Does anyone here locally have any experience installing some upgraded audio equipment in the Z?
Or maybe can reccomend a place that has done good work for you before?

I was thinking of going to Cartoys or Ultimate Electronics or Quality Auto Sound but I am guessing most of the installers they employ are hacks. I could be wrong, but thats what someone from my work told me. I just don't really want my car damaged if I go there.

I ask cause I am looking to do a little uprading to the audio system and needed to know how to get these items installed.

Mudd

 

Contact Dave 90TT. He installed all his car computer/audio stuff and it looks great. Although he's down in the Springs and don't who would commute.

 

I would say quality audio sound is the best bet out of those three. And if you go to Quality then you can make sure they pay for the damages (if any).

 

after working here at circuit city, id trust a couple of my co-workers

also i get some pretty good discount on eclipse / kicker / polk stuff

 

I did do all my own audio work, and thanks for the compliments, Rob, but I doubt I would drive up to Brighton to do it...


However, I'd be more than willing to give advice, and recommendations, and certainly if you could come down to the Springs area (my garage, that is), I would be willing to help.

We could even make it a mini Tech day and have a BBQ or something!

Let me know if you've got any questions.

Dave

 

Dave,

I would be willing to drive down if thats something you are offering up. I would be willing to compensate you for your time and asistance as well.
I am still i the process of buying a few more items, but essentially I am replacing the door speakers, rear speakers, adding an amp and replacing the deck. I am just tired of listening to the stock system, and I am sure this summer more then ever I will be driving her since she will have a little added pep to her step so I need better sound.

Not sure if thats too much for a tech day or not, or if it's a real PITA for us to accomplish. Let me know.

Also, what kinds of things would I need besides that stuff?
Install Kit?
Any speaker wiring or amp wiring?
Anything else you could suggest?

Brian

 

I might possibly take you up on that. But I would be bringing my own stuff, not really buying anything. Not sure if thats an issue.

Can you get me ny sort of deals?

 

I can't offer any skilled help whatsoever (not that that's anything new), but I'd be interested in coming to a tech day on car stereo installation, if one happens.

I suspect that there would also be enough others interested in this that it would be worth doing (thanks for mentioning the idea, Dave 90TT).

 

No sweat, just all you Denver guys would have to drive down to the Springs area.

Brian: you would need some wiring. Probably the best way to go about that would be to get one of those amp wiring kits at best buy or circuit city, or better yet, order one online.

Also, if you buy from Crutchfield (even just an amp or head unit wiring kit), as long as you specifiy what make model and year your car is, they will send you an install guide. Crutchfield is a bit more expensive than others, so I wouldn't recommend buying everything there, but if you buy something (more than just a $5 part), they will send you lots of information, especially if you call them and speak to a customer service rep and ask for the speaker and head unit install guides for your car. Or, better yet, buy the head unit adapter wiring kit from them. It allows you to do all the soldering and stuff out of the car, plug directly in to the stock wiring harness, and then plug into the back of the new head unit.

Anyways, let me know what time frame you are looking at, and I would be more than willing to host an audio tech day at my place. I've got all the tools you would need, and even some of the wires (although certainly not enough wires for the entire install)

Dave

 

I've tend to find Crutchfield a bit cheaper or same price as the local market. The thing that Crutchfield has vs the local market is no tax. Also if you spend enough ($150-$250+) they tend to offer free shipping. I plan on ordering my audio parts from them. To bad I just bought that exhaust though. Power > Audio. Wouldn't mind coming by and help handing tools to you though Dave. LOL

 

Sounds good - thanks for being willing to host. I'm not sure how all of us Denver guys picked up the apparent reputation that we're unwilling to drive to the Springs for get-togethers, but I'll be watching for updates as this comes together.

 

Also another thing to keep in mind, do you have the Bose? If so, are you replacing everything IE headunit AND amp, or just one or the other? Ive done a ton of installs and would be more than glad to help. Ive heard the speakers in the Z is a PITA but im sure it can be done, plenty of room to run wire around. As for shops. Id avoid most, a lot of them charge to much and can do quick work that looks good for a while but falls apart over time. Id be glad to come down to Daves and lend a hand with running wire, taking dash apart, and all that. I can give you tips on what to get before hand and things that make life easier when doing install just like Dave if you want to PM me. Cheers!

