Car Audio 101

bigaudiofanat · 06-27-2009, 10:53 PM

This thread was made to help new people understand what is being talked about in car audio. There are different subjects on different pages just look around and enjoy your reading!

Music Compression UPDATED 3/2012
So I want to shed some light on the different formats out today. When you download a mp3 or wma file from the internet, whether it be from LimeWire, itunes, amazon, or other site. The file is most likely compressed. The standard for itunes is becoming 256kbps, while amazon is still at 128kbps. Now for some people this is fine. These format mp3 and wma are compressed audio. Compression removes some of the quality in music, the lower the kbps the more quality is lost. These formats take the highs and the lows of them song and compress them to the bit rate that you have selected. The big debate with some is that at 320kbps you can’t hear the difference between a cd and that bit rate. As far as my personal opinion I disagree, but again this is my opinion.

The standard for most programs to rip any cd is 128kbps than it goes up from there as you can select in your ripping options menu. A normal FLAC or apple lossless song is around 800-1048kbps. This will allow you to get the best you can from a digital format. For itunes users it is pretty simple just go into your setting and go to the rip tab and select apple lossless. For windows media users go into setting and select Flac. For whatever you use for ripping cd's there should be a setting for the best quality you can get. Another disagreement upon people is that there is no need for full FLAC or lossless unless you have a serious sound system. Unless you are using a boom box and using a upgraded system you will hear a difference. Whether you’re listening to a good car sound system, quality headphones, or a system at home you should hear a difference.

All and all this may not be for everyone; some people do not mind compressed music. Also for people that are happy for their factory stereo they will still hear a slight difference just not as much as an aftermarket system. People that just use mp3's for their ipod threw ear buds might not notice the difference unless using a more expensive set of ear buds. All and all I hope this has opened your eyes to a new kind of music. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have.

For itunes users it is pretty simple just go into your setting and go to the rip tab and select apple lossless. For windows media users go into setting and select Flac or uncompressed. For whatever you use for ripping cd's there should be a setting for uncompressed.

All and all this may not be for everyone, some people do not mind compressed music. Also for people that are happy for thee factory stereo they will still hear a difference just not as much as a aftermarket system. People that just use mp3's for there ipod threw ear buds might not notice the difference unless using a more expensive set of ear buds. All and all I hope this has opened your eyes to a new kind of music. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have.

bigaudiofanat · 07-06-2009, 01:35 PM

Already here

bigaudiofanat · 07-10-2009, 01:50 PM

If anyone is looking for specific info just let me know. I would be happy to do a write up on more stuff.

bigaudiofanat · 07-20-2009, 12:49 AM

Any new suggestions for what to do a write up on?

37Z · 07-21-2009, 07:21 PM

I have a pair of Alpine model #6117 tweeters. Size is 3 5/8" x 5" x 7/8" W/L/D. Would that fit in the front speakers located in the dash?

37Z · 07-22-2009, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 37Z

I have a pair of Alpine model #6117 tweeters. Size is 3 5/8" x 5" x 7/8" W/L/D. Would that fit in the front speakers located in the dash?

Any suggestions on a compatible crossover/EQ using these Alpine tweeters with a 6 x 9 speaker located in the doors would be appreciated.

Also, I plan to add one or two? small 6" sub located in the hatch area. I haven't decided if a DD HU would improve the sound quality or whether a amp (2 or 4 channel) would work best connected to the base stock 370Z HU. Any suggestions are welcome.

bigaudiofanat · 07-21-2009, 07:41 PM

You actually may have to buy some plastic sheets and make an adapter ring to hold it in it maybe be smaller than the opening. It should fit though if you make a adapter plate and use the tweeter pods. Sort of like this notice it is cut almost like a stop sign to fit in there but this is in a porsche.

Here is the plastic you need or may need http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1208900...t.html?tp=1114

bigaudiofanat · 07-22-2009, 01:20 PM

Head unit should be changed before upgrading using the factory head unit is sort of like a last resort in my book. For crossovers just look for something that is going to send out a mid signal that the woofer is stable at and same for the tweeter. I think that you should of just gotten a component setup and not worried about running a 6x9 there, because the tweeters in the woofer will not work if you use a crossover and if you ar thinking about doing so don't it is a was and will not sound right. For head unit an alpine would give you nicer sound or even the kenwoods now but the alpines are gear more towards sound and ipod hooks up as well. For amps if you can afford them take a look at the higher end sound streams and the focal amps along with the audison amps there what I am going to be running I had one before but traded it the thing was awsome.

bigaudiofanat · 07-25-2009, 09:47 AM

Okay so a lot of you are starting to get comfortable with taking apart your Z to install a radio. But some of you might be still lost of do not want to spend a lot of cash on a fancy head unit. I am going to try to clear up what is good and what is bad out there. For a good DD head unit expect to spend anywhere from 600-1000 for a nice one, some DD do not have the NAV which in that case drops the price tremendously.

