Expert Opinons Welcome

cookZmonster · 06-19-2010, 03:31 PM

Hello all, I am in a uniquely fortunate situation and I would love to get as much input as possible by those who are knowledgeable (see: bigaudiofanat) and who have some experience with the 370z's audio possibilities.

I purchased a new 40th anniversary 370z a few months ago, and since then I have been in the process of modifying various things about it to make it "my" 370z. I am lucky enough to have both the time and the financial freedom to try to make everything as high-quality and perfect as I can.

Anyway, on to the point. I am trying to think about the "dream" audio system for my 370z, by "dream" I basically mean the absolute best, clearest, loudest sound possible for this car. The only factors I can tell you are that I don't need TONS of bass, just enough to faithfully and powerfully reproduce dance, r&b, and the occasional rap music. I listen to all kinds of music, right now the CD in the car has dance, vocal, rap, and italian opera side by side, so I can't tailor the system to a specific style of music. The car won't be shown or anything, so looks are mostly unimportant to me, the only priority I have is the quality and volume of the music. MOST of the music will be coming from my ipod/ipad but CDs will have a place as well. I won't be NEEDING video, but it seems that many of the high end head units have that so its fine also.

I know dynamat is a personal choice, but I am having a hard time deciding HOW much coverage I want. Weight/handling isn't really an issue either since the car will have ~550 HP at the wheels, and is tuned for performance, so I am thinking I should just get as much sound deadening as possible?

Basically what I would love to hear is this: What would you folks out there do with your 370z if you had a budget of $10,000.00 for audio alone?

Thanks

I look forward to hearing everyones opinion.

Aubrey

JACKPAC · 06-19-2010, 04:38 PM

I wish I had your problems

I'm sure someone on here would be more than happy to piece you together a crazy-expensive setup. I don't know enough to chime in on that.

cookZmonster · 06-19-2010, 04:42 PM

I know I am a lucky guy what can I say!

I love hearing about what 'experts' would do with a (nearly) unlimited budget but it could ONLY be used for a 370z and ONLY used for audio.

bigaudiofanat · 06-19-2010, 06:12 PM

Well the sky is the limit so I would look at.

Audison amps or at least the LRX 5.1k

Hybrid audio components or Focal the polyglass are quite nice

Head unit you might want to go with a single din because you are going to have more control over your audio. I like the alpine 9887 but BUT if you can find the total package the alpine f1 series is so sick IMO.

You are going to get more clarity and control if you go active which means to control crossovers and all from the head unit and wire your speakers directly to the amp channels. The only thing is you will want a 9887 or similar because double dins can not do this. Also it can be a pita setting all that up so unless you are going to get real serious stick with passive crossovers.

Subs the Image dynamics Q is the best IMO I would go with a 12 in a z enclosure box.

If you want even more detailed recommendations pm me.

One other thing. All this will be completely useless unless your music is uncompressed which means not downloaded.

cookZmonster · 06-20-2010, 01:17 AM

As always Matt I appreciate your expertise in this, I will certainly consider all of your recommendations seriously when I start making final decisions. So your dream setup is:

Audison LRX 5.1k
Hybrid Components or Focal Polyglass Components
Alpine CDA-9887 Single din Head Unit
12-inch Image dynamics Q Sub
'active' crossovers (instead of passive)

OR

skip all of that for the complete Alpine F#1 Status Mobile Audio Setup

Awesome

Anyone wanna chime in? argue a few points? substitutions? (with reasons of course).

Thanks!

speedfreak28 · 06-20-2010, 02:44 AM

By far the best single din head unit ever made is Pioneers DEX-P99rs. There has never been another unit that even specs close to it in terms of sound quality and processing.
Pioneer USA - DEX-P99RS - Reference Series CD Tuner with Digital DSP and USB Port with Digital Direct Signal Transmission

For speakers I'd run Dynaudios Esotar line ( E650, Mw142, and E110 tweet) they are sexy

Subwoofer would be a Dynaudio E1200 subwoofer in a carbon fiber enclosure since Ive been itching to build one.

