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I just got an '08 Accord EX and had the amp & subwoofer from my old car to this one. I kept the stock dash and had my installer said they needed to use a hi to low adapter to connect my amp to the stock unit. I get this ridiculously loud & annoying feedback through my sub, which seems to happen but is not limited to when my engine is at 1700rpm and 3000 rpm. This happens regardless if my audio unit is on or not, and only at certain rpm ranges. I have been back & forth to the audio place and they insist its not a grounding issue but its feedback coming from my stock unit. Has anyone heard of or experienced this happening and know what I can do?
I have an 08 GM car, the system in the car is quite impressive for a factory system, I have not even thought of upgrading, though, I do not plan to keep the car for much longer, so why bother. I also lease an 08 Jetta SE, and it sounds great too! I think if Honda could look at getting better speakers, than it would sound much better. I wonder if they use better speakers in their Acura line up, or is the amount of speakers in the Acura that out weigh the lower quality, with the surround systems.
A word of advice, if you use higher quality speakers in the rear, you should upgrade the front, as you are going to notice more from the rear, rather than the front, where the front is more important, you want the front imaging. You should almost upgrade the front and just leave the rear alone, as the rear are just fillers. Or upgrade the rear and fade the sound more to the fronts. I would just upgrade all of them to do it right. Lol a few options.
I wish they put speakers in the rear door panels.
No, I don't want to give up on listening to terrestrial radio.
They're not gonna put in noise cancellation in an I4 coupe, are they?
weekend so I thought it would be a good time to get this installed for her. But ultimately I had more questions so I didn't do it yet. I did a search off of USA Tech's website (http://www.usaspec.com/buy.html) for the two closest places and got the contact info for
DSI Mobile Electronics Inc.
9855 East Washington Blvd. 20723
301-490-4197
and
Stereotronics
13819 Wagion Way 20906
301-460-7150
DSI had said it would be 325-350 parts and labor. they didn't have any in stock and would order it. I assume they would order the USA Spec PA11 Hon2y iPod Interface. I saw the USA SPEC PA11-HON2y - iPod to 2003-2006 Honda Factory Radio Interface w/ Auxiliary Audio input on Amazon but it's not sold by them, but other sellers through them. prices start at $117. I wonder if I could order the part on my own and pay just labor - which may be less?
When I called Stereotronics though, they said they use DICE not USA SPEC. the guy had said he knew that the DICE would integrate to the navigation and I could could use satellite also still (although my wife isn't using her XM - for now at least).
if you dont use satellite, it will be $325 installed, if you do want to use satellite, it's $350 installed. (there's a jumper cable involved 9-4 or 5 (??).
He said he preferrred the DICE because the USA SPEC did not do text. Is that still the case? the guy's name was Sam and he gave me his e-mail.
Does anyone have any thoughts on the two options I've listed so far? c
I had asked before about getting iPod functionality in my 2004 Honda Accord too. I have a cassette adapter in there. But now I've handed that car off to my family and don't really care anymore for figuring that anymore.
Sort of off topic - I got a 2008 IS 350 now w/ Navi and I'm about to install a SoundLinQ2 (SL2Vi) - iPod Video Interface Adapter which will let me not only control an iPod for music but also let me watch videos on the Nav screen off the iPod.
Nothing like that for an Accord right?
DICE Electronics Click on the "Support" tab for more info.
The media that I'm using is Memorex brand 52x speed 700MB CD's. The discs are a few years old but clean with no scratches. I burned both CD's at 24x speed.
Has anyone else run into this problem? I think that my next step is to try some different media and see if that helps.
Thanks,
Glubash
Might try the same disc in a different player as well.
My other vehilce is a 99 Tacoma Prerunner; about a year ago the same shop installed an Alpine 9884 CD receiver that's Ipod ready (on sale for $160): IPod sound great as does the fm radio.
This Honda factory stereo convices me everyday that it wants to be replaced. So be it.
The CD player in the radio has very good sound, but the radio quality is very poor and sounds tinny ( lacking depth or substance, thin in tone ).
You'll know the speakers are cheap when you look in the trunk and see the speakers magnets, they are very small!
By the way, if you upgrade speakers, it would be highly advised to use a high quality amp!
I really liked the review by TechGuyBill on this item:
"I ordered a USA Spec PA15HON2Y to use my iPhone 3G in my 2005 Accord. I looked at multiple products including a parrot MKi9100 and DICE. Ended up choosing going with a USA Spec and a separate Parrot bluetooth unit (MK3000) since it 1) was price right and 2) offered integration with the factory radio.
