Audio Upgrade from Base System

Surly · 04-21-2011, 11:37 AM

Greetings! My first post!

Owner of a 2011 Z, Gun Metallic with sport package, and have been browsing the forums for awhile.

I thought I'd post a quick rundown of some simple audio upgrades I plan on doing, in case anyone finds it useful in the future, or perhaps if anyone has any advice before I actually get the installation done.

I'm not looking to do anything too intense, just an upgrade from the base system (which is actually better than I expected). So far I'm planning to keep the stock HU.

I've purchased the Sound Ordinance 8" sub from Crutchfield for $199, planning to have that installed in the trunk, preferably under the carpet in the back center, not sure on my options for installation just yet.

I have read on here people have had good success using Polk DBs with the stock head unit, I mentioned that to my installer and he recommended the Alpine S or R component speakers, also saying they'd run from the stock HU. So, I'm planning to have the R's put in as well.

That's it for now, just looking for a vast sound improvement and cost shouldn't run more than $750 or so.

I'll follow up on the results if anyone is interested!

kenchan · 04-21-2011, 11:45 AM

that's cool, keep us posted.

Surly · 04-21-2011, 11:52 AM

Thanks, I will!

I just thought it might be useful for a non audiophile just looking for a solid system upgrade and a stock look. Hopefully it'll turn out well!

XwChriswX · 04-21-2011, 12:01 PM

bigaudio is who you wanna talk to. He's pretty much our main forum go to guy when it comes to audio stuff.

And although you want to keep your stock HU, the best upgrade I could say for low cost is to get just a lower end deck, somewhere in the $150-200 range because that simple upgrade will help. More customization, better processing software and more RMS power to the speakers.

TreeSemdyZee · 04-21-2011, 12:12 PM

ANY upgrade from the stock CRAP speakers will greatly improve your sound. I was extremely shocked when I saw how puny and cheap the door speakers were.

Congrats on the new ride.

Surly · 04-21-2011, 12:18 PM

Thanks!

Cost isn't really a factor as far as the HU is concerned. If I find one that looks great I'd have no problem moving forward with it. I've poked around Crutchfield and looked over the Alpine and Kenwood stuff, haven't really found anything that has blown me away.

For a HU my priorities are, match the interior lighting, nice display, aux input on the front. I also don't need any bluetooth or overkill on settings, I have a hard time keeping my eyes on the road as is. If anyone has suggestions that'd be great.

XwChriswX · 04-21-2011, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surly

Thanks!

Cost isn't really a factor as far as the HU is concerned. If I find one that looks great I'd have no problem moving forward with it. I've poked around Crutchfield and looked over the Alpine and Kenwood stuff, haven't really found anything that has blown me away.

For a HU my priorities are, match the interior lighting, nice display, aux input on the front. I also don't need any bluetooth or overkill on settings, I have a hard time keeping my eyes on the road as is. If anyone has suggestions that'd be great.

If you just want something like that, cause that's what I did for now... Just go by best buy and see what they have on display. I have just a $150 sony unit that fits all of those requests, and I use the AUX jack on the front for my ipod. Works like a champ.

Guard Dad · 04-21-2011, 01:22 PM

I found the Base HU to be very limiting and I reluctantly gave up on the idea of using it. Yesterday I received my new Pioneer AVH-P4300DVD HU (sub woofer + amp + accessories are still in transit) which I hope to install soon.

In addressing my needs (back up camera, rear mounted ipod interface, color adjustable display, easy integration of a subwoofer, graphic equalizer, rear speaker outputs etc.) I found the Base HU created so many hurdles that I finally did what everyone said to do-get an aftermarket HU.

kenchan · 04-21-2011, 01:42 PM

guys while we're on the topic of swapping out cheezo-crap stock base speakers, wat do you think about the Polk 6.5 coax? Im going to be replacing my side mirrors next month so will have the door panels off anyway and was thinking about doing a quick swap and unplug the stock tweets.

i know for sure components will be a better option, but too much work for me on the Z. ill do the components later when i decide to upgrade my HU with a newer pioneer maybe 2-3yrs down the line and wire up new speaker wire from the HU.

Surly · 04-21-2011, 02:30 PM

Kind of digging the Kenwood DDX318 HU... might go with that.

Anyone have a ballpark estimate for the cost of an component speaker install, HU and sub? Or just a ballpark hourly rate for installs?

kenchan · 04-21-2011, 02:56 PM

ask bigaudiofanat as he's an installer himself.

Hambone1 · 04-24-2011, 09:31 PM

I just did Alpine Type R components (SPR-60C the new ones) with component/tweeter pairs for $450 installed. Much better sound, and like some of the earlier posters said, the stock speakers are shockingly bad when you actually see them

90 ST · 04-24-2011, 11:47 PM

Most shops are about 90/hr here in AB, but it varies...Some shops will also give you a total job price.

90 ST · 04-24-2011, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

ask bigaudiofanat as he's an installer himself.

On the side, not at a shop.

90 ST · 04-24-2011, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surly

Kind of digging the Kenwood DDX318 HU... might go with that.

Anyone have a ballpark estimate for the cost of an component speaker install, HU and sub? Or just a ballpark hourly rate for installs?

i'm to lazy to look, is the sub you have a powered one, or just a sub, cause if so you need a box and an amp to run it, and amp install.

