r/CarAV • • 15h ago

Recommendations Is this the correct way to connect 2 batteries to an Ioxus ultracap?

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0 Upvotes

Wanting to connect two agm batteries to an Ioxus ultracap and then use the cap terminals as distribution blocks. Obviously I’d want positive and negative runs to all be the same length and fuse the positives but would this be the correct way?


r/CarAV • • 19h ago

Recommendations Advice for ordering audio parts in Canada

1 Upvotes

A lot of audio brands can't be shipped into Canada at the moment (thanks government) wondered if anyone new of websites or options to help a guy out wanted to go full sundown audio but I can't ship it to Canada


r/CarAV • • 18h ago

Recommendations Best way to run wire to door?

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5 Upvotes

Has anyone ran 12g wire to the door on a 2015 Infiniti q50? Any tips or ideas will help pls


r/CarAV • • 16h ago

Recommendations I'm new to this is this amplifier good?

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6 Upvotes

???


r/CarAV • • 3h ago

Recommendations Door speakers stoped working

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0 Upvotes

r/CarAV • • 14h ago

Tech Support Mercedes Volume Level

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0 Upvotes

Been having issues with tuning my loc to amp i start clipping with very little gain on my amp im thinking maybe distortion but also i tune with volume at max because theres not really a way to see the volume level on these cars so im not sure maybe max is 28-29 i also heard something about volt jumpers maybe the rca voltage is too strong? When i tune my amp it feels like the clip light comes on before getting full potential i even switched from my 750rms memphis to a 1050 rms shca fxb if anyone has any input id appreciate


r/CarAV • • 23h ago

Tech Support Ads-usb-eco remote start flashing

0 Upvotes

Can anyone tell me, with certainty, if the ads-usb-eco will still work to reflash either a cm-dc3 or an ads-alca for the cm900? Or da I need the more expensive idatalink ads-usb cable?

2nd question: will the free weblink software work once I have the right connection?


r/CarAV • • 23h ago

Music/Video EQ options for cars that cant be

0 Upvotes

Hey guy, both my personal car and work truck have complete shit EQ options on their sound systems. Im looking for a non expensive DAC or something that i can plus into my phone/vehicles that i can use to custom EQ my music. Google said i could plug a DAC into my vehicle then plug my phone into the DAC and still use wireless carplay for navigation as well?


r/CarAV • • 14h ago

Build Log A-pillar pods

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10 Upvotes

Still working everything out but here’s where I’m at.


r/CarAV • • 23h ago

Recommendations 2026 Honda civic sounds absolutely awful

1 Upvotes

I’ve been spoiled by the premium sound systems in my previous cars, so going to the stock system in my 2026 Civic Sport has been absolute ass.

There’s basically no bass, everything sounds hollow, the treble is so sharp it hurts my ears, and if I turn it up past like 20, everything starts crackling and sounding distorted.

Music is a HUGE thing for me, and a good sound system is probably my biggest must-have outside of the car's actual performance and reliability,
but I didn’t really have that luxury this time around.

I’m looking for the most bang for my buck. I mainly want better bass and clearer, fuller sound. Being able to turn it up louder without everything sounding like garbage would be a huge plus too.

I want to actually feel the bass. I want the car to vibrate a little when the bass hits, but I don’t want it sounding like I’ve got 80,000 empty soda cans rattling around in my doors or be so loud that you can’t even hear the song.

I know absolutely nothing about car audio, so I have no idea where to even start. I’d prefer to keep any cutting or rewiring to a minimum but im willing to do whatever to not have it sound worse than my phones speakers

What would y’all recommend? What should I upgrade first, what’s actually worth spending money on, And what is a reasonable budget?


r/CarAV • • 19h ago

General SoundQubed 4 Channel Amp Going Into Protection Even After Upgrading to 0 Gauge OFCl

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13 Upvotes

Hey everyone! Looking for some advice on an issue I’ve been having with my SoundQubed amplifier.
I’m running two sets of Focal Flax PS 165 F3 three way component speakers powered by my SoundQubed 4 channel amp.

Here’s how everything is wired:
Channels 1 and 2: Focal Flax mids and tweeters. The left side is on one channel and the right side is on the other. Each set runs through its own passive crossover.
Channels 3 and 4: Focal Flax 6.5 inch woofers in my front doors, with each side on its own channel.
Power: Recently replaced my original 0 gauge CCA cable with true 0 gauge OFC.
Ground: 4 gauge cable grounded directly to the vehicle’s metal chassis.

