For the people that have seen the stereo in an 03 accord. You know you're not putting an aftermarket deck.
What is the best way to modify the system?
Should I just run an amp and subs to the stock deck? Think it'll sound good?

 

You can get a crutchfield kit to put an aftermarket head unit on. Its kinda tough to do that, so you can also run an amp and subs through the stock deck.

 

having 2 decks would be rather ghetto. I say use the stock deck, drop in new rear speakers and front components with a 4 channel amp... If you want a sub on top of that, get a 5 channel amp or a seperate amp to power the sub, or a powered sub like an Infinity Basslink.

 

if you are going with the stock unit try not to use the stock ground make a better ground so you dont get that annoying bass sound when you turn the car off. sounds like your speakers just popped

 

i have subs now but am adding another amp and speakers

 

I sold my 03 and pulled the soundgate CD changer adapter. This allows you to plug in a set of RCA's for a sat. radio or mp3 player and play via the CD changer input of the factory stereo. I payed 100 dollars for it, but I'll sell it for 25 (5 months old.) I had to use a RCA line level isolator with it to keep the engine noise down which cost 12 bucks (that's not for sell.)

sattsmith@hotmail.com

 

I would not recommend retaining the factory deck. I can speak only from my experience with the single-disc CD player that's in my 03 LX Coupe 4 Cylinder. I installed a nice Rockford Fosgate amplifier and a single JL 12 W3 sub. I tapped into the rear speaker wires and used the line-level inputs on the amplifier. The stock CD player didn't produce a clean enough signal to be amplified, and my amplifier was amplifying distortion. There wasn't as much bass as a 12W3 should have been producing, and the sound quality was very poor.

I returned the amp and donated the sub to my brother's 90 Civic Hatchback. I still have the power line running to the back of my car, and I'm waiting for someone to release an in-dash install kit for an aftermarket deck in the 4-cyl. LX Coupe. Since my stereo doesn't have any climate controls built in, I have no need to retain the factory deck. The idea of having a second (functional) headunit replacing the center dash storage compartment seems crazy, though there are two nice things about it:

1. An aftermarket headunit in the slot where the factory headunit is located wouldn't match the design of the dashboard.

2. An afternmarket headunit in the slot where the factory headunit is located would stand out like a sore thumb, and having an aftermarket unit hidden below the AC controls might be a better theft deterrent.


Anyone have any pics of an aftermarket headunit installed in their 03 Accord?

 

Matt,

I'll take the soundgate adapter. PayPal verified. Please post here, or email me direct jmackenz@insight.rr.com

TIA - Jim

 

hey bassiccutz i got a 03 LX i4 coupe too. and im planning to get the JL W3 sub. how sucky did it sound???

 

if everything is hooked up correctly, it will sound just fine... the stock deck puts out good sound.