My Nismo's new audio setup

Matt · 11-26-2009, 01:47 PM

After finally completing my setup, I decided to post what I did, and a short review of each component just in case any other Z owner is looking to do something similar.

As you all know, the Nismo and Base Z's come with a dreadful audio system, and had to be my first "upgrade".

Head Unit:

I went with the Clarion NX509. It's got a clean front interface, which I prefer. It's also cheaper than other popular head units (by about $1000) at the cost of losing some features though.

It's got a 7" touchscreen, DVD player, backup camera hookup (purchased extra), bluetooth capable (purchased extra) and 3D navigation.

Pros:

- Great sound.
- Easy to use
- Has everything "I" need.

Cons:

- No integrated bluetooth for phonebook/touchscreen calling capabilities.
- No way to permanently show the backup camera, from what I've seen. Gotta be in reverse.
- No "attenuate volume" capabilites. I have to pause the music. Small annoyance.

Component Speakers:

I went with the Focal 165VR component set. They sound great. The first week or so, they sounded a little weird. But just as the installers told me, they "broke in" just fine and sound great! Even more now that I'm not relying on the mids to give me the bass I want.

I have my doors dynamatted to help with the sound and rattle reduction.

Amplifier for Components:

I went with the Focal Solid 2 for these. It's a very small, lightweight, compact amp that doesn't have as much "power" as others, according to the box. But let me tell you, this amp is GREAT! Plenty of power for these (or even better) components and it runs VERY cool.

Subwoofer:

Image Dynamics IDQ 10", after seeing it mentioned in at least a dozen other threads, haha....and for good reason. This sub sounds incredible. This single 10", in my custom 12" Zenclosure box, sounds absolutely amazing and better (albeit not louder) than some of the dual 12" kicker and clarion setups I've had in the past. Very clean, precise, hard-hitting base for my rock/country, and with a few settings changed in the head unit, I can get the rumble of a 12" for my hip hop music.

Zenclosures did an astounding job on the box. They built the box specifically for the sub, using a 12" enclosure and shaving a few millimeters off each side to get the exact amount of air space (minus displacement) that Image Dynamics recommends for the sub. Obviously the correct 9.6" mounting diameter was cut.

Amplifier for Subwoofer:

Got the matching Focal Solid 1. Again, don't be turned off by the low power listed on the box. It's a great amp and gives me plenty of power. It runs a little hotter than my Solid 2, but that's expected.

I have both amps mounted under the seats with absolutely zero wires showing.

Radar Detector:

While not really "audio/video", a lot people include detectors in their audio setup plan.

I purchased the Valentine One. Just like others have said about it, it works great. The arrows may look cheesy, but they are invaluable. A GPS module to remember false alarms like the 9500 Passport would be great, but overall I'm extremely happy with it. In the first week, it's potentially already payed for itself. Don't let the website fool you, this thing is actually pretty tiny! Their website makes it look huge and clunky!

If anyone has any questions let me know.

A big thanks to all the members who helped me decide on all the pieces of my puzzle, especially Big Matt (bigaudiofanat). Thanks man.

370Zsteve · 11-26-2009, 01:52 PM

They did a great job, Matt. Looks fabulous in the trunk, and the dash install is very clean.

Mind my asking what the install labor came to?

+1 rep 4u

Matt · 11-26-2009, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370Zsteve

They did a great job, Matt. Looks fabulous in the trunk, and the dash install is very clean.

+1

I didn't see the need to take pictures, but they hid absolutely everything. A lot of setups around here, not knocking them, have the wires very visible going from the amp to the sub, over and/or under the rear stabilizer bar.

For instance, the passenger side amp goes to the sub. It runs to the side and under the kick plate and back/under the moldings and the up to the side of the box, which no one can see (hidden panel). Really good job, from design to install.

molamann · 11-26-2009, 01:58 PM

Are you already looking into purchasing a mount for the V1? If not, check out Country Joy Craft: The Radar Mount for the Valentine Radar Detector

Also, how does the sub sound in the Z? I've always thought that even a nice sub in a Z would sound shitty. :/

Matt · 11-26-2009, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by molamann

Are you already looking into purchasing a mount for the V1? If not, check out Country Joy Craft: The Radar Mount for the Valentine Radar Detector

I looked at that, and while the 370z is listed, I'm not sure it will fit. They have our car as 23mm, but after measuring and dividing, it appears slightly larger. I may just suck at measuring.

Either way, I like it better on the windshield It allows for fast and clean disconnect in case I get pulled over or park in a "shady" area. Perhaps the mirror mount would provide the same advantage, not sure.

Quote:

Also, how does the sub sound in the Z? I've always thought that even a nice sub in a Z would sound shitty. :/

Sounds amazing, honestly. I've ran systems from dual 15" subs in a hatchback to competition 10" subs in a trunk, and this sounds great. You won't win any competitions with MY setup, of course, but it sounds good.

