2011 Pilot EX

[tjamz]

Ok, so I'm trying to figure out one thing on this stereo system, are the speaker outputs (front OR rear) full range or are they internally crossed over to allow the factory sub to play just the lows.

My quick assessment (using bass tones and Sheffield Labs discs) is that they seem to play nearly as low as the subwoofer, but maybe start cutting off around 45 hz or so. Now, it could be an internal x-over on the deck or it could be an inline passive crossover but I'd like to know before I start tearing the vehicle apart looking so I can be prepared.

Plans are to add a JBL MS-8 DSP/Amplifier while retaining the stock deck (MS-8 will reside in rear driver side cargo pocket for stealth look).
Replace front door speakers with Pioneer TS-D1720C components
Replace rear speakers with Pioneer TS-D1602R coaxials
Remove stock subwoofer and rebuild passenger side panel in trunk to act as a storage compartment with hinged, linear actuated door.
Fiberglass enclosure and amp rack to hold two Atomic AP-8D4 subwoofers (sealed enclosure) and one USAmps MD2D sub amp
Streetwires wiring throughout
Full Hushmat treatment for roof, doors, floors, any other flat rattling areas, etc..

[tjamz]

Anyone have any insight on this?

[tjamz]

No one?

[tjamz]

Answered my own question on this one, I'll post up what I found on here. There is absolutely an onboard x-over in the factory deck. Just for comparison sake I unplugged the sub output on the deck to listen to the door speakers. There is a cut-off at around 60 Hz when the door speakers transition to the sub.

What I ended up doing is installing a Clarion CZ401 CD Player in the dash to feed the MS-8. The MS-8 will act as my amp/DSP for all the door speakers and will provide DSP functionality to the sub amp. Sub amp and subs are being installed in the storage compartment in the rear of the hatch area (under the false floor) in a fiberglass enclosure. 1.5 cu. ft. vented enclosure is what I ended up with. Vents are firing forward under the rear seats, subs are firing upward through a beauty panel/grill guard.

I will be vacuum molding the bottom 1/2 of the Pilot doors in the front to make a mold for the door speakers (I will mock up the speaker locations w/ mdf and modeling clay to get my desired shape before the molding process). Once the mold has formed, I will make a fiberglass pull from it with the MDF mounting boards already in place so I have a solid point to mount the speakers and x-over to. From there it will be covered in a factory matching black vinyl and will have a beauty ring to cover the speakers/x-over when I don't want prying eyes looking at them.

I'm hoping to be able to recreate them once I've perfected the mold.

[bblueser]

Wow, that's an ambitious plan. Please post updates and photos of your installation.

Have you determined if losing the factory head unit's active noise canceling capabilities will make a noticeable difference inside the vehicle?

[tjamz]

I removed the factory radio and am running just the Clarion unit at present, no noticeable difference in noise at all. Quite a bit less bass (subs aren't wired in yet and on stock speakers).

Here is where I am on the sub box thus far.

Stock cargo area:


Area I'll be working in


Prepped for glass


First layer of glass


Popped from the mold


Semi-cleaned up, but still only one layer of glass down


Roughly the layout once the baffle is completed

[tjamz]

The MS-8 will go in the drivers side storage compartment.

[bblueser]

Nice plan....you simply can't beat aftermarket sound systems. I have one in my Accord, with a JL Cleansweep connected to the Honda HU, JL speakers in the doors and rear parcel shelf, and a 12" JL sub in a box in the trunk. It's all powered by two Alpine amps.

The installation is completely invisible to the casual observer, but the sound quality is very satisfying, with deep, deep bass and reasonably clean mids and highs.

I'd like to repeat the setup in my Pilot, but have read where unhooking the mics connected to the noise canceling system, can result in increased noise levels in the vehicle. Do you have any experience with this or know anyone who does?

[tjamz]

I drive my vehicle every day for work and have noticed no real difference in noise levels since I unhooked the noise cancelling mic and sub. I've installed a number of aftermarket HU's in 2009+ Pilots in the past couple of years for customers and never had anyone come back and say "damn, that vehicle is noisy since you did that". Maybe I'm deaf from 22 years of car audio competition, but I can hardly tell a difference.

[iggibar]

Can't wait to see the finished product!

[JediSteven]

Originally Posted by tjamz

I drive my vehicle every day for work and have noticed no real difference in noise levels since I unhooked the noise cancelling mic and sub. I've installed a number of aftermarket HU's in 2009+ Pilots in the past couple of years for Hid bulbsand never had anyone come back and say "damn, that vehicle is noisy since you did that". Maybe I'm deaf from 22 years of car audio competition, but I can hardly tell a difference.

Looks like you did an awesome job thus far dude. I'm honestly looking forward to the finished progress. You got an ETA on when your going to be done.

[tjamz]

Project is on a temporary hold, I injured my left eye and it got infected. Now I can't be around dust/irritants for a few weeks.

[tjamz]

Eye is no longer infected and I've started working on this again. The box is nearly complete now, just need to do some finishing touches to it.

I've been working on the vacuum molds of the doors as of late as well, haven't quite got the look/fit exactly like I want yet. After 20 years of building "exotic" door panels and kick panels on cars that showcase the speakers, I realized that I haven't done **** for retaining stock feel/look while still improving the sound stage....I feel like I'm relearning car audio fabrication all over again.

[1YESfan]

One of my few complaints that the stock stereo unit isn't loud enough ( "that's a Honda for you." one of my friends said) but according to my wife it's too damn loud at times. ;-)

Good job on your sound enhancemet project. My only fear is that sometimes one gets so surrounded by sound, they are in their own sound bubble and can't hear what's going on. I am/was a bike rider and am usually aware of everything around me but even so, a loud system can make you unaware of safety vehilces that come up into your space unexpectantly.

[tjamz]

Originally Posted by 1YESfan

One of my few complaints that the stock stereo unit isn't loud enough ( "that's a Honda for you." one of my friends said) but according to my wife it's too damn loud at times. ;-)

Good job on your sound enhancemet project. My only fear is that sometimes one gets so surrounded by sound, they are in their own sound bubble and can't hear what's going on. I am/was a bike rider and am usually aware of everything around me but even so, a loud system can make you unaware of safety vehilces that come up into your space unexpectantly.

I hear you on that. I used to ride a LOT of motorcycle back in the day and it really sucked having to watch out for others who were distracted by their driving, so I certainly understand that concern. My goal is to have the best possible sound stage possible at moderate sound levels. In all honesty, I listen to talk radio most of the time. The only times I really seem to listen to my system at anything resembling "loud" is if I am demoing it for someone or if I am on long road trip. Now, 20 years ago I was a sound quantity over sound quality guy. Now I just want good sound.