Super Street Car Electronics - Get Electric - Super Street Online Magazine

'96-'99 Honda Civic Installing the featured components: Current-generation ('96-'99) Honda Civics pose somewhat unique challenges in upgrading their standard factory-installed AM/FM/cassette stereos. In what can only be viewed as another attempt by the manufacturers to restrict the owner's ability to upgrade his or her system, Honda has chosen to build the control module for the door locks and the security system into the in-dash receiver. If you remove the factory receiver, you lose these features.

This requires a different approach to upgrading the system. Since the factory receiver is equipped with built-in CD changer controls for the optional dealer-installed six-disc CD changer, we can use the same input to add the Alpine CD changer as mentioned previously (p. 74). To ensure proper communication between the in-dash receiver and the CD changer, the PIE ACU/HON-ALP CD changer adapter can be used. As a result, the data cable from the CHA-S614 plugs directly into the rear of the factory-installed receiver, retaining all of its features. By staying with the well-integrated factory receiver, our Civic attracts less attention from thieves.

The Honda receiver has high-power floating ground speaker output. To simplify installation, an amplifier with high-quality speaker-level inputs is required. The Kicker ZX460 amplifier is configured in a three-channel mode, providing 30 watts per channel for the upgraded front speakers and 120 watts for the subwoofer. The RGX plug-in signal processing module with a 24dB/octave 80Hz crossover ensures proper frequency distribution between the front speakers and the subwoofer.

Up front, utilizing the factory speaker provisions, the combination of the McIntosh MS60 6-inch midwoofers, and the MS10 tweeters are a perfect fit. They provide both extended frequency response and additional power-handling capacity, a perfect match for the Kicker ZX460 amplifier.

In the trunk compartment, we installed the JL Audio Honda Civic Coupe StealthBox. In its space-saving, unobtrusive enclosure, the StealthBox packs a JL Audio 10-inch subwoofer, providing deep bass and additional dynamic range, easily handling the 120-watt output below 80Hz of the ZX460's bridged amplifier channel.

Although this system is designed so that it will not overextend the stock Honda charging system, we used this opportunity to specify an upgraded battery. To fill this requirement, we turned to Stinger and its Power-Master dry cell battery. It provides additional cold-cranking capacity along with reserve power when testing the audio capabilities of our upgraded system.

Without cutting a single wire or drilling a single hole in our Civic and by carefully selecting the components, we were able to add a CD changer using the factory receiver, add an amplifier, upgrade the front speakers, install a hidden subwoofer, and improve the capacity of our electrical system. For less than $2,000 (typical installation included) this example illustrates that it is possible to get great sound with components that offer high performance, easy installation, and the highest degree of functionality-an unbeatable combination.

Kenwood KDC-C661
Kenwood offers one of the biggest selections of in-dash cassette and CD receivers available, including the ultra-hip MASK rotating faceplate models. The Kenwood KDC-C661 six-disc CD changer plugs directly into any existing Kenwood receiver with built-in CD changer controls. If you don't have a compatible Kenwood receiver, the KCA-R41FM CD changer controller with full-function remote is offered separately. Info: Kenwood, 310/639-9000,
www.kenwoodusa.com.

Sony CDX-T65
Since Sony offers one of the broadest lines of aftermarket receivers with built-in CD changer controls, chances are, if you have a Sony receiver, you have the means to control a Sony CD changer. The ultracompact Mobile ES series CDX-T65 is a six-disc changer that can be mounted in tight locations. Like many CD changers, the CDX-T65 stores music in an internal memory buffer to provide uninterrupted playback in rough terrain. Info: Sony, 800/222-7669,
www.sony.com.

Clarion Amigo 2
The Clarion Amigo 2 is a simple one-box solution to adding a CD changer to an existing system. The six-disc changer offers 120-degree mounting flexibility, and its ultracompact size allows it to be mounted almost anywhere, including in consoles and under seats. The matching FM modulator includes switchable illumination, so it matches most current vehicles. This is a great package for someone who switches cars often or drives a leased vehicle. Info: Clarion, 800/462-5274, www.clarionmultimedia.com.

