Avic-8100NEX + Focal Components Installed

Z&I · 10-18-2015, 10:43 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Z&I Question to Tree70Z

What type of music do you listen to mostly?

I listen to such a wide variety it's hard to nail down. Everything including classic rock, classical, techno, hip hop, reggae, ska, 80s, folk...

I really like switching between drastically different genres to hear how one song has a lot of detailed sounds of fingertips sliding on guitar strings and hearing the breath of wind instruments, and then suddenly switching to hard hitting industrial and letting the sub show off.

Good answer ! A lot of good usable info
Says a lot ... Thanks much !

bigaudiofanat · 05-02-2016, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tree70Z

I just wanted to give an update on some changes I made to this system. I decided to add a subwoofer and wanted to go with a compact passive enclosure since I did not see any active enclosures that looked worthwhile. Rather than add a second amplifier, I decided to swap out the the 2-channel Focal 200W for a 5-channel Soundstream 640W Picasso Nano. The Nano can run four channels at 60W RMS each with 200W going to the sub, or 2-channels bridged at 160W RMS with 350W going to the sub. I'm only running front speakers, but I initially hooked it up non-bridged at 60W, thinking I might try bridging it if needed. It is not needed. Even though the Focal was supposedly sending 60W RMS, same as the Soundstream, the new amp sounds much better, and I have to keep the gain turned way down.

So far, just changing the amp was a big improvement. With the Sounstream amp, my speakers were already putting out more bass than they had been with the Focal amp and the music seemed to breathe better. But, I needed to feel it a little more. So, I added a JL Audio CP108LG-W3v3 8" ported micro-subwoofer enclosure. Again, I have to keep the gain dialed way back and have the bass boost turned all the way down. That thing makes WAY more bass than I'll ever need. If I turn it too high, it vibrates my brain. By adding the sub, I was able to enable high pass filter, taking the bass out of the front components which made them sound louder and more crisp and clear.

Before, I was just reasonably happy with my amp and speakers. Now, I love my system and I keep wasting time just sitting in my car and listening to tunes.

Conclusion 1: Focal Solid2 Black amplifier sucks compared to the Soundstream Picasso Nano 640W

Conclusion 2: The JL Audio CP108LG-W3v3 8" ported micro-subwoofer enclosure kicks *** and is more than enough bass for a Z.

So I have to ask, did you set your crossovers properly on the focal amp? Never heard of an issue with the focal amps.

smokinsound · 05-12-2016, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

So I have to ask, did you set your crossovers properly on the focal amp? Never heard of an issue with the focal amps.

Wouldn't the best bet be to bypass crossover network in the amp, and allow the Focal crossovers to do the work, and fine tune from the deck? I've been debating this with my PS165FX's.

RonRizz · 10-16-2015, 07:29 PM

Soundstream makes awesome quality amps.....And I love and always recommend the Nanos.

Tree70Z · 10-18-2015, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonRizz

Soundstream makes awesome quality amps.....And I love and always recommend the Nanos.

Ron, I got the Nano because you recommended it to someone else in another thread. Thanks!

Wakeskater02 · 12-16-2015, 09:56 AM

This is a great thread... I was looking to do almost the exact same install. However....after thinking about it a little more and trying to keep my budget somewhat in line.....I was thinking about going with the 7" kenwood excelon components. I realize that focal and Kenwood are in completely different categories.....however money wise the Kenwoods will fit my budget much better. I like the idea of the 5 channel sound stream amp. That is a good idea and will save the room of having to run multiple amps....

Did you mount that amp in the same location as the focal....under the seat?

Thanks for the detailed information.

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bigaudiofanat · 12-16-2015, 02:39 PM

If money is tight go with Image Dynamics for your components you will not be disappointed.

Wakeskater02 · 12-16-2015, 06:28 PM

Hi big....which model do you recommend for IDs?

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bigaudiofanat · 12-17-2015, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wakeskater02

Hi big....which model do you recommend for IDs?

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CXS64 are amazing for the price point

Wakeskater02 · 12-17-2015, 10:37 AM

Problem is....they are like $300. If I am going to spend that kind of money....I would probably go mid level Focal. At $325.

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bigaudiofanat · 12-17-2015, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wakeskater02

Problem is....they are like $300. If I am going to spend that kind of money....I would probably go mid level Focal. At $325.

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The ID's will be smoother and for that price point they are worth it. Massive mid driver for good bass.

Wakeskater02 · 12-17-2015, 10:41 AM

True.

