Honda Accord Audio Questions

bug4

My 2008 EX-L does suffer from this problem. But, at least on my car, I'm very confident it is just an input signal issue. I have seen this same problem with Serius and XM and think it is just a matter of how the stereo is set to process the signal. I know my brother makes the same complaint with Serius radio in his 2008 VW GTI. As noted earlier on this thread, many stereos have this issue when accepting signals from different sources. For example, compare the quality and loudness of signals between a good FM station, broadcasting in digital, and an i-pod. Further, try playing a song directly from a CD, then play the same song through your I-Pod. I guarantee the CD will sound better. I think its just the "nature of the beast."

What I would be interested to know is whether or not the problem is different between the LX versions and the EX versions (or perhaps those with the NAV system). I have the EX-L (no nav). The XM problem is certainly there, but I dont' consider it real significant. Is it worse if you have Navigation -- is it worse on the LX's that don't have the extra woofer and amp?

jaxs1

It does not apply to the LX since only the EX-L has XM.

ayeager

Thanks to everyone that replied to my post about the sound level discrepancy between FM and XM. I'm motivated to start haggling with the dealer about it to see what they are willing to do. I'll try to post the results of that later.

bug4

Good point! Duh!! -- that was sort of stupid of me wasn't it.

ayeager

For everyone's info:
I took my car to the dealer to have them look at the FM/ XM discrepancy, and after listening to it, and trying another car, they basically said "sorry, that's just how it is. Different sources have different signal strengths.". I think this is lousy, and wish I would have noticed it right away and made a stink. The service guy agreed that you shouldn't expect too much when they say "premium" system. The service people were really nice, but just couldn't help.

Anyone know if it's pretty straightforward to add a small amp to the system?

bottoa

I've just encountered the same exact problem. I've got 4 store bought CD's of various rock groups trapped inside and the cd player keeps grinding along as though it is trying to eject or load the disks. I can't pull up "CD" from the mode selector on the steering wheel. Did you ever resolve your problem? How?

I plan to start tearing the console apart this weekend to get at the cd player.
Thanks.

ayeager

I'm willing to bet the truncation is an artifact of using the same technology (low tech) that's in the non-navi systems. My '06 Xm truncates the name where the screen runs out. How much harder would it be to scroll?

dolfan1

"Anyone know if it's pretty straightforward to add a small amp to the system?"

Are you talking about doing it yourself? Can't help there.

I was quoted a price of about $275-300 to have a 75watt (x4) amp installed on my 07, which I'll do soon. This is, of course, at a pro sound shop - not a chain store where you might get it cheaper if you want to chance it.

bvdj84

Yes, that would be great, pick a good amp though. Name brand, decent power. Also, make sure you have aftermarket speakers, as you will blow your factory ones with the new amp. The factorys are really silly.

dolfan1

Yea, bvdj84 has a good point ayeager. I previously upgraded my speakers, which would not be able to handle the upgraded power. However, if we're talking an '08, those speakers may be able to handle more power if it's the premium system, considering it has a 270 watt factory amp compared to my 120. Again, this is why it would be wise to take it to a professional sound shop, where they should be able to tell you if the factory speakers could handle the amp you want to install.

bvdj84

Well don't be so sure on the 08 accord speakers, as I look at their magnets in the trunk, and they are so small... its hilarious. Meaning the speaker has no real guts. They sound "okay" at first, but they eventually break down and can't handle as much later. Also, I am not sure they Accord actually has a 270 amp that is actually separate from the main unit. It might just be in the head unit. Now the Volkswagon has done their system with a separate amp, and it sounds great. But, the Accord has a pretty good head unit, and provides plenty power if you pick really efficient speakers. I have an 06 Accord, with upgraded Memphis Audio speakers, it sounds amazing, I don't have anp, they are running of the main unit. So if the unit the 08 has more power, then picking the right speaker would make all the difference. Look for Memphis Audio, trust me, their good. Took a risk picking new speakers, and I picked good! Get an Amp and speakers, and you are set!!

dudleyr

Which memphis speakers and where did you get them. How was the fit in front.

emmeff

My car is a 2007 Accord EX-L with factory navi. I would like to add satellite radio. Looking on Honda accessory sites, i see a Honda option but it has a separate display and seems like it's not for the navi model.