Alpine- Very nice head units, Great sound quality from the factory or even if you are using an aftermarket amp. Great Interface for the ipod as well, almost as if it was made for the ipod "which some are"

Boss- A very cheap name brand usually sold at walmart or flea markets. Not by any means great or just good. These units have crappy interface and the music signal that it sends out can actually make your system sound worse.

Cadance- This company is more known for there amplifiers than there head units. I have known no one that has used them or has tried them. IMO I would keep away.

Clarion- Still ahs one of the best top of the line SINGLE DIN head units for a SQ active setup. Only thing is that is almost a grand. There other normal head units are nice as well though I am not sure if they have to many choices for DD's. They are still something to keep in mind. My only beef with them there ugly.

Dual- Yet another name brand sold by flea markets and bargan stores. These units are like your lowest end that I would allow in a car, there lower end models are like pyles, and there nicer ones are like a cheap pioneer but not as good.

Eclipse- A fantastic head unit for a nice setup it is right up there with Alpine. There very nice head unti for the money and have a nice interface as well, the only one I may stay away from is the which they do not make anymore, which is the one that integrates a tom tom gps and you use that as your main screen and your gps.

Fahrenheit- Another low class name brand not even sold at flea markets some will try to trick you into these as if they are great units, there not, buyer beware.

Jensen- While not the top or middle class these do have a lot to offer, but it comes at a price. The screen is by no means a god one to look at gps let alone a movie, and the signals that it sends out for an external amp can have engine noise in it as well "not all cars" If you are looking for a low end one to put in your wife's car to make her mad this is the one.

JVC- Middle class head units, while I have not had much to do with them I still have played with a few and such. There flashy screens attract those teens that want that boom boom in the trunk. They are nice units and can be fairly easy to use, only for the money you can always get something better.

Kenwood- Fantastic interface with the best NAV and blu tooth I have seen in years. You can not beat these DD units. If you are looking for a nice Nav interface and a nice unit for music look no further.

Panasonic- If you can get past the flashy blue screen you may like them "single dins" The double dins are nice as well sprting a lot to offer for a good price, but as soon as you want to add nav you are slamed with an extra 500 bucks.

Pioneer- If you do not know me by now I have sort of a beef with pioneer. I started installing stereos 5 years ago. I have used pioneers and had nothing but problems "in my own and others" Problems from face plates dying. internal amps frying, cd's not ejecting, engine wining noise and so on. But I will say this there premier units are pretty nice, and the sound quality signal you get out of them is nice as well. There ipod interface is junk and slow. Other than that there not bad units.

Sony- This company use to be the milestone in sound quality and use to be the baddest company on the block. Now there commercialized junk. I have seen these units literally short themselves out, the power signal you get form there head units and amps are garbage and so on. Stay away!

Valor- Yes they look like a great package don't they? Do not be fooled another name brand just like pyle and Boss only a tad nice, they may look nice but that's all.

I hope this has helped you in some way. I know my reviews may of been a tad harsh but i have used them and know how they are.

antennahead · 07-25-2009, 10:21 AM

I like this unit:

Clarion VX709 DVD receiver at Crutchfield.com

Built in bluetooth, and the microphone is built into the front of the headunit. It also plays MP3 amd WMA on DVD, so you can get a lot of material on one disc, albeit at reduced quality. I don't really need nav.

John

bigaudiofanat · 07-25-2009, 10:27 AM

That is a nice one not to mention the car in the pic LOL

37Z · 07-28-2009, 09:54 PM

If one stays with the base HU and adds an amp and sub and front speakers, would the addition of a Alpine EQ/CrossoverPXE-H650 improve the sound?

bigaudiofanat · 08-01-2009, 06:36 PM

That is the only way to install it on the bose model, yes it will help a bit on the base head unit as well. My first choice would be to change the head unit, it will be the best bet for SQ and also look better IMO.

speedoflife · 08-17-2009, 10:50 AM

Don't forget the WiringWizard!
Rockford Fosgate® - Woofer WiringWizard

37Z · 08-22-2009, 09:05 AM

Does the Kenwood play DVD audio CDs or only DVD video?

