I have decided to finally ditch the stock stereo system (Clarion) from my 2007 350z Base. I have researched many speakers, subs, and amps, but haven't been able to "audition" any of the pieces I'm interested in. I'm looking to get the best sound quality for a maximum of $600 spent on the below components. I would like to have a great mix of highs, mids, and bass (I have no interest in ground-shaking performance).

I plan on ditching the rears and going with a set of components for the front, a 10" sub in the back with a custom, sealed enclosure (that I plan to build), and a 4-channel amp to power it all.

Here is what I'm interested in using:

Components:
Boston Acoustics SR60 6-1/2" SR Series 2-way Performance Component Car Audio Speakers - $174
or
Polk Audio MM6501 Oversized 6-1/2" (6-3/4") Mobile Monitor (MM) Series Component Speaker System - $188

Subwoofer:
Boston Acoustics G310-44 10" Dual 4 ohm G3 Series High Performance Subwoofer - $118

Amp:
Boston Acoustics GT-4100 900 Watts GT Series 4-Channel Amplifier - $294


I found a Sticky thread that mentioned the MM6501s being a tight fit in the 350z doors, but this was only one person's experience. Has anybody else installed these? What was your experience? The same questions apply to any members here who have installed the SR60s.

Please provide any and all feedback for my build.

***These components will be connected to a Pioneer DEH-5800MP***

 

I'd buy the Boston's before the Polks. IMO better sounding speakers.

Think about doing a 12" instead of a 10". Single 10" you may find lacking in output. Remember, it is better to have too much and turn it down, than to have not enough and not be able to turn it up.

Other than that, looks like a nice, simple, sound quality build.

 

sorry to hijack to bit of a noob with systems and plotting what i wanna do to mine.. never changed interior speakers only subs. why would you get rid of the rear speakers? what do you gain?

 

Hi jnkrider, First of all, I would say you are considering a well-balanced system that will deliver excellent sound… kudos for your excellent research.

You asked for advice concerning the component speakers in your list (Polk Audio MM6501 vs. Boston Acoustics SR60). I like the Polk Audio’s, but just a little better, and that’s based in my personal listening preference and should not influence what you like. Many people would vote for the Boston Acoustics speakers. Either of these speakers provides excellent sound.

I believe you want to mount the components in the stock front speaker position. If I have this right, here’s the deal on this: If a speaker's mounting depth is over about 2.4”, fitment in the stock front door mount is difficult. The speakers you are considering require the following mounting depths:

• Polk Audio MM6501: Mounting Depth is 2-9/16"
  
• Boston Acoustics SR60: Mounting Depth is 2-7/16"

As you can see, both speakers are very near the “limit.” I’m not saying they will not fit, but only cautioning you and saying it will require some amount of effort. You can always add door pods, but that does significantly increase the cost.

You are really going to love the sound you get from the nice setup you plan installing.

--Spike

 

That's a fair question.

jnkrider makes a wise decision when he decides to lose the rear speakers. Here is why.

The rear Clarion two-way speakers are junk. The midrange has a paper cone, the tweeter is awful, and the speaker works best with only very low power (it maxes-out at 40W, and any power past 10-15W results in a lot of distortion). Combining cheap speakers with quality speakers is never a good idea since the poor speakers only pollute the good sound from the quality speakers.

Also, he’s going with a 4 channel amp. He will use channel 1 and 2 to drive the front components, and combine channel 3 and 4 to drive the SubW.

Some members here do state a preference for rear fill-speakers. In that case you need to do this:

• Replace the awful junk rears with a couple of decent two-way coaxial speakers.
• Connect channels 3 and 4 from your 4 channel amp to the rear speakers.
• Add a separate amp to drive the SubW.

In this scenario, you spend a lot more $$ for a nominal gain that many listeners don’t even want.

--Spike

 

--Spike,

Quite a few people will run the 4ch amp on the fronts and sub, and leave the rears for 'fill' running off deck power...

Rear speakers are purely preference. On my SQ builds I don't usually run rears. On a daily driver, I might leave them in.

 

^^ I agree… But, you certainly do not want to retain/use the garbage Clarion two-way coaxial stock rear speakers since that will pollute the sound coming from the better aftermarket setup.

So… That means you are swapping the junk rear Clarions with better two-way coaxial speakers that are efficient at low power so you can drive them with the H/U’s internal amp.

But, why do you want this?

I suppose a 5.1 setup is an example.

--Spike

 

I'm plenty pleased with no rear fill. It's plenty loud with just my front components and with kick pods it sounds amazing.

 

I only had midbass in the rear for 60-80hz.

Don't worry about rear fill. I was very happy without it.

I also had a sub for 40-50hz.

Stick with the 10". I had PLENTY of bass from my MB Quart. I hate obnoxious bass though, and while I like it able to go loud, I like response and clarity.

 

^^ Good advice... It's good balance (midrange to SubW) the provides nice sound.

--Spike

 

jnkrider, I'm doing a similar set up in mine. I've used Boston subs for the past 4 years, so I will be using the same Boston G512-44 (now the G3) from my previous car and I just ordered a set of the SR60s, and I'm planning on getting the Boston 500W mono for the sub (though I hear the Alpine 500m is better quality for the same price).

My question to you: did you use a DSP off of the stock deck or just the cheaper line output converters?

Thanks.

 

Subwoofer choice is going to vary depending on what you want from the system. What type of busic do you listen to? What kind of bass output are you looking for?

I agree on the Bostons before Polks comment as well.