Base stereo UPGRADE ADVICE

Carbon_z · 09-19-2009, 03:46 PM

so obviously i completely HATE the stock base stereo. As bad as this may sound but i think the base 350z stereo was ACTUALLY better. I want to improve the sound in the car WITHOUT adding a sub "YET". what would you suggest for door and mid replacements??? i want it to be somewhat close to stock size as it will be easier to install without modding anything. Ideas would be great. I think i might replace the headunit with a touch screen double din but trying to find an AMAZING deal on one lol cause im a cheap ****.

also what amp would you suggust pushing for speakers. Should i ever get a sub i would get another amp or so on so right now just need speakers to be improved. Small amp that makes a difference with the mod in speakers and headunit...

THIS THREAD IS OFFICALLY OPEN FOR IDEAS

DO IT

Mike · 09-19-2009, 04:17 PM

I too would like to know what size speakers will be an EZ fit with no spacers or other mods. I'm picking up a slightly used F900BT tomorrow but still need to get all the other crap.

bigaudiofanat · 09-19-2009, 04:34 PM

You are going to at least need spacers as there is not much clearance behind the speaker. 6 1/2 with a small depth would be fine I have fitted speakers with 3 inch depth in the Z with no problem. If you want to make it a bit easier go with ones that has a 2 inch or smaller depth and use the z enclosure spacer rings. A good aftermarket head unit would push the speakers better than the factory one or even a alpine or phonex gold amp would push them even better. Take a look around the threads and see what other people have done. There is a lot of choices. I have a few threads as well. Just search my name for threads that were started by me. My apology for not linking them to you as I am very tired and getting ready to take a nap.

Mike · 09-19-2009, 05:46 PM

so 6.5 is good? Crutchfield says 5.75 or something like that.

DIGItonium · 09-19-2009, 07:58 PM

Dremel out the OEM speaker and cage. The entire thing is plastic. Line up the new 6.5" speaker to make some screw holes, and screw the new speaker in. Or you can look for aftermarket spacers.

Mike · 09-19-2009, 08:10 PM

thanks,
I bought some infiniti 6.5s tonite and a 4 channel alpine amp. Getting the F900 tomorrow, but I'm going to put it in the Corvette and move the Avic Z3 to the 370, as I like the unit better and drive the Z more than the vette.

M.J. · 09-20-2009, 03:06 AM

My Z had the base stereo in it. I was able to mount a pair of Alpine SPR-17s 6-3/4 woofers in the doors using the adapter rings that came with the speakers. They were maybe a 1/4 inch thick and did not require any cutting of the stock speaker mount. It was a simple bolt/screw in. But then again, I think they are only 2-3/8" deep.

kenchan · 09-20-2009, 08:17 AM

I think just replacing the HU is a great improvement if you can find one with a decent EQ. I went with the pioneer 3100. Its dd, steering wheel controls, usb, choice of different key colors, etc. Search for the thread.

I recommend you wire a new line to the new tweeter while you are doing the HU. I checked wiring on the dash (kickpanel) and it would be a lot easier just to wireup a new line.

Now I'm too lazy to take apart the stereo again lol. It sounds much better than stock already so I think most folks would be happy just swapping the HU.

ConchZ2 · 09-20-2009, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike

thanks,
I bought some infiniti 6.5s tonite and a 4 channel alpine amp. Getting the F900 tomorrow, but I'm going to put it in the Corvette and move the Avic Z3 to the 370, as I like the unit better and drive the Z more than the vette.

I have the Pioneer F series in my 370Z and it’s the best for the money. I’m totally happy with it.
I recommend upgrading to the “2009 F-series Navigation Upgrade SD-Card #CNSD-100FM”. It adds the following;

Model year 2009 TeleAtlas database on SD Card, featuring nearly 12 million POI, US and Canada coverage (including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico).
Includes firmware version 3.0, including heading-up option in 2D view, Highway Sign Boards, enhanced map UI with improved contrast, and more. Models with built-in MSN Direct will feature 3 additional channels (news, stocks and local events) and traffic flow displayed on map.

Mike · 09-20-2009, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ConchZ2

I have the Pioneer F series in my 370Z and it’s the best for the money. I’m totally happy with it.
I recommend upgrading to the “2009 F-series Navigation Upgrade SD-Card #CNSD-100FM”. It adds the following;

Model year 2009 TeleAtlas database on SD Card, featuring nearly 12 million POI, US and Canada coverage (including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico).
Includes firmware version 3.0, including heading-up option in 2D view, Highway Sign Boards, enhanced map UI with improved contrast, and more. Models with built-in MSN Direct will feature 3 additional channels (news, stocks and local events) and traffic flow displayed on map.

thanks!

ConchZ2 · 09-20-2009, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.J.

My Z had the base stereo in it. I was able to mount a pair of Alpine SPR-17s 6-3/4 woofers in the doors using the adapter rings that came with the speakers. They were maybe a 1/4 inch thick and did not require any cutting of the stock speaker mount. It was a simple bolt/screw in. But then again, I think they are only 2-3/8" deep.

What do you think about the Alpine SPR-17? I’ve heard mixed reviews?

speedfreak28 · 09-20-2009, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ConchZ2

What do you think about the Alpine SPR-17? I’ve heard mixed reviews?

Ive personally used them and theyre a great budget set of componets. The tweeter is an aluminum dome which can be a little harsh for my taste in music but definately a solid set for under 150

M.J. · 09-20-2009, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ConchZ2

What do you think about the Alpine SPR-17? I’ve heard mixed reviews?

