Audio help for a beginner?

SouthArk370Z

I can't make any specific suggestions since I haven't kept up with car audio for a few years. I don't spend a lot of time in my car and, when I do, I don't need a system that goes to 11 - ie, something like the Bose or other "high-end" OEM system is just what I need.

In general, for a small car like the Z you don't need a lot of power. 30-50W for hi- and mid-ranges and 250-500W for the sub should be plenty.
All I can tell you about speaker selection is repeat "get what sounds good to you." The speakers (driver(s) + enclosure) will make the most difference in how the system sounds and everybody's ears are different. For most people, any of the popular brands (see recommendations on this site and check out a few car-audio related sites) should work well. If the drivers are demoed in an enclosure, make sure you get the same enclosure for the car.

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Tadpole

Here is my deck I currently have. Im not too fond of the blue but it has hands free phone and bluetooth and an awesome equalizer setup.

Alpine CDE-W235BT CD receiver at Crutchfield.com

Here are my 6 1/2 components. These are a good entry speaker and sound pretty good amped and tuned. I will be upgrading these soon to Hertz or Focals for more clarity but these speakers get pricey.
Alpine SXE-1750S | Custom Sounds

Here is my amp. Its installed underneath the passenger seat. Do not let the wattage fool you. Your ears will bleed with this cranked up. I dont even have the gain half way up and its painful. One awesome amp. Major thumbs up from me on this one!

Alpine MRV-F300 | Custom Sounds



I will be installing these 3 1/2's tomorrow actually. I will post up later on my thoughts of these.

C2-350x - Car Audio - Evolution® - C2 - Coaxial Systems - JL Audio

I purchased the JL Audio microsub. As you can see I am starting to realize to get the sound I want and like is costing me some money. I should see this next week and will also post my thoughts after installed and tuned. I will be using velcro to keep in secured in the hatch.

CP108LG-W3v3 - Car Audio - Subwoofer Systems - MicroSub

I hope this helps and I am looking for the right set up myself still. I have a good feeling though with the JL Audio setup in the rear and upgrade the components I will be finally set. Roughly $1000 bucks in all will get you an impressive system that you will happy with. Good luck in your search and go listen and get what you like!

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StanceZ37

lol this will take some time.. instead of asking about brands and what not let me ask this.. what size speakers and tweets would fit in the z touring?

Tadpole

Front components are 6-1/2 to 6-3/4. Rears are 3-1/2. I own a Base model so no Bose sub for me. You should really consider this micro sub as well. I upgraded my Bose to aftermarket on my 350Z and the sub enclosure vibrated/rattled pretty bad at higher volumes with the new sub I added. That poor Bose sub popped and cut off about a quarter of volume on the deck and amp I had installed so I had pretty much no choice but to upgrade the sub. Bose systems cannot handle wattage at all so dont waste your time in keeping any part of Bose in your car if you are upgrading.

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StanceZ37

Yeah i have been doing my research and almost everyone on here says its all crap. I do like that micro sub it looks to fit an 8" sub which is plenty bass for me now what i would like to know is where would the enclosure go? In the summer i do daily my z so i need as much trunk space as possible.

RonRizz

A lot of good advice flying around this thread. One thing I can tell you for sure, the bose sub absolutely has to go. that poor thing can barely take the few watts the bose system throws at it.
A hint of what your looking at budget-wise will go a long way to anyone pointing you in any kind of direction. I mean, were looking at many components all of which can run from $100 to well over $1000 each.

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P99rs Head Unit--- Amps- 2 Pioneer Prs800d --- Zapco ST1000MX---Zapco ST-4XSQ---- SI BM mk5 Subs---SI TM65v2 Midbass--- SI M3 mids--- SI M25 xbl2 tweeters ----- 2016 MECA street class 3rd place at world finals

StanceZ37

Well if i can spend $800-$1000 max for a good system i will be a happy camper.

RonRizz

I'll give it some thought, and throw a couple ideas your way

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P99rs Head Unit--- Amps- 2 Pioneer Prs800d --- Zapco ST1000MX---Zapco ST-4XSQ---- SI BM mk5 Subs---SI TM65v2 Midbass--- SI M3 mids--- SI M25 xbl2 tweeters ----- 2016 MECA street class 3rd place at world finals

StanceZ37

ok thank you i would really appreciate it. if this helps out.. im looking for a real crisp clean sound that gives good detail. also some bass would be nice but not over powering to the point were my heart feels like its going to pop out of my chest.. also no car shaking either lol..
also i listen to all types of music but mostly rock, alternative rap hip hop.

RonRizz

Keeping it in your budget range...
Head Unit Pioneer AVH X2600bt Crutchfield $260 8 channel eq built in bluetooth
Amp Alpine PDR-F50 4 channel Sonicelectronix $310 85watts x4 or 85x2 and 250x1
Components Image Dynamics CTX65CS Amazon $230
Sub Alpine SBR-S8-4 Amazon $150
$950 Gets you down the road smilin'

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P99rs Head Unit--- Amps- 2 Pioneer Prs800d --- Zapco ST1000MX---Zapco ST-4XSQ---- SI BM mk5 Subs---SI TM65v2 Midbass--- SI M3 mids--- SI M25 xbl2 tweeters ----- 2016 MECA street class 3rd place at world finals

StanceZ37

looks like a good setup. my question is where would the enclosure go and also if im doing a complete overhaul should i put in better speaker wires?

StanceZ37

oh and also you didnt list speakers for the rear so i figured i would go with same brand. im guessing i will need plated for these aswell seeing as the rears are 3.5 and also if i add the 4" will it fit on the amp with sub and 2 fronts+ the tweeters Amazon.com : CTX 4 - Image Dynamics 4" 2-Way Speakers with Silk Tweeters : Vehicle Speakers : Electronics

RonRizz

I didn't forget....lol. I haven't used rear speakers in a car for 20+ years. Simple fact is, you don't need them. I have never been to a concert, or symphony, where there were speakers behind me. That being said, many are stuck on putting them back there, and that's their choice. I won't hate on it.... My suggestion to you is this.... When installing the head unit and amp, run 2 sets of speaker wire to the back in case you decide to put a set in there, you can run them off head unit power, and go with a direct fit 3.5" speaker. no muss, no fuss.
If you are dead set on having them back there, by all means, put them in right away, you can always control with the fader to on/off.

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P99rs Head Unit--- Amps- 2 Pioneer Prs800d --- Zapco ST1000MX---Zapco ST-4XSQ---- SI BM mk5 Subs---SI TM65v2 Midbass--- SI M3 mids--- SI M25 xbl2 tweeters ----- 2016 MECA street class 3rd place at world finals

StanceZ37

oh i didnt know that and to be quite honest with you i never knew there were speakers behind me untill i started reading up on it yesterday lmfao!

StanceZ37

Ron i also want to know i have never done anything with audio in a car so this will be my first time doing it.. do you think the install will be easy or should i just bring the car to an audio shop and have them install it? If its an easy install ill do it myself..