To the audio gurus...
 

Ok, I've never really been into audio, and now instead of me pulling the motor out of my Z and building up the suspension to waazoo, I'd like to get a nice head unit and speakers to replace the stock base equipment.

Can someone recommend a good (and reasonably priced) head unit and speakers for the Z?

The only real requirement I have for the head unit is for it to be a dual din touch screen (I think it looks better), and an iPod hook up. I really don't want to have subs in the car, but IF anything.. maybe a small 10' or a bass tube to save space.

Like I said.. I've never been into anything audio and short of me bringing the car to someone and saying "hey, make it sound better" I'd like to be pointed in the right direction.

Any advice fellas?

i understand my bros old mr2 sounds better then my Z

AK has a good system i think

different brands tend to have differrent sound trends. Infinity has a reputation for lots of treble to the point of being harsh. I personally like them but that is what the reviews say. If you put a small amp on them it really helps. Alpine are pretty well rounded. To get familiar with a what differnernt brands sound like and what you like head to your local stereo shop or even best buy. Speakers are like TV's they are not built the same and what one person likes another may not.

Componate sets are usually a higher quality than just a standard pair of speakers. They also like a little more power. A powered set of 6.5in speakers aren't going to raddle your doors and set off car alarms, but they will have enough low end to satisfy or atleast not feel like you are missing out on a part of the music granted that you aren't a bass head. If that isn't enough you can add a sub. There are 2 basic types. SPL (loud) SQ(sound quality). SPL get loud raddle everything and can lose accuracy when the music gets busy. SQ doesn't get as loud but can keep up with the fast beats of rock and jazz (they are less impressive it you listen to rap). They can still rattle the inside of your car if you turn it up. My Image Dynamics Q series 12" is rated to get up to 120db or so they advertise is it a nice mix of sq that can still be heard. If you want something loud that will impress your friend from blocks away go with Rockford or Kicker. For a cleaner sound I would go with boston acoustics, Image dynamics, MB Quarters. Alpine type R's are a nice mix louder than ID but still clean sounding( they also require alot more power).

^^^

Thanks for the input! I'm not a big bass head, but I can't stand when I listen to a stereo that makes my ears bleed. Imagine being in a room with a nice home theather speaker system.. something like that is what I'm looking for.

I'm not against a sub or anything, but I don't want to run a 12" or anything like that. I think that would be overkill... Maybe a nice 10" in a small box, or like I said.. even a bazooka tube or something. I don't want to loose a lot of my cargo room (however much there really is) to a big sub box. I also don't want it to rattle my car to pieces either... mainly because I don't really ever listen to my music that loud.

I'd really like to have a nice, well rounded, full sounding audio system. Had I got the touring package with the Bose and iPod connections, I wouldn't even think about changing it.

Hope that helps...

do some research on a sub. The sq subs tend NOT to need as much air space. I am a little bias but my IDQ 12 is in a .8 cubic foot box. That is pretty small by any standard. I have heard several people on audio message board using IDQ subs in their home theatre. they aren't real power hungry 350w rmsmax as apposed to 500rms to sound good for the Alpine type r. At woofersect.com you can get a 10" for $160.

I don't know what your budget is but CDT and Focal makes awesome stuff too. That is what I would put in mine if didn't already have a full set up of Infinity Kappa speakers.

as far as head units go. I like pioneer. check out Pioneer AVH-P3200DVD. I have a 2003 or 2004 pioneer that was top end back then that is still nicer than most of the radio on the market. It just don't have a blue tooth, or expandible ports (usb or sd card). 13 band eq and great cross over system. I think it has been in 3 cars. The only problem is it has trouble ejecting cds. That is do to the 4x4 that jarred it a little bit.

First things first: how much are you looking to spend? :xmas1:

Fair enough... Possible to do with $1000?

Im not saying its the best stuff, but Pioneer products always run good sales through Amazon. Usually Amazon has a new %25 coupon for select Pioneer products. This month the coupon code is XO8YOJVI. That being said, I recently bought an AVH-p3200BT for about $300 from Amazon. It plays DVDs, has bluetooth, and lots of goodies for the price.

Product list:
Amazon.com:

Enter coupon code XO8YOJVI at checkout.


Edit: nevermind this code doesnt work anymore. Usually you can find codes like this on www.slickdeals.net though.

Double DIN, touchscreen, and seamless iPod control:

Alpine IXAW404 Digital Media Station

I have the single DIN in my Honda, and since I don't listen to CD's, these babies are awesome.

For speakers, I'd figure main stream components should be fine $300-$400, and run them off the head unit (not the best, but will get you by).

Not a fan of Bazookas, but they're easy to install, inexpensive, and powered.

Should get you under your $1000 mark...

I don't listen to CD's either... I'd just like to not have that pocket... I don't like the way it looks. I'm going to look into all that, I really appreciate all of the help and advice. Now I just have to find a good audio installer around here that won't jack my stuff up.

:hello:

How about this one? Great unit

iXA-W404 - Alpine 2-DIN 4.3-inch QVGA Touchscreen iPhone Compatible Car Reciever