06-27-2009, 10:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 854	Car Audio 101 This thread was made to help new people understand what is being talked about in car audio. There are different subjects on different pages just look around and enjoy your reading! Music Compression UPDATED 3/2012 So I want to shed some light on the different formats out today. When you download a mp3 or wma file from the internet, whether it be from LimeWire, itunes, amazon, or other site. The file is most likely compressed. The standard for itunes is becoming 256kbps, while amazon is still at 128kbps. Now for some people this is fine. These format mp3 and wma are compressed audio. Compression removes some of the quality in music, the lower the kbps the more quality is lost. These formats take the highs and the lows of them song and compress them to the bit rate that you have selected. The big debate with some is that at 320kbps you can’t hear the difference between a cd and that bit rate. As far as my personal opinion I disagree, but again this is my opinion. The standard for most programs to rip any cd is 128kbps than it goes up from there as you can select in your ripping options menu. A normal FLAC or apple lossless song is around 800-1048kbps. This will allow you to get the best you can from a digital format. For itunes users it is pretty simple just go into your setting and go to the rip tab and select apple lossless. For windows media users go into setting and select Flac. For whatever you use for ripping cd's there should be a setting for the best quality you can get. Another disagreement upon people is that there is no need for full FLAC or lossless unless you have a serious sound system. Unless you are using a boom box and using a upgraded system you will hear a difference. Whether you’re listening to a good car sound system, quality headphones, or a system at home you should hear a difference. All and all this may not be for everyone; some people do not mind compressed music. Also for people that are happy for their factory stereo they will still hear a slight difference just not as much as an aftermarket system. People that just use mp3's for their ipod threw ear buds might not notice the difference unless using a more expensive set of ear buds. All and all I hope this has opened your eyes to a new kind of music. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. For itunes users it is pretty simple just go into your setting and go to the rip tab and select apple lossless. For windows media users go into setting and select Flac or uncompressed. For whatever you use for ripping cd's there should be a setting for uncompressed. All and all this may not be for everyone, some people do not mind compressed music. Also for people that are happy for thee factory stereo they will still hear a difference just not as much as a aftermarket system. People that just use mp3's for there ipod threw ear buds might not notice the difference unless using a more expensive set of ear buds. All and all I hope this has opened your eyes to a new kind of music. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. Solid370z and That Pale Guy like this. __________________ 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/ Last edited by bigaudiofanat; 03-28-2012 at 06:55 AM.

07-06-2009, 01:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 854	Already here __________________ 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/ Last edited by bigaudiofanat; 08-10-2009 at 09:17 AM.

07-10-2009, 01:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 854	If anyone is looking for specific info just let me know. I would be happy to do a write up on more stuff. __________________ 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/

07-20-2009, 12:49 AM	#4 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 854	Any new suggestions for what to do a write up on? __________________ 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/

07-21-2009, 07:21 PM	#5 (permalink)
37Z Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 476 Drives: 370Z MB 6M -sold Rep Power: 264	Tweeters I have a pair of Alpine model #6117 tweeters. Size is 3 5/8" x 5" x 7/8" W/L/D. Would that fit in the front speakers located in the dash?

07-21-2009, 07:41 PM	#7 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 854	You actually may have to buy some plastic sheets and make an adapter ring to hold it in it maybe be smaller than the opening. It should fit though if you make a adapter plate and use the tweeter pods. Sort of like this notice it is cut almost like a stop sign to fit in there but this is in a porsche. Here is the plastic you need or may need http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1208900...t.html?tp=1114 __________________ 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/ Last edited by bigaudiofanat; 07-21-2009 at 07:48 PM.

07-22-2009, 01:20 PM	#8 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 854	Head unit should be changed before upgrading using the factory head unit is sort of like a last resort in my book. For crossovers just look for something that is going to send out a mid signal that the woofer is stable at and same for the tweeter. I think that you should of just gotten a component setup and not worried about running a 6x9 there, because the tweeters in the woofer will not work if you use a crossover and if you ar thinking about doing so don't it is a was and will not sound right. For head unit an alpine would give you nicer sound or even the kenwoods now but the alpines are gear more towards sound and ipod hooks up as well. For amps if you can afford them take a look at the higher end sound streams and the focal amps along with the audison amps there what I am going to be running I had one before but traded it the thing was awsome. __________________ 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/

