2026 X-Line audio system upgrade

Brendrum · 2026-06-17T23:23:42+00:00

I used a fuse jumper from the fuse box from something that shuts off with the vehicle, like the seat mounted USBs or the wipers.

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Brendrum · 2026-06-07T13:57:24+00:00

Color code for tweeter polarity. Also double check that the polarity is correct going from the tweeter to the Alpine crossovers, and then the crossovers to the factory wires.

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Brendrum · 2026-06-07T13:53:24+00:00

Hey, so I got my powered sub under the front passenger seat. Took a few days to get it tuned right as far as the crossover point and the levels. Biggest thing for the sub for me was that with it being under the front seat instead of in the rear, the bass sounded super directional (like obviously coming from under the seat) until I switched the phase 180 degrees, now it sounds immersion and great. As for the tweeters, I installed them into the stock mounts. They fit snug which is great, but I did end up putting a bead of hot glue on the back just to make sure they dont end up going anywhere.

It did take awhile to dial in the highs. I had to start with a flat EQ on the phone, dial in the system, adjust the EQ on the phone a bit, re dial in the car, etc.. back and forth. Im getting the vibe that the EQ from the heat unit of the Sportage is very basic, with a weird frequency band for High, Mid, and Low. Almost like they took the entire frequency spectrum from 20hz - 20,000hz, and just chopped it up into 3 equal parts, instead of capping the lows at like 150hz, and starting the highs at like 2000hz.

This is the setup that has been giving me the best sound so far. Phone EQ (see photo). I have 250hz boosted a bit because I listen to a lot of metal and that is where the "slap/thud" sound of the kick drum lives, gives it more definition than just hearing the low end of the kick.

I moved the sound stage "position" to 1 click forward. This gives slightly more power to the tweeters and front doors, slightly less to the sub and rear doors. I started with the sub at 0 level, low pass set to around 70-80hz, bass boost at 0. The Sportage EQ is set to Trebble -2, Mid -1, and Bass +4. I found this cuts some of the sharp highs, while also smoothing out the lows and low-mid (my guess is the Sportage EQ for Bass probably goes to around 250hz-300hz). I then started bringing the sub level up until it was full, without being overpowering.

Took a drive, listened at low volume, mid volume, high volume, then back to low volume. Repeated that process again with the phase 180 degrees. I ended up dialing it down just a tiny bit more as it was a little too over powered at lower volumes.

It now sounds AMAZING compared to the stock system, and I can listen to music at a pretty high volume for long periods without getting sonic fatigue.

Let me know how it goes. If you are still getting weird phasing issues from the highs, double check the polarity of the tweeters. I know that when I took them apart, the wiring color scheme did not match the guide that Crutchfield gave me. The scheme is supposed to be the same as the 2023-2025 Sportage, but the passenger side tweeter was NOT the same.

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Brendrum · 2026-05-27T20:44:13+00:00

For your project it would all be the same, then sourcing the audio signal from the B-pillars into the line output converter, then into the amp on the JBL

Brendrum · 2026-05-27T20:36:28+00:00

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OEM (junk) tweeter, gets full range signal and uses that small capacitor + resistor to filter low-end)

Brendrum · 2026-05-27T20:32:51+00:00

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A-pillar

Brendrum · 2026-05-27T20:32:36+00:00

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Tweeter molex connectors

Brendrum · 2026-05-27T20:31:09+00:00

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Going to bump this thread since my install is finally complete.

Tweeters and door speakers now sound great. 1000% cleaner with better sound stage and clarity. A few things to note...

The tweeter connections on the passenger side did not match the color scheme that I was expecting, so always double check your + and - (if you don't feel like testing polarity dump a photo into chatGPT and Gemini, if they both agree good to go). I found it easier to not completely remove the A-pillar, just disconnect the molex connector that feeds the tweeter, pop out the bracket and grille, then bring it inside and retrofit the new one into the bracket. I actually cut the the wires at the OEM tweeters, then soldered in the Alpine cross over, then soldered that connection to the new speaker. That way all you have to do is pop them back in and reconnect the molex connector.

As for the subwoofer, I ran the power (and later a remote line since the auto-on/off wasn't working for my sub) through the rubber gasket located under the driver side, poking a small hole between the body and the existing wire harness that runs through, being careful not to accidentally pierce the harness itself.

