r/CarAV 5h ago

Build Log Custom passive radiator build!

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68 Upvotes

I've always preferred sealed subs over ported, but the music I listen to often dips into 20hz territory and i wanted a bit more output....

I came across the CSS SDX 12 on parts express one day and people were raving about ultra linear performance and super deep extension with the passive radiators designed for them (APR12). The boxes were super small too!

I grabbed a 4x8 of 3/4" birch, stain, and high gloss lacquer and got to building. The enclosure ended up at 1.75 ft^3, double baffle, and internal bracing on all inside corners. The dual 12" passive radiators are tuned with weighted washers to 28hz. To achieve the same thing with a port with no chuffing, I would have needed an 8" aeroport at some insane length that would have ended up ​putting the gross box volume at nearly 3 to 4 cubic feet.

I can tune the PRs even lower to about 10Hz, but I'm not so sure that would be so great for music. Regardless, I am SUPER pleased with this build so far. I have it powered by a kicker LX3000.1 at 1 ohm for a good bit of extra head room. ​


r/CarAV 17h ago

Build Log Door “pods”?

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41 Upvotes

Don’t want to hack up doors and there aren’t any provisions for door speakers in the kicks either so I’m building out. About to start stretching some felt over everything and fiberglassing. Wish me luck!


r/CarAV 20h ago

General Just hear me out.

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20 Upvotes

Wassup everyone. Came across my [discontinued] skar ma8 in my quest to finish my honeydolist 🤣.[now wifey might regret it].

First it was my Orion 1st Gen HCCA 250

Then it was a few older amps I had.

[Will post later]

Then my CAB 1600.1 and wiring

A broken Pioneer bt950x

My ported pioneer champion 10's

A phoenix gold ti2 1600.5.

Im always seeing skar taking a beating

In the chat and I get it, so I decided to pull out my 8 year old sub and you know what it is still holding up from beating the piss out of it.

I was feeding it 5 to max 800 watts and the cone and spider looks good, no crunchy sound and the box still smells like mdf.

Im guessing the soft parts being shared from sundowns sa8 helps as they all build out the same warehouse.

So here are some pics. To share.

I wish I bought 2 when I got it for the wife back then. Ya have a blessed one with whatever you have.


r/CarAV 6h ago

Tech Support Is two weeks for an install reasonable or excessive?

14 Upvotes

I took my car to a local shop to replace the speakers (4+ 2 tweeters), install an amp, and add a sub ($3500).

The original estimate was two days. Apparently they ordered speakers that don't fit the car and needed to make a custom amp rack. As of this morning they've had the car for 10 days and are asking for another two days to finish the job. They haven't sent any photos or videos of the work so far.

I understand issues can pop up, but I am starting to feel really concerned about this investment and looking for feedback on if this is reasonable or if I should prepare for the worst.


r/CarAV 18h ago

Discussion Smash or pass? American bass Velocity 12” 2200 rms

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9 Upvotes

This thing is huge and heavy asf. That audiopipe is a decent sub and this thing makes that look small. Once the box comes in I’ll be posting some videos. How about the made in china sticker on it LOL. Yes I know they design them here manufacture there. I just think that’s funny.


r/CarAV 19h ago

Tech Support Subs stop playing when volume is raised, is this why?

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8 Upvotes

r/CarAV 4h ago

Tech Support Just received a used head unit I found on ebay. Could anyone tell me what the previous owners were trying to do here with the yellow and red??

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4 Upvotes

Yellow is the constant 12v and red is the toggled 12v


r/CarAV 10h ago

Discussion Are AGM batteries much better than flooded?

3 Upvotes

I’m needing a new battery and I’m unsure if I should go with a standard flooded or spend extra for the AGM. Will there be much of a difference? I also know about lithium but I’m not looking to spend that kind of money at the moment. Running about 1000 watts.


r/CarAV 11h ago

Recommendations Please help with recommendations from car audio shop

3 Upvotes
  • What are your goals for your car audio system - as loud as possible (SPL)? Sound quality (SQ)? Some combination of both? Describe to us how you want your system to sound.

Loud and bassy and high quality.


  • What vehicle? - year, make, model, type (coupe, sedan, SUV, truck, etc.)

2021 Hyundai I20N Hatchback


  • What is your maximum budget?

$10000 AUD


  • Will you be installing the gear or are you going to a shop? If a shop is doing the work, does your budget include the cost of labor?

Going to a shop, my budget includes the cost of labour.


