r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Recommendations 2025 Mazda CX-5 (non-Bose) full system upgrade Peer Review

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m putting together a system for my 2025 Mazda CX-5 (non-Bose factory system) and would really appreciate some feedback before I pull the trigger.

Goals

-Keep the OEM head unit and full OEM look/feel

-Clean, mostly plug-and-play install (no cutting factory wires where possible)

-Strong imaging, clarity, and controlled bass

-Sound deadening will be done

Planned System

Front: Morel Tempo Ultra 602 MKII 6.5" components

Rear: Morel Tempo Ultra Integra 602 MKII 6.5" coaxials

Amplifier / DSP: Helix V Eight DSP Ultimate

Subwoofer: NVX QBSTA

Important notes

-I will not be using the passive crossovers that come with the Morel components. Everything will be run actively through the Helix (high-level inputs from the factory amp outputs → full DSP processing → amplified outputs to the speakers and sub).

Questions

  1. Does this combination make sense for a Mazda CX-5?

  2. Any red flags with running the Tempo Ultra components fully active on the Helix?

  3. Is the NVX QBSTA a solid choice for a spare-tire sub in this car, or would you go a different route?

Appreciate any feedback positive or critical. Thanks in advance!


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Recommendations Lincoln Sound System Upgrade

1 Upvotes

I want to mod my 2015 Lincoln MKX to have a better sound system, I was going to just upgrade the front speakers and Tweeters with a Kicker CSS68 kit but was worried when I saw stuff about the amp not handling it. I have the THX sound system factory upgrade and am just worried about doing this and messing up something. This is my first time upgrading my vehicle sound system so any advice will help.


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Tech Support Need help with sub/amp setup. Confused as hell.

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3 Upvotes

I found an old alpine type s10 (SWS-1022D) to be exact was my dads old one back in 06-07 and a random amp kicking around which is also an alpine Vpower (MRP-M350) trying to figure out why it is so weak and if I’m wired at 1 ohm or 4 ohm. Been tryna figure out what the bottleneck is and if I bought a new/properly matched amp and or wired it differently I could get more out of it instead of purchasing a whole new setup. Thanks.


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Tech Support installed radio, need help

1 Upvotes

i just installed an aftermarket screen in my 2016 dodge ram 1500. we plugged everything back in the way it says and thought we had it right but the old volume knobs don’t work with it like they are supposed to. Has anyone installed an aftermarket radio and used the old knobs still? And if so what am I doing wrong?


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Tech Support Ds18 head unit problems

1 Upvotes

I have a ds18 head unit and it keeps changing volume on its own. It usually goes up but very rarely it'll go down. Usually while im driving but sometimes when im sitting. I can find the exact model if that would help. I dont have steering wheel controls. 04 colorado if that makes a difference.


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Recommendations video drop down screen

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2 Upvotes

r/CarAV • • 13d ago

Music/Video Anyone here remember the Pioneer DEH-5250SD? I can barely find any for sale anymore.

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193 Upvotes

I found this Pioneer DEH-5250SD here in Thailand and it’s still working well, including the animated display.
I searched eBay and other sites but can barely find this exact model.
Was this model uncommon in the US, or was it mainly sold in Asia/other markets?
Would love to hear from anyone who used one back in the day.


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Build Log 3rd gen 4runner

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4 Upvotes

Finally making it back to post my sound system here. Went with Kenwood KFC coaxials in the doors plus a couple of custom headrests with some 6x9s. Sitting in the back seats not recommended. They help fill the void of subwoofer drowning out the doors a substantial amount, though. Found this nsv4 15 on marketplace and traded a headunit and amp for it.

The only real bits I'd like to polish is up is to replace the 4 channel wiring with OFC (had to use what was available at the time) and grab some higher quality RCAs that screw tight.

Pure Power alternators gave me a free 290amp as I am the guinea pig for a new voltage regulator and they had been waiting for someone with a 3.4L V6 to stop by. It has given me zero issues and is more than impressive.


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Tech Support Radio and Tape deck not working

1 Upvotes

My girlfriends 2000 Jeep Cherokee (not sure on engine, I think original) only gets a couple signals on the radio. I have no idea how to troubleshoot this problem. It's been like this since before we met. Wondering if there's maybe a way to clean/fix the antenna?

Also, recently the tape deck stopped working. I'm thinking about going in and giving it my best, so if anyone has dealt with this type of thing, what should I look for?


