CTR Speaker Upgrade Advice / Help

1976 Views 18 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Laney, Feb 17, 2012

RickHondaR

Discussion Starter · Feb 10, 2012 (Edited)

Will be honest here and say the CRZ oem unit was very very good and puts the CTR sound quality to shame, So was thinking of upgrading the CTR speakers as I dont really want to change the head unit as it does everything we want (USB input) and people don't really want to steal them so another plus.

I dont want to cut the parcel shelf up so 6x9s are out of the question and so is a sub as I have to think about our child sat in the back.

So my questions are

1. Have people upgraded just the speakers and was it worth it?
2. What size speakers fit the front and rear?
3. Any links for speakers people would recommend?

I would just like to say thanks in advance.

1 - 19 of 19 Posts

Syx

· #2 · Feb 10, 2012

Rick, the Infinity Kappa 65.9CS seem to be popular as they've cropped up in a few threads.
Before doing anything though might be worth getting some sound insulation in the door panels as those that have done this note a remarkable improvement...

RickHondaR

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 10, 2012

Don't really want to mess with it too much but how can I put this, The CRZ had a small oem sub fitted but the whole system just sounded amazing where as the CTR oem system sounds flat if you know what I mean. Lack bass even at not expecting much and is quite and just nothing special where as the CRZ unit was just simply fantastic and for sure as 100% oem was 11/10 IMO.

Looking at these Kenwood KFC-X173 as from what I can gather both front and rear are 17cm speakers but do you have to remove door cards to fit these or can the speakers be accessed easier?

RickHondaR

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 12, 2012

Anyone?

James1989

· #5 · Feb 12, 2012

If the door panels and speakers are the same as in the Type S (2011), then yes it makes a hell of a difference.

I had all standard fit speakers head unit, however replaced it all now, just changing the speakers has made a difference, I personally went for Focal's as from what I read are some of the best makes of speakers, I personally got the anniversary editions which retail at around £170 on eBay from reputable sellers. Fronts are components, rears are coax (pointing out the obvious I know). All speakers are 6.5"/ 17cm.

Have you considered amping the speakers, it might provide that bit of bass and substance your looking for.

As for removal of door card, I have been watching the chap fit mine ( wasnt brave enough to take apart my pride and joy) plastic door panels needs to be removed, on the Type S, there was a clip for the windows that needs to be removed.

Once that is removed it reveals all, and reveals what a pair of crummy speakers Honda provide.

You will need spacers for the speakers to fit, due to the weird shape of the door panel.

Hope the information is of help.

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Fr0d

· #6 · Feb 12, 2012

I've gone the whole upgraded "4 speakers/KTP-445 4 channel amp/sound deadening" route and can tell you the OEM HU is intrinsically crap.

I've never auditioned the CRZ unit, but as it has a sub, I would hazard a guess that it would still sound noticably better than the Civic stereo, even if you were to upgrade the Civic's speakers alone.

It's output is just too feeble and the bass just isn't there, with the stock HU. In other words, if you are expecting sub-like bass by changing just the speakers - you may well be disappointed.

That said, I managed to do all of the above mods for way under £200 and it is night and day better than what it was. Plus I didn't want a sub taking up valuable space (and weight) in my boot.

Behold...

http://www.civinfo.com/forum/ipods-mp3-players-ice/57450-front-component-speaker-upgrade.html

http://www.civinfo.com/forum/how/42464-installing-dash-amp-speakers.html

If you have SatNav, you should follow my instructions in the "Installing a "In Dash Amp" for speakers" thread, or else your voice commands will only come on when the stereo is on! :facepalm:

Does this help you?

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RickHondaR

Discussion Starter · #7 · Feb 12, 2012

Fr0d said:
I've gone the whole upgraded "4 speakers/KTP-445 4 channel amp/sound deadening" route and can tell you the OEM HU is intrinsically crap.

I've never auditioned the CRZ unit, but as it has a sub, I would hazard a guess that it would still sound noticably better than the Civic stereo, even if you were to upgrade the Civic's speakers alone.

It's output is just too feeble and the bass just isn't there, with the stock HU. In other words, if you are expecting sub-like bass by changing just the speakers - you may well be disappointed.

That said, I managed to do all of the above mods for way under £200 and it is night and day better than what it was. Plus I didn't want a sub taking up valuable space (and weight) in my boot.

Behold...

http://www.civinfo.com/forum/ipods-mp3-players-ice/57450-front-component-speaker-upgrade.html

http://www.civinfo.com/forum/how/42464-installing-dash-amp-speakers.html

If you have SatNav, you should follow my instructions in the "Installing a "In Dash Amp" for speakers" thread, or else your voice commands will only come on when the stereo is on! :facepalm:

Does this help you?