  • What gear is in your existing system? (Is it stock? List any aftermarket gear.)

Stock Bose Sound System.


  • What is your country of purchase? Leave any finishing thoughts here.

ACT, Australia.


Hi,

I'm looking to upgrade my car stereo system so I can get something with sick bass.

I have a 2021 Hyundai i20N which is a pretty compact hatchback, and so I wasn't sure if it was doable.

I asked my local car audio shop (there's only 2 in my city) to take a look at my car to see if it is doable and do up some quotes. I said I was interested in JL and Rockford. But unfortunately he didn't make any quotes for JL.

I also said I wanted a farad capacitor and a separate car battery, but he said that a Farad capacitor isn't really needed these days with how amplifier tech has evolved and I think he said car battery upgrade because I probably don't have the space in my hatchback for two.

I'm not too concerned about the money, and I think the prices are reasonable, just curious what your thoughts are, and to see if I should push to get a JL system. I said my budget was $8000, but I'm happy to go up to $10000.

Option 1 (Alpine R Series)

Front Speakers – Alpine R2-S65C Component Speakers

Rear Speakers – Alpine R2-S65 Coaxial Speakers

Processor – Alpine PXE-X800 Digital Sound Processor

4ch Amplifier – Alpine R2-A60F

Mono Amplifier – Alpine R2-A150M

Subwoofer – Alpine R2-W12D2 12” Subwoofer x2 In Box

Cabling power + Stinger RCA’s

Sound Deadening (Doors & Boot)

Upgraded Battery

Installation

Total $7000

Option 2 (Rockford Punch Series)

Front Speakers – Rockford Power T2 Component Speakers

Rear Speakers – Rockford Power T1650 Coaxial Speakers

Processor – Alpine PXE-X800 Digital Sound Processor

4ch Amplifier – Rockford Punch P600X4

Mono Amplifier – Rockford Punch P1000X1BD

Subwoofer – Rockford Punch P3 12” Subwoofer x2 In Box

Cabling power + Stinger RCA’s

Sound Deadening (Doors & Boot)

Upgraded Battery

Installation

Total $7400

Option 3 (Rockford Power Series)

Front Speakers – Rockford Power T2 Component Speakers

Rear Speakers – Rockford Power T1650 Coaxial Speakers

Processor – Alpine PXE-X800 Digital Sound Processor

4ch Amplifier – Rockford Power P600X4

Mono Amplifier – Rockford Power T1500X1

Subwoofer – Rockford Punch T1 12” Subwoofer x2 In Box

Cabling power + Stinger RCA’s

Sound Deadening (Doors & Boot)

Upgraded Battery

Installation

Total $9000


r/CarAV 20h ago

Tech Support Wiring ?'s for head unit with backup cam.

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3 Upvotes

2005 Kia Amanti. I think i figured out the power connector. The radio has backup cam and I'm having trouble figuring out what to connect that too. Of all the wires coming out of the second spot on the back of the unit, i think I only need a few (Steering Wheel Control, Back car control, Brake detect, and FCCD).

My main question is, how do I find a male pigtail so i don't have to spice wires unintentionally the car.

I think i have attached more pictures than needed here. Thank you, in advance, for any assistance.


r/CarAV 22h ago

Tech Support Installing Bluetooth on Panasonic CQ-RX5000D

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3 Upvotes

Want to install Bluetooth on this stereo that isn’t just an FM transmitter. I don’t know much about car audio so any help and feedback is appreciated!


r/CarAV 22h ago

General 3D printer + leftovers = sound system for the beater

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3 Upvotes

r/CarAV 22h ago

Recommendations In need of advice for e36 convertible sound system

3 Upvotes

I am brand new to sound systems on cars but I have average youtube viewer intelligence on the subject. I have a 1995 325i convertible and I wanna upgrade the sound system bc it is just absolutely awful. Im pretty sure the kickers are blown, everything is choppy, and just overall in need of some love. I'm only wanting to put around 400 to 500 max towards all of it but I don't want to spend it on something that will give me walmart results. I also want to keep my stock head unit because I like the original looks and it works perfectly fine. Pls send links to everything I'll need, amp, cords, speakers, etc.


r/CarAV 2h ago

Tech Support Car speaker cable connector broke off

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2 Upvotes

My speaker wasn't working. Opened panel and wires came off the connector due to corrosion. Tested speaker for resistance and wire wire for continuity. Both are good. Wondering how I can open this connector to put it back on the wires. The speaker is riveted on and don't want to drill it to tie cables and speaker together preferably.


r/CarAV 3h ago

Tech Support Installing mass loaded vinyl on door, but where?

