First of all, let me explain what i mean by the thread title

By low cost radio improvement project, i meant is to improve the stock audio we have now in 8th gen, not changing it to a really nice SQ audio system with all the bells and whistles. By low cost, i think total $500 is a reasonable affordable number.

To be honest, i made this thread to collect ideas and maybe try it out on my car. I'm not a mechanically able guy. Heck, i still even need help to change my tire lol. But im pretty tech savvy and i'm pretty good with computers and all those stuff, you know, ur typical computer guy with minimum car experience. I dont mind learning how to install the audio myself given there is enough instruction on how to do it.

I have a 08 canadian Accord Sedan EX-L

So im planning to spend $500 to improve the audio of my system. I'm pretty satisfied with the stock head unit,so im not planning to change it (plus it's too difficult and too risky to do anyway) I dont mind adding extra ampilfier/equalizer unit but i dont like the idea of losing my cargo space for those units. If anyone have experience of putting amplifier in a space other than the cargo area, please let me know. (i remember back in high school i put a small 2 channel amplifier in the spare tire space. So it hangs on top of the spare tire)

For the quality of audio i want, i like to listen to jazz, so clear and crisp sound is definitely a must, im quite into trance and house music too once in a while but not as much as jazz so bass is not that important although if i have extra money to spend i dont mind changing the subwoofer.

anyways im here for opinions from other forum member where to search about this kind of stuff. I usually like to research as much as possible before i invest or start on something, so im open to anything, be it specific sets of speakers to change, or pointers to good car audio website.

thanks!

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=264-832

Put 2 of those in the rear deck instead of the rear speakers.

http://www.millionbuy.com/pakbamf16004.html

Use this amp to push your fronts on 2 channels, and your 2 new rear subwoofers on 2 channels.

The stock front speakers get VERY loud with amplification.

Should be well under 350 bucks after you pay for wiring.

change out rear speakers to 3-way components, add JL cleansweep and call it a day.

I say try to use effecient same brand front components with 2-way/3-way speakers in back. The stock sub can only produce so much bass so i say run the speakers at full range to help add bass with the sub.

If you're keeping the stock head unit, you'll need a sound processor to make any other upgrades worth their weight. I used an MTX RE-Q5, it costs about $170 so it's cheaper than the JL cleansweep and I love the thing. That leaves you with a little over $300 for a 4 channel amp and some speakers. I would go with components in the front and 2-ways in the back. JBL or polk should do nicely and should be able to fit your budget.

Thanks for the information!

I live in Canada. Checked out crutchfield, the canadian crutchfield doesnt carry too many stuff. Any suggestion on good canadian website? If not, i can always drive down to Seattle to pick up delivery if its really worth it.

Anyway, from the answers posted so far, 2/3 way for the rear, and a sound processor is a must. For the front what is a good components? Is it possible to put the sound processor and the amp hidden?

IMHO focus on the front speakers as that's where you sit go with a decent set of component speakers . The rear speakers are there as a filler for the sound field.

Some good Audio sites

For Reading
http://realmofexcursion.com/
http://www.caraudiomag.com/index.html

For buying ( Dont know if they ship to Canada )
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/
http://www.woofersetc.com/

Thanks for the information!

I live in Canada. Checked out crutchfield, the canadian crutchfield doesnt carry too many stuff. Any suggestion on good canadian website? If not, i can always drive down to Seattle to pick up delivery if its really worth it.

Anyway, from the answers posted so far, 2/3 way for the rear, and a sound processor is a must. For the front what is a good components? Is it possible to put the sound processor and the amp hidden?

I have my sound processor in the glove box because it's close to all the wiring you need to get to for installation. Since you're concerned about cargo space, you can put the amp under one of the front seats.

Thanks for the information!

I live in Canada. Checked out crutchfield, the canadian crutchfield doesnt carry too many stuff. Any suggestion on good canadian website? If not, i can always drive down to Seattle to pick up delivery if its really worth it.

Anyway, from the answers posted so far, 2/3 way for the rear, and a sound processor is a must. For the front what is a good components? Is it possible to put the sound processor and the amp hidden?

I have a great sound processor...Audio Control LC8 for sale on Ebay. It would be great for your new system. It is in excellent working condition (just pulled it from my 07 pilot that I traded for my 08 Accord and don't plan to use it here) Buying it used would leave a lot of additional money for other components.

The link is a follows Audio Control LC8: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=200265488008

I also have an excellent 5 channel Amp for sale if you are interested as well. It is a Memphis Audio 16-MCH600.

The link for it is as follows: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&viewitem=&item=200265412300