Aftermarket Amplifiers and Speakers

4297 Views 15 Replies 9 Participants Last post by phamastermason, Sep 26, 2005

phamastermason

Discussion Starter · Sep 15, 2005

Has anyone noticed that the sound (mainly the subwoofer) system isn't that great? I mean, its nice and pushes out 160 watts but I'm used to a little bit more thump from the previous aftermarket audio system I installed which included a band-pass box with 2-12 inch Kenwood subwoofers in the Jeep I traded in. Now, I don't want that much more sound again since I'm out of that stage in my life. Just a little more clearer sound is what I'm looking for. I'm thinking about purchasing an aftermarket amplifier and installing it. I don't even know what brand of speakers Honda put in the Ridgeline (I know I know....I should've checked this out already) and don't want to get an amplifier with too much power and risk blowing the speakers out. Anyone know the maximum watts (RMS) for all of the 7 speakers? Thanks in advance for the feedback.

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lowrider90

· #2 · Sep 15, 2005

I agree, but you have to understand one thing. some speakers have better sound at low power output, and other high watt speakers require more power before they sound best. Honda has low end power speakers so you can hear them best at low to moderate volume. Have you noticed at high volunme you lose the sound. I think the system sounds pretty good but i do keep adjusting and can't seem to find the spot for me. another thing that is preventing a better overall sound is that there is no mid-range adjustment.

If you add the amp, I suspect you will have a greater chance to blow the stock speakers at higher volumes. if you upgrade the speakers you have a good chance that the only time you will have good sound is at higher volume levels as the speakers will require more power to get them going. so lat lower volumes it won't sound great.

I learned this on my exterra, I up graded but could not really hear with clarity at lower volumes, but sounded great at higher levels. it took a certain amount of watts to push the speakers I upgraded to. your trade off, overall good sound, or ugrade the complete system from reciever to amp to disc changer to speakers. Put most of you research into buying the right speakers for the system you choose.
I hope that helps a bit

My land rover Discovery had the best stock system ive ever had. Perfect right from the start

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Spritegeezer

· #3 · Sep 15, 2005

All I can say to you guys is be careful what you wish for. I was an audio freak (or thought I was) I liked it loud. Sat in front of the speakers at concerts, always had the volume and bass way up. Now, that I'm approaching 60 I can't hear a darned thing. Everyone has to repeat what ever they say and I still miss half of it. The audiologist says it's a lost cause, no hearing aid will help. He says its due to exposure to high levels of sound. Sure did enjoy those Hendicks and Doors concerts though. Was it worth it? I can't really say. Just know what you're getting into.

lowrider90

· #4 · Sep 16, 2005

Good point, I agree in kepping it moderate. the sound in the ridge is just fine. I would agree that changing the reciever to one that can enhance the sound a bit might be worth while for those whose like a more refine sound. good luck.

phamastermason

Discussion Starter · #5 · Sep 16, 2005

Thanks to all for the input and suggestions. I am no means trying to enhance my audio system that will result in a potential loss of hearing. I've had other vehicles with that kind of system and now that I'm older and married, its not something I thrive on anymore. What I'm looking to get is a 2 or 4 channel 50-75watt amplifier to push all the speakers. I think the Honda stock speakers will be able to handle this....and I will make sure that I don't have the gain on the amp all the way to max. Does anyone know what brand of speakers came with our Ridgelines?

Ruffles

· #6 · Sep 16, 2005

One thing to consider is that many times, the factory deck and speakers are "made" for each other as far as frequency response goes. I've added amps and speakers to factory head units before and was never happy with the sound. It turns out that there is a lot of eq output by the deck to adjust for the low quality speakers they usually use. Now that I've got a RL with NAV, there is no way I'm replacing the deck so the solution to adding amps and speakers is the JL Audio Cleansweep interface. It allows you to get the frequency response back to flat so you can add amps etc. I don't work for JL or anything and I know this is a shameless plug but check it out...its a very cool product.

msmith1965

· #7 · Sep 16, 2005

The subwoofer seems to thump sufficiently. The problem to me seems to be that the tweeters are located by the windshield and lay flat on the dash. Tweeters are very directional and bouncing the sound off of the windshield doesn't work well creating a less crisp sound that I would like.