Also, is anybody using a USA Spec iPod adapter? Any comments for or against? Can I hookup the Honda factory satellite to the USA Spec instead of using the FM modulator?

mrbill1957

I thought that all EX-L with Navi Accords came with XM radio?

Mrbill

bvdj84

I got my memphis audio speakers at a professional shop, and they used the most efficient models they had. I would highly advise getting these. But, they do need a little time to break in, but once they do, it is true harmony. I have mine with the head unit alone, I could only imagine having an amp, it would be so amazing!! Loud, and clean!

blane

Your 2007 EX-L (either with or without Navigation) came from the factory with XM satellite radio already installed. In fact, the first three months of service were free when you purchased the car. If the salesperson didn't tell you, they weren't doing their job.

Just press the XM button on your dashboard and select channel 1 or press the voice control button on your steering wheel and say "XM Channel one". You will see your XM radio's serial number. Just phone XM radio to activate service if your three months have already expired.

https://xmro-secure.xmradio.com/listenercare/login2.xm

dolfan1

See posts 308 thru 312 in this forum.

dolfan1

From what I can tell researching the topic of iPod interfaces, the USA Spec is the best choice. The shop where I had my Memphis speakers put in didn't carry the USA Spec so I had them install the brand they carried = a decision I regret. In hindsight, I wish I'd ordered the Spec online & had them install it. The interface they used doesn't allow me to use the channel up/down selector, which would allow me to skip tracks. Instead, only the volume control is functional. From what I can gather the Spec would allow you to use the channel (track) selector, which would really be helpful. You can have numerous play-lists, but sometimes you just want to skip a song depending on what mood you're in, whatever. Manually doing it on the iPod while driving isn't a very safe option.

stickguy

Is the way to go. You are right that the channel button lets you change songs. So, once you have it set (I usually would put it on shuffle) you can leave the ipod in the cubby with the door closed. Don't like the song? Hit the button with your thumb. You can also set that up for playlists, but I don't have mine that way.

also charges the ipod while it is hooked up, so you can leave it on, and don't need to plug into the power socket.

Oh, and it also has a set of RCA jacks so you can hook up another source. I have an XM roady connected to mine. Still have to plug that into the socket though, but no need for FM modulation.

bug4

I've noticed my 08 EX-L does not have as good of radio reception as any of my other vehicles. The radio doesn't even pick up some stations that I can actually listen to in my other cars. Has anyone else noticed this on the 08 models? Can anyone give me any suggestions for improving reception without replacing the unit?

mrbill1957

They do sell Auto Antenna Amplifiers. I haven't tried one on my 04 Accord, so I can't say how much it will help. Without installing an external antenna mast and/or amplifier, your options are probably limited. You might try an auto stereo store that specializes in aftermarket installations. They may have worked with the problem already by installing antenna amplifiers. For what I've been told (but haven't personally verified), the Accord's antenna is in the back window. If so, there may be a connection point in the trunk area that the amplifier could be installed.

I've seen complaints before for lack of reception, so I don't think it's a problem with the radio.

Mrbill

blane

My 2008 Accord's radio works perfectly.

Based upon your post #346, I'm wondering whether you have tinted windows. If so, that might impact radio reception if the aftermarket job was done over the antenna grid in the rear window. Could be material, workmanship, or both.

ke72spn

OK, this is going to sound crazy but I cannot find a definitive answer (and my salesperson has the day off and the parts department is useless) regarding my recently purchased Accord EX-L. Santa brought me an iPod Nano and I would like to figure out the hook-up and use with the buttons on the stereo.

Do I need a special cable to do this (beyond a standard cable that connects the iPod to the sound system)? I am able to play my music just fine, but what I cannot do is control anything from the dash or steering wheel buttons.