Alpine CHA-S614 6-disc CD Changer with a PIE ACU/HON-ALP
CD Changer Adapter: It is no secret that Alpine is a leader in CD-changer technology, supplying an extensive line of aftermarket six- and 12-disc CD changers as well as providing CD changers directly to vehicle manufacturers. The CHA-S614 is a six-disc model that hooks up to the extensive selection of Alpine AM/FM/cassette and AM/FM/CD receivers with built-in CD-changer control capability. It is also part of Alpine's Ai-Net series of components designed for the ultimate in system integration of audio, security and navigation components

PIE offers a comprehensive line of cables that enable the use of specific CD changers with factory head units that offer built-in CD-changer controls. The ACU/HON-ALP enables Acura and Honda owners to install specified Alpine aftermarket changers to '93-and-up Acura and Honda receivers with built-in CD-changer controls.

For more information on the Alpine CD changer, call 800/421-2284 or visit www.alpine1.com. For additional information on the location of your local PIE dealer, call 818/678-3690 or visit www.pie.net.

JBL DA6502
JBL now offers the Decade DA6502 stereo amplifier with a built-in active crossover network and 65 watts times two from 10 to 50,000 Hz into a 4-ohm load at less than 0.05 percent THD. The DA6502 can also be used in a bridged configuration. Info: JBL, 800/336-4525, www.jbl.com.

Rockford Fosgate
Rockford Fosgate offers extensive lines of amplifiers in the Power, Punch (shown), and RF series. Info: Rockford Fosgate, 602/967-3565, www.rockfordfosgate.com. .

MTX 225HO MSRP $580
The 225HO is the newest member of MTX's Thunder series. This mobile audiophile amplifier produces 100 watts times two from 20 to 20,000 Hz into a 1-ohm load at less than 0.03 percent THD and can be bridged into a 1-ohm mono configuration. Info: MTX, 602/438-4545, www.mtx.com.

Mitsubishi Eclipse/Eagle Talon
The popular '95-'99 Mitsubishi Eclipse (and its twin, the Eagle Talon) provides an excellent platform for mounting all of this month's featured components. The Pioneer FH-P700 is a perfect fit in the Eclipse's available double-DIN dash opening. An alternative to the factory speaker setup which mounts the midbass drivers low in the doors and the tweeters at extreme ends of the dash: Fabricate brackets so the HiFonics Generation X tweeters can be mounted low in the doors in front of the replacement midbass drivers and aimed up toward the rearview mirror for best imaging and staging. Two channels from the FH-P700 will power the factory rear speakers for ambient fill.

Because space is tight in the Eclipse, the compact, low-profile design of the Xtant 3150x offers maximum installation flexibility. With a little creativity, it can be mounted under the passenger seat or under the cargo area floor above the spare tire for a completely stealth install. Since it's a bridgeable design, adding a single removable tube subwoofer addresses the need for more bass. This system shouldn't tax the capabilities of the stock charging system, but adding the upgraded Stinger alternator would provide more headroom when the system is cranking with the air conditioning and headlights on.

Kicker 356xi
If you're going to drive dual subwoofers with four full-range speakers, then the six-channel Kicker Impulse 356xi is the perfect amplifier. Offering 35 watts times six from 20 to 20,000 Hz into a 4-ohm load at less than 0.25 percent THD, the 356xi can power an entire system. Info: Kicker, 800/256-5425, www.kicker.com.

PIE EIS-LOC-4F MSRP
When you're installing an amplifier that lacks speaker-level inputs to a factory receiver, a line-level adapter is required, and the EIS-LOC-4F is one of the most versatile, offering four-channel input with adjustable sensitivity. Info: For a dealer near you, call 818/678-3690, www.pie.net.

a/d/s P4100
The P4100 amp continues the long tradition a/d/s began as an innovator in the multichannel system amplifier concept. The P4100 produces 100 watts times four from 5 to 25,000 Hz into a 4-ohm load at less than 0.03 percent THD and includes an internal active crossover network. Info: a/d/s, 978/658-5100.

Xtant 3150x
The Xtant 3150x is a dedicated three-channel amplifier designed to offer a simplified, one-chassis approach to advanced system design. The 3150x produces 25 watts times two and 100 watts times one from 20 to 20,000 Hz into a 4-ohm load at less than 0.04 percent THD. Info: Xtant, 602/431-8686.