Okay, I admit that I know very little about audio stuff, but it's winter here so I figure I will start working on the overall interior sound. I went to a local shop that does great installs, but I not to sure I trust their salespeople. They seem to only push what they carry and call everything else POS.( I know this is part of being a salesman) I listen to all types of music, so I'm mainly looking for just an all-around crisp sounding setup. Here is what they suggested: ( I already have an Alpine 9857 HU)

TC customs audio sub box
2 10" JL Audio subs 10w1
Dyne Audio 7" speakers in the door
no rear speakers
JL Audio 500/5 amp
custom amp rack ( painted to match my exterior)
installed for $2780.00 ( I would be purchasing the sub box separately)

what do you guys think? It sounds a little high. Also any suggestions on alternative setups would be welcomed.

 

That does sound pretty high. Are you capable of installing audio stuff yourself?

 

It's been awhile, but I'm pretty sure I could do it myself.

 

JL Amp 600$ http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...roductID=11727
2 JL 10s - 200$
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...roductID=15650
Will that amp push two 10s? I usually do seprate amps for the subs and highs.
Im going to use kicker components or crossfires with a kenwood amp, so i have matching amps.

For my head unit alpine, crossfire 12", kenwood amp, zenclosure box i spent around 800$, it took me and a friend about 2-3 hours to put it in the Z. The kenwood amp i have is really to much for the crossfire i have, so i will be getting the BMF series. I will use door pods though when i get the extra cash after the engine build. 2.5 months with no z makes me cry heh.

I will probably get this amp for the highs
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...oductID=14874#

 

Actually that sounds just about right for installation and tax. Do you really want to take apart your Z and deal with internet companies that are not authorized retailers? I would personally go threw the shop and ask them for just a little better deal.

 

Cartoys told me they'd take $200 off a $2,600 system if I took it then. I asked them for a better deal and the guy popped off with some comment about how good of a deal I would be getting and how they have to make enough money to keep the doors open.

Installing it yourself shouldn't be too hard, just be careful with your interior panels and don't break any clips or scratch anything. Stuff hasn't changed much in a long time.

 

man.........trust me...do it yourself...it would be fun and if you knew you did all that yourself..u would be happy and proud....i think its a bit high on the price also......i don't trust them salespeople

 

Just amazes me that people that have no experience in the field want to try to take apart a 35k sports car. Its not only taking it apart. Its running the wires the correct way. Mounting things properly. setting up the speakers. Setting up the amplifier. Are you sure you can do that and make it sound they way they can? I would hate to spend that much money on that gear and end up getting a system that not only looks like crap but sounds like it to because I didnt know what I was doing.

 

Audio Equipment isnt that hard to install.. Its not like building the engine by hand =P

 

Audio equitment is easier than a drunk girl. Its not hard to pop interior panels off. I did and it didnt screw anything up. There is more than enough information on this site to do it yourself. Last time i had a stero put in by a high end shop they screwed it up. They didnt crimp the wires from the deck right, so it had to come out and i redid it. Installers are usually people just learning as they go.

 

It a fair price if they are a top notch shop. If you are comfortable with them and don't mind the price...I would say go for it.

One suggestion. Change out the JL 10W1s for a single 10W6v2 if you can. You get a much better sounding subwoofer and it will look a lot better.

 

that is your problem you went to a shop that crimped wires. A true high end custom place only heat shrinks and solders..

 

oh come on man...............putting a system together is like nothing .......u talkin like it takes a scientist to do this.......and your acting like a 350z is a lambo or ferr...... u must work at an audio place hookin up stuff........puahahahhaha

 

IMO, people on this site knows more than people at the audio retailers ABOUT THE 350Z...u know why.? because some of these people have experience there own cars and had hands on experience..

 

I don't think TC customs makes a single sub box, I would need to go with Zenclosure. Unless anyone else knows of a good single sub box? ( prefer under the strut type)

 

Nazar (a sponsor here) makes a single 10" strut box. He is also an authorized JL dealer. I am sure here can get you a good combo price.

 

Some just value their car more than others. I love my Z, but if it was my first car audio install I wouldn't be too worried. It's not like your making permanent mods to it (poking a hole in the rubber grommet and sealing it once wires are run isn't exactly 'ruining' your car)

almost all panels can be replaced with oem parts from the dealer if you break a clip and can't remount it. if you have no fab skills, board members here sell well made pods, amp racks and sub boxes that rival and exceed the quality made by those of pro shops. Take a look at tc customs, nazaar's stuff and bing's installs here as proof. FAQs are detailed enough to give you all the guidance you need.

Obviously installers in pro shops aren't born with these skills, they learn it like everyone else. These boards are an awesome source for information, and while a good professional install may be worth your $, you can get a similar result if your dedicated enough and do enough research. See the post about the bestbuy shop drilling in the guys gas tank as proof that you don't always get what you pay for.

People start DIY projects on their half million dollar houses all the time with no experience. There shouldn't be a problem with doing it on a 35k car with replaceable parts.

 

Try www.zenclosures.com and www.wickedcas.com

 

I have the Zenclosures single 12" box, i had it infront of the strut bar right behind the seats and it sounded like ***, so i moved it behind the strut bar at the back of the hatch made a huge improvment.

Anyone recomend not using rear speakers when you upgrade to pods + componets seems like they would be useless, being right behind the seat and all.

 

I have had two different shops tell me that, replacing the speakers behind the seats would be a waste of money.