Hey guys. I bought a CS 350z Performance a few months ago and LOVE IT!! However, the stereo is rather dissapointing and would like some opinions. I was thinking of switching the head unit, adding an amp, and a 10" subwoofer(in the compartment behind the driver's seat). Do you guys think that would make the sound experience infinetly better or do I need to replace the speakers also. I love the car and the cloth seats(leather is too hot in the summer, and too sticky in the winter), and that's why I didn't buy the touring model. Give me your opinions and/or thoughts on this, especially if you've been through my situation and are happy/unhappy with your decisions. Thanks guys and I hope you enjoy your Z's as much as I am enjoying mine.

 

I would highly recommend changing the speakers out too. I have only installed a new headunit, speakers, and an amplifier for them, and the sound is infinitely better. I'm saving up for the sub. It should make a huge difference by getting the bass out of the other speakers.

 

Do I need more than one amp for the speakers and the subwoofer? Also, What kind of head unit, amp, and speakers did you get installed? By the way, thanks for the reply.

 

I installed JL audio XR650-CSi components in the doors and JL TR650-CXi coaxials in the rear. The amplifier is a JL 300/4 (75 x 4), and the headunit is the Pioneer 9400mp. I am planning on installing a JL 500/1 Amp powering a (also JL) 10w7 as soon as I can save up some more money. The 300/4 (and later the 500/1) is installed in the "secret" compartment behind the driver's seat where the blose subwoofer would go. The general consensus though is that the stock sub location behind the driver's seat isn't the best sound quality and is probably best used for a stealthy amplifier mounting location.

You could probably get away without using an amp for the full range speakers, but headunits do distort a lot more than even a cheap amplifier. You might consider looking at a 5 channel amplifier if you decide to go that far. Based on my experience with the 300/4, the JL 500/5 amplifier is probably perfect for a fairly inexpensive but clean sounding system.