Base System Upgrade

Jason · 08-31-2009, 12:46 AM

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?

Graybullet · 08-31-2009, 01:04 AM

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.

Jason · 08-31-2009, 03:48 AM

'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?

bigaudiofanat · 08-31-2009, 05:43 AM

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.

Shunya · 08-31-2009, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

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

fixed lol just being a lil bitch

bigaudiofanat · 08-31-2009, 06:36 AM

Of cores lol.

Shunya · 08-31-2009, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

Of cores lol.

Jason · 09-01-2009, 06:01 AM

Thanks - this is very helpful!

Jason · 09-01-2009, 06:15 AM

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?

Division · 09-01-2009, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason

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 ********...

bigaudiofanat · 09-01-2009, 08:33 AM

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"

Mrabyss · 09-01-2009, 09:35 AM

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.

bigaudiofanat · 09-01-2009, 11:03 AM

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

Jason · 09-01-2009, 11:04 AM

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

bigaudiofanat · 09-01-2009, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason

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

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

08-31-2009, 12:46 AM	#1 (permalink)
Jason Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 309 Drives: Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 15	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?

08-31-2009, 05:43 AM	#4 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 852	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. __________________ 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; 08-31-2009 at 06:42 AM.

08-31-2009, 06:36 AM	#6 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 852	Of cores 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/

09-01-2009, 08:33 AM	#11 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 852	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" __________________ 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/

09-01-2009, 11:03 AM	#13 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 852	can we stay on the subject please LOL. This can all be discussed on the thread made for it. Thank You __________________ 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/

08-31-2009, 01:04 AM	#2 (permalink)
Graybullet Base Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Hawaii Posts: 82 Drives: 370Z Base/Sports Rep Power: 15	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.

08-31-2009, 03:48 AM	#3 (permalink)
Jason Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 309 Drives: Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 15	'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?

09-01-2009, 06:01 AM	#8 (permalink)
Jason Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 309 Drives: Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 15	Thanks - this is very helpful!

09-01-2009, 06:15 AM	#9 (permalink)
Jason Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 309 Drives: Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 15	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?

09-01-2009, 09:35 AM	#12 (permalink)
Mrabyss Base Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: OH Posts: 55 Drives: Pearl 370z Sport Rep Power: 16	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.

09-01-2009, 11:04 AM	#14 (permalink)
Jason Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 309 Drives: Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 15	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

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