I tried the search but wasn't having too much luck on specifics!

Now, I'm not very good with audio setups (this would be my first setup, aside from just switching head units), and I don't even own a 350Z (yet! - As soon as I pay this Grand Am down, I will )
Planning ahead, I guess. Or at least getting an idea.

What I was thinking is:
Replace the door speakers, add a 10" sub in the trunk (w/ one of the ZEnclosure under-bar setups), and stick an amplifier (and maybe capacitor? Or not enough power to bother?) in one of the cubby's behind the seat (probably driver-side).


I would -like- to keep the stock head unit (non-bose) for the wheel controls, but a new head unit isn't out of the question (and probably the better choice).


Question is, how would this work?
The amp (4 chan) connects to the door speakers, and bridges to the sub, while the HU goes directly to the other (stock) speakers? Or does everything go through the amp?

I'm not sure where an amp fits into the picture with the stock/replaced speakers... only that it powers the subwoofer...


Also, is there a way to use the steering wheel controls with an aftermarket HU?

 

some aftermarket deck allow you to use steering wheel controls.. i know my Eclipse AVN5510 does.. i never tried it but it does

depends on what route you go..

a) with an aftermarket deck you can use the RCA Outputs from the Radio directly to the amp... then you would have to run the speaker wires to the ones going to the doors.

b) you can run the door speakers off the aftermarket deck directly, but then you have no use for the amp.


depends on the deck


What i did with my setup was i did RCA's from the aftermarket deck to two amps... then i ran new speaker wires through the doors to one of the amps..

all this information is in the HOW TO's in the sticky threads above

 

Great, thank you for that info


What about a combination of the amp/HU? Say, running to the amp for the door speakers+sub, and running straight from the HU to the rear speakers?



Also, on a slightly different subject... is there a speaker cover for a 10" sub that has the 'Z' emblem? Like, the silver Z on a black mesh, or even the Z by itself? (I haven't searched this yet - sorry if it's a common thing! :P )

 

on an aftermarket headunit don't even waste your time on rear speakers...

regular deck.. i am not sure what the back of it looks like or the hook ups

 

My opinion, is you will eventually end up having problems with factory deck. Replace the factory deck with a good aftermarket headunit with strong 4 or 5V RCA outs to your amps. Really invest in a good quality front stage comp. set. If you want to use rears,,,buy a 100 dollar set of Alpines or Infinity's and power them off the headunit. Basically,, quality headunit,,,quality amp's, basic rears (if you want) understrut enclosure from mike and nice sub..With that, you will have a very nice sounding set-up.

Now, this is all based on a non-bose set up. If you have not purchased your Z at this time,,,,you will have other questions if it comes with a "BLOSE"

 

Alright, thanks for the help gents!

I'm gunning for the Enthusiast trim (07 or 08, if it takes that long).
Don't remember if Bose is an option with that one... if so, I'm not planning on getting it (unless they throw it in free...).. In either case, I will just replace the HU/front speakers, add the sub/amp and be good.

If it's lacking somehow, I'll try adding rear speakers to the mix.
But for such a small car, I don't see it needing THAT big of sound to sound good.

 

Actually, ArrumnDark,,,,you will be suprised at what size sound you will need to make the Z sound good,,,depending on your ear for what sounds good. The Z is not known for a quiet interior. Just my opinion....Let us know how it goes.

 

Will do!

If all else fails, just turn the stereo off and listen to the sweet exhaust growl.
Can't beat that.

 

Yes.