The issue:
My SoundQubed amp randomly goes into protection when I increase the volume. Sometimes it’ll play pretty loud without any issues, while other times it’ll go into protection at a lower volume. As soon as I turn the volume down, it starts playing again.
I originally suspected voltage drop because I discovered my power cable was CCA. I replaced the entire run with OFC, thinking that would solve the problem, but unfortunately, it’s still happening.

A few questions:
Could my ground be the issue? Would replacing it with 4 gauge OFC make a difference?
Could the way my Focal mids and tweeters are wired be causing an impedance issue?
Is there anything concerning about running my woofers separately on channels 3 and 4 while the mids and tweeters share channels 1 and 2?
Could improper gain or crossover settings cause intermittent protection?
What should I test next before spending more money replacing parts?
I’m trying to figure out whether this is a wiring issue, an electrical issue, or potentially something wrong with the amplifier itself.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!


r/CarAV • • 8h ago

Build Log 2021 WRX SQ Build Log Part 2 (3 Way Front Stage, More ResoNix Deadening and Big 3 Upgrade)

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47 Upvotes

Links to older build log posts:

Since my last update I’ve been working on a bunch of different parts of the build, so here is what I've worked on since then...

Front stage

Some of my AudioFrog GB 3 way components and rear fill (GB10CF, GB25, GB60, GS62) had been sitting in their boxes for a couple months, so figuring out what my front stage was going to look like was the next thing on my list that I wanted to tackle.

Scanning and design

I bought a Creality Raptor 3D scanner and my plan was to model the dash pods and A pillars myself in Fusion 360. I kept putting it off because I never had the time after work, so I ended up reaching out to Matt Kim from Audio in Reach. I was familiar with his work and it’s what I was trying to draw inspiration from anyway.

I already had clean scan data of my dash corners and A pillars (one of the attached photos is the driver side pillar scan), so I asked Matt if he’d take it on for my GB10CF tweeters as long as my data was good enough for him. He normally handles everything from start to finish by sourcing your exact car locally, so that means scanning, designing, printing and wrapping. He said yes and I got put in his queue.

A pillars

A few months later it was my turn in the queue. He designed the pillars and sent me the Bambu print files, so all I had to do was print them in ASA.

The photos show how I put them together and blended them into the OEM pillars. I used CA glue to assemble the pieces, Bondo to blend them in and CA glue/plastic welds to fasten them. The GB10CF tweeters are held in with a machine screw in the back. Most importantly, it does not interfere with the safety functionality of the airbag, as it sits below where the curtain starts.

Dash pods

A few weeks later I asked Matt to get back in the queue for the dash pods and got a file ready to print the same way. He designed them so I only had to cut a small section out of the dash corner with his template to fit the GB25. The cutting was minimal and it does not impact the OEM mounting location.

They needed way less prep than the pillars. I just sanded them so the DAP Weldwood Landau Top & Trim adhesive would stick when I wrapped them.

They clip into place like an OEM part, using custom 3D printed clips that screw into the pod. If a clip breaks when I pull a pod off, I can just print a new clip instead of a whole new pod. The GB25 is held in with M3 heat inserts and screws.

Grilles and wrapping

The pillars and pods each have their own grille, and I wrapped them in Mellotone Premium Black Speaker Grille Cloth from Parts Express. The main thing to watch is keeping adhesive off the portian where the sound actually comes out.

If anyone’s doing something similar, the vinyl that matches the WRX dash is Softside Auto’s Nuance Ebony. I ordered a ton of samples and visited local upholstery shops to figure that out, so hopefully it saves someone the trouble.

How it turned out

Matt got the design exactly how I wanted it. It looks like it came from the factory and not like something added later. People who aren’t into audio don’t notice anything is different until it comes up in conversation. The photos show the before and after to illustrate the level of execution. There is also a photo that provides a look at the tweeters and midranges under the grille covers.

GB60 door adapters

In my first build log I used generic door adapters from Amazon for the GB60 midbass, and I wasn’t happy with them. The ResoNix CCF strips only had the outer edge of the GB60 to stick to. So I designed my own mount in Fusion 360 that fully surrounds the GB60 and gives the CCF strips enough flat edge to sit properly.

After printing them I sealed the adapters to the door with ResoNix CCF tape, and I put some 3mm CCF I had lying around between the adapter and the GB60.

Because the CCF tape was sitting on top of the deadener, the OEM Subaru speaker grommets wouldn’t stay in with all the extra material applying pressure. I fixed that with Hillman #452810 nylon nuts, which fit great and work way better than the OEM ones.

Sound deadening

Next I went back and deadened some some spots I’d put off.

I did the trunk lid with ResoNix Mega CLD and got about 80% of it covered. The narrow sections just weren’t reachable. There are wire harnesses inside for the latch and license plate lights, and anywhere they touched I put CCF down so they can’t rattle. I also added fiber mat to the trunk cover and lined the perimeter with CFF to cut down on noise.