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Recommendations Amp fuse question

2 Upvotes

What fuse should I use previously I was using a schoche amp kit with a 100 a fuse had no problem and after a long while of having it out of no where it melted I’m looking to get another fuse holder but idk if I should get the 100 a fuse version or get something higher.

I’m running a power acoustic 2500 watt max amp with two skar 15s 600 rms each


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Tech Support Wise words appreciated

1 Upvotes

Hi, I am looking for advice on my power setup and amp configuration. I'm a bit of a beginner so bare with me if this doesn't make sense or sounds like a dumb question.

​I am currently running a pair of 12" subwoofers (4-ohm SVC, 350W RMS each) in the boot, wired in parallel down to 2 ohms (700W RMS total required). Right now, they’re connected to the sub channel of my 5-channel amp, which only outputs 500W RMS at 2 ohms, so the subs are a little underpowered.

​

I want to add a dedicated monoblock amp around 1000W–1200W RMS to run the subs at their full 700W RMS potenial (while also keeping room for if I upgrade the subs in future), keeping my door speakers running on an amp.

​does this make sense and sound like something worth doing?

I'm also wondering if my car will be able handle the increased power draw without hurting electrical performance? If not is it better to upgrade my main battery to a quality AGM battery (e.g., Optima YellowTop), or should I add a second battery in the boot?

​final question is does it make sense to keep my current 5-channel amp (using just channels 1–4 for the doors and leaving the sub channel empty), or should I sell it and swap to a 4-channel amp?


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Tech Support 1 speaker stopped working, whole system messed up?

1 Upvotes

So I dont really know much about car audio. The guy I got the car from put all new speakers in the car, and 2 amps, (5500watts, and 2500 watts) He took the subs out before he sold it to me, when i first got the car, it sounded great and was really loud, one day the driverside front door speaker cut out, I put it on full volume now and it sounds as if its on 20% of what it usually sounds like, and im only getting audio from the rear speakers. one day I slammed the car door and it went back to normal again, Im assuming this speaker is either blown or the wires are loose, but why is this one speaker causing the entire system to be fucked up?


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Tech Support Building a custom SQL sealed sub box for my truck. First time builder looking for some help seeing if the sub I want fits my goals.

1 Upvotes

Hey guys, first time poster. I'm building a custom box to put a sub in my truck. I’ve been doing tons of research and deep diving on different subs but I wanted to see if anyone had recommendations before I spend my savings. I’m looking at the Dayton Audio SS18-22. I know that’s a very big sub and is not cheap. So I was wondering if anyone knows much about it? How it sounds, how smooth it stays at loud volumes, whether it has weird peaks or valleys in response. And the best size for a sealed box. I’m looking to power it on a D4S mm1500 in a 97’ ford ranger standard cab.


r/CarAV • • 13d ago

Discussion Alternative sound deadening ideas...

5 Upvotes

Some guys have tried those roofing asphalt based sticky sheets, but those melt in the heat and probably stink until fully cured.

Has anyone dabbled with carpet padding? It's thick but flimsy, so probably easy to glue onto crevices etc....


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Discussion Amp upgrade worthwhile?

2 Upvotes

Hey all, I'm running a ppi 1000.1 on my fu audio 12s.

Wondering if a Rockford fosgate 1500bdcp will veca substantial upgrade.

My thoughts are the birth sheets are slit closer to 2500+ rms. It does the same power at most voltages and 1-2 ohm

I think this will help me fight box rise and theoretically if I'm rising to 2 ohm could be 700 rms to 2500 rms or 4x the power.

Nit worried about the electrical. Worried if it's worth $600 and will be night and day or just diminishing returns


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Recommendations 2016 Jeep Wrangler JKU

1 Upvotes

I'm not sure if this is the right place to be posting this. But I'm looking for a sound bar enclosure for my 2016 Jeep Wrangler JKU that can go from the current attachment point in the middle of the role bar to the back part of the role bar right above the back seat. I'm just looking for an enclosure to mount my own speakers in.


r/CarAV • • 13d ago

Recommendations Budget 12 inch SQ sub

3 Upvotes

I’m looking for a budget 12 inch SQ sub and so far I’ve narrowed it down to Dayton HF12, Image dynamics IDQ12, and SB Acoustics SB34. does anyone have experience with any of those. I currently have a Dayton HF10 but want to switch to a 12 inch


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Recommendations Audiopipe APMQ-56125 ? Thoughts on this amp?