I'd think really hard before putting dual 12"s in the back. A single 12" or 10", or dual 10"s will probably all sound great. Dual 12", unless properly noise-deadened/dynomatted, I think it may sound like crap. Just my

molamann · 11-26-2009, 02:12 PM

Hmm, I'm not a big audiophile but what's the most ideal condition for subwoofers?

Matt · 11-26-2009, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by molamann

Hmm, I'm not a big audiophile but what's the most ideal condition for subwoofers?

I guess it depends on what type of sound you're looking for. To be honest, a hatchback isn't really ideal for ANY type of sound, imo, which is why I wouldn't try to load too much base into the back of this thing. That's just my opinion though.

There's different enclosures, ported/sealed/bandpass, that will all produce different sounds. Put each one of those in a hatchback, then in a custom wall-mount in a van, and then in a trunk of a civic, you'll get 3 different sounds again!

schrute · 11-26-2009, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

I looked at that, and while the 370z is listed, I'm not sure it will fit. They have our car as 23mm, but after measuring and dividing, it appears slightly larger. I may just suck at measuring.

FWIW I got the 23mm mount from them for my Escort and it works great.

Nice system, bet it sounds great!

Matt · 11-26-2009, 02:22 PM

And if anyone is wondering, in the first pic you can see a little metal toggle switch. That's my DVD bypass. They said they couldn't just bypass with the wires, so they installed that. I put a DVD in, flip the switch on, start the DVD, and flip the switch back.

SlikNik · 11-26-2009, 07:18 PM

Congrats, looks good

Zsteve · 11-26-2009, 08:59 PM

Matt Im gonna have to come by and have a listen to your system now. Hope the shop was more attentive this time around on things.

jagodago · 11-26-2009, 10:02 PM

I am looking at the NX-509 also and am curious if the toggle switch is also used for the nav controls? If so have you had any trouble getting it to work?

I have also run across this which might work. I have used a PAC TR-7 with an Alpine unit in the past but I'm not clear if Clarion has done something different

Matt · 11-27-2009, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jagodago

I am looking at the NX-509 also and am curious if the toggle switch is also used for the nav controls? If so have you had any trouble getting it to work?

I have also run across this which might work. I have used a PAC TR-7 with an Alpine unit in the past but I'm not clear if Clarion has done something different

The toggle is not needed for any navigation functions at all. Only for DVD video playback.

They tried to see if that exact piece would work, from an Alpine system, and it would not. As seldom as I use the DVD playing function, I was comfortable with the toggle (long road trips with a copilot).

Zsteve · 11-27-2009, 10:57 AM

Matt when I had my pioneer installed there they were able to just bypass the safety brake thing so I could play it all the time. Is your stereo different so that they couldnt just bypass it by wiring it different (the ground I think)?

Matt · 11-27-2009, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zsteve

Matt when I had my pioneer installed there they were able to just bypass the safety brake thing so I could play it all the time. Is your stereo different so that they couldnt just bypass it by wiring it different (the ground I think)?

From what they said, yes. Are they full of crap? Who knows. I've yet to play a DVD, and will probably use it a total of 2-3 times during my ownership of the car, to be honest, so I don't really mind the button.

