Base model radio upgrade question

Inspector71 · 12-15-2015, 02:15 PM

I have a 2015 base. It appears there are two speakers, one in each door, and that is it. There are what appear to be speaker covers at each corner of the dash. Am I correct? If I upgrade to a better Nissan radio, will I be able to have speakers put there? I am not interested in nav and all that, just a better sounding radio and speakers. Thanks.

After some more research I see how much has been written about this. Stereos/speakers, and much of what I read is over my head. I am a low tech guy and I don't want to waste anyone's time. I guess what I'm trying to ask is, staying with Nissan, can I upgrade through them to a better radio and would I be able to get speakers put under the covers in the dash? Any idea what this might cost? As to after market stuff, I realize it may be way better but I'd have no idea what I'm doing. If it involves wires, I'm probably banned from touching them.

Apex2Apex · 12-15-2015, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inspector71

I have a 2015 base. It appears there are two speakers, one in each door, and that is it. There are what appear to be speaker covers at each corner of the dash. Am I correct? If I upgrade to a better Nissan radio, will I be able to have speakers put there? I am not interested in nav and all that, just a better sounding radio and speakers. Thanks.

The base model has four speakers. The two door speakers and the two speakers on the dash. I have a 2015 base model and just finished the DIY install of a new system.

I installed a new head unit, door speakers, amp and Zenclusre box w/10" sub.

Night and day.

Edit: I just saw your edit. For head unit pricing it depends on what you are looking for. If you want a touch screen you're looking at $200 + for a decent one. If you don't care about touch screen you can get a really good single din unit for less than $200. There are a ton of variables with cost, it just depends on what you are looking for. I suck at wiring as well and had a buddy help me wire the head unit and steering wheel controls. I installed the AMP (easy) and the back up camera (easy). It's just time consuming. If you were closer I would be more than happy to help.

There's also a ton of into in the DIY sections. Don't be afraid to ask!

bigaudiofanat · 12-15-2015, 02:43 PM

Please search next time.

Your front speakers are a component set 2 tweeters in dash and two woofers in the door. 6.5 speakers. You will need to run new speaker wire from the woofer and or tweeter to the new crossover that comes with your component set before going to your new head unit or amp.

90 ST · 12-15-2015, 03:39 PM

Far better off going with a good install shop then back to Nissan for a audio upgrade.

RonRizz · 12-15-2015, 05:06 PM

I agree with 90st. The speakers are already there, as everyone pointed out. Nissan isn't going to offer you much in the way of an upgrade, you get what you got. Even if they did, It would be at an outrageous cost, and not worth it.
See a local brick and mortar shop, and have them set you up with a new aftermarket head unit. Prices will vary depending on what model you choose, but Install shouldn't cost much more than $200 beyond your head unit with all the other bits required.
If this still does not satisfy you, you can look into upgrading your speakers down the road.
Another thought would be leave the stock system, and add a small amplifier to put more power into the stock speakers. You'd be surprised how much they can handle, and actually don't sound too bad doing it. I did this with mine when I first got it, while waiting for my new equipment to arrive. Sounded just fine.

Inspector71 · 12-16-2015, 07:49 AM

Actually, I did do a search but was totally lost in the terminology used by people who know what they are talking about. DINS, woofers, sub this and that, I am so old school, the school burned down. I thought I'd take a stab at asking about what Nissan has hoping you all would tell me they can replace the stock unit with this and that. But you all have convinced me that is not the way to go. No, I don't want a touch screen. Nerve damage in my neck, elbows, etc makes hitting these keys hard enough and a, when I had a touch screen, it was no fun. Thanks for your patience and every good assistance. So, are you saying there are speakers under the covers on my dash? I hear nothing coming out of them only the two on the doors. Again, thanks for setting me straight. I think I'll find a good audio store in the KC area and go through them and not Nissan. You all probably saved me a big headache. Merry Christmas everyone.

RonRizz · 12-16-2015, 08:32 AM

Search would not have helped you a whole bunch, anyway for the question you posted, other than to find out there are tweeters in the dash locations.
And happy holidays to you, too.

daveb91 · 12-16-2015, 11:46 AM

I have a base model and by just upgrading the Headunit to a aftermarket double din made everything sound a lot better with more power...I later went with replacement speakers, wickedcas 10" corner sub box and amp...but the Headunit replacement was night and day...

Apex2Apex · 12-16-2015, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inspector71

Actually, I did do a search but was totally lost in the terminology used by people who know what they are talking about. DINS, woofers, sub this and that, I am so old school, the school burned down. I thought I'd take a stab at asking about what Nissan has hoping you all would tell me they can replace the stock unit with this and that. But you all have convinced me that is not the way to go. No, I don't want a touch screen. Nerve damage in my neck, elbows, etc makes hitting these keys hard enough and a, when I had a touch screen, it was no fun. Thanks for your patience and every good assistance. So, are you saying there are speakers under the covers on my dash? I hear nothing coming out of them only the two on the doors. Again, thanks for setting me straight. I think I'll find a good audio store in the KC area and go through them and not Nissan. You all probably saved me a big headache. Merry Christmas everyone.

Here's a couple of examples for you to help you out. Please note, I am using Kenwood as an example simply because the name is unervisally known. There are better ones out there.

This is a single din unit:
http://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-KDC-BT...ood+car+stereo

This is a double din unit:
http://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-DPX501...ood+car+stereo

As previously mentioned, your best bet is to find a local audio shop and tell them what you are looking for. I highly recommend going to more than one shop. If you have any questions about what they are trying to sell you post it up, the people here are more than happy to help.

kenchan · 12-16-2015, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveb91

I have a base model and by just upgrading the Headunit to a aftermarket double din made everything sound a lot better with more power...I later went with replacement speakers, wickedcas 10" corner sub box and amp...but the Headunit replacement was night and day...

yep, i run the one gen older AVH-4500BT. it's got plenty of EQ control to make even the factory speakers sound pretty good. i dont plan to swap out the speakers on the Z especially since my exhaust is pretty loud anyway, and my music is mostly to fill the void while i wait at the light.

