Finally picked up my car today. The stereo sounds great for hip-hop and rap - I really like the bass. I figure it'll be okay for country too, but I'm not impressed with it for rock/metal. I'm not getting enough highs/treble and getting distortion at volumes over 30. Hop and country is fine at times, but I'm a rocker by heart, so this stereo isn't going to do.

I don't know much about stereos, but it seems like I remember hearing that distortion can come from speakers and/or the stereo itself. Will upgrading my front speakers and tweeters help much, or are my complaints better addressed with a new stereo?

I'd much prefer to just upgrade speakers, but I don't want to shell out bucks for nice speakers only to be disappointed. I'd appreciate some opinions on upgrades.

 

Are you running the highs on an amp or off of the HU? Is it the stock speakers?

 

This is the 2011 Civic with premium sound? 350W system with subwoofer?

I just bought a 2011 CR-Z with premium sound... 360W with subwoofer. I would expect the two systems to be comparable. Sounds fine to me. I've never listened to it at 30 before, that's ridiculously loud... 12 is loud enough.

 

You're way over my pay grade here - what's HU? I would assume the system has an amp, but don't know for sure. Yes, stock speakers, but see my original post and question if the distortion is due to the speakers or the radio.

On another note, my iPod shuffle won't play in the car. According to the below link, shuffles aren't supported. It's suggested to add one of these http://scosche.com/products/sfID1/21...productID/1726 but I don't see how this thing changes the functionality of the shuffle. I don't even know what to ask for at Target/Radio Shack because I don't understand why the shuffle isn't supported. How does this accessory change the functionality of the shuffle or make it easier for the car to recognize it?


http://discussions.apple.com/thread....658&tstart=120

 

Correct, 2011 EX w/premium sound. Perhaps you have young ears.

I'm coming out of a Mustange GT with a Mach stereo that was more to my liking. It certainly wasn't Bose quality stuff, but it hit both bass and treble equally hard. The Civic's premium system sounds better from the bass side, but lacks sufficient treble. I probably just need some good tweeters and front speakers.

 

Hmm, perhaps the reason for the differences in volume is because you're probably listening to a CD. I use my iPod and i've noticed that the USB input doesn't have to be turned up as loud.

I agree that I would like a little more treble also though.


HU=headunit, the control unit in your dash


iPod shuffle is not supported via USB input, however with a 3.5mm male to male stereo cable, you can plug it into the 3.5mm auxiliary input on the front of your stereo to achieve functionality.
http://scosche.com/products/sfID1/21...productID/1441

There's a few different models on that website of the same type of cable. You can also use other brands of course. Monster cable would probably be your best bet for optimal sound quality, but it's not going to be as big of a deal as it would be with a cable for a different application such as one for electric guitar. Also, the shorter the cable, the more sound quality is retained. The main reason i'd suggest one of the nicer monster cables is because of their quality of construction.
http://www.amazon.com/Monster-iCable.../dp/B002AR5XIK
http://www.amazon.com/MONSTER-123876...milarities_t_1

 

Thanks for your response TD! I didn't know the work-around was to use the aux jack. The picture in the link I provided is male to female, so I didn't snap.

I've only listened to the radio on the stereo - no CDs or iPod yet. Guess I'll try some installing new tweeters and front speakers. I'm just wondering if the problem is with the speakers, the HU, or both. Guess I'll find out soon enough.

 

I think it's the headunit. It just doesn't allow enough adjustability in the EQ. I don't think new tweeters will help but new front speakers might. But if you use your iPod you can set the iPod equalizer via your computer to boost the highs a little. experiment with the different EQ settings. Won't help with CD or AM/FM, but it will help when using AUX input.

 

yea agreed man , EQs a big part on adjustabilitiy