Hey guys,

First off Ive spent an hour or so looking through these audio threads to build some basic knowledge. I never really come into this part of the forum because Ive been focusing on things that I thought were priority when moding my Z. Now that my Z has came a long way I am ready to get better sound quality and I think my front speakers are pretty shot. Im not looking to win any sound competitions or do anything extreme here, just better sound quality.

I have learned that your rear speakers are pretty much useless as most ppl in a 2 door could care less about rear cabin fill. I will take this into account and focus on my front speakers and an amp for now. In the future I will probably add a 10" sub with a Zenclosures box under the strut.


Important Info:
I have a base model so theres no Bose.
I already have an Avic D3 w/ Nav and IPOD in the cubby which I love.

Do I have to get those " pods " for the front speakers or can I choose something that will fit into the stock location ?

Can I use this amp in the future for the 10" sub also ? Or do they have to be 2 different amps, one for the sub and one for the front speakers ?

So what amp would you guys go with and what front speakers should I be looking at ? There are way to many to list you say ... well I would like to not pay a fortune on my audio set-up but I don't want anything cheap. Whats the best bang for the buck and what are the most popular set-ups ? Yes, I understand just because its popular doesn't mean its the best....

Thanks for your patients as this is def not my area of expertise

 

I really hate to be "that guy" who links to another thread to answer the questions in this thread, but most of this was just covered yesterday here: https://my350z.com/forum/audio-and-video/344016-thinkin-of-component-set.html

As for how many amps?
You could go either way. You could buy a 2 channel now for the components and then buy a monoblock for the sub when that time comes. Or you could buy one 4 channel amp where you can bridge 2 channels to make it a 3 channel amp and just not use the bridged channels until you buy the sub. Either way is a fine method. Your choice could be influenced on factors such as where do you plan on installing the amps? What is your amp budget?

As for installing in pods/kicks/stock location?
Pods or kicks is preferred. Unless you do some major fabrication to the stock location you will not be getting the most out of your components. All 3 methods have their pros and cons.

 

You have provided solid information in every audio thread Ive read. Thanks alot !

From what Ive read, you cannot really upgrade your front speakers without installing kick panels or pods right ... ?

I just really wanted to throw some speakers in that will improve sound quality and an amp and call it a day. Pods and kick panels sound like it takes some extra fabing and more $$$. Which wouldn't be a problem but I dont have an audio shop that Im familiar with. Hmmm anyone in SoCal wanna direct me to someone ??

 

anyone have a bit more input ?? Thanks

 

first off, get he wicked C.A.S. door pods...you will thank me for this. it truly does bring out the sound, not to mention you dont have to worry about the bass rattling the inside of the door panel.

They make amps that can power your front stage and a sub. this would be ok for you since it sounds like you're just wanting to run one sub for that little extra kick.

I'm running the new Alpine type r components, although I had the tweeter relocated in the door, cause the factory location sucks just like the 6 1/2" does. I'm really happy with the sound I get out of these. I would only switch to something else if I had a lot more money, but since I wanted to stay under $250, I went with these.

 

If you buy pods from Wicked CAS, you would need to install them which involves screwing it to the door panel. If you go with kick panels, they would be a direct replacement for the OE panels. Bing (16psibrick) can probably offer you a package deal on components and kicks. You are in so cal, so maybe you could drive to his shop or conduct the transaction though UPS (or whatever).

If you want to leave the stock look, you will want to use a 1" spacer made of MDF (make your own, buy from Zenclosures, or make from OEM speaker). Then you will want to modify the OE speaker grill using 1 of the 2 methods that you could find here or in the DIY section. Then the tweeter you could install in the kick panel - this could be done easily DIY, no major modding needed. This will definitely be light years better than the OE setup.

 

This is the route I will take. Can you give any advise on which speaker and amp would be up my ally. I understand diff people like diff products... but with your knowledge and experience maybe you can recommend some that you believe in.

 

pm bing

 

Bing is a dealer for DLS, Seas, and Elemental Designs. With any of those three brands you will not be disappointed in the components. Especially in some of bing's kick panels. I hear he massages a lot of love into the kicks he makes.

 

Will do. Thanks

 

Some other thoughts....

Here are the three locations where people commonly install front components in a Z (listed sequentially starting with the best for sound):
__________________
Kicks
Pros

• Provides the best staging since it is the most forward position and allows the best layout with tweeters and midrange components for a directional installation (i.e., components sound best inside kicks).
  
• This location is stationary and does not subject the components to physical trauma when closing doors.

Cons

• Extra cost to buy the kick enclosure
• You lose all or part of the dead pedal footrest on the driver side (the passenger side isn’t a big deal).

____________________
Door Pods
Pros

• Provides better sound than the stock door location
• Several prefabricated door pod solutions are available for a reasonable price

Cons

• Extra cost to buy the door pod enclosure
• If your parking space restricts door opening, you might scrape your foot against the door pod when exiting the car.

______________________
Stock Door Location
Pros

• Stealth installation
• No extra cost other than possibly the need for a spacer

Cons

• The concave door surface (door grille) is a poor solution for producing optimum sound.
• You are still faced with determining the best place for your tweeters. The Z’s sail panel (the stock location for tweeters) is not the best place for these.

--Spike

 

Thanks for this clear explanation of the front component locations Spike!
This is great!

Now, how would you compare the various brands for sound quality - pros and cons? front comp and subs?

DLS
Focal
Rainbow
Image Dynamics

 

Oh boy.

 

My advice is to first determine a budget, and level of commitment you want to put into it (whether you want to DIY, have someone else install, etc)

Then I would recommend looking at the other audio systems here to get an idea of what you want. You can probably see installs using Nazaar's doorpods and driver-compartment sub boxes, zenclosure boxes, bing's kickpods, etc.

Then in addition to the advice you get here, i'd check out more car-audio specific forums (diyma, etc.) when trying to decide between what brand, etc. I would also hunt down local stores to listen to them in person. Just because brand A is popular, doesn't mean you'll like it too.

 

pm bing

 

You cant go wrong with any of those speakers!