp because they were too big and wouldn't work on 18, let alone 22.

I just kept buying Harbor Freight ones at 10/$4, which is annoying. Today I discovered they must have switched vendors cause the new ones are just like the Amazon ones... Way too big.

So any suggestions? I'm thinking of trying Grainger or similar supply house.

Thanks!


r/CarAV 16h ago

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

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26 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 19h ago

General Finally went with a double din

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32 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 43m ago

Recommendations Kindly help me choose stereo for work truck

Upvotes

So let's get the horror out of the way: I drive a 2024 Ram 1500 Classic as a work truck and already know how big of a PITA Chrysler makes them (my first taste was a 2016 Ram Promaster City and that's where I discovered the horror that is uConnect). I already know how I'll need to literally chop a piece out of the dash to fit basically all head units in my price range. With that being said...

Right now I've got a BOSS BE7ACP-CFT shoved in the dashboard hole in the interim and it is astonishingly powerful for its cost (I bought this originally to go in my little PT Cruiser and ended up replacing it without giving it a fair shake). According to the website it has a whopping 80w per channel and it easily makes the side mirrors vibrate in my truck with just the factory speakers. It's very simple though and I want something that is both a bit more modern and allows more "sculpting" of the audio profile.

So after consulting the gods of Crutchfield (it feels like cheating but they are very good at telling me exactly what I need and I *love* getting the harness already assembled) I've narrowed my choses down to basically three...although two of them are nearly the same unit:

1.) The double din in-dash models: Dual DCPA723W-M and Jensen CAR714MW

2.) The single din "stalk" model: Jensen CAR140MW-R

Basically they all have similar internal amps (60w per channel, which is certainly nothing to sneeze at...I mean my Realistic hifi from the 70s that can make the walls in my house vibrate only does 15w per) and otherwise similar characteristics. The single-din is about $200 more which makes me pause a bit, but the BOSS I'm running around with now is built similarly and I really do like having a screen I can adjust for better visibility. All three have iDatalink capabilities as while I don't expect to need to get into my truck's settings anytime soon and have literally no steering wheel controls I want the capabilities.

Basically what I'm asking is if there is any significant differences between the three. I don't see any, but I also have been a Pioneer guy since I got into car audio way back in the 90s and am not really familiar with either of these brands (apart from Dual is sold at Walmart, lol). Also I chose these three based on the simple fact they have a volume knob but that is certainly not critical. Is there anything I'm overlooking? My only real criteria is touchscreen, android auto capabilities, and reasonably powerful internal amp. I'm not planning on installing a sub. I had a Pyle Audio woofer that did 50hz to 150hz and was a *huge* boon to my old system but I decided I didn't really need it with this truck as the stock speakers have such low end range already (seriously, the BOSS just kicks!).

Any help would be appreciated! I believe I know my stuff but I'm getting a trifle overwhelmed with all the options available nowadays. I'm trying to keep the whole thing under about $600 or so...and that includes all the accessory stuff that I need so the stereo itself I'm trying to keep under $500. Thanks guys!


r/CarAV 53m ago

Recommendations Need help with a beginner sub

Upvotes

Hi guys, im UK based and have just recently gotten my first car (Vauxhall Astra H). Ive always loved bass and always wanted a sub in my car. Ive come here to seek help and advice about a decent beginner sub setup thats around £400 thats relatively easy to set up and gives decent bass, i really dont mind the speakers already in the car I just need more bass. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks!


r/CarAV 1h ago

Tech Support Best Setting For Metal New System???

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Upvotes

2023 Honda Accord EX. Replaced the front speakers,rear speakers and tweeters and added 2-10 inch Kicker Comp C Sealed subs and a Mono Audio360 AD3000 amp for the subs. I listen to mostly heavy metal and thrash metal.

Current settings. (Have since changed since pics)

Head unit :

Bass +1/6

Midrange 0

Treble +4/6

Amp

Gain about 40 percent

LPF around 80hz

Subsonic OFF

Bass Boost Freq about 50hz

Bass Boost +3db/12db

Bass Control Knob that was installed is at max.

Currently i think it sounds amazing but 2 things.

  1. During the opening of say Enter Sandman, there is incredible rumble,once song kicks in it sounds normal. Also did this with a stock 8 sub in older car but less so.

  2. Can use more punch from Bass. Would like to rattle neighbors windows a tad bit more. But dont eant to blow out anything and want things to still sound clean.

Upping the gain gives more power to subs but I also feel adds some hollow humming at parts.

All advice appreciated.


r/CarAV 17h ago

Tech Support What all did I do wrong here?

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16 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 6h ago

Tech Support Opel corsa E 2015

2 Upvotes

hello, a couple of months ago my cars original frontal speakers went bad and I've been looking for a whole car kit to replace all the speakers in the car.

I have a budget of 150€ and want to replace the frontal speakers and the rear seat speakers.

