ok so I have a little less than $400 to spend on a new headunit and front speakers for my 04 350z(i'm going to disconnect the back speakers because i hear thats the best thing to do with them). Anything else I will add later on, but for now just the headunit and front speakers. What i need are some suggestions for both. recommendations or just good advice anyone?

 

^^ Your stated budget ($400) is too small to get any significant improvement if replacing both the H/U and the fronts speakers. You should spend a little more ($500+) on front speakers, add an external amp, and keep your H/U. When you have additional $'s, replace the H/U.

--Spike

 

agree with spike totally

 

yeah are you running a stock HU? If so I completely (and respectfully) disagree with adding an external amp before replacing the HU.

If you are already running an aftermarket deck, especially one with rca outputs, then yeah speakers and amps first, then replace the deck with a kick a$$ unit. But with the factory deck, the signal will be crap going into even the best amp, and therefore the sound will be crap too. Louder yes, but still crap.

Unless I am missing something, or there is someway to get more than 0.5-1 volts from a line level converter running off the stock deck speaker output wires, then I can't agree that adding an amp to the factory deck is even an option at all, let alone a good one.

But again, are you running a stock HU?

 

Bad advice.

--Spike

 

Ok rather than just saying something quite useless like "bad advice," give us all a lesson on why amplifying a low voltage, low signal-to-noise ratio, low wattage deck through really expensive speakers, is going to sound anything but a louder version of the same distorted sound as before?

Even lousy evidence is better than "Bad advice." I would actually like to hear WHY you think what you think, and I think if you are going to post, the less experienced people deserve to hear it too!

 

For my initial CES build, I kept the OEM H/U, added an external amp and front component speakers. The overall sound improvement was significant.

--Spike

 

I dont get it, the OP said he was buying a new headunit and front speakers...

New headunit you can get whatever you want. Whatever makes you happy. Imo, a double din receiver would work best in the Z.

As for speakers, look for a nice component set. If you're looking for good sound but not something that will break the bank, look into Pioneer's component set or Alpine's. A set for the rear with mounted tweeters would work well too.

An external amp (4 channel, but 5 would be best for the future) would be best to put power to the speakers. Then get a 1 10" Zenclosure sub box and fill the last channel from the amp with that.

This is just my build. People will probably criticize me, but I'm happy with the sound clarity and deep bass (not overpowering).

Note: I started with a $500 budget myself...
I then spent over $600 on my Hu, and over $300 on speakers... Set a higher budget for audio upgrades unless you want simple coaxial speaker upgrades imo.

 

I crossed this bridge before, I have and I am still looking at head units....I love clarity of sound rather than loudness...So with that I found Nakamichi head units expensive but overall quality product and sound real nice through components speaker systems...Sorry op but I would rather save some cash to get a quality system. Just my 2 cents.

 

Phoenix Gold RSD65cs components for under $100 shipped a pair. Cadence amp for $130 150rms X 2 4ohm, and w/e head unit you want with the leftover $300. Have fun.

 

do the phoenix gold fit in without modification? they look real good.

 

Just to let you know ill have a pioneer deh-7800 for sale in the classifieds within the next couple days. Do a search on it if your interested pm me it will be pretty cheap and hasnt been used much just a thought. Good luck with your system.

 

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...se+CD3100.html

your gonna want this since double din aint in your budget

i have owned this eclipse

bad azz

5 volts out
remote

audiophile sound
$ 199





http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=4928

or

http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=3341



or



http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=4418



or

http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=4596


or


http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=4691


or

http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=4630

or

http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=5207


or

http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=5498

http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=5091


or


http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=1090



or


http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=1091


the 1st comp choice was RE and the most at $299


all the rest are different CDT versions from $ 99 to $ 299


get that head unit

and any comp set i recomended


for now you will be very high end


down the road you can add a 4 channel amp

2 channels for front stage

and bridge 2 channels into a sub down teh road


again all that stuff is top quality no bull ****

 

The most important part of this post is where you say "Anything else I will add later on..."

If you realize that the best thing to do is add an outboard amp or 2 and a sub, then it really does not matter what you add now (in what order). Usually adding a good aftermarket headunit to a totally factory system opens up the sound and improves the quality.....even through crappy factory speakers. it has to do with the power an aftermarket headunit will put out (a whopping 14 watts rms instead of 5 watts rms, LOL) and the quality of processing.

I feel (and this is MY opinion, take with a grain of salt) your best bet is to add a head unit and speakers, then you can add an amp when you add a sub later on. Most components can be safely powered by most aftermarket headunits, you just won't be getting the most out of them.

The clincher is the answer to this question:
Do you have the BOSE in your car now?
If YES, then adding an outboard amp and speakers to the factory BOSE headunit will not be just a quick and easy swap.
If NO, then you 'could' add an amp and speakers to your factory headunit, but I don't feel this will give better sound that a nice aftermarket headunit with some nice components.

Here's what I would do within your ~$400 budget.

headunit:
Alpine CDA9885
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...+CDA-9885.html

components:
JL Audio VR650-CSi
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...VR650-CSi.html

 

350zSPL, I really like that RE set you found!!!

 

i buy RE and US Amps direct
if i wanted to make zero money that is what i would charge
they are making $17

these comps are 2 ohm remember not 4

i love them to

 

upon further reflection

2 sets of those re comps
1 set in nazars pods
1 set in Bings kicks
2 , 2 channel amps , 1 on each set of comps ,
and run each set at 2 ohms on their own amps

 

well i don't have the BOSE system. Plus I didn't mention that the head unit currently in is starting to reject cds. It would also be nice to have something to use my mp3 player with other than an FM transmitter. So i understand what everyone is saying, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to change the head unit. However I will probably save up some more money now.

 

The Alpine I linked to has all upgradability including iPod, bluetooth, satellite radio, and even aux inputs.

 

Couldn't agree more!

I just picked up an alpine CDA-9885 for $300 from crutchfield. First time I paid retail for major car audio equipment since 1997. But they threw in free shipping and an iPod contol link for free, not to mention the installation parts at no charge too! I ordered it last monday morning and it arrived by tuesday afternoon (didn't think that was even possible). Best deal I found for alpine's in the main stream car audio sales.

Here is the link

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...&tp=5684&avf=N