One thing you may try is to have a couple of after-market tweeters mounted in the A-pillars. The ones i've seen actually extend out from the A-pillar about an inch and are round. This way the tweeters are pointed directly into the cabin.

phamastermason

Discussion Starter · #8 · Sep 16, 2005

Thanks for the very valuable information on the JL Audio Cleansweep Interface. I did some research online and found this the be the perfect solution. The only thing I have to do now is give my wife a good excuse as to why I want to spend $319.99 on the device plus an amplifier....LOL...

Since today is our 4th year wedding anniversary and I bought her a couple of gifts AND sent flowers to her at work, taking her out to dinner then to a dance club, I'm sure she won't have any objections to me buying them. Thanks again for the information Ruffles. Also, thanks msmith1965 for your suggestion on getting aftermarket tweeters installed in the A-pillars. I am too used to a crisp sound from the tweeters (had a great pair of Pioneer ones that was part of a component set w/ crossovers) and know exactly what you're talking about. Thats one more thing I have to look at possibly doing. As far as other aftermarket products, I'm going to get my door handles (including the brackets around them) chrome-plated and the tailgate handle as well. Just wanted to add a unique look to my RTL w/Moonroof and NAVI.

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phamastermason

Discussion Starter · #9 · Sep 23, 2005

Audio system in Ridgeline RTL

Does anyone know what brand of system is in the Ridgeline? I know the system has a total of 160 watts. I haven't found the brand name of the CD player or speakers anywhere. Before I buy an aftermarket amplifier, I would like to know what brand name Honda uses in the Ridgeline to prevent potentially blowing the speakers out. Any information will be very helpful and appreciated. Thanks.

BamaRidge

· #10 · Sep 24, 2005

Non-navi head units are Pioneer. The speakers are Pioneer as well.

phamastermason

Discussion Starter · #11 · Sep 24, 2005

Wattage(RMS) for speakers in Ridgeline.

How many watts(RMS) do the speakers have? Do you know if the all the speakers are one channel from the head unit? I would think that the subwoofer would be on a separate channel. What I want to do is buy a 6 channel bridgeable amplifier and run the front speakers on 1 channel, the rear speakers on 1 channel and the subwoofer on the other channel. Any information will be very helpful. Thanks.

mugen1

· #12 · Sep 25, 2005

you mean two front, two rear and bridged mono for sub?

phamastermason

Discussion Starter · #13 · Sep 25, 2005

Yeah; I can do front speakers on one channel, rear speakers on 1 channel and the subwoofer bridged mono on the other channel. Since the speakers and head unit are Pioneer in the non-NAVI Ridgeline, I don't have to put in aftermarket door speakers. I have a 2 channel amplifier in my Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo that I can use to push the speakers in my Ridgeline. I will take the tweeters with crossovers out of my Jeep and mount on the A-pillars for more crisp high's. Mainly, I want to use the tweeters. Do you happen to know what size the door speakers are in the Ridgeline? If the stock Pioneer speakers are no powerful enough to handle an aftermarket amplifier, I can take the 5 1/4 speakers out my Jeep and use in my Ridgline too. All those speakers still work and sound good considering I've had them and constantly pushed them to there peak for over 5 years. Thanks in advance for the assistance.

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jaiden

· #14 · Sep 26, 2005

Re: Wattage(RMS) for speakers in Ridgeline.

phamastermason said:
How many watts(RMS) do the speakers have? Do you know if the all the speakers are one channel from the head unit? I would think that the subwoofer would be on a separate channel. What I want to do is buy a 6 channel bridgeable amplifier and run the front speakers on 1 channel, the rear speakers on 1 channel and the subwoofer on the other channel. Any information will be very helpful. Thanks.

I believe the speakers are 30W RMS (50W Peak).

swampler

· #15 · Sep 26, 2005

Will adding tweeters to the A-pillar interfere with the side curtain air bags?

phamastermason

Discussion Starter · #16 · Sep 26, 2005

From what I've read in the forums, adding tweeters to the A-pillars will not interfere with the side curtain airbags. Would you happen to know what size the door speakers are in the Ridgeline?

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