11-26-2009, 01:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
Matt A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Augusta, GA Age: 41 Posts: 1,680 Drives: 2010 Avalanche LT Rep Power: 19	My Nismo's new audio setup After finally completing my setup, I decided to post what I did, and a short review of each component just in case any other Z owner is looking to do something similar. As you all know, the Nismo and Base Z's come with a dreadful audio system, and had to be my first "upgrade". Head Unit: I went with the Clarion NX509. It's got a clean front interface, which I prefer. It's also cheaper than other popular head units (by about $1000) at the cost of losing some features though. It's got a 7" touchscreen, DVD player, backup camera hookup (purchased extra), bluetooth capable (purchased extra) and 3D navigation. Pros: - Great sound. - Easy to use - Has everything "I" need. Cons: - No integrated bluetooth for phonebook/touchscreen calling capabilities. - No way to permanently show the backup camera, from what I've seen. Gotta be in reverse. - No "attenuate volume" capabilites. I have to pause the music. Small annoyance. Component Speakers: I went with the Focal 165VR component set. They sound great. The first week or so, they sounded a little weird. But just as the installers told me, they "broke in" just fine and sound great! Even more now that I'm not relying on the mids to give me the bass I want. I have my doors dynamatted to help with the sound and rattle reduction. Amplifier for Components: I went with the Focal Solid 2 for these. It's a very small, lightweight, compact amp that doesn't have as much "power" as others, according to the box. But let me tell you, this amp is GREAT! Plenty of power for these (or even better) components and it runs VERY cool. Subwoofer: Image Dynamics IDQ 10", after seeing it mentioned in at least a dozen other threads, haha....and for good reason. This sub sounds incredible. This single 10", in my custom 12" Zenclosure box, sounds absolutely amazing and better (albeit not louder) than some of the dual 12" kicker and clarion setups I've had in the past. Very clean, precise, hard-hitting base for my rock/country, and with a few settings changed in the head unit, I can get the rumble of a 12" for my hip hop music. Zenclosures did an astounding job on the box. They built the box specifically for the sub, using a 12" enclosure and shaving a few millimeters off each side to get the exact amount of air space (minus displacement) that Image Dynamics recommends for the sub. Obviously the correct 9.6" mounting diameter was cut. Amplifier for Subwoofer: Got the matching Focal Solid 1. Again, don't be turned off by the low power listed on the box. It's a great amp and gives me plenty of power. It runs a little hotter than my Solid 2, but that's expected. I have both amps mounted under the seats with absolutely zero wires showing. Radar Detector: While not really "audio/video", a lot people include detectors in their audio setup plan. I purchased the Valentine One. Just like others have said about it, it works great. The arrows may look cheesy, but they are invaluable. A GPS module to remember false alarms like the 9500 Passport would be great, but overall I'm extremely happy with it. In the first week, it's potentially already payed for itself. Don't let the website fool you, this thing is actually pretty tiny! Their website makes it look huge and clunky! If anyone has any questions let me know. A big thanks to all the members who helped me decide on all the pieces of my puzzle, especially Big Matt (bigaudiofanat). Thanks man. __________________ "Any man who can drive a 370z while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the Z the attention it deserves." Albert Einstein....modified. Last edited by Matt; 11-27-2009 at 08:56 AM.

11-26-2009, 01:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
370Zsteve A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Gold Coast CT Posts: 10,599 Drives: 2019 Corvette G.S. Rep Power: 43	They did a great job, Matt. Looks fabulous in the trunk, and the dash install is very clean. Mind my asking what the install labor came to? +1 rep 4u __________________ SOLD MY Z MARCH 2018 - another Core OG moves on - new ride 2019 Z Corvette Grand Sport - no mods necessary but already have eyes on HFC and intakes LOL IT NEVER ENDS.

11-26-2009, 02:22 PM	#9 (permalink)
Matt A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Augusta, GA Age: 41 Posts: 1,680 Drives: 2010 Avalanche LT Rep Power: 19	And if anyone is wondering, in the first pic you can see a little metal toggle switch. That's my DVD bypass. They said they couldn't just bypass with the wires, so they installed that. I put a DVD in, flip the switch on, start the DVD, and flip the switch back. __________________ "Any man who can drive a 370z while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the Z the attention it deserves." Albert Einstein....modified.

11-26-2009, 07:18 PM	#10 (permalink)
SlikNik Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 294 Drives: 2015 Corvette Z51 Rep Power: 18	Congrats, looks good __________________ Enjoy my Audio Install Videos. http://www.the370z.com/audio-video/1...ll-videos.html

11-26-2009, 08:59 PM	#11 (permalink)
Zsteve A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: TX Posts: 3,298 Drives: the 2 balled club Rep Power: 22	Matt Im gonna have to come by and have a listen to your system now. Hope the shop was more attentive this time around on things. __________________ 2010 LS3 C6 Silver coupe corvette

11-26-2009, 01:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
molamann A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,666 Drives: 370Z with NAVVVVV Rep Power: 284	Are you already looking into purchasing a mount for the V1? If not, check out Country Joy Craft: The Radar Mount for the Valentine Radar Detector Also, how does the sub sound in the Z? I've always thought that even a nice sub in a Z would sound shitty. :/

11-26-2009, 02:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
molamann A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,666 Drives: 370Z with NAVVVVV Rep Power: 284	Hmm, I'm not a big audiophile but what's the most ideal condition for subwoofers?

11-26-2009, 10:02 PM	#12 (permalink)
jagodago Base Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Austin, Tx Posts: 14 Drives: 09-370Z-Black-7spd Rep Power: 16	I am looking at the NX-509 also and am curious if the toggle switch is also used for the nav controls? If so have you had any trouble getting it to work? I have also run across this which might work. I have used a PAC TR-7 with an Alpine unit in the past but I'm not clear if Clarion has done something different

11-27-2009, 10:57 AM	#14 (permalink)
Zsteve A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: TX Posts: 3,298 Drives: the 2 balled club Rep Power: 22	Matt when I had my pioneer installed there they were able to just bypass the safety brake thing so I could play it all the time. Is your stereo different so that they couldnt just bypass it by wiring it different (the ground I think)? __________________ 2010 LS3 C6 Silver coupe corvette

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