I know this thread is about quality of sound between assorted head units, but looks are also important as is ease of installation. So, could some happy Z owners post some pictures of what there new head unit looks like installed? Also, pictures of amplifier placement and extra speaker placement would be cool, too! Another faux paux (spelling?), but what speakers have people used once they take the Blose speakers OUT!?

Thanks!
Michael

 

heh - a lot of us don't even have the shitty blose system, we got the even crappier clairon unit.

Anyway, all HUs will install the same being single DIN and double DINs install just as easily.

As far as what speakers I used, I used Boston Pro 6.5 front components (woofers mounted in stock location with tweeters in the kickplates) with Boston 5T Ambient Neo Tweeters (play 8k and up frequencies) mounted in the stock tweeter location with a Boston Pro 10.5 sub mounted in the spare tire well.

My amp is an xtant x603 3 channel amp powering every speaker.

Here's a couple pics...

Head Unit: (Nakamichi CD45Z)


Amp and Sub:


These pictures are way outdated and the underside of the carpeting has been since covered.

 

EXACTLY!! Just got it and love it! I have had pioneers for ever and still think they are pretty good but this head unit is sweet!

 

Where do you guys buy your equipment, on-line or at a local dealer? If on-line, what are some good sites?

Thanks! Your systems kick ***! Nice job! Now I get to drive to the video store and listen to Dave Matthews (at least I think it's Dave Matthews. Tough to tell with the Blose system). I hope I hear a collect groan from all you folks with nice sound systems!

Have a great weekend!
Michael

 

It is sweet! There is one thing I don't like about it. When navigating through folders when playing MP3's it displays folder numbers rather then folder names, which will make it easier finding your songs.

 

I was just looking at your setup and I have practically the same exact thing with the Alpine head unit and amp and all JL speakers and subs. I also put my sub in stock location.

 

I am very happy with it! Did you install yourself?

 

Alpine is the way to go!

 

If you want to talk Sound Quality...

McIntosh MX 406 - pure SQ. 110 db s/n and add the 4000 Changer @ 120db s/n.

From there I would stick with Clarion, becuse they bought
McIntosh a few years ago and are now incorporating a lot
of their technology into their high end product.

 

nakamichi, definetly

 

I am in the process of doing an install.I'm going to be using a Denon DCT-Z1 for the head unit along with DLS speakers and some Zapco C2K amps.I am in the planning stage right now.I'll post pics of the whole install when I start.

 

for those of you that asked, here are some of the online retailers i have dealt with and I can promise you that they are all legit...

www.cbrstereo.com - prices are mad low!
www.speedsound.com - ask for Norman or Irene
www.sounddomain.com - good customer service
www.soundhabit.com - pretty good

www.netmarket.com - you have to be a member, but they're very trustworthy.

I bought most of my focal speakers and PPI amps from CBRstereo. They're great!

 

Clarion PRO Audio

http://www.clarion.com/proaudio/proaudiofm.htm

 

alpine 7894... Digital time correction, orange lights (last of the dual illumination-amber or green)

 

Kenwood KVT911DVD and soon to be 915.





Kenwood Excelon KVT911DVD
MB Quart QSD 216/Fr
MB Quart PSD 216/R
JL 10W6v2 in fiberglass enclosure
JL 500/1
JL 300/4

Not too loud, not too quite. Just perfect for good clean sound in a hatchback.

 

Here's the amp install. Easy access to the X-overs

 

I'm partial to my Alpine 7893. Excellent options and mathces the interior quite well.

 

ALPINE ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!

 

http://nakamichi.com/

BMW does not use it in their M series for no reason (that is in no way implying anything at all...haha...some people get sensitive ). I had a full out system in my last SUV and used Nak head units and it is incredible sound quality.

You would not be disappointed

 

I got to say BlauPunkt. Especially the SanFrancisco Model

It might be 899 but the sound quality is supurb, it also comes with a self adjusting EQ so that it atuomaticly detects and adjuts for roadnoise AND distortion!. Of course I have been a Blau fan my whole life

BlauPunkt