Planning a stereo system for when my Nismo shows up
 

So I have a bit of previous experience with Apline HUs and JL Audio speakers and was looking to plan out a new stereo system for my 370Z once it arrives in November.

I'm looking at these components:
Alpine IVE-W535HD 2-DIN HU - Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.
2 pair of JL Audio C5-650 - C5-650 - Car Audio - Evolution® - C5 - Component Systems - JL Audio
1 JL Audio HD600/4 - HD600/4 - Car Audio - Amplifiers - HD - JL Audio
1 JL Audio HD750/1 - HD750/1 - Car Audio - Amplifiers - HD - JL Audio
1 JL Audio Stealthbox - Car Audio - Stealthbox® - Nissan - 370Z

At this point, I'm looking to have Sound Xpression do the install. Sound Xpression Car Audio & Mobile Video BigAudioFanat(ic) has mentioned he'd be willing to do the install too if enough people in the area were interested in having him come to Phoenix to do installs for them.

Any thoughts or suggestions? I was also pondering a box from Custom Sub Enclosure | Affordable Sub Box or having Sound Xpression fab a custom one. The later option would add considerably more to the cost of the system but would likely be the best-looking of the bunch (at least, according to the owner of the audio shop). Also, the audio shop guy mentioned that a cheaper speaker option (perhaps the C3 instead of the C5) would still sound good in the rear and would cut cost a bit. Lastly, is it really worth doing two separate amps vs one larger amp? I am going more for sound quality than loudness, so would one larger amp be sufficient?

Also, it would appear that Alpine isn't yet shipping the IVE-W535HD. Does anyone know if it is likely to be available by November?

Thanks in advance for the help!

IMO JL is pretty expensive for what you get in return. There are many other brand that product a better product for equal or less money. I would recommend looking at a PDX5 as a all in one amp, as for speakers check out hertz for that kind of money or image dynamics for getting something better for cheaper. The stealthbox check out wicked's stealth box or stick to your JL one.

Just JL is not the best and for what your paying you can get some really nice stuff. If your set on JL go ahead with it.

enjoy the subs! 750rms subs should get it bumping

Thanks for the feedback, guys! Big, I will definitely look in to those.

Your welcome, also with investing that kind of money, make sure to invest in something like second skin or dynamat to help with better sound.

Do any of you have any experience with the Kenwood - DDX419?

A local audio shop is recommending it as an alternative to the Alpine unit I was considering.. this looks like it'd be closer to what I'm really looking for, but I don't have any personal experience with Kenwood .. just heard good things.

They are pretty comparable, I would say the alpine may still be better, however if your looking for color matching buttons you will have to go with the kenwood.

That nice all most like my car

Was quoted the following from a local audio shop:

Kenwood DDX419 =349.90
Dash kit =92.95 ( http://www.bestkits.com/results.php?modelkey=1419 )
Wire harness = 19.95
Antenna adt. 19.90
Steering wheel controls =84.90 (is this really needed?)
JL Audio C3 comp. set.= 429.90 pr
JL audio hd900/5 amp = 999.90
JL Audio 370z stealth box =949.90
4 gauge Amp kit =139.90
Sub total parts =3517.10

Labor radio = 85.00
Labor steering wheel adt = 130.00
Labor comp. speakers = 100.00 pr
Labor 5 channel amp = 100.00
Labor Stealth box = 65.00
Sub total labor = 580.00

So:
$ 3517.10
Tax 309.50
Labor 580.00
= 4406.60

He said he'd do it for $3900 as I'd be a repeat customer.

Oh, he'd also charge $800 for sound deadening (includes hatch, doors, and roof; I haven't even realized the roof was an issue).

Seems a bit on the high side .. I was hoping to be closer to 3k. Can't decide what to do... What do you guys think? Is this a reasonable deal?

Decided to change up my build a little. Now looking at:

Kenwood DDX419
JL C5-650 up front
JL C3-650 in the rear
JL HD900/5
Z Enclosure ( Custom Sub Enclosure | Affordable Sub Box
)
JL 10W3v3 x 2

Regarding the subs, 4 ohm is better for sound quality but 2 ohm is better for loudness, correct?

Also, going to hold off on the sound deadening until after I get the stereo installed and see how things sound.

Lemme know what you guys think!

That is way expensive!!!!

I understand that the components are expensive, but is the labor as well?

The same shop quoted me $800 for parts/labor to install the later list of components I listed. Not sure if that is good or not.

The labor is questionable but the parts yes.

After much input from Big, this is the latest revision of my build. Lemme know what you guys think!

Kenwood DDX419 head unit
Hertz ESK 165 up front
Hertz ECX 87 in the rear
Z Enclosure ( Custom Sub Enclosure | Affordable Sub Box )
Image Dynamics ID10D4 v.3 sub
Focal FPP 5300 amp

Thoughts?

MUCH better :tup: