Hey guys, I just can't stand stock audio system of Z anymore and thinking to upgrade it. I'm on a budget so I can't go all out high-end. Say $800-1000 max. (Friends will help the install.) I have Sony 7700MDX headunit, but that's it. I'm a newbie in car audio so I have no idea what I should pick. I searched and read a lot of thread but I got completely lost and confused.

I need:

Front Component Speakers (Up to $250)

2-Channel Amp (Up to $200)

Subs: Infinity Basslink X ($230 shipped in Ebay)

Dynamat or whatever the sound deadening material available on the market with better value. Better recommendations? (Dynamat is overpriced IMO): $120?

Other stuff needed for installation: No idea what I'd need and prices.

Based on many people's opinion, I'll leave the rear alone and just do the front.

So what are you guys' opinions on front component speakers, 2-channel (or 4-channel) amps, and sound deadening material?

Thanx in advance.

Sean

 

Amp: Xenon 100.2 269 http://www.cardomain.com/item/PHOX1002

Dynamat: http://www.cardomain.com/shopbrand/Dynamic+Control
http://www.cardomain.com/shoptype/Damping+Accessories

Speakers: alpine type x http://www.hookedontronics.com/show_...s.jsp?cid=9836

 

I second the PG Xenon 100.2. Have it and love it, no problems. Dynamat around the speakers and sub and Secondskin Spectrum II in the wheel wells.

 

What's Secondskin Spectrum II? Is it another form of sound insulating material?

 

Its just a liquid form of soundproofing that seemed to work well for me.

$300 for the amp (PG).. $300 for components (Diamond, Alpine, Boston) .. $125 for Sound Insulation/dampener (dynamat knock-off and 1 ga; Spectrum) and $50 for cabling and you should be set = $775

I wouldn't recommend a sub in the cubby but many people here seem to.

 

I also saw some thread recommending against placing subs in cubby for optimum sound quality, but on contrary, a lot of people also put subs in the cubby and are pleased with it. If I had more $$, I'd get JL 10W6v2 or 10W7 and get a custom fiberglass enclosure to put in spare tire compartment, (I don't carry spare tires, since it won't fit due to my Stoptechs anyway.) but it just gets too expensive, and I don't want to put Infinity Basslink in my trunk because I need trunk spaces.

So, for dynamat, (or fatmat) which part of the car should I put them on? Doors, cubbys where sub and amp goes in, and where else?

 

I built a spare tire FG enclosure from scratch and installed a 12" MB Quart in it. I love it. I get much more bass than when I had a 10" in the strut tower. I think it has to do with the fact more free air space is open in the rear, strut tower enclosures block off the rear (except for 1 1/2" above the strut brace) and cause more rattles IMO because sound waves are trapped.

You have two reasons to soundproof: Vibration dampening and road noise. The first is pretty easy to achieve, the second is difficult, time-consuming, and impossible to get 100% better. Use a Dynamat Extreme type alternative for rattle dampening. I would concentrate on the doors and trunk, but it depends where and what type of setup you end up using. If your going basslink, then a lot in the cubby area. If your going in the rear then trunk, rear wheel wells inside, and back of tire well. The outer door panel already has a dampener from the lower edge till up about 6". I added some Extreme above it. Beyond that I would go for some liquid Spectrum in the outer wheel wells and that's it.

If you want to get crazy and Spectrum II the whole interior, use acoustic foams (open/closed cell), hood linings, and rattle pads then PM me..that's what I did but it is a hell of a lot of work.

 

I think you should invest on the front speakers. I have the DLS iridiums.
The DLS UR is the lower version and only difference are the mids. You
get the same xover and silk tweeter.

Front components: DLS UR 6 $375
http://www.infinitecaraudio.com/cgi-...talogno=DLSUR6

Amp: The Xenon 2 way is fine for $270 that's a steal.

Sub: your basslink from ebay $230

Sound deadening: edeadv1 cheaper alternative from dynamat, what i use
http://edesignaudio.com/product.php?cid=9&pid=7&cur=USD $1.00 per ft.

$125 left for deadening,wires calbes

 

[QUOTE=dannichols]I built a spare tire FG enclosure from scratch and installed a 12" MB Quart in it. I love it. I get much more bass than when I had a 10" in the strut tower. I think it has to do with the fact more free air space is open in the rear, strut tower enclosures block off the rear (except for 1 1/2" above the strut brace) and cause more rattles IMO because sound waves are trapped. QUOTE]

Dan do you have a pic of your subwoofer box/install?

Thanks

 

The focal speakers are awesome but over your budget so I'd go with Boston's. Still a little over your 250.00 but the speaks are kinda the most important part.

 

I agree Boston Acoustics!!!

[QUOTE juyz] Dan do you have a pic of your subwoofer box/install?