Help picking speakers
#21
Diminishing returns 240Z.
Take it from and acoustic engineer here .... an amplifier can make or break your system. In the case of using a stock stereo with a high quality speakers .. you are breaking the system. The stock HU is internally EQ'd and limited to protect (as well as enhance) the stock speakers.
I'l agree that speakers are your first upgrade .. but there is a definite need to upgrade the source at some point too. In a car .. who cares ... noise floor is so high that it is worthless to do extensive upgrade ... unless its free
Take it from and acoustic engineer here .... an amplifier can make or break your system. In the case of using a stock stereo with a high quality speakers .. you are breaking the system. The stock HU is internally EQ'd and limited to protect (as well as enhance) the stock speakers.
I'l agree that speakers are your first upgrade .. but there is a definite need to upgrade the source at some point too. In a car .. who cares ... noise floor is so high that it is worthless to do extensive upgrade ... unless its free
#22
In looking at the stock HU, I'll agree that it is a major limiting factor on the sound reproduction. I'm glad you agree with my advice to upgrade the speakers first.
My order of business is:
1. upgrade OEM speakers
2. new HU
3. add sub w/amp
During this process I also plan to improve the sound insulation to cut down on road noise and unwanted vibrations.
My order of business is:
1. upgrade OEM speakers
2. new HU
3. add sub w/amp
During this process I also plan to improve the sound insulation to cut down on road noise and unwanted vibrations.
#23
Originally Posted by richardho11
I disagree with that statement. I'll bet that if you change out your speakers (keeping the stock HU), it will yield 100% better sound than if you were to change out the head unit and keeping the stock speakers. Maybe you have never taken out the stock bose speakers, tweeters and sub and taken a good look at it? I know that changing the head unit will yield even BETTER sound WITH aftermarket components, but not with just changing out the headunit and keeping the stock speakers in the car.
I am not familiar with the 350 BOSE system. As for poor audio quality, a standard 350z base HU is just as much to blame as your stock speakers. Higher wattage output to your speakers will provide better dynamics. If you don't believe me, any reliable stereo shop will tell you the same thing.
I agree with JimRHIT, amplifiers are just as important as your HU.
Word of advice for stereo shopping, listen with your ears and not with your eyes.
#24
Originally Posted by www.crutchfieldadvisor.com
Q: How much power does my factory system have?
A: While we don't have exact power ratings for the systems in specific vehicles, we can tell you that factory systems have traditionally been lower power units of about 3 to 5 watts RMS (continuous) power. In recent years, however, we have seen some higher-powered factory stereos.
A: While we don't have exact power ratings for the systems in specific vehicles, we can tell you that factory systems have traditionally been lower power units of about 3 to 5 watts RMS (continuous) power. In recent years, however, we have seen some higher-powered factory stereos.
Really don't see how a factory base HU can power any decent aftermarket speakers. Higher end Focals, Diamonds, Dynnaudio, Helix, MB Quarts, etc. all require < 75watt RMS.
Last edited by ProfessorKan; 07-20-2006 at 10:28 PM.
#25
Originally Posted by ProfessorKan
Unless your stock speakers are blown, why would you upgrade your OEM speakers without upgrading your stock HU?
Simple fact ... factory 6.5" speakers cost in the range of ~$1.95 to $3.00 per speaker .. that includes shipping to the assembly line. I know this b/c I used to design these. The only OEM speaker system that I can proudly say I was part of is the Cobalt SS system .... other than that ... these systems are based on filling a hole with the best possible output for the dollar (reliably of course).
Granted, your $200 6.5" components only really cost ~$18 .. maybe $26 to make (including box/manuals/grills) .... but they sure have a lot more engineering and value added content than your cheap OEM crap.
My point .. your factory speakers are as good as blown (in most cars) .. just do yourself a favor and replace them when you are doing the other work on the car.
#26
Originally Posted by ProfessorKan
http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/S-...reo/faq.html#7
Really don't see how a factory base HU can power any decent aftermarket speakers. Higher end Focals, Diamonds, Dynnaudio, Helix, MB Quarts, etc. all require < 75watt RMS.
Really don't see how a factory base HU can power any decent aftermarket speakers. Higher end Focals, Diamonds, Dynnaudio, Helix, MB Quarts, etc. all require < 75watt RMS.
#27
Originally Posted by JimRHIT
Because stock speakers are designed with an acoustic goal in mind. They are designed and voiced to sound acceptable and to pass environmental testing.