Do I need to purchase the Music Link iPod adapter to have this functionality? If so, how since parts has no idea what I am talking about? :confuse:

lilengineerboy

I think the abbreviation is STF...SEARCH THE FORUM. Scrolling up 2 or 3 posts will get you information about the USA Spec iPod adapter.

ke72spn

Lilengineerboy, with all due respect, I did review the forum before my post but didn’t see an answer regarding 08 models.

I will review the information posted regarding the USA spec adapter, but was told by someone that it would not be needed in light of the changes made to stereo on Accords for the 08 model year. But alas, I cannot operate my device without using the hand-held controls.

If you are able to shed some light on this please do so – if not save your sarcasm for someone else.

thegraduate

I know this is an old post, but I hope you'll respond bvdj...I thought about getting some speakers for my 2006 EX Accord for Christmas this year. Ended up getting an iPod Touch (which I love, but that's another story). I opted out of the speakers since I wasn't sure how much difference I would notice with only the 120 Watt system. I have a 200W head unit in my 1996 Accord and it is MEGA powerful relative to this, although it's relatively muddy because it uses the original 4 speakers that came in it. I just needed it to have a CD player.

Let me know which particular speakers you bought if you don't mind, and if I may ask, how much they cost installed. I'd appreciate it!

dolfan1

Hey grad, posts 308 thru 312 should answer all your questions.

dolfan1

Please correct me if I'm mistaken, but isn't it overkill to get pay $100 to $150 or so to have an interface installed in an '08 model? No, you can't use the steering wheel controls (unless I'm mistaken about that as well), but if my '07 had the external audio mp3 input I definitely wouldn't have paid to have the interface installed. You're basically in the same boat I am. The only solution I know of w/o paying the $ for the Spec is to have a lot of play-lists. However, if money isn't an object, I suppose go ahead and get the Spec. I've heard nothing but bad things about Honda's interface (many months ago, I was warned away from it in the prices paid forum by people who drive Accords and even a Honda salesperson) . Maybe it works better on a '08 model, but again I can't imagine too many people wanting to spend the money on it when the capability to hook-up the iPod is already there.

lilengineerboy

Lilengineerboy, with all due respect, I did review the forum before my post but didn’t see an answer regarding 08 models.

My apologies, since your original post failed to mention your questions were related to an '08 model.

If you are able to shed some light on this please do so – if not save your sarcasm for someone else.

With updated pertinent information, will do sir.

bvdj84

Hey thegraduate-

You should totally pick the Memphis Audio Speakers. I was very particular, and skeptical at first, but I love them. I never even knew these speakers existed. I had asked the installers at the professional place called "SoundCheck". I asked them which ones they preferred in the models. They both said Memphis! They have Infiniti, and several other models, and they mentioned that the Memphis were the most efficient running speakers, they will work with less power. I had had them installed, and I believe it all came to a total of about $400-500 with installation. Now at first, they sound a little weird, only because I noticed that they need to be broken in, I simply just let them play for periods of time, even if I was in the house, I would let them play awhile. That totally broke them in, and they sound AMAZING!! Very high end, the highs are crisp, and the lows are good as well, it sounds like I have an amp, they have so much character. Your right the factory's are muddy, but these babies, have plenty of mid range.

Now, they said that there were 2 lines, one was the reference, and one was a line that was a bit more efficient, for those that use it with factory system with them. Definately look at the efficiency rating on them, and pick the best number, Many do not realize, that when they pick out some random speaker for there car, that it needs so much power, and in the end their unhappy with them or they simply blow them up for underpowering them.

Now, these are the settings that I have set on my CD player on my 06 Accord.

Bass +6 Treble +1 Fader I have it faded 2 increments toward the front, I want my sound stage to be in the font.

Now, mind you the bass seems crazy, but with these speakers, it sounds great, and it needs it. Treble, you need to have it lower because the tweeters are so pronounced,These setting would not work with the factories. I really tried to give the factories a chance, but they horrible, plastic, hardly no magnent.

