I have a 2003 Civic LX and I want to upgrade the stereo system. I'm not sure how to go about the process. I plan to have a professional install it, though I might order the parts off the internet. I would like to have the ability to play MP3, and perhaps other formats. I don't have an iPod, but I'd like to plug a USB drive or a memory card into the stereo. Still, I don't just want to have a 4GB MP3 free for all. I'd like to have some kind of playlists or folders for grouping music. I haven't ruled out the possibility of MP3s on a CD. I'm thinking that it might be a decent time to upgrade to HD radio as well . I plan to upgrade the speakers as well. I don't need a system that is overly loud. Nor do I need/want a 21" sub in my trunk. I just want a system that sounds nice and is able to exploit modern technologies.

Are there any systems that anyone can recommend? How about a good place to install it for me? A good place to purchase the system? I don't have a clear $$$ range in mind. I just want bang for the buck and I don't want something that's going to drive my insurance up too much.

 

You should look at head units first. It seems that's a good place to start for you.

BROWSE crutchfield.com and bestbuy.com but buy from somewhere else, it will be a heck of a lot cheaper. I'd suggest buying from woofersetc.com or maybe powermaxeletronics.

Alpine and eclipse are good for headunits, maybe too expensive or not enough lol. Most middle of the line decks from alpine have everything you're looking for.

 

Yes. Definately start with the head unit. Get one that has all the features you want, and use it for a week or two. Once you have the functionality down, then figure out how much you want to spend on the actual sound improvements. That can vary widely.

 

I thought a head unit was pretty much the whole stereo, not counting the speakers that is.

Does anyone know where the cable on a rear USB port is in the passenger cabin?

Also, do these stereos with blue tooth work well? I would think that they would degrade the sound quality considerably.

 

A rear USB port is a socket on the back of the head unit. You'd plug a USB extension cord into it and route it to wherever you want to put your ipod or memory device. The glove compartment is a common choice.

Bluetooth is used mostly for hands-free phone calls with the car speakers. You can also use it to link audio out of an iphone or other Bluetooth equipped music storage device. Audio quality is potentially quite good since it is digital at a high bit rate.

 

go to walmart for the head unit and speakers i spent a total of 200-210 on the head unit and four new speakers sounds better than the stock and isnt jackass loud. the head unit i got has a usb port and a ipod hook up i think it was 140. as for installing i did it all myself its pretty easy.

 

I have an Alpine CDA-9886 headunit. great radio. its a little expensive ($300) but get it through crutchfield and ull get about $50 in freebies. I highly recommend it if you can afford it. also as for the USB cord, I wouldn't put it in the glovebox. there is a little compartment right infront of the shifter that is great for it. just drill a hole and run it to there. it will give you more cord length (it tends to be kinda short atleast for mine) and u can get it without having to go in your glove box. (it looks like your civic has this compartment too). the alpine also has an ipod cable if you decide to buy one. and lastly its great if you want to add more stuff (subs, amps). it makes alot of power and sounds great with good speakers. We spent about $500 for new speakers and the unit and it sounded ALOT better than stock.

 

What I gots....

-=Deck=-

To start I've got a decent MP3 unit on ebay right now http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=200341409058 (Panasonic CQ-C8300U) very low cost and will play your MP3 discs hands down and make whatever speakers you have sound better. It's in perfect condition too.

What I had after that was a Pioneer AVIC-D3 (sick touchscreen unit). Has satellite radio capabilities, ipod connector (cause you should get one) you can purchase seperate, and a great navigation system for a in-dash unit. Another great feature was that you can customize the lighting of the unit to ANY possible color. Or have it constantly fading in and out. It is an older model but still highly sought after and on random car audio sites sometimes and always on ebay.

Finally what I have now is an Alpine IVA-W505 ( http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500IVAW...alpine+ivaw505 ) $999 is a high pricepoint for a deck but has some awesome features. Coming into my middle armrest I have a multipurpose connector cable that will fit either an ipod OR an USB flash drive (great for throwing a few quick tracks together). The system is motorized but sits perfectly flush in my 2000 civic. It's 7" touchscreen, plays DVD's, Shows album art from an Ipod, has Satellite radio options, and has the bluetooth setup for a phone. If you happen to have say an Iphone your contact lists will even show up on your screen. The GPS is kinda lame (lexus style look) but I use for audio.

-=Speakers=-

Find a good car audio place. I use "Audio Connection" in Ft. Myers, FL. They hooked me up with some awesome interior speakers that are an off brand of JBL but 1/2 the $.

-=Sub & Amp=-

Hitup your local Best Buy if you want any of these products. Good products that aren't bad on the wallet. I run a 500w Rockford Amp w/ a 12" Rockford Sub. Can get loud if I want it to rattle my trunk (sounds ricey though). Or perfect enough to make all my tunes sound fresh.

*Note: Please purchase some sort of car alarm system regardless of whatever you buy. Then let your insurance company know :O)

 

NO walmart, no crutchfield, no best buy.

Too cheap, way overpriced, and the same. Check out Woofersetc.com or Powermaxelectronics.

And if you're looking at the 9886, spend the extra $50 on woofersetc and get the 9887....much much better deck

And don't buy Fosgate subs, the amps are good, but better subs are easily had for cheaper.

 

I'm not trying to kiss Best Buy's *** in anyway... but I'm on my 3rd fosgate sub cause I got a Best Buy Protection plan and they cover pretty much most of the issues... so whenever my sub goes away (i.e. p2) I get upgraded to the next comparable item they have out. Same for any deck you want that is motorized, touchscreen ect... yeah sure go to Woofersetc.com and save $100. I'd rather pay the extra $100 + $30-$70 for some cheap protection plan that keeps my products going past a year. Say what you want... but when I do something I don't always go the cheapest route. If your posting on these forums most likely it's because you LOVE your civic and don't plan on getting rid of it anytime soon. Can't stand when people say they'll just buy a new one. BS you'll buy a new even cheaper one or keep the broken one and look like a bum