Thought I'd mention I've been looking into Cadence amps as an alternative to JL. They're supposedly kick-***, and also have a killer "Z" emblazoned on them:



Full details can be found here:

http://www.cadencesound.com/action.l...r=2001&-search

Gotta get one and mount it in the trunk by the sub!!

 

ba-dump

 

So a question for the audio people...

If you have a stock Z stereo, can you keep the head unit and add one of these and speakers and get a much better sound, or are you limited by the stock unit? How would that sound in comparison to, say, the stock Bose unit?

 

VQ, I think you missed where kevintari specifically said "add an amp".

Yes, you can definitely do that, and it should dramatically improve the sound quality. For $500-1000 you should be able to get a nice amp, set of component fronts, and subwoofer that would tear the stock system to shreds.

Here are some brands to check out:

- Cadence (amps, components)
- Adire (subs; ex: Shiva, Brahma)
- Image Dynamics (subs; ex: ID Max)
- JL (speakers; ex: W3, W6, W7, XR components)

There's a wealth of knowledge over at www.caraudioforum.com - I'm nizl over there as well...

 

Ooops, two more things to answer the question:

- it should cream the Bose system, although this is opinion
- if the head doesn't have preamp outs, you may need a line-level output amp, but these are not expensive

 

COOl. Thanks!

 

Although its technically doable, I have done this and was not too happy with the results. Unless the stock headunit has RCA connectors, you will have to get the signal through the amp using the speaker wires. It will sound MUCH better than the 160 watt stock system but it might not be as clear as an aftermarket headunit with RCA outs. Unfortunately I like the stock look of headunits which puts me in the same boat. Unless I find a classy looking double-din headunit with at least some amber lighting (to match everything else) I might try to run an amp that way again. If I add some subs however I will defintely ditch the factory headunit.

 

Anyone ever seen an aftermarket head unit with digital inputs? I was thinking that would be a cool way to pipe in MP3's from a small computer system (PC104) + sound card with digital outs. Computers are typically noisy so digital output should be much cleaner.

(Why don't I go with a MP3 head unit? Cuz I want to run an LCD panel, with GPS, diagnostics, etc....)

Thanks,
Jeff

 

If you want to run an LCD panel, GPS, etc, you should check into the Kenwood stuff they have right now. You can get a GPS/NAV system that also controls your changer.

Then, you can use one of the MusicKeg MP3 changers instead of a CD changer. Totally sweet, it holds 2500 songs and 999 playlists. Comes w/ a ripping and organizing package for your CD.

Check out www.musickeg.com for a demo, you'll be hooked. I'm considering throwing that into the empty NAV location, and going totally stealth w/ an integrated MP3/GPS solution.

 

Here's a link directly to the product:

http://www.kenwoodusa.com/product/pr...productId=2373

 

For the BOSE system, can you keep the head unit and the speakers and just add an amp to get better sound??

 

How are you going to fit those subs? in the hatch area? I am trying to figure out a way to keep the spare tire and maybe fit 1-12" JL in the back. Not sure how to make the box..I want it facing the rear, but the clearance between the strut tower brace and the floor is only 10" height.

Any idea?

 

Head Unit- Alpine CTA-1505
SVCD/VCD/MP3 Head Unit
Alpine 6 disc cd changer
6.4" Monitor with TV Tuner
MB Quart Components
JL 12" Sub
Soundstream Amp
Phoenix Amp

I already have the Alpine, MB Quart, JL, and the Amps.

All I need to buy is SVCD/VCD/MP3 Head Unit, and 6.4" Monitor with tv tuner.

 

You guys might want to check out the space behind the driver's seat for a place to put a sub. I don't know if it's big enough for what you're talking about, but there's a compartment there that holds the sub on the Touring models. From what I hear, it's just an empty sealed compartment on the other models. I'm planning on finding a sub to fit, or have one custom made.

 

I dunno... as rpgonalez already mentioned, this is one of the worse places for a sub. You're right in the null point of the speaker. Though bass is supposedly "omnidirectional" (not really true), you still need good placement. Again, like rpgonzalez said, everything you read says put it backwards, firing up towards the hatch.

I'm thinking a single JL 12W7 in a sealed enclosure, right behind the seats (under the strut bar), angled upwards.

 

Hey Apex, which JL W sub do you have (0/3/6/7)?

 

Well that sucks alot then. I can't afford to lose any of what space there is in the hatch. I gotta put my hockey gear back there. Why do you say it's not true that bass is omnidirectional? I always heard it was.

 

Thats how I mounted the sub on my TT. Here is a link to a site about it. I never really finished the site, but there are some pics.