My custom build: Focal, JL Audio, and Kenwood

emx620 · 08-21-2011, 10:12 PM

Hi all,

So I finally took the plunge and decided to install an aftermarket sound system. When purchasing my Z, I decided against going with the Touring model so that I would have an easier time installing an aftermarket sound system. In retrospect, I'm really glad I went with the base model, as the HVAC controls are built into the headunit in the Touring model.

- Kenwood DDX418
- JL Audio 10W3V3 10" 300W RMS Subwoofer
- JL Audio XD300/1 300W @ 2ohms Mono Amplifier
- Focal IS 165 6.5" Component Speakers

I had my work done at Custom Sounds here in Austin, TX. I originally wanted to go with a 12" subwoofer setup, but the guy at Custom Sounds talked me into getting a 10", and they built me a custom enclosure as well.

I knew I wanted a JL Audio subwoofer, so the next step was picking out a model. I decided to go with the 10W3V3. I paired it with a clean amp (JL XD300/1), and they mounted the amp below the sway bar underneath the carpeting.

As you can see, there aren't any clearance problems looking out the back. The box was built to the 10W3's specifications as well.

Bluetooth streaming was a requisite for me, so I ended up going with the Kenwood DDX418. I really like the headunit thus far.

I set the Kenwood color to match the Z's stock colors as best I could.

I ended up going with Focal 6.5" speakers in the front. I think they did a really good job installing them as you can't even tell they're aftermarket:

And of course, they installed the handsfree kit that came with the Kenwood, and mounted the dual input noise canceling microphone near the rear-view mirror.

All in all, I felt they did a good job. The install is clean...no marks or anything on my dash edges, and it sounds great. They also installed hushmat throughout the car, and I can say I'm pleasantly surprised at how little noise/bass you can hear outside of the car.

Any comments are welcome.

Thanks for viewing!

Turbo11 · 08-22-2011, 10:31 PM

Wow that looks great! Do you happen to know if that head unit can support a back up camera? Hope you are enjoying the new beats...

emx620 · 08-23-2011, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turbo11

Wow that looks great! Do you happen to know if that head unit can support a back up camera? Hope you are enjoying the new beats...

Thanks! Yes, it can, and I actually would like to get one at one point, due to the poor visibility behind the Z. Custom Sounds quoted me $300 to install one, so I decided to hold off to see if I can find a better deal on getting one installed.

butdamnbrian · 08-23-2011, 11:20 AM

thumbs up man!

gurneyeagle · 08-23-2011, 12:20 PM

Nice set-up!

emx620 · 08-23-2011, 04:16 PM

So here's an update. If you look at the door on the drivers side door, you'll see the scratches/scuffs underneath the door. I didn't notice them when I picked up the car. There were also some minor scratches around the shift boot. Needless to say, I was pretty torqued when I discovered them.

I was worried that Custom Sounds would try to say they didn't cause them, and I would be left high and dry. I called and spoke to the manager Aaron, and he said to bring the car in and he would have his installation manager look at it. I went in today rather skeptical they would do anything to help me out.

So I went in and met with Bob and showed him the scratches and scuffs. Long story short, they told me to drop the car off with them, and they would pay a professional leather shop to repair all the scratches and scuffs. I was pleasantly surprised that they were willing to rectify the damage, but none the less, very pleased with the outcome.

+1 to Custom Sounds making it right!

FastPaced · 08-23-2011, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emx620

Thanks! Yes, it can, and I actually would like to get one at one point, due to the poor visibility behind the Z. Custom Sounds quoted me $300 to install one, so I decided to hold off to see if I can find a better deal on getting one installed.

To get a back-up camera installed? That seems a bit too high.. When I got my headunit installed, my backup camera was included and the whole install was only $250.

emx620 · 08-24-2011, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastPaced

To get a back-up camera installed? That seems a bit too high.. When I got my headunit installed, my backup camera was included and the whole install was only $250.

Yes, they quoted $300 to install a backup camera including parts and labor.

NickTurnon · 08-29-2011, 05:38 PM

Does the 10" sub drown out your speakers?

I just got brand new door speakers because the OEM speakers are a joke.

But i was about to get a full component set of speakers and decided not too..

I am getting a 10" soon and want to know if I need to upgrade the speakers again..

Thanks

emx620 · 08-30-2011, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickTurnon

Does the 10" sub drown out your speakers?

I just got brand new door speakers because the OEM speakers are a joke.

But i was about to get a full component set of speakers and decided not too..

I am getting a 10" soon and want to know if I need to upgrade the speakers again..

Thanks

I agree, the stock speakers on the base model were pathetic. The previous owner added rear speakers (the base doesn't come with any) as well as an amplifier for them.

I don't feel the subwoofer drowns my speakers out. Keep in mind the subwoofer/base is adjustable, so if its too much for you, you can always turn it down

Wicked CAS · 08-30-2011, 09:09 AM

My recommandation would be move the tweeters in the door or maybe on the A-pillars. I find that stock location for real tweeters is a bit too harsh.

NickTurnon · 08-30-2011, 04:11 PM

Yeah- I was about to add the tweeters from the stock system and pair them with my new coaxel speakers..

I used to have two Kicker L7's & a 10 Speaker setup in my Trailblazer. It was insanely loud. I just want something really clean but with the potential to do some damage when needed

bigaudiofanat · 08-30-2011, 04:51 PM

I would not add another set of tweeters to a set of coaxial speakers. I would sell them and get a set of components.