My Accord has built in Navigation so I wanted something that would play nice. The USA Spec unit does integrate with my nav and radio. You can set up the USA Spec to display using text of what is playing (Artist, name, category). This will scroll through the upper radio display on the Accord as well as on the Audio menu on the navigation screen. If you want text, it will put the iPod menu on the iPhone into accessory mode and will not allow you to select specific songs directly from the iPhone. You will need to use the stereo controls or the steering wheel controls to scroll. There is the option to give you direct access to the iPod screen (you adjust modes by the pre programmed XM stations ie XM station 1 would be Artist, 2 would be by Category, 3, all songs, 6 is direct ipod). If you do choose to toggle to the direct iPod control, you lose the text - it'll just show as iPod.
The USA Spec unit will also allow you to keep XM functionality in the Accord. The XM stations show up on XM2 mode.... I don't subscribe to XM but can still hear their barker/preview stations.
One concern I had was that I definitely did not want to lose my navigation controls... safe to say it all still works... the Nav still shows maps, etc as well as provides voice directions. It will continue to mute (like it normally does) XM, FM, and iPod music when it gives you directions.
Installation wasn't too bad - took awhile to get everything out (and yes you have to take out the factory navigation to get to the right plug). After you pull out the nav unit, it's plug and play (unplug the blue plug from the back of the Honda Nav, plug in the male end of the cable that attaches to the USA Spec unit, plug in the additional adapter, then plug in the original Honda Nav plug right into the additional adapter (the adapter allows you to keep your XM).
I used some heavy duty auto tape to secure the litte USA spec box on top of the nav DVD drive and ran the ipod cable through the empty slot below (had to cut a small opening). I put everything back together and everything is hidden and seamless (except the adapter cord that plugs right into the iPhone). It does charge the iPhone too!
It sounds great.... (at least the same quality of the CD player). A couple of other great things about the USA Spec - it has another set of audio inputs. I plan on using these eventually when I add video through my navigation to get sound in since all of the video adapters still require another sound adapter. Also, it works great with Pandora or streaming podcasts through itunes (if you're in an area that has good AT&T coverage).
I added the Parrot CK3000 bluetooth since I didn't want to have to unplug the iphone to answer it... the iPhone plays nice with both at the same time... if I'm listening to my podcasts and get a phone call, the music gradually softens and the phone rings.
The new DICE silverline units looks like it performs the same way but it was $40 more than the cheapest price I could find with the USA Spec.
Overall, I give this 4 stars and would recommend it.... only thing I wish it would do is also show song text even if it was in direct mode.... maybe this is a limitation on apple's part where it doesn't send text data if your using it as an accessory. Also, each time you plug your iPhone in, you get a nag screen about it isn't made for the iPhone and if you want to turn on Airplane mode to minimize interference... I hit no and it works fine."
I asked some follow up questions here.Here's a copy and paste from there:
Excellent review TechGuyBill. Your post made me want to ask some follow up questions because I'd like to put an iPod adapter in my wife's 2007 Accord Coupe w/ Navigation.
"...There is the option to give you direct access to the iPod screen (you adjust modes by the pre programmed XM stations ie XM station 1 would be Artist, 2 would be by Category, 3, all songs, 6 is direct ipod). If you do choose to toggle to the direct iPod control, you lose the text - it'll just show as iPod."
so once I hit 6, I can control iPod from the iPod itself?
"Installation wasn't too bad - took awhile to get everything out (and yes you have to take out the factory navigation to get to the right plug). After you pull out the nav unit, it's plug and play (unplug the blue plug from the back of the Honda Nav, plug in the male end of the cable that attaches to the USA Spec unit, plug in the additional adapter, then plug in the original Honda Nav plug right into the additional adapter (the adapter allows you to keep your XM)."
can you give instructions on how you took everything apart? Anything to watch out for?
"..I used some heavy duty auto tape to secure the litte USA spec box on top of the nav DVD drive and ran the ipod cable through the empty slot below (had to cut a small opening). I put everything back together and everything is hidden and seamless (except the adapter cord that plugs right into the iPhone)..."
This part confused me because my Nav DVD drive is in the trunk hanging from the top. Is your Nav DVD drive in a diff location? I was thinking I would be leaving the unit behind the Nav unit.
"...it has another set of audio inputs. I plan on using these eventually when I add video through my navigation to get sound in since all of the video adapters still require another sound adapter. Also, it works great with Pandora or streaming podcasts through itunes..."
can you elaborate on this? In my 2008 Lexus IS 350, I installed a SoundLinQ2 (SL2Vi) - iPod Video Interface Adapter which I got from vaistech.com (http://www.vaistech.com/products/sl2vi.php) and I can not only listen to music but also watch videos of my 2g iPod Touch 32gb. What could I do with my Honda Accord's navigation unit and this extra set of audio inputs?"
