Please push me or talk me off the ledge

Fuzzzy

I know just enough about car audio to know that I don't know enough about it. When I bought my Z, I bought it with the intention of upgrading the audio as well as installing nav and back-up camera. I know that I am not knowledgeable or handy enough to tackle this job myself. I intend to keep my Z as long as I can, so I want something I will be happy with and not regret leaving off "new" features that may soon become standard. I hope still to be driving the Z in ten years.

I have had Dynamat installed, and it has quietened the Z to a level where I don't think I will regret investing in some audio upgrades. I think my expectations for sound quality are realistic. I understand that by going to a local audio dealer, I am going to pay a premium--even more so because there is only one such shop relatively local to me. Such is life. However, I would like to go in with a very good idea of what I want/need so I can "buy" rather than "be sold."

This is what I am considering and would like some feedback as to whether it is absolute overkill, inadequate, totally unnecessary, etc, as well as if I am overlooking something obvious.

HU: Kenwood DNN992 DNN992 Special Site - Kenwood
This seems almost frivolous, but I am afraid that a few years down the road, I may miss some of the features if I go with a lesser unit.

Maestro interface: iDatalink - Maestro - Maestro RR This would seem to allow gauge readings and engine codes to be displayed on the HU, but information seems to be sparse as to exactly what it would display for the Z. Does anyone know for sure?

Sub: KICKER | Hideaway Powered Subwoofer I have never had a sub in a vehicle and am not sure if I need one. I don't need to blow out the windows, but I do very much prefer good subs in my home audio systems. I am pretty sure I do not want a big sub in the Z due to space limitations. I became interested in this sub from Bigaudiofan's installation of one on the shelf behind the driver's seat in this thread (at the end of post #1): Big's 2014 California Install Thread .

Amp: Am I wrong in thinking that I will not need a separate amp with the above HU? Even with the Kicker sub since it is a powered sub?

Backup Camera: No idea. Are there any real differences? If so, anything particular to look for? It seems this HU has 2 camera inputs--any reason to consider more than one camera on a Z?

Speakers: I haven't gotten down to specifics here, but there are several threads here, as well as elsewhere, that I can review. I'm assuming whether I add a sub would influence my selection here? Would the type of speakers be different or just a need for better quality if no sub is present? Should the tweeters in the dash be replaced as well as the door speakers?

If you made it this far, I appreciate your time and welcome your comments.

Steve-NC

Whatever ledge you choose, to jump or not has to be your own choice.

I've taken a similar path in choosing to go aftermarket. I've installed or had someone install systems in previous cars and made decisions based on the fact that I don't replace a vehicle every couple of years. So I spent some time looking into the different components, spent hours on this forum and others to gather opinions, and headed to the local shops for some hands-on in order to make the choices that work for me.

I'm about to finalize the setup with a reputable local shop and, while I'm looking at a more intense system than yours, I'll throw out a few comments...

I had been looking into the DNN991HD and then the CES tosses the DNN992 out for this year. The dealer was pretty annoyed at Kenwood, because he said they were expecting something to get excited about, but they found neither Pioneer nor Kenwood gave them anything to thrill them. But the price on the DNN991HD began to drop and I got him to drop down to online prices. So that's where I'm going.

I'm also going with the Maestro RR. With the Idatalink Serial Cable Connection (not the Wired Remote Input Connection), it lists "Steering Wheel Controls: Two Functions on Each Button; Standard and Expanded Radio Functions" and "Gauges: User Selectable Gauges; Read/Reset Check Engine Codes". Haven't spoken to anyone who can verify any specifics.

I have looked into the Kenwood CMOS-320 camera because it has multiple views that can be directly controlled from the touchscreen on the HU, but for the price, it ought to park the car for me. For now, I plan on one of the e-bay/Amazon license plate light units so I can get the install done and maybe I'll switch it out in the future. I had planned to put a front camera in (another low cost one), since the Z is lower than previous cars I've driven and I thought that seeing obstacles when pulling into a parking space might help, but the install labor cost was too high for something I may not use very often. That's something I'll add myself later if I get the urge.

As far as speakers, I learned a lot from the folks on this forum, in that your front components are probably your most important decision. There are decent choices in every price range. In the end, I've decided to go with Hertz HSK's, but that's just what sounded good to me and what I could afford. Inevitably, that meant finding a decent amp, which goes down another road of opinions and specs...

Also, I never took the original numbers from the shop as written in stone. Business is business, and regardless of how big of a market you're in, if they can't get your money, they can't pay their bills. So whatever estimates you get, it's worth countering with what you think is fair.

Just my two cents. (Well, I guess it turned into about a buck and a half)

(BTW, how much Dynamat did you have installed and at what cost? I've pretty much decided to do my own sound deadening, because the shop gave me a quote that seemed too high for too little.)

Fuzzzy

Steve,

Thanks for the info. I'm already psychologically committed to the upgrade. The hesitation is for decision on equipment (bells & whistles) and time-frame. But I am getting eager to get something done.

I have also considered the DNN991 due to price drops, but I'm afraid I will miss a few of the DNN992's features a few years from now.

The audio shop that did the Dynamat install actually used a product that is listed at Ballistic on my invoice. They assured me it was just as good as Dynamat but a bit cheaper. They charged me $240 for a "roll" for the hatch plus $90 for a "speaker" kit for the doors. Plus $300 for labor. They seem to have done a good job and had to keep my Z overnight to finish it. I'm sure I took a bath, and probably could have done at least the hatch on my own if my back wasn't habitually "stove up." But it has worked like a charm. My Z isn't "sedan quiet," but road noise is very much quietened. Spread over the "life expectancy" of the Z for me, I can swallow it.

This is really the only auto audio shop within at least 150 miles, so I'm prepared to be raped on the install job. IF I'm satisfied with what I have when it's over. That is really my biggest question now.

Thanks again, and good luck with your project.

Tadpole

If you have Bose, loose it all.

Upgrade your deck, components, and 3-1/2"s and put a sub in the rear hatch. Amplify 50 watts RMS minimum per channel and enjoy the day.

Jump Fuzzzzy... I already did.

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Steve-NC

"I have also considered the DNN991 due to price drops, but I'm afraid I will miss a few of the DNN992's features a few years from now."

Help me out with that. I even went page by page through both owner's manuals without finding much more than variations in wording. Oh, and lines for the backup camera. Unless there's iPhone upgrades (I don't do the iPhone thing...).

The DNN992 would probably run me at least $250-350 more than what I'll be able to get the DNN991HD for. And I'd be willing to pay it for new features that will make a difference. I just couldn't find any. So I figure I can take that money and stash it in my "DNN997" fund.

Fuzzzy

Thanks for the encouragement. No Bose here; I'm allergic.

Well, damn! I thought I had already done the line-by-line comparison between the 991 and 992. Apparently, I had done one of those against a "lower" model. I just went and ran it, and you're right. The only other thing I saw that didn't appear to be just a re-statement was something in the Bluetooth specs. Thanks!

[Edit: The smart-phone mirroring is new. Not sure if that would add any value for me though.]

I'm allergic to Apple products as well.