90 ST · 12-16-2015, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

yep, i run the one gen older AVH-4500BT. it's got plenty of EQ control to make even the factory speakers sound pretty good. i dont plan to swap out the speakers on the Z especially since my exhaust is pretty loud anyway, and my music is mostly to fill the void while i wait at the light.

Are you saying you really do drive your car? LOL

We all know you just sit in it, in the garage and make engine sounds. LOL While listening to the radio, as you mentioned.

kenchan · 12-16-2015, 11:24 PM

^^

my sig applies..

pgga4 · 12-19-2015, 12:05 PM

If you change the head unit, you lose the bluetooth?
2016 model

90 ST · 12-19-2015, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pgga4

If you change the head unit, you lose the bluetooth?
2016 model

You would lose the OE Bluetooth, but you can put in a aftermarket unit that has BT, so...yes and no.

12-15-2015, 02:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
Inspector71 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Lee's Summit Missouri Posts: 337 Drives: 2015 Pearl White Z Rep Power: 16	Base model radio upgrade question I have a 2015 base. It appears there are two speakers, one in each door, and that is it. There are what appear to be speaker covers at each corner of the dash. Am I correct? If I upgrade to a better Nissan radio, will I be able to have speakers put there? I am not interested in nav and all that, just a better sounding radio and speakers. Thanks. After some more research I see how much has been written about this. Stereos/speakers, and much of what I read is over my head. I am a low tech guy and I don't want to waste anyone's time. I guess what I'm trying to ask is, staying with Nissan, can I upgrade through them to a better radio and would I be able to get speakers put under the covers in the dash? Any idea what this might cost? As to after market stuff, I realize it may be way better but I'd have no idea what I'm doing. If it involves wires, I'm probably banned from touching them. Last edited by Inspector71; 12-15-2015 at 02:33 PM. Reason: much has been written about this. My apologies

12-15-2015, 02:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 854	Please search next time. Your front speakers are a component set 2 tweeters in dash and two woofers in the door. 6.5 speakers. You will need to run new speaker wire from the woofer and or tweeter to the new crossover that comes with your component set before going to your new head unit or amp. __________________ 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/

12-15-2015, 03:39 PM	#4 (permalink)
90 ST A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Calgary Posts: 1,861 Drives: 90 and 15 GMC Sierra Rep Power: 422	Far better off going with a good install shop then back to Nissan for a audio upgrade. kenchan and somms like this. __________________ Not driving your car to keep it in nice shape, is like not wanting to smash your girlfriend so she stays tight for the next guy.

12-15-2015, 05:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
RonRizz A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Pine grove, Pa Posts: 2,136 Drives: 2 feet, 3 pedals Rep Power: 6775	I agree with 90st. The speakers are already there, as everyone pointed out. Nissan isn't going to offer you much in the way of an upgrade, you get what you got. Even if they did, It would be at an outrageous cost, and not worth it. See a local brick and mortar shop, and have them set you up with a new aftermarket head unit. Prices will vary depending on what model you choose, but Install shouldn't cost much more than $200 beyond your head unit with all the other bits required. If this still does not satisfy you, you can look into upgrading your speakers down the road. Another thought would be leave the stock system, and add a small amplifier to put more power into the stock speakers. You'd be surprised how much they can handle, and actually don't sound too bad doing it. I did this with mine when I first got it, while waiting for my new equipment to arrive. Sounded just fine. __________________ 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, 07:49 AM	#6 (permalink)
Inspector71 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Lee's Summit Missouri Posts: 337 Drives: 2015 Pearl White Z Rep Power: 16	Thanks everyone Actually, I did do a search but was totally lost in the terminology used by people who know what they are talking about. DINS, woofers, sub this and that, I am so old school, the school burned down. I thought I'd take a stab at asking about what Nissan has hoping you all would tell me they can replace the stock unit with this and that. But you all have convinced me that is not the way to go. No, I don't want a touch screen. Nerve damage in my neck, elbows, etc makes hitting these keys hard enough and a, when I had a touch screen, it was no fun. Thanks for your patience and every good assistance. So, are you saying there are speakers under the covers on my dash? I hear nothing coming out of them only the two on the doors. Again, thanks for setting me straight. I think I'll find a good audio store in the KC area and go through them and not Nissan. You all probably saved me a big headache. Merry Christmas everyone. jef0071 likes this.

12-16-2015, 08:32 AM	#7 (permalink)
RonRizz A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Pine grove, Pa Posts: 2,136 Drives: 2 feet, 3 pedals Rep Power: 6775	Search would not have helped you a whole bunch, anyway for the question you posted, other than to find out there are tweeters in the dash locations. And happy holidays to you, too. __________________ 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, 11:46 AM	#8 (permalink)
daveb91 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Vienna WV Posts: 302 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 26	I have a base model and by just upgrading the Headunit to a aftermarket double din made everything sound a lot better with more power...I later went with replacement speakers, wickedcas 10" corner sub box and amp...but the Headunit replacement was night and day...

12-16-2015, 11:24 PM	#12 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	^^ my sig applies.. 90 ST likes this.

12-19-2015, 12:05 PM	#13 (permalink)
pgga4 Base Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: spain Posts: 6 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 11	If you change the head unit, you lose the bluetooth? 2016 model 90 ST likes this.

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