Nissan 370Z Forum - View Single Post

vermithrax · 05-14-2012, 01:26 AM

ok, I have installed a new head unit (KW-R900 BT), new component speakers (Polk DB6501) and an amp (Polk PA 300).

Honestly, I have installed about 5 full systems in my life, and this was the most difficult. Hardest parts were:

1. feeding the new speaker wire through the tubing in the doors to get to the crossovers and head unit. Major pain.

2. Hooking up the Metra Axxess steering wheel controls. Works great now, but confusing and not very intuitive.

3. running some of the amp wiring. Not much space to work with, and without major elbow grease, the seat bolts do not loosen easily.

Expect to spend at least a whole day working on getting everything installed, if you want everything invisible.

Review:

Head Unit:
I chose the JVC head unit because it was reasonably priced, looked stock, had very good sound quality and was very adjustable. After install, it looks as if it belongs. Color is adjustable to fit the red/orange lights everywhere else. Sound quality is very good, and there are tons of ways to adjust, from the EQ settings, to speaker distance. I didn't want touch screen, so this is about as good as it gets otherwise.

Speakers & amp:
I put in a pair of DB6501s, which are very popular here. I initially ran them from the 20 watts that the head unit was putting off. The sound was crisp, clear and totally lacking in volume and depth. Without an amp, they feel like they are constantly struggling to produce correct sound. It would probably be better if you had a dedicated sub, but as it was, there was minimal mid-bass and it was lacking warmth. so, I got an amp.

The Polk PA330 is a very small compact little amp. It puts off about 75 watts per channel at 4ohms, which is close to perfect for the DB 6501s. I got mine for $60 on eBay, which is pretty common.

After installing the amp, the speakers changed entirely. I put the amp under the passenger seat, and it had tons of room. Now, there is nice punchy mid bass, the highs sound warmer and effortless, deep bass is still mostly missing, but is sort of present and there is as much clean volume as most ears could handle. Overall, if you didn't need real, deep bass, a person could probably be very happy with this setup as is.

My next step is a powered subwoofer. I don't want to lose any trunk space, so a real enclosure is out. I am considering the bazooka 6.5 200 watt tube, the Kenwood 5x7 powered setup or the Sound Ordnance 8in compact. The bazooka could fit in the space in front of the spare tire. The Kenwood or the SO compact may or may not fit behind a seat.

Anyone have any of these subs installed? What is your impression?

05-14-2012, 01:26 AM	#1 (permalink)
vermithrax Base Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Houston Posts: 128 Drives: 11 370z/sport silver Rep Power: 13	75% done, review and a question ok, I have installed a new head unit (KW-R900 BT), new component speakers (Polk DB6501) and an amp (Polk PA 300). Honestly, I have installed about 5 full systems in my life, and this was the most difficult. Hardest parts were: 1. feeding the new speaker wire through the tubing in the doors to get to the crossovers and head unit. Major pain. 2. Hooking up the Metra Axxess steering wheel controls. Works great now, but confusing and not very intuitive. 3. running some of the amp wiring. Not much space to work with, and without major elbow grease, the seat bolts do not loosen easily. Expect to spend at least a whole day working on getting everything installed, if you want everything invisible. Review: Head Unit: I chose the JVC head unit because it was reasonably priced, looked stock, had very good sound quality and was very adjustable. After install, it looks as if it belongs. Color is adjustable to fit the red/orange lights everywhere else. Sound quality is very good, and there are tons of ways to adjust, from the EQ settings, to speaker distance. I didn't want touch screen, so this is about as good as it gets otherwise. Speakers & amp: I put in a pair of DB6501s, which are very popular here. I initially ran them from the 20 watts that the head unit was putting off. The sound was crisp, clear and totally lacking in volume and depth. Without an amp, they feel like they are constantly struggling to produce correct sound. It would probably be better if you had a dedicated sub, but as it was, there was minimal mid-bass and it was lacking warmth. so, I got an amp. The Polk PA330 is a very small compact little amp. It puts off about 75 watts per channel at 4ohms, which is close to perfect for the DB 6501s. I got mine for $60 on eBay, which is pretty common. After installing the amp, the speakers changed entirely. I put the amp under the passenger seat, and it had tons of room. Now, there is nice punchy mid bass, the highs sound warmer and effortless, deep bass is still mostly missing, but is sort of present and there is as much clean volume as most ears could handle. Overall, if you didn't need real, deep bass, a person could probably be very happy with this setup as is. My next step is a powered subwoofer. I don't want to lose any trunk space, so a real enclosure is out. I am considering the bazooka 6.5 200 watt tube, the Kenwood 5x7 powered setup or the Sound Ordnance 8in compact. The bazooka could fit in the space in front of the spare tire. The Kenwood or the SO compact may or may not fit behind a seat. Anyone have any of these subs installed? What is your impression?