I'm by no means an audiophile, and I know very little about car audio components. So I was hoping that some of you guys could help me out. I'm looking for a decent system to replace the stock (non-BOSE) stereo in my Z. What kind of price ranges are out there? Any shops in So. Cal that you can recommend?

 

It's difficult to recommend a system without input on what sort of thing you're looking for, but here's some general stuff:

1.) You should replace the stock headunit. It's a piece of crap. It makes absolutely no sense at all to buy nice components, amps, wiring, and whatnot and the ruin it with a bad signal that's further worsened by line output converters.

2.) Replace the front speakers with components (at least). If you find that you like rear speakers, you should replace those too. Before you buy anything, try setting the fader all the way forward on the stock stuff and then with it centered. If you find that you like the sound of fronts only, then you just saved yourself about $80 bucks.

3.) At the minimum, I'd suggest a 2 channel amp to power the new front speakers. If you prefer having rear speakers, you can run those off of the headunit's internal power amplifier.

4.) If you want a sub, you must first decide where to install it and how big a sub you can fit, and then pick one. Choose your power amp based on your sub decision.

Figure out your needs and plans for your system, and the forum members will be able to help with more specific answers to your questions. I did all my install work myself, so I have no clue about good stereo installation shops, but I do know that they usually won't install parts bought somewhere else.

 

I listen to MP3's (encoded @128k) from an Aiwa HU (stock speakers), does upgrading speakers and getting an amp make much sense with the lossy format of MP3's? I was thinking about getting Infinity Perfects and a 2 channel amp for the front speakers.

 

To be honest, my main motivation is that I want to listen to MP3s in my car. I'd be willing to put a little more cash down while I'm at it to get new speakers (and possibly other components).

 

If you're only going to listen to MP3s, the quality of parts you install isn't as crucial. Really good speakers and amps only make the bad sound quality of MP3 easier to hear, kind of like high definition TVs playing a standard TV signal--it looks like crap.

I would suggest just getting some decent speakers and a new headunit that's capable of playing mp3s. You could probably install an inexpensive sub as well, and it would be fine. Another possibility: a decent headunit and an MP3 changer-- you could put 6-12 disks in it with a huge collection of music and never have to change a CD.

 

I am going to (as usual) disagree with someone here in the audio section. Bastard, while technically what you are saying is correct, the order that you proposed them is not.

First and foremost trust one thing - this is not a sound-deadened car. The best sound you'll ever get out of this car is "above average" until you spend a good amount of time or money or both dynamatting the entire car.

Next, the headunit should only be a priority if you want to increase the number of features available to you. Best examples are: MP3 capability, changer capability, direct-to-system XM or Sirius, Nav in a non-nav car, etc. Other than that stick with the stocker.

If features is point number one for you (ie MP3's), then spend the money on the headunit that you're happiest with. If you still have some money to burn the next best upgrade is NOT speakers, its actually amplifiers. Upgrading amps to a set of stock speakers will dramatically improve your sound quality, image definition, clarity, and volume...

I completely agree with Bastard on this point tho - mp3's will be the "junk in junk out" scenario. No matter how much you pour in to your system you'll still be rockin to a sh^tty sound. . .

Your sound preference is also a big deal on what to do from there... if you prefer hip-hop, a sub is essential, if you are more the rocker type, then upgrading the fronts to get more midbass is usually more important. . . Trust, it never ends (mine is only just about to begin...)

Enjoy & have fun!

 

Just got my Z back today with new audio goodies. Here is what I now have:

-Eclipse 8443 HU (Top of the line) $420

-Eclipse 4 channell amp: $380

-JL door speakers (middle line which I liked better than top) $280

-JL 10" woofer $100

Total cost installed was $1640.

Great sound though the sub would be better behind seats than in stock Bose location behind drivers seat.

Lots of other combinations out there. Best bet is go to 2 or 3 top end shops & listen to what they recommend & how it sounds.

 

i have an alpine 4 channel amp and i was wondering if i just put that in there while leaving speakers, hu, sub, etc.. stock, will it make a difference? The amp is just sitting in my garage for no reason and i'd hate to see it go to waste, so i might as well stick it in. thanks.

 

hmmm someone who finally understands what i'm talking about. I did that to my last car temporary of course and let me tell you adding amps to a stock speaker given that its 4ohm got me results much better than i expected. Nothing beats a clean signal to the speakers. I actaully preach this method alot for someone looking for a budget stereo, but few if any listen.