| 12BlueX |
I know coaxial install is the easiest but more I listen to it, I want to invest in component system.
My concern is how difficult it is to do the install, especially the wiring.
I've read few posts where wiring to the tweeters is realy pain in the A$$ but I'm willing to try.
Would like to know:
1. Tips on wiring
2. Location of the cross over
3. Any creative way of using the existing speaker wires
Thanks in advance. |
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| renov8r |
...there are band bass capitcors mounted tot he speakers -- the wiring is threaded through the small openings, but it is just speakers that it connects to so it is not like trying to rewire the ignition or something that requires heavy cables.
You will need to work under the dash and up the doors -- not fun at all, but no more difficult in the MDX than any other vehicle.
To put in "real" seperates with real crossovers you will need to find some place to locate them, and that is really what makes the wiring even longer than the stock set-up.
I suppose the most creative use of the stock wires is to use them to thread the new wores into place... |
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| 12BlueX |
Thanks. Any other advice is welcomed:D
I need to add one more question:
4. How do you connect the crossover to the headunit?
I currently used Harness Adapter to connect to my Alpine Headunit.
Do I cut the Left and Right Front + and - , put banana plug, and connect it to the crossover? |
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| 04mdx4sq |
If you are wanting to invest in components for better sound, here are my tips:
1. Get an amp, components work best when they have the proper amount of power behind them, as the speakers are generaly less efficient, and real crossover networks also add to the load. Sure, a 75hp 4 cylinder would move your mdx, but the power would limit it's capabilities, and performance would be less than desirable.
2. Rewire. It is well worth it not to be chopping and splicing wires, use a good 16ga speaker wire. Monster Cable makes a nice jacketed 16-4 that works into the doors easily, and then you only need to run 1 cable into the door. When running the wires through the door boot, don't be afraid to use a little lubrication.
3. Mounting mids and tweets is pretty easy, if you want to use stock location for the tweet, I have been able to fit a 25mm MBQuart tweeter in there no problem. Plenty of room.
4. For the best midbass, use a sound deadner in the doors, something like Xtreme Dynamat works well. I am also using DynaXorb behind the mids to absorb and deflect standing waves. |
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| 12BlueX |
04MDX
Thanks for the advice.
My alpine does have a pre-outs that I can connect to an amp.
Again, I was planning to do this in stages:
Stage 1: Headunit and CD changer - I had these already so the cost was minimal. $35
Stage 2: Speakers - Comp in the front, coax in rear $250 to $300
Stage 3: Subwoofer and Amp - This is where I was thinking of adding a good multi-channel amp so that it can drive both the front comps and the sub. Rears driven by the headunit. $300 to $400.
You can see why I want to do this in stages as I want good system but don't want to plop "$550 to $700" from a get go, hence the speaker connection question (wife and two kids will make you do budgets on every major purchases...especially "non-essentials). |
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| renov8r |
...I've two kids and big hungry Labrador Retriever too.
I think you are on-track as far the sequence of upgrades.
I might suggest that you 'reallocate' your daily expenses -- I've found that if I bag a sandwich to work and skip other minor expenses that by the end of the month I have some extra cash to throw at projects that the renov8rtress would otherwise consider "non-essential" ... |
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| 12BlueX |
Ok. I'll go on a diet and save some lunch money:D
Few more questions.
Do you use a fish tape and Dawn soap(or any other slippery substance) to get the tweeter wiring done or is there a better way?
Also, I've seen how power cords are threaded through the firewall but where does everyone take the cord to the trunk area in the headrest storage area? Driver side =power cord, Passenger side speaker wires? |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by 12BlueX
Ok. I'll go on a diet and save some lunch money:D
Few more questions.
Do you use a fish tape and Dawn soap(or any other slippery substance) to get the tweeter wiring done or is there a better way?
Also, I've seen how power cords are threaded through the firewall but where does everyone take the cord to the trunk area in the headrest storage area? Driver side =power cord, Passenger side speaker wires?
Soap and a fish tape worked for me to run the wires to the doors, but it is still a grueling process.
I ran the wires the same way (power=driver, sound=passenger). |
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