Simple fact ... factory 6.5" speakers cost in the range of ~$1.95 to $3.00 per speaker .. that includes shipping to the assembly line. I know this b/c I used to design these. The only OEM speaker system that I can proudly say I was part of is the Cobalt SS system .... other than that ... these systems are based on filling a hole with the best possible output for the dollar (reliably of course).
Granted, your $200 6.5" components only really cost ~$18 .. maybe $26 to make (including box/manuals/grills) .... but they sure have a lot more engineering and value added content than your cheap OEM crap.
My point .. your factory speakers are as good as blown (in most cars) .. just do yourself a favor and replace them when you are doing the other work on the car.
Simple fact ... factory 6.5" speakers cost in the range of ~$1.95 to $3.00 per speaker .. that includes shipping to the assembly line. I know this b/c I used to design these. The only OEM speaker system that I can proudly say I was part of is the Cobalt SS system .... other than that ... these systems are based on filling a hole with the best possible output for the dollar (reliably of course).
Granted, your $200 6.5" components only really cost ~$18 .. maybe $26 to make (including box/manuals/grills) .... but they sure have a lot more engineering and value added content than your cheap OEM crap.
My point .. your factory speakers are as good as blown (in most cars) .. just do yourself a favor and replace them when you are doing the other work on the car.
Originally Posted by JimRHIT
Most HUs can power anything put in front of them ... they just have a problem with transients and dynamics .. problem with most manufacturer's high-end suff is the low senstivity (and the 2ohm/1.5ohm dcr) ... which kills most HUs over any period of time.
Last edited by ProfessorKan; 07-20-2006 at 10:59 PM.
#28
Originally Posted by JimRHIT
Because stock speakers are designed with an acoustic goal in mind. They are designed and voiced to sound acceptable and to pass environmental testing.
Simple fact ... factory 6.5" speakers cost in the range of ~$1.95 to $3.00 per speaker .. that includes shipping to the assembly line. I know this b/c I used to design these. The only OEM speaker system that I can proudly say I was part of is the Cobalt SS system .... other than that ... these systems are based on filling a hole with the best possible output for the dollar (reliably of course).
Granted, your $200 6.5" components only really cost ~$18 .. maybe $26 to make (including box/manuals/grills) .... but they sure have a lot more engineering and value added content than your cheap OEM crap.
My point .. your factory speakers are as good as blown (in most cars) .. just do yourself a favor and replace them when you are doing the other work on the car.
Simple fact ... factory 6.5" speakers cost in the range of ~$1.95 to $3.00 per speaker .. that includes shipping to the assembly line. I know this b/c I used to design these. The only OEM speaker system that I can proudly say I was part of is the Cobalt SS system .... other than that ... these systems are based on filling a hole with the best possible output for the dollar (reliably of course).
Granted, your $200 6.5" components only really cost ~$18 .. maybe $26 to make (including box/manuals/grills) .... but they sure have a lot more engineering and value added content than your cheap OEM crap.
My point .. your factory speakers are as good as blown (in most cars) .. just do yourself a favor and replace them when you are doing the other work on the car.
#29
Could someone recommend:
1. A 6.5 component speaker set under 150
and
2. A 6.5 Coaxil set around 100
What modifications are needed to install these in the Z? Spacers on the fronts?
Thanks in advance.
1. A 6.5 component speaker set under 150
and
2. A 6.5 Coaxil set around 100
What modifications are needed to install these in the Z? Spacers on the fronts?
Thanks in advance.
#30
I would stay away from a 2-way speaker and go with seperates. Maybe go with a 2-way for the rear speakers, but you definately want the seperates up front. I have 2 sets of FOCAL 165 V1's in my car and the sound quality is UNBELEIVEABLE!
Sorry FOCAL's aren't $150 however. Just remember the old addage "you get what you pay for." If you buy a cheap set of speakers, then you will get a cheap set of speakers. Spend the money and get a good set of seperates, you will not be sorry!
Oh, and by the way I went with NAZAR's door pods and got rid of those factory grills that aim your speakers at the floor and block out your sound!
Sorry FOCAL's aren't $150 however. Just remember the old addage "you get what you pay for." If you buy a cheap set of speakers, then you will get a cheap set of speakers. Spend the money and get a good set of seperates, you will not be sorry!
Oh, and by the way I went with NAZAR's door pods and got rid of those factory grills that aim your speakers at the floor and block out your sound!
Last edited by "Z"orilla; 07-21-2006 at 07:41 AM.