Not expecting sub like bass and to be fair the CRZ sub is very very small but like I said I find the best way to describe the OEM CTR GT unit is flat, so is it worth the cost and hassle to upgrade the speakers with the oem unit or will it still sound flat?

Fr0d

· #8 · Feb 12, 2012

Its purely subjective, but for the price i paid for my units, i'd say yes. The standard units are nigh on unlistenable.

Dwyer9

· #9 · Feb 13, 2012

i didnt find much of a bass in improvement but the sound quality was so much more better than the standard ones in my type S i used Infinity speakers
in the front i got Infinity 6530cs
in the rear i got Infinity 6532i

RickHondaR

Discussion Starter · #10 · Feb 13, 2012

Dwyer9 said:
i didnt find much of a bass in improvement but the sound quality was so much more better than the standard ones in my type S i used Infinity speakers
in the front i got Infinity 6530cs
in the rear i got Infinity 6532i

Thanks but is their much difference in the sound quality when using component speakers?

The reason I ask I was thinking of getting these Kenwood KFC-X173

Laney

· #11 · Feb 13, 2012

RickHondaR said:
Don't really want to mess with it too much but...
Looking at these Kenwood KFC-X173 as from what I can gather both front and rear are 17cm speakers but do you have to remove door cards to fit these or can the speakers be accessed easier?

No simpler way I'm afraid you have to remove the door cards to fit the speakers. 6.5" is the max size but you'll have to ensure that the speaker basket will fit in the hole (as not all do) and that the mounting depth isn't so great as to interfere with the window mechanism.

If you do decide you have the time/inclination to remove the door card then you may as well sound proof the panels inside as it will make a great improvement. Sound proofing is an easy cut out shapes and stick job, some brands are 'dynamat' or 'sound x' there are others though.

Alternatively if you can put up with the Honda speakers then maybe buy a small active subwoofer, place in the boot and piggy back the rear speaker signal?

RickHondaR

Discussion Starter · #12 · Feb 13, 2012

Sub is out of the question due to young child and wont bother with sound proofing so guess it will either be 4 x Kenwood KFC-X173 or 4 x INFINITY REF6530CS 6.5" 17CM 270 WATT CAR COMPONENT KIT | eBay depending on the advice I get

James1989

· #13 · Feb 13, 2012

RickHondaR said:
Sub is out of the question due to young child and wont bother with sound proofing so guess it will either be 4 x Kenwood KFC-X173 or 4 x INFINITY REF6530CS 6.5" 17CM 270 WATT CAR COMPONENT KIT | eBay depending on the advice I get

Out of the 2 quoted I'd go with Infinity's, from the spec they handle better than the Kenwood's. People have mentioned the Infinty's before saying there good!

Are they direct fit out of interest or do they still require the spacer's?

RickHondaR

Discussion Starter · #14 · Feb 14, 2012

can someone confirm if you just remove the red panel in the rear or do you remove the whole rear quarter card to get at the rear speakers

Syx

· #15 · Feb 14, 2012

Assuming it's the same as my Type-S, the rear quarter comes away to access the speaker.
http://www.civinfo.com/forum/attach...er-market-parking-sensors-3-door-p1010077.jpg

RickHondaR

Discussion Starter · #16 · Feb 14, 2012

Syx said:
Assuming it's the same as my Type-S, the rear quarter comes away to access the speaker.
http://www.civinfo.com/forum/attach...er-market-parking-sensors-3-door-p1010077.jpg

I think the speaker carpet area can be removed from the panel hut don't know if you have to remove the panel to do this is

Laney

· #17 · Feb 14, 2012

You don't need to remove the whole rear quarter to access the rear speakers like syx has done, although his photo is impressive.

The cloth arm rest part of the rear card levers off, which is what I think you were referring to. It's a bit stiff just use a bit of force evenly using some plastic trim removal tools.

Once that is off there will be 5 or so cross head screws, undo these to remove the speaker grille to access the Honda speaker.

Reactions: 2

Syx

· #18 · Feb 17, 2012

Laney said:
The cloth arm rest part of the rear card levers off, which is what I think you were referring to. It's a bit stiff just use a bit of force evenly using some plastic trim removal tools.

Once that is off there will be 5 or so cross head screws, undo these to remove the speaker grille to access the Honda speaker.

I took that photo whilst installing parking sensors so needed access to more than the speaker. Knowing that I don't need to take the entire side panel out again is a massive relief though for when I come to do mine!

Laney

· #19 · Feb 17, 2012

Syx said:
I took that photo whilst installing parking sensors so needed access to more than the speaker. Knowing that I don't need to take the entire side panel out again is a massive relief though for when I come to do mine!

yeah saw that photo on your parking sensor guide also. A very good detailed step by step I must say

Like you I found removing the whole rear card a right pain when fitting mine too!

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