Korrrion

All I really want to do for the time being is just upgrade the head unit and two front speakers of the Z; and maybe use an amp if the head unit I purchase won't deliver enough power to the speakers.

The rear speakers won't be used, and I plan on listening to just CD's and MP3's. I'd love to have a CD/MP3 changer as well, but that might be a bit too costly.

So anyone have any recommendations for a line of two speakers, head-unit with mp3/cd playability and maybe an amp for around 500 bucks? I'm willing to push into 600 if I have to, I'd like for whatever I purchase to be the same components I will use for the final audio set-up.

As in that the speakers and head-unit purchased will be high enough quality that they won't be replaced.

Thanks for reading this, in the meantime I will most definitely be looking at old topics; thanks again.

youngn1m

iTrader: (1)

Im not sure if you can get a headunit, front speakers, and an amp for 600...realistically, you probably need to expect to spend around 1000, if you want a pretty decent setup....in any case, for the headunit, i would go with the alpine 9833 whch has the mp3 capability and is xm ready if u wish to have it...you can look at crutchfield for this head unit (300-400)
front speakers, i went with the Diamond Audio Hex 600s but a lot of other people have the focals....pretty much the same price (300-400 - depending where you buy)
amp, i went with the zapco reference 350.2 to power the front speakers (you WILL need an amp if you decide to change out the front speakers)...this goes for around 400
thats already 1000 and if you want to install it someplace...you gotta add installation cost also.....hope this helps you out...

Zrated

I was going to suggest the 9833 too! Its a very good HU without going too crazy.

I'm seeing more and more Zapco amps listed. I really know nothing about them, how do they compair to say..JL Audio?

$600 for everything is tough. Your probably best off starting with a better head unit (Alpine 9833) 300-400 like youngn1m said.

Then go from there.

Conceyted

iTrader: (7)

how do you like your diamond hex's. I have heard the focal 165v2's and i like the way they sound, but i am also considering the diamond's. How would you describe the way they sound?

oh and btw: I also vote for the 9833... i have one and i love it!

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

I've walked the path you are asking about. My Redline track has MB Quart DSC-216 separates up front matched with a U.S. Acoustics USX-2100 amp feeding them lots of clear, clean power. Everything else is stock (including the head unit) and is the perfect stealth setup. Look for an article about this upgrade and the contrast with a truly custom, sophisticated sound system in a future issue of Sport Z!

BoostTed

Zapco's are awesome..they have been around for quite sometime now. Just no one really hears about them unless they are way into car audio. I have had JL amps and now Im running Zapco's, and I have to say the Zapco's are a bit cleaner, then again Im also running their symbilinks

rplink

Hum, $500 to spend......

How about:

Headunit: $223.49 shipped
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...703712449&rd=1

Front Speakers $149.99 shipped
http://www.thezeb.com/detail.aspx?ID=1083

Amp $150.00 shipped
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...703800259&rd=1

You'll need an installation kit to mount the headunit in and to make your life easy, get the wiring harness also. Figure another $30.

About $550 for all new products.

I've bought alot of electronics off of ebay and been lucky so far, however it's more risky than purchasing the items locally through a electronics chain. You could save some money on shipping if you bought everything from one on-line retailer, so keep that in mind.

I can vouch for the Xtant and CDT products, since I've owned both and were happy with them. I've not used this particular Alpine deck but it seems to have the features you want and fits your budget.

Good luck!

Korrrion

Just wanted to shout out a quick thanks, looks like this audio upgrade might be more costly than I thought.

Thanks again everyone.

Audito350Z

iTrader: (1)

Korririon... here's what I did

Kenwood Music Keg, the 710 = $250
Kenwood Sirius radio tuner = free with FM modulator
Kenwood FM modulator = $79
JBL GTO speakers, 606C in the front and 636 in the back = $400 installed

I'm using the OEM heand unit to run everything. I have 10 CDs on the Keg, and I have plenty of room remaining on the 10gig cartridge.

I fade it to the front, I set it to 4.... less than 4 and the rears are too loud, but at 4, the rears are just about right... what I really need is a 3.5 setting.

I installed all the Kenwood stuff myself. Next I plan to add 2-channel amp for the fronts. They need a little more juice. The OEM HU will continue to power the rears


Hope that helps,

PeteH