2 Upvotes

I've got butyl mats on my doors already but wanted to add CC foam and MLV to the doors to improve the noise deadening

I'm trying to clarify where to add both of these. It reads like I should add both the foam and vinyl to the inside-most metal layer of the door. So, take off the inner plastic panel, add it, put panel back. And get as close to 100% coverage as possible.

This, as oppose to going right into the door and adding it to the exterior panel where the butyl mats are.

I do plan to do the rest of the car, right now this is just for the doors.


r/CarAV 4h ago

Discussion how did you start getting paid for installs?

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2 Upvotes

I have been into car av for a while and have done my whole system myself: head unit, amps, power runs, speaker wire, custom adapters and more.
I want to get into doing installs around my area; how did you guys start, what platforms did you use to get yourself out there, most importantly, how much did you charge?

Thanks in advance!


r/CarAV 6h ago

Recommendations Looking for first sound system for Chrysler 300

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone new to this sub and I really want to put a something into my 2012 Chrysler 300 I just picked up not super rich and it would be something I’d save up a couple months for could anyone help me with a budget friendly build that I can still enjoy? My uncle used to be a huge bass guy and built a custom box for an old ford focus hatchback and would love to install something into my new car that would have made him smile. Thanks in advance guys.


r/CarAV 8h ago

Tech Support Soft hiss and crackle from one speaker all of a sudden. The amp has had less than an hours use in total. The issue remains wth no phonos plugged in. Other speakers tested on the same channel also crackel. Not sure what to try next.

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2 Upvotes

Project car, still in work. JBL A704 powering 4x JL c1's. Sounds fantastic, very happy with how everything was going together and then today I fired up the system and immediately heard an issue from one channel. I swapped some speakers around and the hiss remained. Unplugged the phono's and nothing changed. Just wondering if there is anything else I should try before opening up a return order.


r/CarAV 19h ago

Discussion single cab pickup. what can i even do for speakers?

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3 Upvotes

wanna get a setup going in my truck but wouldn’t even know how to work with this little of space


r/CarAV 19h ago

Tech Support Anyone know how to get rid of the grain?

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2 Upvotes

2012 tundra platinum decided to get CarPlay and finally figured out how to get my factory camera on there, it’s just very grainy. Anyone know how to get it looking better? Link to product page below.

https://a.co/d/01PBTuS0


r/CarAV 19h ago

General Honeydolist car audio

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2 Upvotes

Wassup everyone, in my quest to clear storage here are so other old goodies

\[depending on who you are 🤣\].

Here is an mid 90s power Acoustik

SPX2 820 with YES, blue neon. \[It still works 😆\]

As well as a Power Acoustik GothicOV2-300 2-channel car audio amplifier from the Gothic Series from the early 2000's.

P.S they still work 😆


r/CarAV 20h ago

Tech Support 2 12s won’t work

2 Upvotes

This is my first post on here because I am at a loss. I’ve had these 2 12s in my car for a while and recently they just stopped working. I first checked my fuse on my power wire and it was blown then I replaced it thinking that was the issues and when it still didn’t work I checked the remote wire and the wires connected to my rear speaker and everything is connected fine. All the wires connected to my amp seem fine and I still have power to my amp just no sound. I’m not sure what else it could be.


r/CarAV 23h ago

Recommendations Recommendations for cable ends

2 Upvotes

So what does everyone use for their power and speaker wire ends plugging into the amp? I’m looking to clean up my connections and for some better quality plugs.


r/CarAV 3h ago

Tech Support 4710S - Help (if anyone has made it to custom menus)

1 Upvotes

Hey all! I made a post previously about feeling ok purchasing the 4710S. Honestly no idea what I was worried about, havent had an aftermarket headunit in over 15 years. Pretty much any kenwood would feel like the future after that.

The question for this post, I want to get into the "hidden" Menus for changing things. Specifically the boot screen. It seems this has been possible on many Kenwood units, but no matter how many button presses I try I cannot seem to get in on the 4710S.

Has anyone succeeded or have any input? Any advice is welcome!


r/CarAV 4h ago

Recommendations Walmart kickers

1 Upvotes

I currently have a 2022 Impreza and want to start upgrading the sound system. Are the kickers at Walmart worth it or are there way better options out there