I knew the roof wasn’t going to be fun. Getting the grab handles off took a while because a few of them didn’t want to unclip. I didn’t pull the headliner completely since I figured that would be more of a pain, between creasing it and dealing with the harnesses attached to it. I just dropped it enough to get working room. I started on a Friday night after work and kept going until it was done.

Nobody will ever see this area, same as everywhere else I deadened, but after all the work I’ve put in I wasn’t going to say “eh, good enough” and not care about how I applied it. After deadening it with Mega Cld, I lined it with 1 inch fiber mat, and the headliner went back up with no problem with the extra thickness added in between.

Alternator, battery and Big 3

The last part of this update is the electrical. I put in a 270 amp alternator from Singer Alternators to power my four Mosconi Pro amps (two Pro 4|10 and two Pro 1|10). It was a direct swap and took less than an hour, and my stock belt worked fine. I also switched to a Group 35 AGM battery from Odyssey.

To support the alternator, I had the shop (Car Audio Engineers) doing the amp, DSP and trunk floor install also do the Big 3. I designed a fuse bracket and had SendCutSend laser cut, bend and powder coat it. I wanted the shop to have a clean spot for the fuses that looks like it belongs there. It's not visible in the photo but it has a 90 degree flange that sits behind the battery tiedown bracket to help it stay in place without rotating.

With the 0 gauge wire going to the battery terminal, the OEM positive terminal cover didn’t fit anymore. So I designed my own terminal cover and printed it in PC FR, which is a flame retardant polycarbonate which clips on like the OEM one.

Conclusion

At the time of writing the full build is complete, and I’m just waiting on a follow up appointment to get a extension card installed once it arrives. That will give me an extra digital coax input for my Fiio M11 Plus DAP. I’m planning another write up down the road that covers the amp rack, the trunk design and the ResoNix GUS, and finally getting to put the deadening through its paces. Most of the Sound Quality builds people post about are about other platforms, so hopefully it gives other WRX owners some ideas for their own cars.

Sound Equipment Used

Speakers

Amps and DSP

Sources

Sound Deadening used

Outer Door

Inner Door

Door Card

Roof

Rear Deck Lid metal/plastic

Trunk

Trunk Lid


r/CarAV • • 41m ago

Discussion Anyone ever used mtaudio.eu ?

• Upvotes

I was thinking of ordering speakers, amps, sub…. Ive got a total cart of 1450€ and still nervous of spending that money, just before i got the same cart from masori but the website is closed “for redoing” and i was also looking at ars24 but expensive asf, anyways if someone shares there experience… thanks


r/CarAV • • 2h ago

General 2 years ago I was asking stupid questions here. Yesterday I became German SQ champion

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60 Upvotes

Just wanted to share this and thank everyone here who helped me along the way. Learned a ton from this community and probably wouldnt have gotten this far without it. Love you.


r/CarAV • • 2h ago

Tech Support Wireing a 4 ohm load on 2 dual voice coil subs

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3 Upvotes

Im trying to re wire these subs down to 4ohms

I had originally had them wired at 1 ohm but its just too much for my truck to handle so im trying to see if i running these at 4 will help it out. But ive done some research and best wireing diagram i can find is this one. So am i supposed to splice the wires to get both both negatives and positves on one wire? That dont sound right to me


r/CarAV • • 3h ago

Build Log New build started

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3 Upvotes

just started working on the design, series tuned 6th 20/40 with over 60 cubes net, plan on running 6 m-15s on just over 20k


r/CarAV • • 4h ago

Recommendations Looking for a 1 DIN CarPlay Radio with hidden display / face

2 Upvotes

Hey, I've been looking around for a new radio for my '94 e34.

Unfortunately, the flip up display ones won't fit due to climate controls below / ac above, so I'm really limited to the 1 DIN height.

Now, I also don't want to “ruin” the interior by having an exposed screen visible, so I was hoping there would be some radios that have something like a rotating face, or maybe a blind that can cover the face while not in use.

I’m not sure if what I’m looking for even exists, but I hope someone here could help me out


r/CarAV • • 4h ago

Recommendations Looking for Amp recommendations, for my sub

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2 Upvotes

I just got a Sundown sa-8 v.3 d2, and my current Amp is slightly under power for what the sub calls for, can someone recommend me a good quality Amp that will power my new sub to its full potential. Please and thank you.


r/CarAV • • 6h ago

Recommendations Can I safely use 100W RMS speakers with a 30-50W stereo?