Anyway, go for it, let us know what you get. I got an Ipod Nano, I plan on getting an FM modulator, my mother has one, and it does sound great. I don't want to install in auxilary, as I lease, so I will be trading this next Spring.

bug4

I'm not sure the gentleman ever got a straight answer to his question about his new I-Pod . . .. No you can't control the ipod with your 08 stereo. You simply can play the ipod through the sound system using the 1/8" jack, located in the center storage unit. You have to install the after-market stuff to be able to control the ipod.

Rear speakers. Has anyone actually installed new rear speakers in the 08 Accords? I have noticed that the factory speakers in the 08 EX-L Accords have magnets that are insanely small -- so I'm wondering if there is sufficient clearance to fit a new speaker with larger magnets?

-I'm being lazy because I assume I could look it up somewhere -- but what size are the rear speakers in the 08 Accord EX-L? (8" rounds??)

bvdj84

As far as replacing the speakers, the size of the magnets are not a problem when installing new models, only the actual diameter to fit the opening of the speaker location. They are small, and are probably not any different that the ones I took out of my 06 Accord. The speaker its self is blue, and plastic, and has a basic surround, not rubber or high end. You should have no problem replacing them, now if your wondering what to do for the actual subwoofer in the middle of the rear deck, I would perhaps leave it alone, or replace it what a higher efficient speaker. I not sure why they call it premium, because it is simply not, and is lacking a bit, I am sure they didn't use "REAL" crossovers for the front tweeters and mids. If you were to replace all of them, you will see a day and night difference. The new speakers will show so much more sound in all areas.

Also, if you are worried about sound, replace the fronts first or all of them, you want your sound stage to be in the front. Otherwise, you'll notice more from the back, than in front. Replace fronts, if you need to replace anything, but I am replacing all of them with memphis Audio, and getting a good solid amp. Find a good shop to do it. The Honda needs to take some advice from VW, as they use separate amps for their stereos.

ke72spn

Thank you for providing an answer to my question. Have a happy and safe new year!

bug4

Thanks for the advise! Probably should replace the front speakers first, if I decide not to do all the speakers. . .

You comment about VW's is intriguing. My brother has a new 08 GTI. The stereo is very nice, but . . . . whenever he turns it up more than mid-volume, he gets significant "buzzing" from the various plastic panels that surround the speakers (both front and back). Great stereo, but he can't take advantage of it because of the lack of acoustic deadening in the interior. I let him listen to the "premium" system in my 08 EX-L and, ironically, he was impressed. I am really not impressed with the system, but it doesn't distort and the interior doesn't "buzz" with the beat. . . . it just lacks mid-range and good sound imaging. The bass is really quite impressive! I'm particularly impressed with the frequency range -- I'm hearing some parts in some music that I never new existed

Thanks again for the advise!

brian07

New to site,Haved searched but no found the answer.
Recently installed a metra/axxcess interface in my 07 V6 SE accord.
I have a portable xm player.My fi by delphi.The sound is barely audiable compared to fm or the cd player.The interface plugs directly in to the factory radio wiring harness.iwould think the volume level should be the same as the cd player.Previously have tuned the radio to 88.1 to listen to xm.

bvdj84

Yep, No problem, My mother has an 04 Jetta, and I love the sound system in her car. I have been told that they can actually up the amp to full power, if you upgraded the speakers in it. I got to have some good system in my ride... nice car/nice stereo.

My next car will be an 08 Accord EX-L, I will be upgrading the stereo with memphis, and adding a memphis audio amplifier.

nikephreak111

hello, i just got an 08 accord coupe ex, and i was wondering where the instructions were for installing an audio system. i looked through the manuals and all i found was a warning of the affects of installing accessories to the car. i currently have the premium system installed, but my dad says he has some better ones, and i was wondering if there were instructions or a manual online to help install them. thanks in advance!

bvdj84

All you need to do is, install new speakers, and install an amplifier. That is easy! You won't be able to remove the head unit, you simply just take the sound out from that or from a speaker wire to the amp. It is not hard, even just installing new speakers will make a difference. Read all the earlier posts, that should help you out. Installing speakers and a good amp will achieve what you want. You won't even have to touch the head unit, simply take the wires from the left and right speakers to a new amp, and there you go. have it done at a professional shop, NOT bestbuy, etc....