I've run Polks before and really liked them. But I got a great price on the Alpines and couldn't pass them up. When I first turned on my system I was a little disappointed with the sound. But then I hadn't set the crossover points and after I did they produced some pretty good sound. I don't "blast" music so all I can say is that in the upper middle volume range they sound very good. And they work well with my rear speakers.

Mike

bigaudiofanat · 09-21-2009, 10:52 PM

I second the polks, I use to have a set of polk momo's in my civic. The tweets were very smooth and the woofers put out some bass "nothing crazy but enough for what they are suppose to produce" They were great budget speakers and produced some pretty good sound for the money. Just with them as with any components they liked when they were powered by an amp. Everything seemed to get much clearer. I also agree with just upgrading the head unit. That will increase your sound quality right off the bat.

kenchan · 09-21-2009, 11:03 PM

another vote for polks. that's all i use these days. that or the MB's that i use to run in my old G20 with a nakamichi system...man, that was like 10yrs ago. lol time flies.

09-19-2009, 03:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
Carbon_z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 1,695 Drives: Carbon Fiber 370z Rep Power: 18	Base stereo UPGRADE ADVICE so obviously i completely HATE the stock base stereo. As bad as this may sound but i think the base 350z stereo was ACTUALLY better. I want to improve the sound in the car WITHOUT adding a sub "YET". what would you suggest for door and mid replacements??? i want it to be somewhat close to stock size as it will be easier to install without modding anything. Ideas would be great. I think i might replace the headunit with a touch screen double din but trying to find an AMAZING deal on one lol cause im a cheap **. also what amp would you suggust pushing for speakers. Should i ever get a sub i would get another amp or so on so right now just need speakers to be improved. Small amp that makes a difference with the mod in speakers and headunit... THIS THREAD IS OFFICALLY OPEN FOR IDEAS DO IT __________________ Full Carbon Fiber Nissan 370z "400zTT" Fully Built 4.0L Twin Turbo 1300hp, 1100whp. Follow me on Instagram at** http://www.instagram.com/carbonz.

09-19-2009, 04:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mike The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Loganville, GA Posts: 5,944 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 2185	I too would like to know what size speakers will be an EZ fit with no spacers or other mods. I'm picking up a slightly used F900BT tomorrow but still need to get all the other crap. __________________ NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968

09-19-2009, 04:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 852	You are going to at least need spacers as there is not much clearance behind the speaker. 6 1/2 with a small depth would be fine I have fitted speakers with 3 inch depth in the Z with no problem. If you want to make it a bit easier go with ones that has a 2 inch or smaller depth and use the z enclosure spacer rings. A good aftermarket head unit would push the speakers better than the factory one or even a alpine or phonex gold amp would push them even better. Take a look around the threads and see what other people have done. There is a lot of choices. I have a few threads as well. Just search my name for threads that were started by me. My apology for not linking them to you as I am very tired and getting ready to take a nap. __________________ 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/

09-19-2009, 05:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
Mike The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Loganville, GA Posts: 5,944 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 2185	so 6.5 is good? Crutchfield says 5.75 or something like that. __________________ NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968

09-19-2009, 07:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
DIGItonium A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 3,800 Drives: 09 Z34-TT 6MT Rep Power: 42	Dremel out the OEM speaker and cage. The entire thing is plastic. Line up the new 6.5" speaker to make some screw holes, and screw the new speaker in. Or you can look for aftermarket spacers. __________________

09-19-2009, 08:10 PM	#6 (permalink)
Mike The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Loganville, GA Posts: 5,944 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 2185	thanks, I bought some infiniti 6.5s tonite and a 4 channel alpine amp. Getting the F900 tomorrow, but I'm going to put it in the Corvette and move the Avic Z3 to the 370, as I like the unit better and drive the Z more than the vette. __________________ NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968

09-20-2009, 03:06 AM	#7 (permalink)
M.J. Base Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Posts: 68 Drives: '09 370 White, 6spd. Rep Power: 16	My Z had the base stereo in it. I was able to mount a pair of Alpine SPR-17s 6-3/4 woofers in the doors using the adapter rings that came with the speakers. They were maybe a 1/4 inch thick and did not require any cutting of the stock speaker mount. It was a simple bolt/screw in. But then again, I think they are only 2-3/8" deep. __________________ Aloha! Honolulu, Hawaii. '09 370Z White, 6spd Stillen Gen-III Intake/CBE, Alpine Entertainment Volk G2's 19x9.5F 19x10.5R, Nitto Invo 285x30F & 305x30R

09-20-2009, 08:17 AM	#8 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	I think just replacing the HU is a great improvement if you can find one with a decent EQ. I went with the pioneer 3100. Its dd, steering wheel controls, usb, choice of different key colors, etc. Search for the thread. I recommend you wire a new line to the new tweeter while you are doing the HU. I checked wiring on the dash (kickpanel) and it would be a lot easier just to wireup a new line. Now I'm too lazy to take apart the stereo again lol. It sounds much better than stock already so I think most folks would be happy just swapping the HU.

09-21-2009, 10:52 PM	#14 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 852	I second the polks, I use to have a set of polk momo's in my civic. The tweets were very smooth and the woofers put out some bass "nothing crazy but enough for what they are suppose to produce" They were great budget speakers and produced some pretty good sound for the money. Just with them as with any components they liked when they were powered by an amp. Everything seemed to get much clearer. I also agree with just upgrading the head unit. That will increase your sound quality right off the bat. __________________ 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/

09-21-2009, 11:03 PM	#15 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	another vote for polks. that's all i use these days. that or the MB's that i use to run in my old G20 with a nakamichi system...man, that was like 10yrs ago. lol time flies.

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