07-25-2009, 09:47 AM	#9 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 854	Okay so a lot of you are starting to get comfortable with taking apart your Z to install a radio. But some of you might be still lost of do not want to spend a lot of cash on a fancy head unit. I am going to try to clear up what is good and what is bad out there. For a good DD head unit expect to spend anywhere from 600-1000 for a nice one, some DD do not have the NAV which in that case drops the price tremendously. Alpine- Very nice head units, Great sound quality from the factory or even if you are using an aftermarket amp. Great Interface for the ipod as well, almost as if it was made for the ipod "which some are" Boss- A very cheap name brand usually sold at walmart or flea markets. Not by any means great or just good. These units have crappy interface and the music signal that it sends out can actually make your system sound worse. Cadance- This company is more known for there amplifiers than there head units. I have known no one that has used them or has tried them. IMO I would keep away. Clarion- Still ahs one of the best top of the line SINGLE DIN head units for a SQ active setup. Only thing is that is almost a grand. There other normal head units are nice as well though I am not sure if they have to many choices for DD's. They are still something to keep in mind. My only beef with them there ugly. Dual- Yet another name brand sold by flea markets and bargan stores. These units are like your lowest end that I would allow in a car, there lower end models are like pyles, and there nicer ones are like a cheap pioneer but not as good. Eclipse- A fantastic head unit for a nice setup it is right up there with Alpine. There very nice head unti for the money and have a nice interface as well, the only one I may stay away from is the which they do not make anymore, which is the one that integrates a tom tom gps and you use that as your main screen and your gps. Fahrenheit- Another low class name brand not even sold at flea markets some will try to trick you into these as if they are great units, there not, buyer beware. Jensen- While not the top or middle class these do have a lot to offer, but it comes at a price. The screen is by no means a god one to look at gps let alone a movie, and the signals that it sends out for an external amp can have engine noise in it as well "not all cars" If you are looking for a low end one to put in your wife's car to make her mad this is the one. JVC- Middle class head units, while I have not had much to do with them I still have played with a few and such. There flashy screens attract those teens that want that boom boom in the trunk. They are nice units and can be fairly easy to use, only for the money you can always get something better. Kenwood- Fantastic interface with the best NAV and blu tooth I have seen in years. You can not beat these DD units. If you are looking for a nice Nav interface and a nice unit for music look no further. Panasonic- If you can get past the flashy blue screen you may like them "single dins" The double dins are nice as well sprting a lot to offer for a good price, but as soon as you want to add nav you are slamed with an extra 500 bucks. Pioneer- If you do not know me by now I have sort of a beef with pioneer. I started installing stereos 5 years ago. I have used pioneers and had nothing but problems "in my own and others" Problems from face plates dying. internal amps frying, cd's not ejecting, engine wining noise and so on. But I will say this there premier units are pretty nice, and the sound quality signal you get out of them is nice as well. There ipod interface is junk and slow. Other than that there not bad units. Sony- This company use to be the milestone in sound quality and use to be the baddest company on the block. Now there commercialized junk. I have seen these units literally short themselves out, the power signal you get form there head units and amps are garbage and so on. Stay away! Valor- Yes they look like a great package don't they? Do not be fooled another name brand just like pyle and Boss only a tad nice, they may look nice but that's all. I hope this has helped you in some way. I know my reviews may of been a tad harsh but i have used them and know how they are. __________________ 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/ Last edited by bigaudiofanat; 11-21-2010 at 10:27 PM.

07-25-2009, 10:21 AM	#10 (permalink)
antennahead A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 15,181 Drives: '07 Z4 "M" Roadster Rep Power: 58	I like this unit: Clarion VX709 DVD receiver at Crutchfield.com Built in bluetooth, and the microphone is built into the front of the headunit. It also plays MP3 amd WMA on DVD, so you can get a lot of material on one disc, albeit at reduced quality. I don't really need nav. John

07-25-2009, 10:27 AM	#11 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 854	That is a nice one not to mention the car in the pic LOL __________________ 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/

07-28-2009, 09:54 PM	#12 (permalink)
37Z Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 476 Drives: 370Z MB 6M -sold Rep Power: 264	Alpine's EQ/Crossover PXE - H650 If one stays with the base HU and adds an amp and sub and front speakers, would the addition of a Alpine EQ/CrossoverPXE-H650 improve the sound?

08-01-2009, 06:36 PM	#13 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 854	That is the only way to install it on the bose model, yes it will help a bit on the base head unit as well. My first choice would be to change the head unit, it will be the best bet for SQ and also look better IMO. __________________ 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/

08-17-2009, 10:50 AM	#14 (permalink)
speedoflife Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: MS/TX Posts: 268 Drives: '06 Pontiac G.P. Rep Power: 17	Don't forget the WiringWizard! Rockford Fosgate® - Woofer WiringWizard

08-22-2009, 09:05 AM	#15 (permalink)
37Z Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 476 Drives: 370Z MB 6M -sold Rep Power: 264	DVD Audio Does the Kenwood play DVD audio CDs or only DVD video?

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