hi, I've searched and have some specific questions
 

hi

I have searched and seen all the threads that tell people to search so I hope this post is useful :-)

:rofl2:

I have researched and think the Polk DBs are the best for my budget, but the thing i can't figure out is what head unit.

i prefer stock look/feel but bought a base Z and want the following

• Bluetooth audio streaming
• BT phone
• backup camera although i may add the camera later
• FACTORY STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS

sorry for the caps on the last, but a factory look is important to me.

i also found a pick of this sub but don't know what it is. what would this and an amp run me?

TIA

That photo is a all in one sub that has a built in sub. It's a kenwood ksc-sw1 slef powered sub.

Kenwood KSC-SW1 Powered enclosed subwoofer at Crutchfield.com

The polks are great bang for the buck, as for a head unit there are many choices. Kenwood, alpine and JVC.

Here are a few

Kenwood DDX470 6.1" LCD DVD/MP3/USB Car Receiver w/ Bluetooth

JVC KW-AV71BT DVD/MP3/USB 7" Bluetooth & MotionX GPS Car Receiver

Alpine IVE-W530 6.1" LCD DVD/MP3/USB Car Receiver w/ Bluetooth

I'm a big fan of Pioneer's headunits, been using them for years with good results. The bang-for-buck is good, and they have alot options in various priceranges.

Personally, I'm running an AVH-X8500BHS, which is their top of the line NON-AVIC (navi) unit, because it had some features I wated the AVIC did not, and I can add the navigation to it later without problem.

For steering wheel controls, I am using the Axxess ASWC. Takes a little wiring to get it all working right, but there is a thread here that explains it all. I can't stress enough how nice it is to have an SD card slot. I will NEVER put another unit in my car that doesn't have this.

Run as far as you can from that "sub" its a straight up POS.
As a side note, I'm gonna agree with the pioneer guy up there! lol

I know [Big] is not a fan of Pioneer HU's. But I have to agree with these guys^^ I am a pioneer lover..

GREAT speaker output. Good equalizers. Ipod Navigation could be better.

Kenwood is a great deck if you are into ipod controls and bluetooth streaming..

That self powered sub might not be enough power for you. I have heard that it adds a little bass, but nothing extreme. Just fills out the sound of the car better.

Good luck!

Also, get the AXXESS steering wheel control +1


I also have MSN internet on mine that shows nearest gas stations/gas prices, movie times, and weather. (Didn't pay for the monthly subscription though.)

Good man! lol :hello:

I've been in the audio scene for a long long time, done everything from small systems (deck + 4) to the whole monster setup in my Tahoe with three alternators and 5000+ watts, modded pro audio gear and massive output. I'm not saying those other brands aren't any good... I'm just lending my experience. And I've found that for me, going outside the "mainstream" of JL and RF and such has yielded some amazing results, provided you are willing to do some research.

Here's a link to my initial build thread on my Tahoe - The Power Plant.

My Z is super nice to anyone else who has listened to it, but my standards surpassed that a long time ago. <sigh> It's like having a high alcohol tolerance... sometimes I wish I could be a cheap drunk again! lol But, alas, my taste runs to high-end Scotch and ridiculous sound nowadays. :shakes head:

I completely disagree with running away. You and I have had this disagreement before. OP as long as your not looking for a MASSIVE amount of bass the kenwood is perfectly fine, many of my z customers have been happy with them. If your looking for the amount of bass you get from a 12 inch sub this is not for you.

For $100 less you can get a 6" Powered Bazooka tube that will stomp all over that POS.
That Kenwood unit is a glorified Mid-bass speaker.

i personally have the 6inch Bazooka tube in my VW rabbit behind the back seat and hatch cover and i get great bass out of it. its a little bigger than a large sunday paper so it doesnt take much space.

:rofl2: I use to have a bazooka tube and let me say what a piece of utter junk. No solid bass at all just drug out BOOM

Sounds like a tuning issue.:tup:
I've owned them in the past and they always sounded great. They have also been around since you were in Diapers. (no offense meant) The Kenwood unit.......Discontinued.
Must be doin' something right. Just sayin

Kicker, RF, BA, and other make comparable ones to the kenwood maybe even better. I would go that route over a boom tube. Kenwood will probably be coming out with a newer model soon.

Strangely enough, you don't have enough fingers on 2 hands to count how many different companies have duplicated, and marketed these "boom tubes" in the last 30 years, Including 2 of the 3 companies you mentioned above.