Advice appreciated!

Goals: I'm no audiophile, I just want a good sound, decent prices, easy and clean install. I don't need a double din, I dont want nav or dvd playback. I just want a headunit that is reliable, looks clean in my car, and works with ipod.

I was planning to get a headunit and front components first... ($400 max budget)

then add a 4 channel amp and a single 10 later (the 4 channel amp for both the components and the sub).

Here is what I was considering:
headunits:
Eclipse CD5100
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...se_CD5100.aspx
Alpine X305
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu..._IDA-X305.aspx
Clarion FZ409
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...ion_FZ409.aspx
Clarion VZ309
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...ion_VZ309.aspx


speakers:
Infinity Reference 6020cs
http://onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/...ce_6020cs.aspx

Questions:
1) do I need to replace the wiring to use those Infinity 6020cs?
2) are those a good choice in components? (I expect ill need a 1" spacer probably)
3) any issues with adding a amp for those components and a 10" sub later down the road?
4) Are any of those headunits a better choice than any of the others for my goals? (and work with the amp and sub addition down the road?)

 

Almost 200 views and no suggestions? Does this mean its good?

 

I can't help you with the particulars of installing the speakers, but I'll see about helping with the head unit.

That Eclipse is an older model. For the same price you can get the CD5030 at Sonic Electronix. I have this same head unit in my 03 Touring and I have been pleased with the performance. The display is very easy to read, which has been a trouble spot with some of the flashier displays I've come across, like the old Pioneer OEL displays. The USB hookup works for Ipod or just a thumb drive, and you get built-in bluetooth. That was a selling point for me, because I missed too many calls because of loud music in the past. Just keep in mind, buying an Eclipse from either of those dealers is buying from a non-authorized dealer, so buyer beware. I have used Alpine in the past, and they make great head units. Any of the head units you have listed, or the Eclipse i mentioned should work fine for adding an amp later. Here is how the Eclipse CD5030 looks installed in the Z:



I would strongly suggest listening to speakers before buying. Sound is a personal preference and I personally hated the Infinity Kappas I installed in another car a few years ago. I have installed Boston Acoustics and JBL components in my own car as well as a friend's and preferred them both to Infinity. Sonic Electronix has SC60s from Boston for 170 bucks, and IMO would be a better alternative to Infinity. The thing is, it isn't my car, or my ears.

When you audition speakers, see if you can hear them on Head Unit power, then on amplifier power. Audiophile or not, you'll appreciate the difference. If you find a speaker you like, get the model number and search some of the online shops for better prices. Something that might put you over budget locally, could be under budget through an online dealer.

Hope this helps.

 

^ Thanks man! Good info there

 

The reason you are not gaining responses is simply because my350z is running miserably slow when opening a new window (a requirement when launching from the links in your message, or any message for that matter).

--Spike