Phew...I finally finished the system in my 07 Touring. But first, thanks to everyone on this forum for the tremendous wealth of information, especially the detailed ANC elimination posts. Without this, the install would have been much more difficult.
Okay, let's start with the list of goodies:
(4) Alpine SPS-17C2 6 1/2" Speakers
(1) Alpine SWS-1043D 10" DVC Subwoofer
(1) Alpine PDX 2.150 Digital Amplifier
(1) MTX Re-Q DSP/Line Converter
(1) Q-Logic QLH-.6510SS Enclosure
I've owned both an 05 EX with the Honda Subwoofer and now the 07 Touring, and both have terrible sound systems. My goals were to eliminate the shrill, tinny highs; get some deep bass without distortion, and liven up the soundstage with detailed mids and highs.
First, all the stock speakers were removed, even the tweeters. I tried everything to get those to sound good:
Crossover; Resistor; Turning tweeter towards windshield; and even disconneceting it. I finally completely removed it from it's mount. Even disconnected, it would resonate from the other sound waves and add their characteristic shrillness.
Next, the ful range speakers were added. I chose the Alpine 6 1/2"s because of their sensitivity, woofer and tweeter material, and the angle adjustable tweeter. These things are flawless. I lost none of the bass of the factory speakers and the imaging must be heard to be believed. The sound doesn't come from the doors, it's focused right in the center of the dash with beautiful movement from left to right. Truly remarkable and worth every penny.
Next up was the Power Cable and Re-Q installation. The power wire was a straightforward job from the battery, across the radiator support towards the passenger side, and through the firewall gromet. The Re-Q is mounted next to the factory amplifier and is tapped into the same harness for power, ground, turn-on, and sub inputs. For those who have never used a Re-Q or a Cleansweep, they are sophisticated line output converters which smooth out the factory sound equalization, providing a cleaner, more consistent sound. Honda dials in extra bass at low volumes and cuts it as you go up. The Re-Q maintains the bass level throughout the volume dial for ease of tuning the sub.
After the Re-Q, all the wiring runs under the passenger seat where the amp is mounted. The amp is configured in a low pass, bridged mode for the sub. The sub is mounted in the Q-Logic box and is set up to run at a 2 Ohm load. Finally, the sub box is in between the middle row passenger seats and the center tray, and actually looks stock.
Overall impressions: Much, much better! The sub puts the power back into every note without being muddy or ruining the detail. The soundstage is light years beyond stock. My only thought is that if a 3 1/2" speaker could fit in the dash, the system might improve even more! Hmmm, one more mod perhaps?!
I'll post some pics tomorrow!
Okay, let's start with the list of goodies:
(4) Alpine SPS-17C2 6 1/2" Speakers
(1) Alpine SWS-1043D 10" DVC Subwoofer
(1) Alpine PDX 2.150 Digital Amplifier
(1) MTX Re-Q DSP/Line Converter
(1) Q-Logic QLH-.6510SS Enclosure
I've owned both an 05 EX with the Honda Subwoofer and now the 07 Touring, and both have terrible sound systems. My goals were to eliminate the shrill, tinny highs; get some deep bass without distortion, and liven up the soundstage with detailed mids and highs.
First, all the stock speakers were removed, even the tweeters. I tried everything to get those to sound good:
Crossover; Resistor; Turning tweeter towards windshield; and even disconneceting it. I finally completely removed it from it's mount. Even disconnected, it would resonate from the other sound waves and add their characteristic shrillness.
Next, the ful range speakers were added. I chose the Alpine 6 1/2"s because of their sensitivity, woofer and tweeter material, and the angle adjustable tweeter. These things are flawless. I lost none of the bass of the factory speakers and the imaging must be heard to be believed. The sound doesn't come from the doors, it's focused right in the center of the dash with beautiful movement from left to right. Truly remarkable and worth every penny.
Next up was the Power Cable and Re-Q installation. The power wire was a straightforward job from the battery, across the radiator support towards the passenger side, and through the firewall gromet. The Re-Q is mounted next to the factory amplifier and is tapped into the same harness for power, ground, turn-on, and sub inputs. For those who have never used a Re-Q or a Cleansweep, they are sophisticated line output converters which smooth out the factory sound equalization, providing a cleaner, more consistent sound. Honda dials in extra bass at low volumes and cuts it as you go up. The Re-Q maintains the bass level throughout the volume dial for ease of tuning the sub.
After the Re-Q, all the wiring runs under the passenger seat where the amp is mounted. The amp is configured in a low pass, bridged mode for the sub. The sub is mounted in the Q-Logic box and is set up to run at a 2 Ohm load. Finally, the sub box is in between the middle row passenger seats and the center tray, and actually looks stock.
Overall impressions: Much, much better! The sub puts the power back into every note without being muddy or ruining the detail. The soundstage is light years beyond stock. My only thought is that if a 3 1/2" speaker could fit in the dash, the system might improve even more! Hmmm, one more mod perhaps?!
I'll post some pics tomorrow!