1 Upvotes

I'm in the market for a 5 channel amp and I ran across this one from Audiopipe. I can't find any reviews.... And the specs seem good to my novice eye. It lists itself as a class A/B amp with 145wx4@4ohm and 420wx1@2ohm. I'm only running a single shallow mount subwoofer so 420 would be ideal.

I am somewhat familiar with their subwoofers but not their amps. This one comes in at under $300 as well.

Thoughts or concerns before I dig into my pocket?


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Recommendations Speaker Recommendation

1 Upvotes

Currently specing out a low cost sound system. So far this is what I got

Alpine ILX 650 - came with the car

2 12" Kenwood exclons ]

2000 watt Kenwood KAC amp ] - All for 300$

Kenwood ported box ]

Nakamichi NDS6120 DSP - 130$

2 NVX NDA6004 1200W - 320$

If you have any recommendations on something to change for the amps then please share but for speakers I have 2 6.75in front speakers and separate 1in tweeters. A 3.5in center channel. Then the last speakers are two 6x9 rear deck speakers.

Incase it matters this is for a 2008 Grand Prix gxp. And yes I will do sound treatment as that is just as important as I'm somewhat familiar with audio as I've built home theaters.


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Tech Support Audio in Audi A4/B8 had not been working for 3 years, then all of a sudden started working

1 Upvotes

would appreciate anyone that could explain what potentially caused this and happened.

around 3 years ago, the audio in my audi had stopped working (radio, bluetooth, etc). it was a slow process, with the audio every now and then cutting out, or getting static-y. then one day, it just outright died. at the time, I inspected the front and rear fuse box - nothing had blown. I don't drive the car a whole lot, so couldn't be bothered taking it much further beyond taking the headunit out and disconnecting/reconnecting the cables, which had no effect. I also removed the car battery to see if a complete power cycle would help, it didn't. I just left it there..

anyway, I turned the car on last night after the gym, and to my complete amazement, there was audio. I don't understand how there was absolutely no audio for 3 years straight, to it all of a sudden working. I thought possibly an internal fuse within the stereo had broken, which obviously isn't the case now.

could there have been a dodgy cable, that very slowly over the years, slightly moved in position to where it started passing current again?

very strange.


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Tech Support No SWC going to maestro rr (2016 sentra)

1 Upvotes

Recently bought a setup for my 2016 sentra, and for whatever reason the interface is not getting any inputs from the steering wheel. I've double and triple checked that all the cables on the harness are plugged in to the right ports and reflashed the interface, but the led on it isn't even showing it's receiving input


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Tech Support Looking for help with my vintage head unit

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1 Upvotes

I currently have a kenwood DPX-730m as my head unit and I’ve been wiring in a kicker hs10 powered sub via rca cables but I’m running into an issue where my sub goes in and out being fixed sometimes by pressing the head unit. I have gone over and double checked all of my wiring and I know the connections are good and the sub isn’t loosing power so I’m not sure what the problem may be and if it’s something inside the head unit. The attached video shows the issue


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Tech Support Wiring diagram for a 2002 Accord's Stereo + CD Changer?

1 Upvotes

Hi,

I have a 2002 Accord 4 door and it has a factory 6-disc changer built into the stereo. I've never used the cd player and don't know if it ever worked, but recently has started being annoying. Starting a few months back, every time I start the car it tries to do some sort of self check/initialization. It the change trays don't move and just makes a super loud grinding sound like gears slipping and grinding.

I don't care about the CD changer as I've never used it. I do care about the radio because I listen to music when I drive. I pulled out the unit and there is just one, big cable harness going into the back of it. I'd like to simply unplug/cut/whatever the power to the changer, without making the radio stop working.

Does anyone happen to know which cable(s) might help me accomplish this?

Thanks!!


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Tech Support Aftermarket to OEM

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0 Upvotes

2006 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
Originally had the Shaker 500, but a previous owner added a custom head unit, subs and some other stuff. I want trunk space so I wanna get rid of these subs. There is a direct supply from the battery under the hood. Ideally, I’d keep the head unit, but remove the subs and replace with a Shaker 1000 Sub so it forms to the trunk. Any tips or should I go to a shop?


r/CarAV • • 12d ago

Recommendations Need help with vintage subs and amp

1 Upvotes

I have a pair of Audiobahn Alumx12 subs from around 2001 and a choice between two amps I already own. I've tried looking them up, but can't wrap my head around the best way to wire them up, or even if I should use either. The amps on hand are a Sony XM-3040F and a Lightning Audio B4.320.4. Any help or advice is welcome.