Audio question
 

Hello

I am currently in Afghanistan and about to return on the end of the month.

I am interested in adding a headunit and possibly some new speakers/amps. I have a 08 Mazda3 sedan. Nothing special on the car but an added viper alarm/remote start.

My intentions are to have one of those nice headunits that has NAV, watch movies, and touch screen features. I am not an audiophile type of person but due tend to enjoy some nice beats.

I have been looking around for in-dash GPS units on amazon and around car forums and found a lot of interest in the

Excelon DNX6960 6.1" In-Dash Double-DIN Navigation DVD Receiver

Other than that, that is all I know. Do you have any suggestions on sounds? Plus, would an additional equipment be needed to control the unit with the stock steering wheel controls?

Plus, how much would I be looking at for total?

I hope you can help...thank you! :)

I don't have much experience with the Navi HU. I have heard good things about the Pioneer stuff. People on this forum talk lot about the kenwood HU's, I personally have no experience with them.

As are as sound goes, it is hard to beat a component speaker set. 2 way works fine. They can be had for relitively the same money as a higher end coaxial speaker. If you shop around you can get a decent set around the $100 mark a nice set for $100 more. Are you looking to put an amp or run speakers off your HU? Are you going to run a sub?

Are you installing yourself or paying a shop to do it? That really affects the budget.

I don't really have a budget. I'll do what i got to do to!

As stated, I am not a bass freak but do like some since I enjoy listening to dance mixes. How is the component speaker compared to stock? I'd do amp and subif it isn't that expensive.

I'd have someone install it. I do not have any experience.

how much would you estimate it to be and please give me suggestions :)

The Kenwood unit you picked is a great choice, the built-in amp can power a set of Polk DB6501 components for your front stage no problem. Spend a few extra bucks on a nice amp+sub combo and you will be rockin, whole setup less than $1500. Wicked CAS seems to be dialed on a package setup you could look at, they are a sponsor on here.

I have been impressed with Image Dynamics Q series subs. They aren't real power hungry. The 12in is rated for 300rms. It is a nice combination of sq and slp. It dones lean a little more toward the sq side. Most don't recommend it for heavy bass like rap. It can do it just not as loud as others in the market. It dones a great job with fast beats like double bass in hard rock/metal. It is a very clean sounding speaker. Woofersetc.com is one of their few dealers. I just moved mine from an old project car to the Z. It makes all my clothes vibrate with a little Soundgarden. I have been working crazy. Since I installed my stereo. Still haven't tuned it in yet.

What ever you get match the box to the sub. An highend speaker installed poorly will sound worse than a base model speaker installed to spec. If you are looking to get a Zenclosure box they can custom size it smaller than advertised but not larger. I think the single 12 rear firing box I got is 1.25cu ft.

6960 is last years model.

you want to check outthe DNX6980
or
DNX9980HD.

we have a special on these units with a pre-order you get a free camera or we can make the adjustment any which way you like.

as for subwoofer and an enclosure I recommend JL audio but that is what I sell so I am partial. If you want something you can't go wrong with JL is the way to go.

If you want a great bang for the buck go with last years model nothing wrong with them and you can get them cheap.

That is like saying get last years Computer! :shakes head:

Why would you miss out on all the new options. it is not like a car where it is the identical models.

You get better GUI (Graphic User Interface)
Better and most up to date Maps
Faster processor
Pandora
Faster and better i-pod usb control

I agree with Wicked CAS. It can prove cheaper in the long run to get the latest equipment now rather than upgrading the latest equipment later. If you're going to spend hundreds of dollars on an older model anyway, why not spend 50% - 75% more to get the latest technology now? You will be happier and more compatible longer as technology continues to evolve.

I agree...I also figured why go cheap but later want to upgrade a year later.

I'd opt for the DNX6980 :)

Although, I am debating if it is worth it to spend about $1500 to upgrade the audio system. Although, my car is paid off :)

When I have to get a car for my wife i am just going to give her the car and i'll get a Z and upgrade the audio system on that too.

:bowrofl:

DNX6980 is $1100 and you get a Free Back up camera (Boyo) and a Sirius Adapter with it. These come out to be about $250 Value. And you will love the back up camera specialy in the 370z. Sirius speaks for itself.

I have plenty coming call me.

Unless he needs all the latest and greatest why spend a ton more when you can get last years model for cheaper that is what I see.

Instead of spending 1500 or 1100 for the newest get last years for 500 or 600 bucks and use the money you save towards a nice set of speakers.

hmm true...that's another way of looking at it since I don't really want to spend $1100 on a unit that is for my mazda3 that will eventually go to my wife and i'll have to teach her how to use it.

Plus, I don't have a Z. If I did, i'd buy one for it. But i'd definitely opt for the older model for the mazda3!

:tiphat:

Right I mean I am using a alpine 9887 which was discontinued last year...or the beginning of this year. However I love the quality of it and why would I need to upgrade to the newer version? No reason that I see. Sort of the same thing here only not bought one yet. :tiphat:

Nothing we do on this forum is about a "need"... it is all a "want"...

