Well, after owning the car for a few months, I am deciding on improving the audio by adding some much needed bass. I am going to be keeping the stock head unit (for now) to keep the functionality of the steering wheel buttons, because there isnt a dash kit available yet, and quite frankly, I actually like how it flows with the rest of the car.

I am going to be purchasing a line out convertor to provide the signal to the amp by tapping into the rear speakers. The one I'm looking at is the David Navone two channel high quality line drive adapter (NE-7V):


Anyways, I already have a Sony 760 watt amp, and an Infinity 1040w 10" sub that I had left over from my previous car. However, the box that the sub is currently in will not fit in any of my desired places in the Z. So, I have come up with two options:

1. Build a custom mdf box to fit in the cubby behind the drivers seat, and mount the amp below the drivers seat (or passengers if there isnt enough room). This method will only cost me about $30-$40.

2. Purchase a Zenclosure box that fits under the rear strut brace, and install the amp in the cubby behind the drivers seat. This route will cost me about $150.

I would like to save as much money as possible, and retain as much storage space I can. However, I can easily live with a box under the strut bar, because I usually only haul around groceries...nothing to big. I'm just wondering if the sound difference will be that much different to warrant the more expensive box. Remember, I'm going to be running this off the stock head unit and through a LOC, so the sound frequencies are probably not going to be optimal. And I do not need thumping bass to shake the neighborhood...just something to provide a little depth.

Suggestions are welcome

 

I picked number two.

The amplifier fits very naturally in the space behind the stock subwoofer and allows it to stay out of sight and safer from a thief's prying eyes. The Zenclosure fits like a glove under the strut box. You'd think that it would be easy to see but because of the angle of the hatchback it's difficult to see inside - you have to be looking for the speaker. I you were really paranoid you could throw a towel over the strut in a bad neighborhood.

 

Thanks Paul. Thats what I am leaning towards after doing some research.

Random question, where did you get your speaker guards?

 

well, I did a test fit to see if the amp fits under the seats. Drivers seat is no good. I can fit it sideways under the passenger seat, but the amp is up against the underside of the seat. I'm not sure how safe that is.

I think I'm going to go with the amp in the cubby/sub under strut bar. This way, if I do upgrade the other speakers down the road, I can mount another amp in that compartment with my current one.

Now I just need to get the box and the LOC.