Planned Audio Setup
 

I am planning on installing an audio system in my base 370z. I have been reading the forums for awhile, and I know that there are many knowledgeable people on these forums. I would appreciate a critiquing of the planned install (ie. better options, more cost effective options, etc.)

Headunit: Alpine CDA9886 or CDA9887 ($300/$330 from woofersetc.com, not sure of the difference)
http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/66/newpicturep.png

Amplifier: JL Audio HD900/5 ($759 from local dealer)
http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/7493/newpicture1y.png

Components: Focal 165 KR2 2-way components ($599 from local dealer) - I will only be running front components so with the 4-channel part of the amp bridged the components will be getting 150W x 2
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/1610/focal165kr.jpg

Subwoofer: JL Audio 12w6v2 ($355 from local dealer)
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/7380/newpictureq.png

Subwoofer Enclosure: ZEnclosure 12” rear-firing enclosure ($135)

Component Spacers: ZEnclosure ($20)

Does anyone have any suggestions how/where to mount the tweeters? Obviously, they can be mounted in the dash where the stock tweeters are located, but I have also seen them mounted in the pillars above/in front of the windows (ie. http://www.the370z.com/audio-video/3...70z-build.html). Would this be the optimal place to place them?
Thank you very much for your input.

your local retailer is RAPING you on price... just look online for those and you will find a better deal every minute... how do you plan on fitting that 12 w6v2 in the Z?

Really? I have looked online quite a few places and have only found similar deals, usually higher though. For example, at woofersetc.com the amp is $800 and the components are $850. The only item that was cheaper was the 12w6v2, which is listed at $340. Please let me know where I can find significantly lower prices, and it would be much appreciated. As for the 12w6v2, is there a problem fitting it into the ZEnclosures box? I know the airspace in it is around 1.18 ft3 and the ideal for the 12w6v2 is 1.25 ft3. The mounting depth is 7.6" for the sub and the ZEnclosures box says it can accommodate 10". Is it an airspace issue or a mounting depth issue? Please elaborate as I have seen a 12w6v2 in the ZEnclosure box on this site (SlikNik).

Thanks

The prices you got are solid and through an authorized dealer (granted he's breaking contracts selling that cheap) Even if you find the stuff a little cheaper you will have hassles with warranty claims because neither Jl or focal allow online dealers with respect to crutchfield.
For your question on the tweeters the pillars are more optimal then the factory location. It helps raise the sound stage and the harshness of imaging the tweeters off of glass. Id recommend going with the 9887. It will give you more tuning options to help dial in your front stage.

Thank you very much for the feedback. I plan on ordering all this stuff as soon as possible, so it means a lot to hear as much feedback as possible before purchasing.

GREAT head unit, I am running the 9887 and use to have a 9886. The difference is the 9887 can go "active" unless you are going to drop some serious cash and get into serious SQ setups I would just go with the 9886 plus the 86 comes with a usb port the 97 does not.

Would you pick a 9886 over a 117? I was thinking about going with the CDA-117 (i thought it was considered the replacement for the 9886).

http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/cda-117


http://www.suchartsound.co.th/images..._cda-117_l.jpg

Dude your system will kick *** in the Z. I have the same amp,( it slams) same sub in a Zenclosure box. Had the Alpine 9835 in my 04 350Z and you can't go wrong with an Alpine headunit. Get the remote bass control knob for that amp 35bucks and a must IMO. Bouncing around from Sirius radio to cds, to am radio, to video it it so useful and having control at your fingertips is awesome.
Here is a pic of the 12W6v2 in the box and one of the remote bass knob. I did add some Poly fill to trick the box into thinking it has slightly larger airspace. I too saw the same spec you mention. I don't really think I heard a difference but I left it in there. I got my sub from Online Car Stereo and many other parts from Woofer Etc. Both shipped brand new product quickly and I will buy from again.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...assknobpic.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...Install008.jpg

You could go with either one, I would go with the 9886 just because I have used it and loved it. But either one will be great.

Excellent choices on all the equipment and those prices from your retailer are pretty good. You really have to be carefull buying gear on the net, there are lot of counterfet stuff out there and not to mention zero warranty. My local dealer gave me a 3 year warranty on all of my gear they installed and a lot of the time they will give you pretty good breaks on stuff if you have a decent amount of labor going into the install.

I definitly second the optional bass knob for the 900/5! definite must!!!! There are just some songs that dont jive with either too much or too little bass and you can dial it up and down at the tips of your fingers or even turn it all the way off.

I personally prefer the double din units from alpine but they have weaker outputs which just means you have to turn yoru gains up a bit higher. I am running a Audio Control EQX which acts as my pre-amp and it pushes 10 volts so my amp gains are all the way down so all of my adjustment is strictly on the EQX. I also consider this device a MUST have!

Thank you guys very much for the input. I definitely will check out the bass control knob. After seeing some people use it on here (ie. SlikNik), I was thinking about it anyway, but I definitely will include it now that you brought up those great points. Also, thank you BAF for pointing out the Alpine 9887 doesn't have a USB input. I can't believe I missed that, and that is definitely something I want. I put a lot of time researching what I would put into this system, and thanks to you guys I feel even more confident in my decisions. I'm hoping to get everything ordered this Friday!

Just something to point out if you go with a cheaper amp when you adjust the bass knob all it is adjusting is the bass boost which is not something you really want to use. The better amps like the one you are using is adjusting the gain but still make sure to adjust the gain on the amp so you do not damage the sub. "Check car audio 101 sticky for instructions"

I have been looking at other headunits, and one I came across was the JVC KD-900. It has a higher preout voltage (5V vs. 4V) and some other nice features that the Alpine headunit (now considering the CDA-117) doesn't have. Also, I have read the USB function is a lot quicker and more efficient than the one on the Alpine headunit. It seems like it doesn't have as good of sound/EQ control as the Alpine, though (ie. Alpine has time correction and a 7-band parametric EQ as opposed to no time correction on the JVC and only a 3-band parametric iEQ). I don't know if the added EQ adjustments on the Alpine will make a difference in the long run, though, since I don't plan on running an active setup. What do you think? Does anyone have any experience with this headunit?

Never used jvc