So why not tell everybody not to buy a 370z and they should buy a 350Z, they would save money and it is a great performer. Ahhh but 370Z is so much better.

Your opinions are constricting people from experiencing the best world can offer them. Again why buy anything for your car at all if it is not a "want"...

If you choose to use an older unit that is great for you, but what you do or did does not make it the guide on how to do things.

Let people choose and stop forsing your opinions on people. Your ay is not the only way, in some cases it may be but in many cases it is not.



Back to topic...

If you would like the latest and greatest for your Mazda3 let me know or even if you do not buy it from me, I suggest atleast check out the new line... You will see that DNX6980 looks so much nicer then the previous model as can be expected. For the difference in price you will regret not getting the new one. Specialy with the deal I have with free camera and Sirius satellite radio. If you prefer I can take off $ from the price instead.

What year model is your Mazda3?

im in the same boat as you. I like the Kenwoods based largely on teh fact that they use Garmin navigation.

@ Wicked: if you can take money off the price, ill consider buying too! I dont really care about the backup camera that much and i dont listen to sirius

i've been raised on the premise of buying to need it than to want it, but it is for a car so it is hard! lol....are map updates free for a lifetime?

@wicked: if I was interested in the latest and greatest, how much would it be without the camera and sat. radio?

I've always told myself and my wife that i'll upgrade my audio when I get back from afghanistan.

If I was really considering upgrading my audio with the DNX6890, would you think it is a good idea to just put component speakers? I don't listen to deafening music with loud bass. Does comp speakers push out good sound quality/bass? :)

mazda 3....2008

Check this out for your Mazda.

Eonon D5102 | Car DVD | Specific Car DVD | Car DVD for Mazda 3

I owned a 2004 Mazda3 before buying my Z. I was strongly considering buying this head unit before I fell in love with the 370.

wow not bad....how did you find out about it? although, I never heard about it/them. Are they any good? it looks like a fake copy of an ipod type.

I can't go on youtube to look at reviews and stuff.

DO you have any reviews/comments/experience?

:rofl2: Calm down man there are some upgrades that are worth it more than others. Like 350z to 370z no comparison. Old model of kenwood to the new one maybe a better looking interface and some upgrades however old one is still a strong contendor. Sorry if that makes it look like I am trying to block you from getting a sale. I just see where money can be saved and offer my opinion on the subject. :tiphat:

This looks very interesting, it definitely does everything you would need to do, question is how well will it do it, and how good or bad it will sound. fror the price it may be interesting to find out.

As for the DNX6960 I can do for $899.95 by itself.
Must call me

@mark_taba85: I found it while perusing a mazda3 forum. For the most part, people liked it...but as with everything, people also had complaints. Eonon is the only company that produces an OEM aesthetic touchscreen nav unit like this. It appealed to me because I did not want to draw attention to would-be thieves while upgrading the stock HU significantly. But then I found the Z.

@Wicked CAS: from the few complaints that I saw, people claimed the UI controls could be a little laggy at times.

HU Review here: Eonon D5102 Review/Q&A

YouTube Vid here: YouTube - Mazda 3 Eonon D5102

When i first saw it I was hesitant, but I have found a lot of good reviews about it on the mazda3 forum. I am going to get that and add some component speakers. Nothing to big.

I will check out the videos later since I can't view them on a gov't computer.

:tiphat:

I see that someone agrees with me that BIG matt likes to cram his poorly informed opinions down your gullet. He reminds me of those really annoying people that show up at my door in suits, usually on sundays. Without saying their name everyone should know the people I refer to.

I have done some research browsing websites and forums and I think I have made my decision.



For the stereo unit: Eonon D5102 | Car DVD | Specific Car DVD | Car DVD for Mazda 3



I have read a lot of reviews about component speakers and found it to be the best one. I'll run it off the amp on the stereo unit. I do not need an amp/sub.



Amazon.com: Polk Audio DB6501 6.5-Inch 2-Way Component System (Pair, Silver): Car Electronics



I'd appreciate your input on them.

That looks like a really clean setup, I can vouch for the Polk DB's they will impress you for the price. Don't expect great low end from them, and they even lack a bit on the mid bass but compared to stock much better.

Save the $ for the Z, she will eat through your cash fast.

LOL.:icon18:

I am fine with the stock speakers and would not spend a lot for subs/amp so i'd opt for component speakers. Plus, I don't listen to loud music so it should suffice. Plus, no use of spending about $1200 for sounds that my wife won't enjoy.

:tiphat:

On amazon I see that the component speakers are purchased with 2-way, 3-way and coaxial speakers.

What are they and do i need them?

A Co Axial is a basic replacement type speaker for most cars, the tweeter will be mounted in the center on the mid on a little pole, it will have some sort of "cap" to protect the tweeter, they work good off deck power, for the most part.

2-Way is a basic component speaker system, normally will have a sperate tweeter, and Mid, and a X-over, entry level one can be run off a deck for them most part, but an amp is always good.

3-Way is getting into a higher end style of component system, it gives you a tweeter, a mid, and a mid-bass, as well as the Xover. For this you need an amp.