Base System Upgrade
 

After owning my Z for almost 3 months now I LOVE everything about it except the sound system. Should've gotten the Touring but I'm in a recession so I got the Base/Sport.

Anyway, being on a budget, I'm looking to upgrade one part of the sound system at a time.

I'm thinking speakers should be the first thing I upgrade but I know nothing about systems so will this really fix the problem or is it the headunit? I just don't want it to sound like crap. What's the major fault in the base system? Also, what's the best overall audio brand? Bose?

I started with my head unit (Kenwood 7140) and I have the base stock system, can its a world of difference with the base speakers. AK has a video of the 6140..that might give you some kind of a comparison.

'appreciate the feedback. i'll start shopping around for hu's.

has anyone swapped speakers and kept the stock hu? can you tell me if that was a huge difference?

You are actually going to get better sound to start off with upgrading the head unit. Than worry about the speakers. The 6140 is what everyone is going with but if you do not want to fallow the crowed look into alpine . Also stay away from pioneer unless you really want them.

fixed lol just being a lil bitch :)

Of cores lol.

:icon18:

Thanks - this is very helpful!

I read your thread about pioneer lol. Those are actually the first I was looking into since owning a scion for almost 3 years that's all they used. Is alpine better than kenwood? I'm really just trying to go with the best and, eventually, i'd like all parts of the system to match. Alpine hu, speakers, sub, etc. Also, will this sound better than the touring's system once I'm done?

Throw enough money at any problem, and it will most certainly go away.

I've been on the fence about pioneer for a long time (I'm actually running a pioneer deck in my car now- can't beat the SQ), however I wouldn't let one thread (either way) make your decision. Go and play with the decks. Before you go and buy a deck, figure out EXACTLY what you want. Superior Sound Quality, high volt pre outs for clearer amplification, Bluetooth, nav, etc... Once you have your list of "wants" go find a deck that meets your needs. Remember Opinions are like ********...

It is rely not my option and also it is his decision. I have been doing installs for almost 6 years now I have installed systems in many different cars and suv's. The pioneer decks just do not hold up well at all it is not just my personal experience but others as well. Also how much money are you talking I have seen people buy a pioneer premier deck and it craps out the week after install. Pioneer is not what it use to be by any means. If you would like to continue this please post on the "done with pioneer thread"

I bought a Pioneer Premier AVIC-F90BT and it was great for about a month and then I was having issues with the sound cutting out on the passenger speaker when using the Ipod. Now I had the HU and speakers(Focal's) installed at a Pioneer Dealer and I told them I wanted the Ipod cable replaced and it cost me nothing extra and now I have zero problems with the system. If you don't do the install yourself I recommend you find a shop that is going to stand behind the work they do and not charge you for any issues that may arise. I have had 2 cars since 2003 and both of them have pioneer headunits. My previous HU is a single din flip up screen model and after about 5 years the flip up gears are messing up but it still works and the operation of the HU is still perfect. Alpine>Kenwood>Pioneer>Alpine>Kenwood>Pioneer all you want but it is mostly up to personal preference. Like said above determine what features you want and match the head unit that best meets those requirements independant of brand. In comparison how many people would have bought Visio and LG televisions 5-10 years ago because they were cheaper than Sony. Look at those brands now they command the same premiums. Some companies do things right when it comes to quality and if they didn't make a quality product they wouldn't be in their respective businesses very long especially with the economy the way it is.:tiphat:

can we stay on the subject please LOL. This can all be discussed on the thread made for it. Thank You

Budget for hu is 1500. I was looking at getting one of the navi hu's. I mentioned your thread because of your years of experience installing systems. I respect those and take it into consideration. Didn't want to turn this into a war against any particular brand. I'll check out everyones top model and see what's good. I just wish there was a way to cover it if I ever need to park my car in a "hood" here in Miami. Lol

LOL I know what you mean. Thank you for the comments :tiphat: There is always this little baby goes right over your new one and makes it look factory.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Dummy-Security-F...d=p3286.c0.m14

You totally did the right thing, upgrading your sound system aftermarket will blow the Bose sytem away. The system is way overpriced IMO and doing some research online will point you in the right direction on your choices.

Take a look at lots of the installs on this forum, read their feedback. Look at the online stores they shop at and saved tons of $.

Good luck, I personally am looking into the Eclipse 726E a new head unit for 09 that has been highly rated by consumer reports/ Cnet reviews/.

Priced at $1000 on Woofersetc.com the online car audio super store, the largest selection at the lowest prices!

I had JL Audio XR components in my old 350 and they were excellent. May try something different this time around. Maybe Boston Pro Se's

Ya that is where I recommend him and mostly anyone to go to get there stuff.