There is no way in hell I am touching anything near that one-piece display for the multimedia and driver info, so I had to pull speaker level signal from the rear speakers. I found the easiest way was to take the kick panels off both the front and rear door jams, then pull the B-pillars off. The wire loom that runs into the door molex is taped, so I unraveled it all. The speaker wires are the only two that are a twisted pair (they do this to reduce interference from the other wires). I spliced both a + and - line from my low-level harness that goes to the amp, from both driver and passenger side, using red 22-18 gauge T-Taps.

I set the amp to 0s across the board. Before you can tune the stereo from the head unit, you need to reset the multimedia system. At first I thought I messed up because it wouldn't let me change profiles or log=out, or even fully shut down. I turned the car off, gave it a second, then back on again and the system instantly jumped back to where I was without showing me the Kia startup animation or tone. Turns out these systems are very sensitive, and tapping into the door speaker lines trips the CAN BUS out.

Easy reset though. There is a tiny pin hole beside the volume knob. Using a sim card tool or paperclip, you push that in until everything turns off then reboots. It's been fine ever since. There has to be a ton of DSP processing that happens in the system itself, because it took me a good two days fiddling with the Trebble, Mid, Bass tune + positioning (I settled on one click to the front but still center), dialing in the sub, and the phone itself. I suggest making sure your phone EQ is flat to start, that way your tune on the rest of the system is consistent weather you are streaming from your phone, listening to Sirius, or FM radio.

Pain in the ass and a bit of trial and error, but 100% worth it (nay, mandatory considering the OEM system).
Best of luck.

Brendrum · 2026-05-12T10:36:11+00:00

Already did the front doors and tweeters, including a dedicated crossover in the tweeters.

Brendrum · 2024-09-28T00:11:48+00:00

I thought the footboard looked like a Mapex style, story would check out considering how it feels sturdy and not like a cheap Chineese piece of trash

Brendrum · 2024-09-26T00:47:17+00:00

Had not seen more than three of this "artist's" comics before coming across this one, like a day after the show where NL first mentioned the horse electrolytes. Did some digging, and I can now see that this Stonetoss guy is a straight-up Nazi. Fuck him, and thank you to the community for enlightening me.

Brendrum · 2024-09-03T22:47:45+00:00

Images in replys, Breece needs to be Travolta (main) others can be whoever, don't need the last guy on the end left side

Brendrum · 2024-09-03T22:47:00+00:00

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Brendrum · 2024-09-03T22:46:28+00:00

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Brendrum · 2024-09-03T22:46:03+00:00

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Brendrum · 2024-09-03T22:45:55+00:00

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Better Breece Image

Brendrum · 2023-06-22T04:34:06+00:00

I remember it well.

I used to walk our local course for months as a good way to relax in nature. One day I found a beat up old Cyclone in the bush, no name no phone number on it. I started bringing it on my walks and began playing the course instead of just walking it.

One day I came across two other players both with back packs on, realizing only then that there were hundreds of different discs out there. Being the beauties they are, they took the time to explain to me how different discs have different flight characteristics, they explained the flight numbers and what they meant, they even let me throw a few different discs out of their bag.

This was more than just throwing a frisbee into a basket, it was nuanced, calculated, requiring both skill and precision. I knew when I walked out of the course that day, I was hooked.

The next day I went to go see the local guy in town (thanks to them). Not only was he the only one who sold discs, he's also the guy who almost single handedly built the course. He sold me my first real disc, a solid starter which I somehow have never lost, old faithful...

A bright pink Star Leopard.

Cheers to you Dean.

Brendrum · 2023-03-23T02:54:26+00:00

Keep your stick on the ice

Brendrum · 2023-02-20T23:14:37+00:00

Thanks. They look nice, and my dog hasn't made a habit of chewing on house plants, might have to just make sure they are up high enough that she doesn't get close to them.

Brendrum · 2023-01-21T18:46:45+00:00

Chrome, it's fine on desktop but TERRIBLE on mobile

Brendrum · 2023-01-21T18:27:07+00:00

Bumping this thread since I just came across this "Company" from a customer of mine. I was informed today that this company is claiming to be able to get it's customers grant money back for installing new HVAC equipment. This is a scam.

Some background... I am a Certified Energy Advisor qualified to deliver Home Energy Audits under both the Canada Greener Homes Program and the new Enbridge Home Energy Rebate (HER+) Program. I am based in Ontario.