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Wakeskater02 · 12-17-2015, 10:43 AM

I'm now thinking.....those mixed with an 8" sub and that 5 channel amp.... And the pioneer HU will be pretty nice setup

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smokinsound · 04-12-2016, 03:38 AM

Very clean setup! I'm doing something nearly identical, except the FX variant of the Focal and the Fosgate P1000x5. I was curious, did you install the Maestro ADS-MRR? If so, do you get any obdii/sensor data displayed on your head unit? If so, what all can you see? I haven't been able to find any posts of 370z owners installing the ADS-MRR to view sensor data and was wondering if we'd be able to see things like tire pressure, air, oil temps, etc? If not, I'm tempted to stick with a cheaper steering wheel control harness.

white37014 · 04-12-2016, 11:24 AM

^^^ what he said Sent ya a PM, I am also looking at the I datalink and the OBDII features, If I remember correctly from research I think there is an issue with pioneer not supporting the OBD but steering wheel control work?

10-18-2015, 10:43 AM	#1 (permalink)
Z&I Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: New Jersey Posts: 410 Drives: '09 370z 6MT FI Rep Power: 14	Quote: Originally Posted by Z&I Question to Tree70Z What type of music do you listen to mostly? I listen to such a wide variety it's hard to nail down. Everything including classic rock, classical, techno, hip hop, reggae, ska, 80s, folk... I really like switching between drastically different genres to hear how one song has a lot of detailed sounds of fingertips sliding on guitar strings and hearing the breath of wind instruments, and then suddenly switching to hard hitting industrial and letting the sub show off. Good answer ! A lot of good usable info Says a lot ... Thanks much ! __________________ . BB Last edited by Z&I; 10-18-2015 at 10:58 AM.

10-16-2015, 07:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
RonRizz A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Pine grove, Pa Posts: 2,136 Drives: 2 feet, 3 pedals Rep Power: 6776	Soundstream makes awesome quality amps.....And I love and always recommend the Nanos. YzGyz likes this. __________________ P99rs Head Unit--- Amps- 2 Pioneer Prs800d --- Zapco ST1000MX---Zapco ST-4XSQ---- SI BM mk5 Subs---SI TM65v2 Midbass--- SI M3 mids--- SI M25 xbl2 tweeters ----- 2016 MECA street class 3rd place at world finals

12-16-2015, 02:39 PM	#7 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 854	If money is tight go with Image Dynamics for your components you will not be disappointed. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

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12-16-2015, 09:56 AM	#6 (permalink)
Wakeskater02 Base Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Riverside Posts: 55 Drives: 2010 Pearl 370z Rep Power: 15	This is a great thread... I was looking to do almost the exact same install. However....after thinking about it a little more and trying to keep my budget somewhat in line.....I was thinking about going with the 7" kenwood excelon components. I realize that focal and Kenwood are in completely different categories.....however money wise the Kenwoods will fit my budget much better. I like the idea of the 5 channel sound stream amp. That is a good idea and will save the room of having to run multiple amps.... Did you mount that amp in the same location as the focal....under the seat? Thanks for the detailed information. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

12-16-2015, 06:28 PM	#8 (permalink)
Wakeskater02 Base Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Riverside Posts: 55 Drives: 2010 Pearl 370z Rep Power: 15	Hi big....which model do you recommend for IDs? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

12-17-2015, 10:37 AM	#10 (permalink)
Wakeskater02 Base Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Riverside Posts: 55 Drives: 2010 Pearl 370z Rep Power: 15	Problem is....they are like $300. If I am going to spend that kind of money....I would probably go mid level Focal. At $325. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

12-17-2015, 10:41 AM	#12 (permalink)
Wakeskater02 Base Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Riverside Posts: 55 Drives: 2010 Pearl 370z Rep Power: 15	True. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

12-17-2015, 10:43 AM	#13 (permalink)
Wakeskater02 Base Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Riverside Posts: 55 Drives: 2010 Pearl 370z Rep Power: 15	I'm now thinking.....those mixed with an 8" sub and that 5 channel amp.... And the pioneer HU will be pretty nice setup Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

04-12-2016, 03:38 AM	#14 (permalink)
smokinsound Base Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Arizona Posts: 25 Drives: 2013 370Z Nismo MT6 Rep Power: 11	Very clean setup! I'm doing something nearly identical, except the FX variant of the Focal and the Fosgate P1000x5. I was curious, did you install the Maestro ADS-MRR? If so, do you get any obdii/sensor data displayed on your head unit? If so, what all can you see? I haven't been able to find any posts of 370z owners installing the ADS-MRR to view sensor data and was wondering if we'd be able to see things like tire pressure, air, oil temps, etc? If not, I'm tempted to stick with a cheaper steering wheel control harness.

04-12-2016, 11:24 AM	#15 (permalink)
white37014 Base Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Pa Posts: 114 Drives: 14 370 base sport 6t Rep Power: 13	^^^ what he said Sent ya a PM, I am also looking at the I datalink and the OBDII features, If I remember correctly from research I think there is an issue with pioneer not supporting the OBD but steering wheel control work?