Amplification would be a trio of JL HD amps, mainly because of their small size and the amazing technology built in ( HD600/4 on tweets and midrange, HD600/4 bridged on midwoofers,HD750/1 on subwoofer)

So about 5 grand for equipment and doing it myself Id spend another 1500 on wiring and install material. It could all be stealth and nobody would expect the monster of a setup hidden in the panels.

speedfreak28 · 06-20-2010, 02:45 AM

Also Alpine's F1 status hasnt been made for about 5 years, there are a ton of better options.

cookZmonster · 06-20-2010, 01:19 PM

That sounds pretty amazing speedfreak, thank you for the info and the options. I did go and look at that head unit looks really impressive. I know next to nothing about the dynaudios but I hope to learn. The good news is that I have some time to plan since the performance mods are going to take at LEAST another few weeks but probably more like a month before I will even get the car back from California. I look forward to hearing more discussion between the pros here that know their stuff. I am also willing to donate to a charity or website of choice for those that are willing to help significantly

Who knows I might even grab a person or two from the forum and pay handsomely to come do the install for me!

Thanks,
Aubrey

2fast4thelaw · 06-20-2010, 01:21 PM

Here is what I would do and why:

Front: Focal KR3 - 3-way poly kevlar components (Incredibly loud and clear)
Amp: JL Audio 900/5 (Best HD Digital class amp money can buy)
Pre-Amp: Audio Control EQX (10Volt pre-out/13band parametric EQ)
Head: Alpine INA-900 (Burr Brown DA/Converters built in Nav)
Sub: JL Audio 12W6V2 or a 13TW5 (IMHO Hands down best subs made)
Rammat Sound Deadning the car completely plus Ensolite (Best Sound Deaning I have used yet)
Stinger DryCell battery (Best battery technology available, last 10 to 12 years)
JL Audio interconnects and amp wire (Best quality I have ever seen)

I would have custom door panels and pods to accomodate the 3-ways and build a custom subwoofer in the floor for the sub for Stealth. (The 13TW5 is perfect for stealth enclosure) A 12W6 will sound louder and better but at the expense of a large enclosure behind your seat. I personally chose the stealth option and I have plenty of bass.

bigaudiofanat · 06-20-2010, 02:28 PM

For the money JL is lower end than what me or Speed recommended sorry to say. Also Focals are clear but harsh as well.

sonic370 · 06-20-2010, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

Well the sky is the limit so I would look at.

Audison amps or at least the LRX 5.1k

Hybrid audio components or Focal the polyglass are quite nice

Head unit you might want to go with a single din because you are going to have more control over your audio. I like the alpine 9887 but BUT if you can find the total package the alpine f1 series is so sick IMO.

You are going to get more clarity and control if you go active which means to control crossovers and all from the head unit and wire your speakers directly to the amp channels. The only thing is you will want a 9887 or similar because double dins can not do this. Also it can be a pita setting all that up so unless you are going to get real serious stick with passive crossovers.

Subs the Image dynamics Q is the best IMO I would go with a 12 in a z enclosure box.

If you want even more detailed recommendations pm me.

One other thing. All this will be completely useless unless your music is uncompressed which means not downloaded.

just a quick question. if you do download music like with itunes what is the best settings or best way to do this for decent play back. burn it to a cd or play it from the ipod

bigaudiofanat · 06-20-2010, 11:24 PM

Your best bet is to do waht I do.

I buy my cd's and rip them into itunes using apple lossless from the options for importing. Just a warning any burned cd's will probably be from the internet and be compressed anyway. Lossless format takes up a LOT more space on your hard drive and ipod but with the systems I am using I can hear the difference with the bass quality and mid bass as well.

Look at the sticky at the top of the audio forum called car audio 101 for more info about formats and compression.

cookZmonster · 06-21-2010, 12:12 AM

*2fast* Thank you for the input and suggestions, I really appreciate the reasoning as well

I know you have some experience with these subjects and everything is based on what you have done and seen. I am of course going to be referring to yours and others' suggestions while making the decisions for the build.

I do appreciate that everyone will have different opinions about sound quality based on what we each perceive to be "the best sound", but I really enjoy hearing the opinions here as nearly everyone has more experience than I do lol. I also enjoy hearing the experienced folks discuss back and forth why they disagree with one another (if and when they do), this is one of the best ways for me to learn.

*bigaudio* When you say lower end I assume you are referring to the engineering or build quality of the units (fairly easy to ascertain I would imagine)? or were you referring to the actual perceived quality of sound from them (more subjective of course)?

