This 1994 Acura NSX audio upgrade project started several months ago. A client came in for an installation quote from the team here at California Car Sounds and Tint. We looked at the vehicle and provided him with an estimate to reliably integrate a system into the car. The client continued shopping and wound up selecting another local shop who promised to do the work for a fraction of our cost. Now, several months later, the client is back for some help. The system simply didn’t sound good.
Installation Diagnosis
Frustrated with his decision to take the lowest bid, the client wanted the stereo in his NSX to sound amazing. After looking at the work and having a listen, we knew several things needed to be fixed. One of the speakers was wired backwards, and the shop used the factory speaker wiring – not something we’d recommend for a build of this caliber.
Focal Utopia Front Speakers
We removed the speakers and started the long and arduous process of running new speaker wire into the doors. This isn’t an easy task on an NSX, but given the quality of the equipment and the client’s expectations, it is a necessary process. We reconnected the speakers and ensured that each driver was wired in the correct polarity. We also removed the passive crossover networks from the speakers in plans of upgrading the system to a fully-active configuration with a Focal FSP-8 digital signal processor.
We treated each door with a layer of Focal BAM sound deadening and Blackhole Foil to create a proper enclosure for the woofer. This process can dramatically increase the efficiency of the speaker. It results in noticeably improved mid-bass performance.
Unfortunately, the previous shop installed tweeters in the door panels in a less-than-optimal location. Given the scarcity of new panels for these cars, we had no choice but to leave the tweeters alone.
System Wiring and Amplifiers
When the client brought the NSX to us, the amplifier was laying on the trunk floor, and the power wires were run through the firewall without grommets. We removed the amp and our installation team set to work rewiring the power, speaker and signal cabling for the system. As you can see from the photos, the wiring is routed carefully and is harnessed in Tesa automotive-grade cloth tape. We upgraded the system with premium interconnects, and of course, added rubber grommets anywhere wires passed through metal panels.
The next step was to create a pair of amp racks for the sound system equipment. We mounted the JL Audio subwoofer amplifier and fused distribution block vertically on the passenger side of the trunk area. The Focal processor and a Mosconi AS100.4 amplifier for the front speakers are mounted on a panel underneath the storage compartment lid on the trunk floor.
System Tuning Process
With the installation complete, our team set to work tuning the audio system. This is a very important part of the process as it will determine the frequency response of the system, as well as the soundstage. The term soundstage describes where the music appears to come from. Ideally it should sound like you are sitting at your favorite concert venue. We started by setting the crossover points for each speaker, then the signal delay settings. The next step is to equalize the output of each speaker in the system to compensate for reflections and resonances in the vehicle. The NSX has a small cabin with lots of glass surfaces. Getting the tune perfect is critical.
Acura NSX Audio System Delivery
Though it took us about five days to complete the reinstallation of this Acura NSX audio system. The client was thrilled with the results! The sound appears to come from a stage the extends across the width of the vehicle and offers excellent focus and imaging. Tonally, the system offers a smooth and natural balance and is a lot of fun to listen to.
If you are interested in an audio system upgrade for your classic sports coupe, drop by California Car Sounds and Tint in Campbell and speak to a member of our sales team. We may not offer the lowest quote, but we are confident in the quality of our work. For more information, send us an e-mail using our contact page.
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