Cannysage

iTrader: (29)

anybody running an acceptable build with stereo, amp and speakers? I just want an IPOD compatible setup. how much did it cost? don't want to go all out.

JimRHIT

iTrader: (6)

$600-$1000 will get you 99% the SQ of what everyone here has if you install it correctly.

Spike100

Clarion DXZ745MP H/U, Infinity Amp., and Infinity 2-way speakers (mounted in rear speaker space). Hardware plus professional installation (with some sound deadening, and I did some of the installation) was less than $800.

I still have the crappy OEM Nissan door speakers which I am replacing as soon as I get my Z out of winter storage. I’m thinking good replacement speakers (components) for the doors will cost $600-$800 (the speakers, professional installation, and additional sound deadening). I think the door speakers are very important if you want a quality sound system. This is especially true in my case because I am not installing a sub. I need room for two sets of golf clubs and additional baggage, and the rear space and cubby behind the driver’s seat is filled with an amp. and navigation stuff. --Spike

Cannysage

iTrader: (29)

I'm talking more along the lines of $500 for the whole thing, hahahah..

Spike100

Ok…you can do that, and even at that price. You will need to do the installation (at $500 there is no room for installation expenditures). Here is a plan:
1) Install an amp.
2) Maybe leave the stock H/U, or shop hard for a decent one (that you buy for under $200).
3) Replace the rear speakers
4) Leave the door speakers in place (they are bad, but replacing them with anything less than a decent component speaker is a mistake).

--Spike

StreetOC192

iTrader: (7)

Could come close to that if you don't mind a single DIN headunit and buying from ebay. I would eliminate the rear speakers and just use fronts and a sub.

Headunit:
Kenwood KDC-MP5032 - Crutchfield - $130
Kenwood KCA-iP500 iPod interface - Crutchfield - $50

Amp:
75x2 + 250x1
Phoenix Gold OCTANE-R 8.0:4 - ebay - $150

Speakers:
INFINITY Reference 6010cs components - ebay - $106

Subwoofer:
KICKER CVR10 - ebay - $81
Zenclosures single 10" box - ebay - $140

Wiring/Sound damping: around $100

Total $757

Could save some money and build your own box. Use this as a start and cut where you think you can...You *could* also run the components off the headunit and just get an amp for the sub....Just some ideas.

Spike100

Great advice… And your suggested configuration is reasonably priced while providing good performance.
_____________________________
About the car stereo that comes in the Z…I think that the Z’s sound system is minimal, and it begs for replacement. Nissan is keeping the Z’s cost low, and part of this is saving on the sound system. Many buyers (i.e., buyers looking for performance and weight reduction) could care less that the car is very noisy and has little sound deadening. The Bose upgrade is simply a marketing strategy that provides just a little more than what you get in the stock system.

You can replace the stock system at the price-point you specified in your post, and you will get a considerably better system. Good posting (a specific solution). --Spike

JimRHIT

iTrader: (6)

Acceptable to me would be to start by installing a nice Ipod compatable HU - $200 and a nice set of components for the front $200

If you can install it yourself, you will have a huge upgrade and it will be full-control for your ipod for $400ish installed. Save a tad of money and add a sub, amp kit, amp and box in six months or so when you can throw some more $$ at it, prolly around $250 - $300 at a later date

Spike100

+1 on the iPod suggestion. So much better than CD's or burned CD's with MP3.

--Spike

Cannysage

iTrader: (29)

haha, great suggestions! I think I might just get a ipod compatible HU and door speakers then call it a day. There should be enough wattage for a $200 HU to power the door speakers. maybe I'll look into ebay, as streetOC suggested. no more cds for me.. it's all about mp3s

gNaRKiLL

iTrader: (17)

OK here is a serious budget build:

Jvcv 6200 DVD Player
http://cgi.ebay.com/JVC-KD-DV6200-DV...QQcmdZViewItem

Farenheit 7" screen (oem fit)
http://cgi.ebay.com/FARENHEIT-T-7000...QQcmdZViewItem

350z Dash and Harness Kit
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nissan-2003-2005...QQcmdZViewItem

Jvc Ipod Kit:
http://cgi.ebay.com/JVC-iPod-Adapter...QQcmdZViewItem

Total Cost:
$$$$ 448!!!!

You can use your ipod, and play dvd's its a solid deal.

tattoo60012

simple, cheap, impressive:

Jensen VM9311TS from Millionbuy.com $379 w/ free shipping
http://www.millionbuy.com/jenvm9311ts.html

Jlink Ipod cable from Millionbuy.com $15.95 order with radio get free shipping
http://www.millionbuy.com/jenjlink.html

350z Dash and Harness Kit
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nissan-2003-2005...QQcmdZViewItem

Focal 165CA from Speakersound.com $129
http://www.speakersound.com/index.ht...temf165ca.html

Ditch the rear speakers, you don't need them.

you can either cut out the existing front speakers to use them as spacers to mount your new one's, buys spacers, relatively cheap and avaliable everywhere, or you can make door pods yourself. All options in the $20 neighborhood.

Total cost under $560

If anyone can tell me how to do this better for less, I'm all ears. I know the head unit is a jensen, and that sucks, but the unit is reviewed better than almost every other touchscreen unit on the market, and the ipod interface is better than most, albeit a touch slow, but very easy to use, and it's a frigging touchscreen!!!