I have a 2006 base nissan 350z. I am going to up grade the audio system in it.
I already have these items ...
Kenwood DDX471HD head unit new in the box
Kenwood XR5S amp

I want to get new 6.5 component speakers for the doors. I am in the $180 to $299 price range ... Looking at JL AUDIO TR650CSI, DIAMOND AUDIO D65C, HERTZ ESK165.4 and FOCAL 165AS.

Do I really need door pods?
Will the tweeters sound fine in stock locations?
Will there reall be much difference between the above speakers?

All of those speakers sound great in the show room ... All have different amps powering them since each store sells the different brand so not a real comparison. .. Any help will be appreciated ... Ohh gonna run 1 10" JL in a corner fiberglass box from wicked cas. Also plan on using some dynamat on the doors.

 

The equipment in your list will provide good sound.

Kenwood provides excellent head units; you cannot go wrong there.

External amplifiers provide better sound and are important, but I’ve never believed there is a huge difference in brands. The difference among external amplifiers’ sound quality is specifications.
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Will there reall[y] be much difference between the above speakers?

No… Although Focal is my preference in component speakers, any of the speakers you list are good.
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Do I really need door pods?

Again, No… Door pods sound better, but they are not a requirement for good sound.
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Will the tweeters sound fine in stock locations?

They will be OK, but just that. The stock Sail Panel tweeter position is poor because the high frequency sound from your tweeters is very directional. It’s impossible to stage the directional sound from the stock Sail Panels.
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…Also plan on using some dynamat on the doors.

The 350z benefits enormously from sound deadening. For sure start with the doors; after that you will want to deaden the rear cargo floor and rear wheel wells.

 

Great to hear ... Was hoping to hear some feed back on people who have installed and used any of the above speakers.

I figured the pods would sound a little better but $300 better???

 

I have the Focals you ask about. They provide great sound. I love the bass from this speaker (not “too hot” and “not too cold,” but “just right”).

Pods sound better, but just a little better. The big gain is replacing the dense speaker cover.

 

Install plays the greater role over your list of parts choices

 

Please explain ... Pretty basic install to be honest.

 

I have NON-component two-way Focals and I love 'em. They're very efficient. I only have 50w/ch (to the F&R) and are very clean without cranking them.

And I drive with my window OPEN all the time.

 

Are they mounted in the stock locations?

 

I agree. It’s my opinion that quality two-way speakers are underrated when comparing to component speakers. There are many two way speakers that provide excellent sound.

The advantage I see with component speakers is the ability to mount tweeters in positions taking advantage of the high frequency’s directional sound. For example, I mounted my Focals’ tweeters in the A-Pillar to allow bouncing sound off the windscreen to create a front center stage.

 

Yep. Used ring adapters in the doors to fit them but had to drill anyways as the stock speakers use a funky screw pattern (or something, IIRC).

Rears were sized perfectly but also had to re-drill new holes. Not a big deal at all.

Biggest PITA on my install was running new speaker wires from amp in cubby back to the doors. But even that wasn't a big deal once every trim piece was removed.

Yep, upper frequency response (and sound quality) would have benefit from using directional dashpods and separates but I just didn't feel like dealing with that and wanted to keep costs down. Again, I ref the "open window" comment and sound was a secondary priority to me in this car. I spent less than $1500 (HU, spkrs, amp, etc.) on the entire system and I'm happy with how it turned out.

Probably going to re-do the system in my Niz because I don't care much for the sound, the HU, and the sub sitting on the floor of the rear deck. IOW, I hate the whole thing the P.O. installed.

Mic

 

Mic… I get it. Some owners spend insane amounts for better sound from a CES in a relatively noisy car. The Z is meant for performance and the track. The better upgrade choices “for the buck” are probably suspension, wheels, and tires.

The temptation to upgrade the Z’s CES is simply that the OEM CES (Clarion or Bose) is junk.

 

the stock tweeter locations create left and right separation , and fail to deliver a centered sound stage

and the mid location creates a very diffused result

so that said the install and going the extra mile not to use the factory mounting locations goes a much longer way than what parts are picked


however what you are doing is an improvement over stock

 

I used Alpine's Imprint DSP system to overcome the stock mounting locations. With the right time delays you get a great center sound stage. For your average listener the stock locations aren't horrible, I've seen (actually... heard) worst.

As mentioned ANYTHING is better then the stock BOSE system.