04-21-2011, 11:37 AM	#1 (permalink)
Surly Base Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Michigan Posts: 30 Drives: 370Z Rep Power: 14	Audio Upgrade from Base System Greetings! My first post! Owner of a 2011 Z, Gun Metallic with sport package, and have been browsing the forums for awhile. I thought I'd post a quick rundown of some simple audio upgrades I plan on doing, in case anyone finds it useful in the future, or perhaps if anyone has any advice before I actually get the installation done. I'm not looking to do anything too intense, just an upgrade from the base system (which is actually better than I expected). So far I'm planning to keep the stock HU. I've purchased the Sound Ordinance 8" sub from Crutchfield for $199, planning to have that installed in the trunk, preferably under the carpet in the back center, not sure on my options for installation just yet. I have read on here people have had good success using Polk DBs with the stock head unit, I mentioned that to my installer and he recommended the Alpine S or R component speakers, also saying they'd run from the stock HU. So, I'm planning to have the R's put in as well. That's it for now, just looking for a vast sound improvement and cost shouldn't run more than $750 or so. I'll follow up on the results if anyone is interested!

04-21-2011, 12:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
XwChriswX WFLYIDNNE Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: In The Fastlane Posts: 50,648 Drives: 02 GDB WRX Rep Power: 451	bigaudio is who you wanna talk to. He's pretty much our main forum go to guy when it comes to audio stuff. And although you want to keep your stock HU, the best upgrade I could say for low cost is to get just a lower end deck, somewhere in the $150-200 range because that simple upgrade will help. More customization, better processing software and more RMS power to the speakers. __________________ Bonnie - Stage 2, Audio build coming this fall! R.I.P. Abby 3/29/10 - 3/30/14

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04-21-2011, 11:45 AM	#2 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	that's cool, keep us posted.

04-21-2011, 11:52 AM	#3 (permalink)
Surly Base Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Michigan Posts: 30 Drives: 370Z Rep Power: 14	Thanks, I will! I just thought it might be useful for a non audiophile just looking for a solid system upgrade and a stock look. Hopefully it'll turn out well!

04-21-2011, 12:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
TreeSemdyZee Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Kentuck-IANA Age: 59 Posts: 4,880 Drives: '09 370 & ‘14 Juke Rep Power: 27408	ANY upgrade from the stock CRAP speakers will greatly improve your sound. I was extremely shocked when I saw how puny and cheap the door speakers were. Congrats on the new ride.

04-21-2011, 12:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
Surly Base Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Michigan Posts: 30 Drives: 370Z Rep Power: 14	Thanks! Cost isn't really a factor as far as the HU is concerned. If I find one that looks great I'd have no problem moving forward with it. I've poked around Crutchfield and looked over the Alpine and Kenwood stuff, haven't really found anything that has blown me away. For a HU my priorities are, match the interior lighting, nice display, aux input on the front. I also don't need any bluetooth or overkill on settings, I have a hard time keeping my eyes on the road as is. If anyone has suggestions that'd be great.

04-21-2011, 01:22 PM	#8 (permalink)
Guard Dad Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: South Orange County, CA Posts: 422 Drives: 2010 370Z Silver A7 Rep Power: 14	I found the Base HU to be very limiting and I reluctantly gave up on the idea of using it. Yesterday I received my new Pioneer AVH-P4300DVD HU (sub woofer + amp + accessories are still in transit) which I hope to install soon. In addressing my needs (back up camera, rear mounted ipod interface, color adjustable display, easy integration of a subwoofer, graphic equalizer, rear speaker outputs etc.) I found the Base HU created so many hurdles that I finally did what everyone said to do-get an aftermarket HU.

04-21-2011, 01:42 PM	#9 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	guys while we're on the topic of swapping out cheezo-crap stock base speakers, wat do you think about the Polk 6.5 coax? Im going to be replacing my side mirrors next month so will have the door panels off anyway and was thinking about doing a quick swap and unplug the stock tweets. i know for sure components will be a better option, but too much work for me on the Z. ill do the components later when i decide to upgrade my HU with a newer pioneer maybe 2-3yrs down the line and wire up new speaker wire from the HU.

04-21-2011, 02:30 PM	#10 (permalink)
Surly Base Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Michigan Posts: 30 Drives: 370Z Rep Power: 14	Kind of digging the Kenwood DDX318 HU... might go with that. Anyone have a ballpark estimate for the cost of an component speaker install, HU and sub? Or just a ballpark hourly rate for installs?

04-21-2011, 02:56 PM	#11 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	ask bigaudiofanat as he's an installer himself.

04-24-2011, 09:31 PM	#12 (permalink)
Hambone1 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Bellevue, WA Posts: 438 Drives: 370Z MB 7AT Sport Rep Power: 14	I just did Alpine Type R components (SPR-60C the new ones) with component/tweeter pairs for $450 installed. Much better sound, and like some of the earlier posters said, the stock speakers are shockingly bad when you actually see them

04-24-2011, 11:47 PM	#13 (permalink)
90 ST A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Calgary Posts: 1,861 Drives: 90 and 15 GMC Sierra Rep Power: 420	Most shops are about 90/hr here in AB, but it varies...Some shops will also give you a total job price.