1 Upvotes

I am new to car audio and decided to look into upgrading the speakers in my car, the problem is that a few months ago i bought an android 2 din stereo and the internal amp seems weak. I think its 30 or 40W max and its a lot quieter than my old alpine 1din radio which was 50W max power. My question is could i install the 100W RMS speakers and safely use them with my 2din stereo or sould i buy an amp first? Also is switching back to the 1 din stereo an option atleast untill i can buy a proper amp? Sorry if ive made any mistakes. English is not my first laguage.


r/CarAV • • 7h ago

Discussion Kenwood dpx 5025m cleaning

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7 Upvotes

HI guys a couple months back I bought myself a kenwood dpx 5025m for my car, it works great, but I was wondering how I should clean the screen and such. There is some dust and uncleanliness behind the screen glass and such. So what would you guys recommend. I don't want to ruin anything in the stereo


r/CarAV • • 8h ago

Tech Support Front camera "No video signal" on Android head unit. Wiring is 100% correct but there are NO camera settings in the menu!

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I am trying to get a front camera to work on my Android head unit. Right now, it just shows a "no video signal!" error screen.
The wiring is 100% correct, and the camera itself is verified working. The rear backup camera also works flawlessly.
The main issue is that there are absolutely NO camera settings or video standard options (NTSC/PAL/AHD) anywhere in my head unit's menus to change or configure for the front camera.
Is there a specific Android app, a hidden service menu, or a workaround I can use to force the head unit to recognize and display the front camera signal?
Thanks for any advice!


r/CarAV • • 14h ago

Music/Video What apocalypse speaker should I get?

2 Upvotes

I want a pro model but don’t know which speaker to get. I’m looking for the loudest one.
Whats some other brands I should look at?


r/CarAV • • 17h ago

Recommendations 2019 Corolla Hatchback Upgrade Options

2 Upvotes

Hi all, I have a 2019 Corolla Hatchback SE with the regular sound system. I currently have an audio pipe APDX-12A sub that I despise mostly due to how large and oddly shaped it is. I don’t plan on replacing the factory radio, as it does pretty much everything I need it to currently.

I really want to upgrade the sound system for more clarity. I primarily listen to hip hop and some hyper pop. I have heard lots of mixed opinions on upgrading the stock system without spending a ton.

The lower cost options I am considering, is grabbing the Beat Sonic ENA-2T3, and possibly upgrading the stock speakers with Infinity Reference REF607FSL in both the front and back, and Infinity Reference REF757T for the tweeters. I have heard that without an amp, it’s useless to get the infinity reference, but wasn’t sure if the beat sonic would be enough to power them sufficiently. This would be installing on my own, but I am not confident enough in myself to install a full fledged amp myself. I believe I can manage installing the speakers without issue, as I was looking at crutchfield with all the brackets and wiring included. These would put me around $675 ($300+tax for the beat sonic, and $325+tax for the infinity reference).

This brings me to option 2, which I was quoted by a professional. Kicker 51KSC6504 speakers/kicker tweeters (can’t remember which specific tweeters) and a WDX-P400.1 amp for around $900.

Given the price difference isn’t too severe, I am leaning with going with the professional.

The sub is a whole other thing, I’d like to swap it out for something more low profile, but figured I might could do it myself. All the wiring is already in place for the APDX-12A, and I know the harness is propriety so I would need to redo some of the wiring, but I am comfortable with that, so long as I can reuse the wire to the sub control routed to the driver seat because I really don’t want to have to rerun any of that. Any recommendations on a pretty low profile (or even something relatively flat I could place things on top of in the hatch) would also be appreciated. I’m also fine with putting off the sub awhile to save some money for a bit since it does work, and is more just inconvenient when I need the room in the back.

All in all, I open to any other suggestions, and just looking to stay under $1000 without the sub, or $1500 with the sub.


r/CarAV • • 17h ago

Tech Support 18v to 12v step down converter?

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2 Upvotes

Im building a speaker backpack, and a big problem is my power situation. Im using 2 ryobi 8 ah 18v lithium batteries that go to an Unrulysoul Amazon 60a 24v to 12v step down converter. But its kind of a piece of shit. It cuts out when im pulling maybe 10-15 amps MAYBE. My amp on peak will pull 47 amps as rated in the details but since i have the gains turnt down, i pull maybe 20-30 amps. Im looking for one that can handle at least 60 amps. And thats isn’t a piece of crap. Please help, it sounds good and very loud on 20% volume, imagine 100% volume.


r/CarAV • • 18h ago

Tech Support Jvc custom wallpaper?

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3 Upvotes

Looking to put a picture of my wrx on my Jvc head unit in my wrx. The preset wallpapers are ass, any way I can do this? YouTube hasn’t been any help.