Audio question

2011_6Spd · 03-15-2012, 10:55 PM

So I got a 2011 base and was thinking of upgrading the audio system via the following route:

1.) Set of component speakers with a crossover
2.) A small 100-150W RMS 2 channel amp with speaker level inputs

Question is how does the stock radio get along with aftermarket amps? I'm not looking to win any music awards for sonic quality but am looking for something with more clairty and highs. To me the stock system just has too much mids and lows. I primarliy use the Aux input and a standalone non ipod mp3 player. Not looking to break the bank and I like the stock look attracts less theivery plus retain the steering wheel controls.

90 ST · 03-16-2012, 12:50 AM

out put on the stock HU is low, so any good amp w/speaker level inputs should be fine.

RonRizz · 03-16-2012, 05:32 AM

Before all my upgrades I had a 200watt amp on my factory head and speakers and it sounded very good. (amp did have speaker level inputs, so no LOC required)

bigaudiofanat · 03-16-2012, 07:55 AM

If you are keeping the stockhead unit you have two choices.

You can use speaker level input to your new amp. This means taping into the front left and right speaker outputs and running both to your new amp.

The second if using a LOC such as from PAC or JL "not the clean sweep" This you also will tap into the speaker outputs but than run a set of RCA's to your new amp.

I prefer method 1 just make sure your new amp has speaker level inputs.

I actually did this in California with a kenwood sub and a boston acoustics amp.

California build thread

Telephone · 03-17-2012, 09:28 PM

How does the two channel amp work with his component speaker set? Are the tweeters getting additional power from the amp? Do they need additional power? Since there are technically 4 speakers in the component set, would a 4 channel amp be a better option?

bigaudiofanat · 03-17-2012, 09:30 PM

A component set has something called a crossover where both the tweeter and woofer get wired to. It usually accepts one input. So there are 2 crossovers one for the left and one for the right hence only needing a 2 channel amp. Some are bi amp able.

Telephone · 03-17-2012, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

A component set has something called a crossover where both the tweeter and woofer get wired to. It usually accepts one input. So there are 2 crossovers one for the left and one for the right hence only needing a 2 channel amp. Some are bi amp able.

Thanks. I read your car audio 101 thread and you mentioned something like this...but now it's more clear.

2011_6Spd · 03-18-2012, 06:18 PM

Thanks for the input fellas. I'm looking at the Kenwood KAC-1502S, 60Wx2 RMS amplifier. I sketched out all the wiring to get this done looks like it will definitely take a half day or so.

bigaudiofanat · 03-18-2012, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2011_6Spd

Thanks for the input fellas. I'm looking at the Kenwood KAC-1502S, 60Wx2 RMS amplifier. I sketched out all the wiring to get this done looks like it will definitely take a half day or so.

Just take your time and make sure to tune your gains when your done.

03-15-2012, 10:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
2011_6Spd Base Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Orlando, FL Age: 44 Posts: 124 Drives: 2011 370z 6spd sport Rep Power: 14	Audio question So I got a 2011 base and was thinking of upgrading the audio system via the following route: 1.) Set of component speakers with a crossover 2.) A small 100-150W RMS 2 channel amp with speaker level inputs Question is how does the stock radio get along with aftermarket amps? I'm not looking to win any music awards for sonic quality but am looking for something with more clairty and highs. To me the stock system just has too much mids and lows. I primarliy use the Aux input and a standalone non ipod mp3 player. Not looking to break the bank and I like the stock look attracts less theivery plus retain the steering wheel controls. __________________ 2011 Brilliant Silver 6spd w/sport pkg 2008 Silver CBR600RR

03-16-2012, 05:32 AM	#3 (permalink)
RonRizz A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Pine grove, Pa Posts: 2,136 Drives: 2 feet, 3 pedals Rep Power: 6775	Before all my upgrades I had a 200watt amp on my factory head and speakers and it sounded very good. (amp did have speaker level inputs, so no LOC required) __________________ 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

03-16-2012, 07:55 AM	#4 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	If you are keeping the stockhead unit you have two choices. You can use speaker level input to your new amp. This means taping into the front left and right speaker outputs and running both to your new amp. The second if using a LOC such as from PAC or JL "not the clean sweep" This you also will tap into the speaker outputs but than run a set of RCA's to your new amp. I prefer method 1 just make sure your new amp has speaker level inputs. I actually did this in California with a kenwood sub and a boston acoustics amp. California build thread __________________ 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; 03-16-2012 at 07:57 AM.

03-17-2012, 09:30 PM	#6 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	A component set has something called a crossover where both the tweeter and woofer get wired to. It usually accepts one input. So there are 2 crossovers one for the left and one for the right hence only needing a 2 channel amp. Some are bi amp able. __________________ 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/

03-18-2012, 06:18 PM	#8 (permalink)
2011_6Spd Base Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Orlando, FL Age: 44 Posts: 124 Drives: 2011 370z 6spd sport Rep Power: 14	Thanks for the input fellas. I'm looking at the Kenwood KAC-1502S, 60Wx2 RMS amplifier. I sketched out all the wiring to get this done looks like it will definitely take a half day or so. __________________ 2011 Brilliant Silver 6spd w/sport pkg 2008 Silver CBR600RR

03-16-2012, 12:50 AM	#2 (permalink)
90 ST A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Calgary Posts: 1,861 Drives: 90 and 15 GMC Sierra Rep Power: 421	out put on the stock HU is low, so any good amp w/speaker level inputs should be fine.

03-17-2012, 09:28 PM	#5 (permalink)
Telephone Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 297 Drives: 2012 Sport M6 Rep Power: 13	How does the two channel amp work with his component speaker set? Are the tweeters getting additional power from the amp? Do they need additional power? Since there are technically 4 speakers in the component set, would a 4 channel amp be a better option?

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