#31
Originally Posted by ProfessorKan
Upgrading speakers without a decent HU is like driving a Ferrari on a dirt road - makes no sense in doing so. With your $300 budget, upgrade to a nice HU and use your stock speakers. Higher wattage HU will make any speaker sound better, regardless of brand.
Your new HU will give you the potential for adding additional amps and subs.
Your new HU will give you the potential for adding additional amps and subs.
#32
What about these speakers:
1 - KAPPA 60.7CS 6.5" - 155 shipped
2 - JL AUDIO VR650-CSi 6.5" 186 shipped
3 - Alpine SPS-171A 6.5" - 120 Shipped
4 - MB QUART RCE 216 Component System 6-1/2 - 150 Shipped
CDT AUDIO CL-60CV 6.5 INCH - 150 + Shipping
These are what I'm looking at in my price range... any suggestions?
1 - KAPPA 60.7CS 6.5" - 155 shipped
2 - JL AUDIO VR650-CSi 6.5" 186 shipped
3 - Alpine SPS-171A 6.5" - 120 Shipped
4 - MB QUART RCE 216 Component System 6-1/2 - 150 Shipped
CDT AUDIO CL-60CV 6.5 INCH - 150 + Shipping
These are what I'm looking at in my price range... any suggestions?
Last edited by maxipad96; 07-22-2006 at 07:23 AM.
#34
Does anyone know where to get the CDT "open box" or defect speakers. I remember a while ago people getting great deals on them because the colors were off or something.. Can't find the thread though.
Thanks!
Thanks!
#35
Originally Posted by maxipad96
What about these speakers:
1 - KAPPA 60.7CS 6.5" - 155 shipped
2 - JL AUDIO VR650-CSi 6.5" 186 shipped
3 - Alpine SPS-171A 6.5" - 120 Shipped
4 - MB QUART RCE 216 Component System 6-1/2 - 150 Shipped
CDT AUDIO CL-60CV 6.5 INCH - 150 + Shipping
These are what I'm looking at in my price range... any suggestions?
1 - KAPPA 60.7CS 6.5" - 155 shipped
2 - JL AUDIO VR650-CSi 6.5" 186 shipped
3 - Alpine SPS-171A 6.5" - 120 Shipped
4 - MB QUART RCE 216 Component System 6-1/2 - 150 Shipped
CDT AUDIO CL-60CV 6.5 INCH - 150 + Shipping
These are what I'm looking at in my price range... any suggestions?
#37
Originally Posted by maxipad96
Does anyone know where to get the CDT "open box" or defect speakers. I remember a while ago people getting great deals on them because the colors were off or something.. Can't find the thread though.
Thanks!
Thanks!
The CDT online store has occassinal defect items. I believe they call them B-stock. CDT.com or through Ebay, same thing.
#38
Originally Posted by 240Zplus110
An audiophile friend of mine told me this a long time ago and I haven't forgotten...
"When you listen to your music, do you listen to the amp or the speakers?, so why spend money on an amp when it is the speakers that you hear?"
Most amps are pretty close in the sound quality they produce.. within audible range. A good set of speakers can make any system sound better.
My advice... listen to a few speakers with the type of music you like and then make a decision.. since it is very subjective.
"When you listen to your music, do you listen to the amp or the speakers?, so why spend money on an amp when it is the speakers that you hear?"
Most amps are pretty close in the sound quality they produce.. within audible range. A good set of speakers can make any system sound better.
My advice... listen to a few speakers with the type of music you like and then make a decision.. since it is very subjective.
#39
If you take some time to actually read my two posts.. nowhere did I say to NOT buy an amp. I was inferring that money is always well spent on a good set of speakers... which goes in line what my audiophile friend recommended.
If I read your post, I could easily assume that you are inclined to keep the crap OEM speakers and spend the money on an amp... to what end??
The type of music you listen to & the level at which you listen are all subjective, hence my advice to listen to different ones to pick one that suits you. Amps within a set price range will perform fairly equal on the test bench... ultimately it is the speakers you are driving (and listening to) that your system will be judged on.
If I read your post, I could easily assume that you are inclined to keep the crap OEM speakers and spend the money on an amp... to what end??
The type of music you listen to & the level at which you listen are all subjective, hence my advice to listen to different ones to pick one that suits you. Amps within a set price range will perform fairly equal on the test bench... ultimately it is the speakers you are driving (and listening to) that your system will be judged on.
Last edited by 240Zplus110; 07-22-2006 at 09:49 PM.