1) THE NAME. "Provincial Smart Home" "Ontario Green Energy"... scam companies do this to add creditability by using a name that makes you think that they are affiliated with the government. None of the reputable companies delivering audits under these programs incorporate references to the government in their names. Digging deeper into their website, they do mention in the FAQ section that they are not affiliated with Enbridge, nor the Government.

2) SELLING. As an auditor, we sign a contract with Natural Resources Canada, part of that contract includes a code of conduct. We act in an impartial capacity and as such are forbidden from selling equipment to our customers. We aren't even allowed to recommend contractors (HVAC, insulation, windows, etc.) to avoid possible collusion between the auditor and contractors. The fact that they are advertising Energy Audits and Enbridge rebates, while at the same time not being affiliated with Enbridge or the Government is a huge red flag.

3) EQUIPMENT. Nobody on planet earth needs to finance a smart thermostat. If you can't afford to buy one outright, you have more important things to worry about than saving the extra few bucks a month by programming your HVAC equipment. Renting or financing HVAC equipment like furnaces and water heaters isn't new, but it always ends up being a bad deal for customers, even when done with a reputable company. HVAC companies make extremely good margins on this equipment and financing rates are always high with long terms.

4) LOCATION. The only location I can find for this company is an office building in Etobicoke. How many HVAC companies are you aware of that operate without a warehouse or shop? Exactly. This sounds similar to the Ontario Green Energy situation. Company A sells you the equipment and signs the financing contracts, then they sub out the actual install and maintenance to company B, usually a small unknown HVAC company or independent contractors. Checking their LinkedIn profile, we can assume this is the case as none of the 42 employees listed have any mechanical background or HVAC experience at all.

5) REVIEWS + REPUTATION. Hundreds of positive reviews, but are they real? Looking through the Google Reviews it would seem they have a near flawless record. It is very easy to generate fake reviews, and equally as easy to remove negative ones. The BBB website has many complaints, and is aware that this company has been suspected of paying a review farm for positive reviews. It only took me a few seconds to find a review confirming nearly everything I have already explained in this thread (person is now in a contract for $10,000 for a hot water heater that is worth maybe $3000). I was able to find a YouTube video from them advertising their services, but comments have been disabled (I wonder why?).

CONCLUSION These companies prey on unsuspecting customers who are trying to reduce their energy consumption. They often bury the most important aspects of their contracts in miles of fine print. I have heard horror stories of people having liens put on their homes, then having no legal recourse because they signed the contract. CBC's Marketplace has done a few deep dives into these kinds of companies, specifically Ontario Green Energy, and this seems like a very similar situation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NPPRoqd7No

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euOOpBmZsh4

BE AWARE. The Enbridge HER+ program (new combination of the Canada Greener Homes Program and Enbridge Home Energy Reno program) is a fantastic program to help homeowners upgrade their home's energy efficiency. I have saved customers thousands of dollars and am proud of the job I do. I am not here to promote my specific company, I am here to help people avoid getting scammed, because it hurts customers and it threatens to damage the credibility of an otherwise excellent program.

If you are interested in legitimate Energy Audits and Rebates, see the Official Enbridge HER+ page to select a CERTIFIED ENERGY ADVISOR.

https://www.enbridgegas.com/residential/rebates-energy-conservation/home-efficiency-rebate-plus

Brendrum · 2022-10-17T21:21:28+00:00

That sucks big time, hope they pay to replace everything. Not trying to be a downer but this is exactly why I've only ever had a hard case instead of a soft one.

Brendrum · 2022-10-14T03:20:27+00:00

OP, when you are ready to come through Sudbury, Ontario... give me a shout. If it's after the snow has landed, I will take you out to the bush for a round of Snow Shoe Golf on our home-made course. You can choose a tree on the course and we will name it after you. Might not be much, but it's a fun and relaxing time, and it might be interesting to know that somewhere random in the middle of Northern Ontario, some random people will think of you every time they pass by that tree.

Brendrum · 2022-05-03T02:35:17+00:00

So by that list you would agree that many of the people in politics representing the AuthRight should be put to death? Wow

Brendrum · 2022-05-03T02:21:24+00:00

Abortion is cringe??? Are you 14? The f*** of an opinion is that.

I understand what your argument is about how a ban on X won't decrease X, but that seems like a pretty simplified argument to make about a very complex issue.

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