Thanks

Aubrey

bigaudiofanat · 06-21-2010, 12:14 AM

You can buy JL amps and all but for the money you spend on them there are much better products out there such as the ones we have mentioned "speed and me". JL is sort of like bose all hype although they are a lot better than bose more like hyped up GOOD products than great.

cookZmonster · 06-21-2010, 12:15 AM

Understood Matt, thanks again

Aubrey

06-19-2010, 03:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
cookZmonster Base Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: West Virginia Posts: 39 Drives: 2010 40thAn 370Z Rep Power: 15	Expert Opinons Welcome Hello all, I am in a uniquely fortunate situation and I would love to get as much input as possible by those who are knowledgeable (see: bigaudiofanat) and who have some experience with the 370z's audio possibilities. I purchased a new 40th anniversary 370z a few months ago, and since then I have been in the process of modifying various things about it to make it "my" 370z. I am lucky enough to have both the time and the financial freedom to try to make everything as high-quality and perfect as I can. Anyway, on to the point. I am trying to think about the "dream" audio system for my 370z, by "dream" I basically mean the absolute best, clearest, loudest sound possible for this car. The only factors I can tell you are that I don't need TONS of bass, just enough to faithfully and powerfully reproduce dance, r&b, and the occasional rap music. I listen to all kinds of music, right now the CD in the car has dance, vocal, rap, and italian opera side by side, so I can't tailor the system to a specific style of music. The car won't be shown or anything, so looks are mostly unimportant to me, the only priority I have is the quality and volume of the music. MOST of the music will be coming from my ipod/ipad but CDs will have a place as well. I won't be NEEDING video, but it seems that many of the high end head units have that so its fine also. I know dynamat is a personal choice, but I am having a hard time deciding HOW much coverage I want. Weight/handling isn't really an issue either since the car will have ~550 HP at the wheels, and is tuned for performance, so I am thinking I should just get as much sound deadening as possible? Basically what I would love to hear is this: What would you folks out there do with your 370z if you had a budget of $10,000.00 for audio alone? Thanks I look forward to hearing everyones opinion. Aubrey

06-19-2010, 06:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	Well the sky is the limit so I would look at. Audison amps or at least the LRX 5.1k Hybrid audio components or Focal the polyglass are quite nice Head unit you might want to go with a single din because you are going to have more control over your audio. I like the alpine 9887 but BUT if you can find the total package the alpine f1 series is so sick IMO. You are going to get more clarity and control if you go active which means to control crossovers and all from the head unit and wire your speakers directly to the amp channels. The only thing is you will want a 9887 or similar because double dins can not do this. Also it can be a pita setting all that up so unless you are going to get real serious stick with passive crossovers. Subs the Image dynamics Q is the best IMO I would go with a 12 in a z enclosure box. If you want even more detailed recommendations pm me. One other thing. All this will be completely useless unless your music is uncompressed which means not downloaded. __________________ 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/ Last edited by bigaudiofanat; 06-19-2010 at 06:14 PM.

06-20-2010, 01:21 PM	#9 (permalink)
2fast4thelaw Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Denver Co Age: 50 Posts: 403 Drives: 09 370Z Sport/MT6 Rep Power: 16	Here is what I would do and why: Front: Focal KR3 - 3-way poly kevlar components (Incredibly loud and clear) Amp: JL Audio 900/5 (Best HD Digital class amp money can buy) Pre-Amp: Audio Control EQX (10Volt pre-out/13band parametric EQ) Head: Alpine INA-900 (Burr Brown DA/Converters built in Nav) Sub: JL Audio 12W6V2 or a 13TW5 (IMHO Hands down best subs made) Rammat Sound Deadning the car completely plus Ensolite (Best Sound Deaning I have used yet) Stinger DryCell battery (Best battery technology available, last 10 to 12 years) JL Audio interconnects and amp wire (Best quality I have ever seen) I would have custom door panels and pods to accomodate the 3-ways and build a custom subwoofer in the floor for the sub for Stealth. (The 13TW5 is perfect for stealth enclosure) A 12W6 will sound louder and better but at the expense of a large enclosure behind your seat. I personally chose the stealth option and I have plenty of bass. __________________ To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the glass is half empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be. Last edited by 2fast4thelaw; 06-20-2010 at 01:25 PM.

06-20-2010, 02:28 PM	#10 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	For the money JL is lower end than what me or Speed recommended sorry to say. Also Focals are clear but harsh as well. __________________ 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/

06-20-2010, 11:24 PM	#12 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	Your best bet is to do waht I do. I buy my cd's and rip them into itunes using apple lossless from the options for importing. Just a warning any burned cd's will probably be from the internet and be compressed anyway. Lossless format takes up a LOT more space on your hard drive and ipod but with the systems I am using I can hear the difference with the bass quality and mid bass as well. Look at the sticky at the top of the audio forum called car audio 101 for more info about formats and compression. __________________ 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/

06-19-2010, 04:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
JACKPAC Track Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kentucky Posts: 516 Drives: MB 370z Rep Power: 17	I wish I had your problems I'm sure someone on here would be more than happy to piece you together a crazy-expensive setup. I don't know enough to chime in on that.