 

All,

I will start ordering the remaining items I need and let you know. Maybe we can do this on a saturday in the next 2-4 weeks or so if that would work.

Dave, I wanted to know if you think adding the speaker pods to the door is a good idea. I am using some Boston Acoustics Z6 series speakers, so not sure if it will make a difference or not.

I will get this stuff ordered and let everyone know. Any other dvice you can think of let me know. This is something I am learning about.

Brian

 

Lets plan on doing this as a tech day, I like the idea so that all of us can learn from the experienced people. Hopefully all of us can get together to do this. I think it will be great.

I don't have the Bose, but am replacing the amp and head unit.

I am planning on running the Boston Z6's in the doors, some Boston SL65's in the rear. For power, the Alpine PDX 4.150 to power everything. Head unit being a Pioneer P880, but am unsure if something from Alpine might be better. Keep in mind I know nothing about IPODS and MP3's and the like.

Not sure if those items sound ok or not in everyones opinion.

Brian

 

Those Z6's might want more power; they are awesome speakers, but rated power handling is 200-400 watts.

Alpine makes good head units, but Pioneer has some good stuff as well. Let me get back to you on that.

Speaker pods woudl be worthwhile as well.

I'll do a little research and get back to you tonight.

 

For the speakers, the Z6's are killer, im personally of the mind of getting a midrange-low for the front doors and pillar mounted angled tweeters for good sound dynamic. For the back, love them, wouldnt change. That amp is great, ive heard not so good for low level push or even all out punch, but stable and good for clarity. I personally when it comes to amps will only buy JL. Ive been using their stuff for 5 years now and wont look back. Still holding onto my JL sub pusher for the day i get off my lazy *** and do a stereo upgrade. For headunits, always a huge fan of pioneer. IMO they have the best sound out of any head unit out there. Ive had everything and will stay with pioneer. Alpine makes some good stuff but i dont like their overall UI and features as compared to pioneers new line of stuff these days. Ill see if i can dig up a good front combo that i found a while back. Let me know if you have any ?'s. Also make sure to get plenty of good gauge speaker wire, gonna be running a ton of it for those front doors, espically with a four way amp sitting in the glove box, long long runs to the front!

 

mudd if you need amp kits, rca's , harnesses, dash kits. let me know

i get them discounted about 60%

 

Hey Brian, I'd be willing to participate in the Tech day. I have some experience installing head units, amps, and speakers in other cars. I also changed out my 03 head unit with a 04 in my 350z. I've also taken my door apart a few times (window motor issue). So if you need a hand, just let me know.

David

 

too bad you guys arent down here in nm.. i actually install car stereos for a living.. our cars are pretty easy to work on.. wish i could help you out but no way im driving to c.s. anytime soon

 

[QUOTE=myspivey Let me know if you have any ?'s. Also make sure to get plenty of good gauge speaker wire, gonna be running a ton of it for those front doors, espically with a four way amp sitting in the glove box, long long runs to the front![/QUOTE]

Spivey,

What gauge wire should I get? How much overall length do you think I may need.......100ft?....more...less?

I know the Z6's are power hungery, but I thought 150watts was sufficiant per Boston's web site, but I know you guys are a bit more savvy at this. I just really liked the sound of those more then any other sets/brands I listened to. Plus they do have them on closeout at most places so the prices are pretty good. I was just planning on ordering from a website as it seems most of this stuff is hundreds cheaper that way. I know I might be giving up a warranty from the sounds of it, but those Z6's are $350 cheaper then at a local store here in town.

As for the Alpine vs. JL Audio, which JL amp do you like that would run all this? I really am not all that excited about doing 2 amps if that's what might be needed unless I go with a sub down the road which I may do someday.

As for the pods, I will pony up and get some since it sounds like they will benefit me if you think they are worth the money. I do know that on the x-overs for the Z6's you can adjust the angle that the tweeter fires at if that makes sense. The guy at the store was demoing it to me that way, seemed sorta trick. You can also mount the tweeter on them so they are like a coax speaker if you so choose.
I wasn't sure if thats the way to go or if putting the tweeter up where the stock location is might be better.

So in conclusion I have a decent idea on what major components to buy, I guess I would just need a definate idea on what other incidentals I would need. Wiring, amp kit, head unit wiring kit and the like. Maybe when you guys have time let me know.

Thanks all for your help, it's very appreciated!!!!

Mudd