Good Luck.

nikephreak111

hey thanks for the advice, I was also wondering if I would b able to install them myself, or if I had to have a pro do it. And if I could do it myself, if there were some more detailed instructions to do so. Thanks in advance!

bvdj84

Well, I don't see it being to big of a hassle doing it all yourself. The front speakers are simple, really just take the panel off and replace, The rear, your should be able to pop off the tops on the rear deck lid speakers, and replace, then moving on to the amp, You will need a power wire from the batter to the trunk. Cutting through the wall between the engine bay and interior, then running it, hiding it, to the trunk. Then Running all wires for the 4 speakers, and hiding them. You only need an out from the rear speakers, meaning you could run your left/right wires directly to the amp, and then the out from the amp to the rears/ and fronts. Doing this option will keep you from even messing with the actual stereo, and should sound great.

You can do all of this on your own, but only if you have some knowledge on it.

If you do need more info, then simply go online to get more step my steps. Of course using the methods that only apply to your car and what you want.

Once you do all of this, it'll be amazing and worth it!! Time and patience is key in all of this. Research.

viet

URGENT - Do you guys know how and where to install extra accessory in the back of the '05 Accord hybird's CD to play IPOD with CD quality? What's the cost? Thanks.

bvdj84

Handa.com has an accessory that has an IPOD hookup and a regular hookup for other mp3 players. It is your best option. About $150 or so....

viet

Thanks a lot Bvdj84. Happy New Year to you and yours.

viet

I got in Honda.com, accessory for IPOD is not compatible with '05 Honda or older models. It costs $199 - $214. So, no luck for my son, I guess. If he knows my '08 top Accord can play MP3 that will be a biggest "disaster". So I keep it secret. Otherwise, he will "grab" my '08 as he did it with the '05.

stickguy

you should look for a USASPEC unit. Crutchfield carries them, or you can find them elsewhere on the web.

It plugs into the aux port on the radio, and has an ipod connector (to the dock port, not the earplug). It is even integrated into the stereo. Not the display, but you can change songs using the channel button.

It also has a second set of inputs for a pair of RCA jacks.

I have one in our Odyssey and it works great. The ipod plug even charges the ipod, so no need for a serarate power cord. I also have an XM Roady plugged into the other set of jacks, so no FM Modulation needed.

viet

'05 Accord hybrid is OK, is it right? Thanks Stickguy

stickguy

I assume the hybrid has the same readio as my EXL which has an AUX button, and therefore the jack on the back.

Crutchfield gives options by model/trim level of car, so that is a good start.

One caveat. If you have the factory XM, I bellieve you also need an adapter (basically a splitter) since the XM is already using the AUX port. They do make one though.

viet

Crutchfield has one for $150. My son knows another source @ $200 with CD quality.

1- Is it easy to install it or we should let the professional do it. I only play some favorite songs on the CD in my '08, not the MP3 or anything else but I do not want son touches my expensive new car or he will "stained" it all over with his and his friends' stupid food & drink. That's kids' ugly habits even they are college kids.

2- How do you think about the '08 Accord EX-L stereo compared to Bose's equivalence?

Thanks a lot, Stickguy.

stickguy

well, I guess it qualifies as CD quality. It is as good as you can get from an ipod, since it uses a dock connector input. Install is easy, the only difficult part is taking the radio out. I had a custom stereo shop do it for about $50.

parviz

On my 08 EXL, when I play MP3 CDs, it does not show all the song info (neither the navi screen nor the LED screen), anyone has any idea if that is the norm or I should change how I record my mp3 cd's?
Also, my XM has gone out a few times, it shows all the info including ch. # and name of the song but no audio, anyone else with that experience? is it the XM receiver or the signal? Thanks.