06-19-2010, 04:42 PM	#3 (permalink)
cookZmonster Base Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: West Virginia Posts: 39 Drives: 2010 40thAn 370Z Rep Power: 15	I know I am a lucky guy what can I say! I love hearing about what 'experts' would do with a (nearly) unlimited budget but it could ONLY be used for a 370z and ONLY used for audio.

06-20-2010, 01:17 AM	#5 (permalink)
cookZmonster Base Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: West Virginia Posts: 39 Drives: 2010 40thAn 370Z Rep Power: 15	As always Matt I appreciate your expertise in this, I will certainly consider all of your recommendations seriously when I start making final decisions. So your dream setup is: Audison LRX 5.1k Hybrid Components or Focal Polyglass Components Alpine CDA-9887 Single din Head Unit 12-inch Image dynamics Q Sub 'active' crossovers (instead of passive) OR skip all of that for the complete Alpine F#1 Status Mobile Audio Setup Awesome Anyone wanna chime in? argue a few points? substitutions? (with reasons of course). Thanks!

06-20-2010, 02:44 AM	#6 (permalink)
speedfreak28 Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: south jersey Posts: 247 Drives: 05 ram, 79 z28 Rep Power: 16	By far the best single din head unit ever made is Pioneers DEX-P99rs. There has never been another unit that even specs close to it in terms of sound quality and processing. Pioneer USA - DEX-P99RS - Reference Series CD Tuner with Digital DSP and USB Port with Digital Direct Signal Transmission For speakers I'd run Dynaudios Esotar line ( E650, Mw142, and E110 tweet) they are sexy Subwoofer would be a Dynaudio E1200 subwoofer in a carbon fiber enclosure since Ive been itching to build one. Amplification would be a trio of JL HD amps, mainly because of their small size and the amazing technology built in ( HD600/4 on tweets and midrange, HD600/4 bridged on midwoofers,HD750/1 on subwoofer) So about 5 grand for equipment and doing it myself Id spend another 1500 on wiring and install material. It could all be stealth and nobody would expect the monster of a setup hidden in the panels.

06-20-2010, 02:45 AM	#7 (permalink)
speedfreak28 Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: south jersey Posts: 247 Drives: 05 ram, 79 z28 Rep Power: 16	Also Alpine's F1 status hasnt been made for about 5 years, there are a ton of better options.

06-20-2010, 01:19 PM	#8 (permalink)
cookZmonster Base Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: West Virginia Posts: 39 Drives: 2010 40thAn 370Z Rep Power: 15	That sounds pretty amazing speedfreak, thank you for the info and the options. I did go and look at that head unit looks really impressive. I know next to nothing about the dynaudios but I hope to learn. The good news is that I have some time to plan since the performance mods are going to take at LEAST another few weeks but probably more like a month before I will even get the car back from California. I look forward to hearing more discussion between the pros here that know their stuff. I am also willing to donate to a charity or website of choice for those that are willing to help significantly Who knows I might even grab a person or two from the forum and pay handsomely to come do the install for me! Thanks, Aubrey

06-21-2010, 12:12 AM	#13 (permalink)
cookZmonster Base Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: West Virginia Posts: 39 Drives: 2010 40thAn 370Z Rep Power: 15	2fast Thank you for the input and suggestions, I really appreciate the reasoning as well I know you have some experience with these subjects and everything is based on what you have done and seen. I am of course going to be referring to yours and others' suggestions while making the decisions for the build. I do appreciate that everyone will have different opinions about sound quality based on what we each perceive to be "the best sound", but I really enjoy hearing the opinions here as nearly everyone has more experience than I do lol. I also enjoy hearing the experienced folks discuss back and forth why they disagree with one another (if and when they do), this is one of the best ways for me to learn. bigaudio When you say lower end I assume you are referring to the engineering or build quality of the units (fairly easy to ascertain I would imagine)? or were you referring to the actual perceived quality of sound from them (more subjective of course)? Thanks Aubrey

06-21-2010, 12:14 AM	#14 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	You can buy JL amps and all but for the money you spend on them there are much better products out there such as the ones we have mentioned "speed and me". JL is sort of like bose all hype although they are a lot better than bose more like hyped up GOOD products than great. __________________ 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/ Last edited by bigaudiofanat; 06-21-2010 at 12:21 AM.

06-21-2010, 12:15 AM	#15 (permalink)
cookZmonster Base Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: West Virginia Posts: 39 Drives: 2010 40thAn 370Z Rep Power: 15	Understood Matt, thanks again Aubrey

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