"The new DICE silverline units looks like it performs the same way but it was $40 more than the cheapest price I could find with the USA Spec."
Right now
From past few weeks audio system on my honda accord 2003 (6 CD changer) has started giving me problems. It is working intermittently. When it works all the speakers sound perfect and all the functions behaves properly.
Sometime I noticed a spark like sound near the left hand side front corner of the car (just below the AC vent on the left side of the steering wheel) when I used to start the car. However it was only sometimes and it apparently had no correlation with sound coming from speakers or not.
One more thing. When the system is not working (i.e. there's no sound) the rest of the functions of the music system work. I can change CDs, the track also keep on changing but with no sound from speakers.
At first I thought that it might be due to some lose connection. However few times I have seen that the system is working while the car is on and parked. I switch off the ignition (for fuelling etc.) and then when I again start the car there's no sound.
Can someone point me what the problem might be and what the anticipated cost of repair can be?
Thanks for your help
Radios are important to me. This alone will cause me not to buy another Honda.
I think when you turn the volume up the sound on the radio begins to go flat... But it's not as bad with the CD or Ipod in...
Any way to override this?
I had an old bose system in my home that did that too.
No, it won't sound like a Bose surround sound system, but, to achieve an improvement over the stock system is possible.
I have done it with other cars, and am now thinking about doing the door speakers on my 08 Accord Coupe.
Go to: www.crutchfield.com
This is a privately owned company that has been in the audio and TV business for over 40 years. They have outstanding customer service and a great knowledge base for car audio, as well as other products.
Calling them will and asking for help for your particular car will get you the assistance you need. They will be able to recommend a simple speaker upgrade without having to change anything else.
Again, you're not going to get a Bose system quality when you are done. Just a better sounding system than what you had.
So, for you pundits out there who may be looking at this negatively because we are not putting 1000 watt amps and huge sub woofers in the car so we can do mind blowing and glass breaking music listening experiences.......that is NOT the intended purpose here.
Only to just get a somewhat better sound quality than the factory basic systems provide.
Take care and you will appreciate the Crutchfield experience. NO, I don't work for them. I have just used them many times over the years.
I've been tempted on going to a sound shop to see what they have been doing to Accords, maybe I just tried the wrong speaker.
If you do try an upgrade, please post your results.
Mrbill
Welcome to the forums!
I listen to alot of sports talk radio and even a 50k watt local station has a lot of
static. My dealer says there's nothing he can do about it, but has heard of the
problem. Anybody else have the problem. My 07 Accord is fine.
Something to keep in mind when getting new speakers, like at its sensitivity level. The better the sensitivity, the less power it will need to run on, louder and cleaner results.
The Accord struggles to put in a decent system. It really isn't hard for a company to produce a decent system. Choose the right parts, pairing it up with decent amp then it'll work.
I went to the dealer and they told me that they need to replace speakers. And they said that my extended platinum warranty with Fidelity Warranty Services will work.
Mrbill
What to do when your Honda radio asks for a CODE
Good luck. Easy problem to solve. It's just too bad that people don't pass those cards along when they sell a vehicle.
And you can get the code online but you have to jump through some hoops and have your phone and zip matched to your VIN. There is a link on the page I posted above or you can click here.
any ideas what can be wrong ?
You can check with a Honda dealer on how to get it and I believe Honda's website has a link as well.
Thanks in advance
What's happening is that the stereo makes the sound super FLAT... Basically shutting down the tweeters (in front). The sound sucks!!!
It's the worst radio I ever owned in a car.
Just for kicks try an ipod or CD and the sound is much better. for what ever reason it does NOT get as flat when using either or.
How to diagnose and possibly fix with limited budget?
Grampachuck
Dealer will want mucho $ to diagnose. Friend says it is a fuse between the amp and speakers. Owner's manual only shows a fuse for the "Radio" and no other related fuse. Is there an maintenance update at the dealer I don't have access to? I cannot afford to replace the unit at the prices now being asked.
The car runs like new and looks like new; why sell and buy whole car just because sound stopped? Must be an answer out there.
papachuck
someone help pls
The larger displays are the touch screen navigation systems, and no they are not compatible with the non navi systems. The navi screens control much more then just the stereo, so installing one would be a major swap out if it's even possible.
Mrbill
This seems to be a known problem. At first the car would turn off and leave the radio display on (i.e. station number, etc;) but no sound...I pulled the #5 fuse put it in...this would fix it and work for a few days then it would happen again. Eventually, the radio stopped working. The cd light stays green (i.e. means a cd is in the bay) and the display would light up but with no info and no sound. Looking for ideas.
I really do not know what to do. Any suggestions???