HONDA ACOUSTIC FEEDBACK SYSTEM

Just posting this message because of the lack of data I found when
searching for info on the technology in the stock 5th generation
(1997-2001) Prelude.

It seems that most people modifying their stereo in these cars were
doing more or didn't like the AFB system anyway, so it was not
relevant, but not in my case. I have been extremely happy with the
sound quality from the stock system, but seeing all of my friends
buying new cars with navigation systems left me wanting that feature
but not the new car (not even close to ready to give up my 5gen
prelude.) I didn't want to give up the sound I had or improve on it
though.

The information I ran across seemed like the accoustic feedback system
worked by using the stock rear speakers with some sort of sensor in
them coupled with the amp (box that is in the rear trunk area.)
Crutchfield told me that if I wished to get a new head unit
w/navigation I would need to bypass that system and wire the rear
speakers directly to the new head unit. However, based on my
understanding of the system this would not be necessary. The stock
deck has a 4ohm spec posted on it and the rear speakers are 2ohm, so I
figured the AFB system must work independantly of the stock head unit
and the amp accepts high level outputs designed for 4ohm load. I took
the chance and installed my new head unit using a factory wiring
harness without any modifications to the rear. The head unit I used
has 50Wx4 output, so I'm not sure of any long-term reprocussions, but
for now the sound is comparible to what it was before if not better
with the new unit (probably due to higher output power,) without
bypassing the AFB system to my understanding. The fader still
functions like it did before. It sounds a centered as it used to at
the center setting.

I must say the I highly recommend the Kenwood 7015 ( DDX7015 ) for
this car. It fits really well and the navigation unit KVA-DV4100 works
even better than my friend's stock Acura TSX navi in my opinion, not
to mention I can watch DVD movies,play MP3 discs, and hook up any a/v
device with RCA outputs, which he can't do.

Hope this post helps somebody--it would have been useful to me.

 

You might find this site useful:

http://personal.bellsouth.net/v/i/vidgamer/preludeaudio.html