FastPaced · 08-31-2011, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

I would not add another set of tweeters to a set of coaxial speakers. I would sell them and get a set of components.

Perhaps, pair of Stage 4s

bigaudiofanat · 08-31-2011, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastPaced

Perhaps, pair of Stage 4s

Looking forward to installing them for you!

08-21-2011, 10:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
emx620 Base Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 46 Drives: '10 370Z Rep Power: 15	My custom build: Focal, JL Audio, and Kenwood Hi all, So I finally took the plunge and decided to install an aftermarket sound system. When purchasing my Z, I decided against going with the Touring model so that I would have an easier time installing an aftermarket sound system. In retrospect, I'm really glad I went with the base model, as the HVAC controls are built into the headunit in the Touring model. - Kenwood DDX418 - JL Audio 10W3V3 10" 300W RMS Subwoofer - JL Audio XD300/1 300W @ 2ohms Mono Amplifier - Focal IS 165 6.5" Component Speakers I had my work done at Custom Sounds here in Austin, TX. I originally wanted to go with a 12" subwoofer setup, but the guy at Custom Sounds talked me into getting a 10", and they built me a custom enclosure as well. I knew I wanted a JL Audio subwoofer, so the next step was picking out a model. I decided to go with the 10W3V3. I paired it with a clean amp (JL XD300/1), and they mounted the amp below the sway bar underneath the carpeting. As you can see, there aren't any clearance problems looking out the back. The box was built to the 10W3's specifications as well. Bluetooth streaming was a requisite for me, so I ended up going with the Kenwood DDX418. I really like the headunit thus far. I set the Kenwood color to match the Z's stock colors as best I could. I ended up going with Focal 6.5" speakers in the front. I think they did a really good job installing them as you can't even tell they're aftermarket: And of course, they installed the handsfree kit that came with the Kenwood, and mounted the dual input noise canceling microphone near the rear-view mirror. All in all, I felt they did a good job. The install is clean...no marks or anything on my dash edges, and it sounds great. They also installed hushmat throughout the car, and I can say I'm pleasantly surprised at how little noise/bass you can hear outside of the car. Any comments are welcome. Thanks for viewing!

08-23-2011, 11:20 AM	#4 (permalink)
butdamnbrian Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: bay area, ca Posts: 254 Drives: the ladies wild Rep Power: 16	thumbs up man! __________________ Ex-Build:Alpine W910•Focal Polyglass 165 V30 6.5" Components•Stereo Integrity BM mk. 3•Zapco DSP6-SL•Arc Audio XDi Amps•Nissan Livina Rear Camera•Axxess•Spare Retained•

08-30-2011, 09:09 AM	#11 (permalink)
Wicked CAS The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Kingston, NH. Posts: 469 Drives: 98 Supra 1036 RWHP Rep Power: 17	My recommandation would be move the tweeters in the door or maybe on the A-pillars. I find that stock location for real tweeters is a bit too harsh. __________________ www.wickedcas.com Call: 603-642-4222 E-mail: Wickedcas@aol.com *DIRECT AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR:* AUDISON, HERTZ, JL AUDIO, JL AUDIO MARINE, KENWOOD EXCELON, COMPUSTAR, DIAMOND AUDIO, CACHE, ARC AUDIO, K40, PASSPORT ESCORT.

08-30-2011, 04:51 PM	#13 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 854	I would not add another set of tweeters to a set of coaxial speakers. I would sell them and get a set of components. __________________ 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/

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08-22-2011, 10:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
Turbo11 Base Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: NY Posts: 28 Drives: Nissan 370z Sport Rep Power: 15	Wow that looks great! Do you happen to know if that head unit can support a back up camera? Hope you are enjoying the new beats...

08-23-2011, 12:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
gurneyeagle A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Houston/Saint Augustine Posts: 2,681 Drives: '18 Audi TT RS Rep Power: 20216	Nice set-up!

08-23-2011, 04:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
emx620 Base Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 46 Drives: '10 370Z Rep Power: 15	So here's an update. If you look at the door on the drivers side door, you'll see the scratches/scuffs underneath the door. I didn't notice them when I picked up the car. There were also some minor scratches around the shift boot. Needless to say, I was pretty torqued when I discovered them. I was worried that Custom Sounds would try to say they didn't cause them, and I would be left high and dry. I called and spoke to the manager Aaron, and he said to bring the car in and he would have his installation manager look at it. I went in today rather skeptical they would do anything to help me out. So I went in and met with Bob and showed him the scratches and scuffs. Long story short, they told me to drop the car off with them, and they would pay a professional leather shop to repair all the scratches and scuffs. I was pleasantly surprised that they were willing to rectify the damage, but none the less, very pleased with the outcome. +1 to Custom Sounds making it right!

08-29-2011, 05:38 PM	#9 (permalink)
NickTurnon A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Scottsdale Age: 35 Posts: 1,636 Drives: 09 BS 7AT 370z Rep Power: 19	Does the 10" sub drown out your speakers? I just got brand new door speakers because the OEM speakers are a joke. But i was about to get a full component set of speakers and decided not too.. I am getting a 10" soon and want to know if I need to upgrade the speakers again.. Thanks

08-30-2011, 04:11 PM	#12 (permalink)
NickTurnon A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Scottsdale Age: 35 Posts: 1,636 Drives: 09 BS 7AT 370z Rep Power: 19	Yeah- I was about to add the tweeters from the stock system and pair them with my new coaxel speakers.. I used to have two Kicker L7's & a 10 Speaker setup in my Trailblazer. It was insanely loud. I just want something really clean but with the potential to do some damage when needed