Hey guys been lurking more than posting lately since I havent be putting anything together. Got a new car and decided it was time to start something on it.
Well after owning my 95 Integra for right at two years(you can find the modest but done right build on here), it was time to pick up a a daily driver that is a step or two up. While I enjoyed the Integra (Ive always been a Honda/Acura guy), I was ready for something more "grown up".
Ive never felt the need for a brand new car and the newest vehicle Ive ever owned was my 08 Civic Si (build thread also on here LOL). A friend of mine posted up his 2006 Accord V6 sedan which was the rare 6 speed version that I have always wanted. Right at 200k miles and in very good condition inside with normal exterior issues. Knowing this person for 10 years I was very comfortable buying the car and he offered it to me for $3500!! I went ahead and purchased the car and had another friend do the t belt, water pump, serpentine, plugs and ps pump. Should be good for another 100k
Heres a couple of filthy pics(sorry for that and quality):
So that brings me to where I am now. I originally intended to sell all of my gear and put that money towards my show/resto 92 Civic Si that Ive had for a year and a half (will link at the end of this thread since I know Rich (salami) will want to see it, VERY mild audio content lol). But, Seeing that Nick has a MKV coming out and the Arc amp I had is awesome, I decided I wanted to plunge in again on this car as it is very quiet (in my opinion) and I plan to keep it at least a few years.
So right now, I current have the following:
Audible Physics Ram 2A
Stereo Integrity TM65 MKII
Stereo Integrity BM MKIV
Arc Audio Xdi V2 1100.5
couple of pics of course:
At this point, Im still collecting gear. I am on the fence about getting a second Xdi V2...either a 600.4 or 450.4. I would do this to get additional power to the mid bass by bridging, and would have 2 extra channels for a tweeter or rear fill in the future. Listing my thoughts below on why I am not sure which one to get.
Pros:
600.4 has the same LED face as my 1100.5 and could make a nice, small amp display if wanted. Also, it is an 1100.5 without the sub channel so I would be able to use one for left and the other for right channels for more stereo separation. 300x2 for the tm65 mkii
450.4 is more compact so if I went with hiding the amps, It could possibly make it easier. It is less expensive by $110 (looking at ebay prices) and would provide 250x2 for the tm65 mkii
Cons:
600.4 is $110 more expensive and 50wpc more when bridging vs the 450.4 which is most likely overkill (but gains can be adjusted) so it may be a waste
450.4 could get the faceplate cover upgrade but its $60ish to look like the higher power Xdi's but that negates the price difference and Im still down 50wpc for mid bass
So if you have some input, Im all for it!
As for DSP...I am pretty set on doing a Helix DSP2 using high level from the OEM head unit. I would add Director and USB input to give a ton of flexibility. Ive never ran an external DSP, the most in depth Ive used was a P99. This will definitely be a new experience but I have made a few friends on here/through the NCSQ meets that I hope to get a solid tune done...probably more by someone other than myself until I learn a bit more.
Next, for install...
I am set on using the 2" in the sail panels. I am HOPING that Mic has some sails for his TSX that will work (still waiting on those pics LOL) which will simplify that portion tremendously. If not, Ill have to look into a audio fab guy around here I can trust to knock that out in a few days...
For the mid bass, I was gung ho for doing kick panels to eliminate door rattles. Started thinking about cost, time involved and how long I may not have my car while theyre fabricated and decided it may not be the best idea to go with custom ones.
After talking with Mic (Mic10is) and Jeremy (turbosleeves I think) It seems that Q-logic kick panels can work very well with some TLC. I trust both of these guys so I am going to give it a go.
I have a pair on order that should be here tomorrow. I plan to stiffen them with fiberglass and deaden with CLD. I ordered 40 tiles from sounddeadenershowdown.com and will use them as necessary since I dont plan to battle doors like my civic lol.
Also on the Q-logic kicks, Im going to use a speaker ring on the backside to clamp the TM65 mkii and brace the plastic. I will be using decoupler as well. Here are the speaker rings I got off ebay (actually pretty nice) that I went ahead and drilled and put T nuts in. Still need to cut the excess off the inside from the T nuts so the basket of the mkii doesnt hit.
this brings it up current and ill do my best to keep it updated. Any input is appreciated. One of my favorite things of this hobby and site is the willingness to help or provide feedback to improve.
lastly, here is my civic build if youre into that or wanna see a glovebox mounted pioneer media player on coaxials lol
https://honda-tech.com/forums/appear...build-3278117/