Avic-8100NEX + Focal Components Installed
 

I just had the following system installed on my 2014 Base Sport:

Pioneer Avic-8100 NEX
Focal 6.5" 2-Way Kevlar Component Speakers
Focal Solid2 Black 2Channel 200W RMS Amplifier
iDataLink Maestro Steering Wheel Control Interface
Sirius SXV300v1 XM Tuner
Nissan Factory Backup Camera

The speakers fit in the door without the need of spacers. The dash tweeters were fitted into the factory speaker housings. Inner door skins were completely covered in Dynamat Extreme. A small square of Dynamat Extreme was also placed behind each door speaker. The amp and crossovers all fit under the passenger seat with plenty of room to spare. The head unit fit into the factory double-din opening without the need for anykind of spacers or mounting adapters. There is a little bit more gap around the head unit than I would prefer, but I think it looks fine as is.

I have probably spent less than 10 hours driving the car since the install, so I'm still getting used to the system. Also, I've heard that kevlar speakers have a break in period before they sound their best. I'm pretty happy with the sound. There is actually a surprising amount of bass coming from the door speakers. I would like to hear a little more detail. I'm wondering if adding a subwoofer will clean up the sound in the door speakers a little.

The capacitive touch screen display looks really nice. It is shiny and I was worried about glare. Between the head unit being mounted down low and maybe because I have tinted windows, glare has not been an issue at all. Not that I never see any glare, but not enough to distract from being able to read the screen. The photo shown here has both doors and the hatch open, so there is an abnormal amount of light in the car.

So, anyway, I just thought I'd share what I did in case anyone has any questions, suggestions, comments or wise cracks.

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Damn nice job dude but jesus I could not deal with that glare on the screen

I can't take the credit. I had it installed at a local shop. I'm telling you though, the glare looks worse in the picture. I really don't notice it driving around, day or night, sunny or overcast.

Looks nice. :tup:

I can second Tree70Z on this. I've got the AVIC 8000NEX (same screen as the 8100) and there is rarely any noticeable glare (and certainly none that gets in the way of easily using the functions while driving). Plus, the capacitive screen is WAY more accurate to the touch controls than conventional screens. Not as precise as an iPhone, but miles ahead of the old touchscreen technology.

I'd like to add a subwoofer to this system. I wouldn't mind if it thumped, but my main goal would be to obtain more clarity from the front component speakers. I would love to hear about any COMPACT subwoofers that work well in this car. I am leaning toward the Pioneer TS-SW2002D2 8-inch Shallow-Mount Subwoofer in the Pioneer UDSW200D Slim Box designed specifically for that driver. It would fit in the hatch below the sliding hatch cover. No mods needed. Anybody have any experience with that sub in a 370Z? If so, what are you driving it with?

Is the 8" enough for our little cars, or will I wish I bought the PIONEER TSSWX2502 10-Inch? BTW, they are the same price. I am only considering the 8" because it takes half the space.

So what's to stop anyone from installing a matte screen protector to reduce glare? Also protects the surface of the screen while you're at it.

Nice. Good quality equipment.

I haven't installed one because I haven't felt the need for one. The angle and lighting of the photo caused that glare. While in driving position with doors closed, I've never noticed any glare.

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.

I purchased this inclosure from one of the forum vendors...The custom installers had to add a little depth to it to occomdate the depth of this 10 inches...it is 1 cu ft

I love this solution...it's has small foot print , out of the way...and corner loads the bass keeping it nice and tight. The sub is the Pheonix Gold TI series , caution however...it was $450.00 and worth every penny ! Notice the rubber surround , the cone can throw almost an inch to push air... I had the bass knob installed to control the sound waves hitting my head.

Music
 

Thank you for the glowing report on your new sound system!
It's magic happening when you hit on the right combination of components.

What type of music do you listen to mostly?

I will be installing a sound system soon and have been doing some research before diving in.

I would also love to just sit in the car and just listen for awhile as well.

I like nice tight base down to the 20Hz range but don't want the thump or excessive pressure that a lot of the subs produce.
Near impossible around here to audition car stereo systems - and each person's listening tastes are different as far as music go's.
So I've been trying to find a system combination that is listened to by someone with similar musical likes and tastes.

Thanks,

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!

Hey now, I didn't mean to glow! I am really happy with it, but also keep in mind that I don't have a lot of experience with audio equipment. Good enough for me though.

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.