Ok guys I'm a new Z owner and need stereo advice. I've got a $500 budget for a stereo - I'll have a Zenclosure box and need amp/two 10" subs/and deck unit. What is the best gear to get and stay within $500 budget (don't count the enclosure in the budget). Any ideas or advice?

Thanks!


note: I've got a '06 base MT 6spd. currently (the stock sound system makes me want to puke)

 

save so u can can get somethin nice....or check the classifieds man....

 

Ya, if you want it done right your going to need to save up some money. If you want really good bump in the trunk go with JL ws6 10" subs. I have theses and love them paired up with a 500/1(or 2 cant remember right now)JL amp. You can go on ebay and get JL products but you wont have a lot of the warranty if you would to get it at the store.

Either way if you want brand new your going to have to save and if you want used then take your chances with used subs.
O,by the way i totally agree with you on the stock radio system i couldn't stand it either and that was the first thing i got done to my Z.

 

http://www.edesignaudio.com

NINe.2 amp for $215/each
e5.10 $225

A little over your budget. I think I can get you a little taken off the sub price.
Msg me if your interested.

 

I love it when people ask for cheap stuff in an attempt to replace cheap stuff. We realize that you have a budget, and thats great, but for this endeavor you do not want to skimp. As in most things in life, you can give in to the urge of instant gratification only be underwhelmed, or you can save up and buy quality products that you will enjoy into the future w/out headaches.

The biggest impact you can make off the bat is replacing the OEM headunit. After that, buy your component and sub amp install kit (knukonceptz.com is the best quality for cost). Then your components. They may be sitting a bit while you save up for the amp, but it will be worth it: buy a solid 4 or 5 channel amp to run those components and the future sub. Last stage is the sub: get the the sub + enclosure. If you are smart, you will have already ran all of the wiring when you installed the components, so all you need to do is plug in the sub once it arrives.

 

Good suggestions, I'll think about it. It's not that I don't have the $$ to drop on the sound...it's more that I don't want to.

 

It gets expensive, I whole heartily agree with you there. It may help ease the sticker shock by buying the pieces in smaller chunks versus just plopping down a huge $$$ all at once

 

You can spend little, but you'll end up with a system sounding similar to the stock BLOSE system. Take your time with audio. You get what you pay for.

 

be patient and buy used equipment.. you can do something decent for $500 but you have to shop for deals, low ball a bunch of people, and risk getting abused equipment.

 

well i got 2 8" jl subs for a 100 (only used for a year) and a custom box for 250 that was made for the to 8's. good for rock music and not bad for rap. maybe this could hold you off for a while till you get money for a good system to really rock your socks off.

if you want more detail on the performance pm me.

o by the way these were bought and box made by custom sounds hear in s.a. a really good well known audio shop hear in san antonio.

 

how about use that $500 and get a nice deck and then save for a good amp and sub.

 

well evokiller if he did that you know it would coast close to $2,000 plus! and thats if he does all the installing himself. O, by the way the Z cant do a 12" sub with out a fiber glass box. If you have a friend that can give you the hook up on 1 12" alpine type r sub and a alpine 500watt 2ohm amp for $200 and making a custom fiber glass box can be done for about 120( including messes ups) and you can get a 150 deck and be only over 50$ on the budget. i hope that helps even thought you wanted tens

 

I agree, a decent deck is where it all starts.


Damn! Good estimate! My system ($400 HU) ended up costing around $2k.

 

lol are you being sacastic or serious lol can't tell lol. but ya that was with just the 8's 6 channal amp deck and two alpine type r door speakers with some dyno mat in the doors o and a control unit for the steering wheel controls,it came out to 2,300 at custom sounds and lol you dont know want to know what it coast to get the 2 10's done lol

 

I agree with the save, but here is my System on a budget:

Deck: $159.00
2 subs: $138.00
Amp: $169.00
Kit: $14.99
------------------
Total: $480.99

Keep in mind you'll still have to buy wiring harness and amp kit. Links below:

HU: http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...roductID=20663
SUB: http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...roductID=18599
AMP: http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...roductID=20525
KIT: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1209976...t.html?tp=3121

EDIT:
You can also go JL Audio subs:
It'll bring your total to 520.99. The idea is, it can be done.
JL Subs: http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...roductID=21406

 

Yeah, I broke the $2k mark when it was all said and done. It gets expensive quickly when you start to realize that you want bigger and better right after you finish an install

OP: if you simply must stay withing budget, that's ok, because it won't take long for you to realize you want more power/better sound etc. Just take your time and upgrade as your needs change. No need to build it all in one sitting.