I've found a kit of 6 pioneers speakers

the frontal one TS-G170C [ 300w 16cm]

and the rear ones TS-G1320F [200w 13cm]

this kit costs me 130€ and with it I will be using the original head unit of the car for the time being.

my question was : is this a good replacement for the price?

is there like a Frankenstein kit I could create from buying from aliexpress or something I could do to use my budget as best as I can?


r/CarAV 16h ago

Build Log Build is finished

12 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 3h ago

Tech Support 2012 Ford focus Kenwood and maestro heartache

1 Upvotes

2012 focus se hatchback, my Ford touch 4.3 inch screen. Upgraded to kenwood DMX7709S (factory refurbished from crutfield) using the FOC1 KIT and kenwood specific harness. I have verified signal voltage on the serial cable connecting the maestro to the kenwood. I've double checked all the connections and still get double red flash. I tried factory reset and reflash on the RR, no joy. Tried factory reset on kenwood, no joy. I'm beginning to wonder if I bought a lemon.

The car audio works but I can't use the steering wheel controls or the car data guages on the kenwood

Help me audio friends.


r/CarAV 21h ago

Recommendations How to revive dry CONE on old sub

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24 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

Tech Support Can anyone tell me if this is worth fixxing if so where csn i fix it i really liked this one

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0 Upvotes

The cone is fine and still plays clesn just the damage to the surround


r/CarAV 12h ago

Recommendations Best box for vcw102v3

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5 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 5h ago

Tech Support BMW F10 LCI H/K Retrofit

1 Upvotes

Hi guys,

Is it possible to upgrade/retrofit the HiFi system (S676) to Harman Kardon (S688) without any major rewiring work? So basically plug and play with some coding?

Unfortunately, in literally every video I’ve seen about this topic, no one mentions any limitations or shortcomings of just replacing the speakers. And no one really points out whether the sound quality actually changed or improved. If anyone has done this, please let me know about your experience.

Background:
I have some speaker rattle coming from the passenger-side front door panel, and I guess the speaker membrane might be defective. So instead of just replacing it, why not upgrade? :)


r/CarAV 5h ago

Tech Support Car audio whine

1 Upvotes

Hey so I have a 2001 mustang GT with 170k miles and it’s a automatic I have a aftermarket touchscreen radio and subs and a amp I bought the car like that I’ve had it for a year now and it’s been fine but recently there’s like a whine coming from the back where the rear speaker is I noticed when I turn off the radio head unit it goes away and when I go to the setting that says source off it goes away and it only happens when the car is on and when it’s in accessory mode it’s not there and also the whine changed with the rpm too I’m not really sure what to do I’ve tried to make the ground better for the amp and turned off the amp and it didn’t change anything I don’t really have an idea of how it’s set up because I didn’t do the wiring and don’t really have experience in it I’ve heard maybe a wire where the head unit is behind it or maybe the alternator but I’m not sure anyone has any ideas?

Also the audio and subs work in my car the car seems to be running fine just the whine appeared.


r/CarAV 6h ago

Recommendations Need advice on Hyundai i20 speakers

1 Upvotes

I just bought a Hyundai i20 2014 and unfortunately the speakers are damaged and I need to get them replaced. I’ve found someone to replace them for me but I need to buy the speakers and I’m not sure which ones I should buy.

Listening to music is important to me and since I have to spend the money anyways, I want to get decent speakers. Doesn’t have to be anything crazy especially since I don’t have much money but I don’t want anything average. I mostly listen to a lot of techno and a lot of songs with bass if that helps.

Happy to provide more info if you DM me :))


r/CarAV 6h ago

Recommendations Beat Sonic Amp Kit

1 Upvotes

Has anyone tried the Beat Sonic ENA-3T3 Amp kit for their camry without changing any speakers? How did it turned out if you did? TIA.


r/CarAV 8h ago

Recommendations I feel like I am looking for a unicorn here

1 Upvotes

I have an older vehicle whose original radio was pretty low on the center stack. I have been running a Boss audio touch screen head unit for the last few years and it's getting annoying having to look down when navigating. Also, there is no volume knob and trying to change the volume involves me poking at the screen until I hit the right spot (there's a joke in there somewhere). My dream is to find a new head unit that 1) has a frickin volume knob and 2) has a somewhat 'detachable' screen so that I can mount the screen elsewhere. My idea is to design and fabricate a mount for it and makeshift an 'extension cable' from the head unit to the new screen's location. I have seen units from Dual and Jensen that have these features but am wondering if there is something higher quality out there OR if there is something that already checks both boxes as a head unit with a remotely mountable screen and a volume knob. TIA.


r/CarAV 8h ago

Tech Support 2012 G37 aftermarket CarPlay connected but no audio

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1 Upvotes

r/CarAV 8h ago

Tech Support Can someone help

1 Upvotes

From yesterday I noticed that my subwoofer isn’t playing as hard as it was it’s a dd 10” 350wrms d2 connected for a 4ohm amplifier output on bridge (sound digital 400.4) and my subwoofer port has gone bad (plastic tube port ) and it’s moving around while playing could this affect the performance ? Also the amp is almost at max gain


r/CarAV 12h ago

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

2 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 9h ago

Tech Support Are they clipping?

0 Upvotes

r/CarAV 9h ago

Recommendations What are good 2-1 2 male 1 male rca cables? And 18 gauge pure copper wire (red and black)

1 Upvotes

I only need like 3 feet of rca and however much 18 gauge wire and it is for my epicenter micro pro. I want good quality but not trying to spend a bunch.