You might wonder the reason behind featuring another Honda Civic in our ICE section. They might be similar in intent (both feature top-notch audiophile-grade components), but they adopt a different approach to extract quality sound out from their respective setups. Inner workings of this particular FD Civic reveal plenty of ingredients from Alpine and Harmotech tuned to cater to even the most demanding audiophile.

Since its inception close to a decade ago, the FD Civic has been a proven choice to further modifications, either for performance or aesthetic purposes. But it will come as no surprise that its practicality will draw audiophiles towards embarking on intricate in-car entertainment projects.This issue’s ICE car belongs to a well-known installer, Jack from Darren Auto. With a shop named after his eldest son, Jack has brought Darren Auto to glory in EMMA competitions on countless occasions. This Civic has been the star of the show, clinching a couple of awards in the last two years of participation.And you could see why it has drawn positive stares since the completion of his personal project.

Starting from the front cabin, the source unit is handled by the legendary Alpine F1 status DVI-9990, using the best components and circuitry producing arguably the best sound available in the car audio industry. This is tied up with the combination of the PXI-H990 processor. This setup is possibly one of the most “extreme” pairings an audiophile can opt for.

Interestingly, the Alpine F1 status has already ceased production a couple of years ago, but Alpine has since released its successor for this source unit. This can be combined with the PXI-H800 processor that is equipped with similar functions, and the best part of this dynamic duo will be its affordable price tag. If you are looking to upgrade your source unit, now is the time to source (no pun intended!) for one as the quality of the current model is on par with the champion model, and it is going for half the price of the F1.

Jack’s love affair with music is apparent with the meticulous nature of his project. His huge collection of music was converted into digital media, and this requires assistance from the Alpine CDE-103EBT. It has the ability to decode all its digital media songs, and also works as a Bluetooth speaker for his mobile phone. Connecting it through the AUX input of the Alpine F1 extracts the details and notes from the media content in an efficient and lively manner.

Jack did not skimp on the quality of the amplifier too. One from Harmotech was chosen, a brand developed by Mr Buck of UDC from Thailand. He is the first Asian to register his ride equipped with Harmotech products in Europe, and the first Asian to walk away victorious in Europe. Also a regular winner in the EMMA Competition scene in Thailand, he went on to develop this brand, as he always wanted to share a perfect product with like-minded audiophiles.Sitting neatly in the rear trunk will be a couple of units of Harmotech’s H4 amplifier. Bringing 110 Watts of rms x 4 channel each, this unique installation by Jack allows us to view the inner workings of the amplifiers with a protection of a bubble acrylic making the boot look fuss-free.

Yet, it has ample boot space for regular family grocery runs. A total of eight channels power the hi, mid, low and subfrequency of the system, with the signal cables from Vandenhul showing the most efficient way to the processor.In the cabin sits the Harmotech M series 3-way speakers, with a pair of 25mm silk dome tweeters and 3-inch mid range taking position on the A pillar. A pair of 6.5 inch mid bass completes the arrangement. They are angled towards the driver, housed in special aluminum grills that came as a package with the speaker set. The 10-inch DLS Iridium subwoofer located at the rear seat legroom completes the lineup, and interestingly, it is designed to be detachable should the need arise for more cabin space – something that Jack requires during his long haul journeys to Malaysia.

A couple of minutes in Jack’s FD Civic was all it took to understand why it has many accolades tagged under its belt. The midbass was dealt with supreme accuracy, not surprising as it was held securely by STP damping material. Should the desire arise to upgrade the in-car entertainment of your car, feel free to pop by Darren Auto and be amazed by the craftsmanship of his precious decked-out hauler!