Upgrading base stereo, any input on this setup?

ChipsWithDips · 11-18-2013, 07:51 PM

I'm looking to upgrade by base stereo system. I don't consider myself a picky audiopohile by any means, but the base system has no midrange and basically sounds like deleted entire instruments or parts of songs when I listen to it. I'm just looking for something with decent sound quality, don't need a ton of bass and don't typically play music very loud.

This is my plan so far:
JVC KDX250BT
Ebay Bezel
Polk MM6501
PAC SWI-RC
Metra 70-7552

These should all be compatible right? Anything else I'm missing? I read somewhere about using a zenclosures spacer for the door speakers, is that necessary?

The headunit is really cheap but seems to have decent reviews and looks like it does everything I want. It doesn't have disc player, but I've never used a CD in my stock stereo since I've had this car. The main thing I want is just Android Pandora compatibility. I only really either listen to pandora or FM radio. I'm just wondering if something this low cost unit will still be able to provide a decent sound quality. I can't imagine it being any worse than stock.

Will the speakers run well off the headunit and no external amp? I'm trying to keep this setup fairly simple and in general I like to remove weight rather than add any extra to my car.

For the steering wheel switches is there any reason to get the Axxess over the PAC?

ChipsWithDips · 11-18-2013, 07:57 PM

Oh and this is probably a really dumb question but just to be sure, those polks are for both left and right speaker sets right?

I once bought polk floorstanding speakers for my living room on amazon thinking "wow these are really cheap" only to find out when I opened the box that I needed to buy 2 of them.

Cbtech · 11-18-2013, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChipsWithDips

I'm looking to upgrade by base stereo system. I don't consider myself a picky audiopohile by any means, but the base system has no midrange and basically sounds like deleted entire instruments or parts of songs when I listen to it. I'm just looking for something with decent sound quality, don't need a ton of bass and don't typically play music very loud.

This is my plan so far:
JVC KDX250BT
Ebay Bezel
Polk MM6501
PAC SWI-RC
Metra 70-7552

These should all be compatible right? Anything else I'm missing? I read somewhere about using a zenclosures spacer for the door speakers, is that necessary?

The headunit is really cheap but seems to have decent reviews and looks like it does everything I want. It doesn't have disc player, but I've never used a CD in my stock stereo since I've had this car. The main thing I want is just Android Pandora compatibility. I only really either listen to pandora or FM radio. I'm just wondering if something this low cost unit will still be able to provide a decent sound quality. I can't imagine it being any worse than stock.

Will the speakers run well off the headunit and no external amp? I'm trying to keep this setup fairly simple and in general I like to remove weight rather than add any extra to my car.

For the steering wheel switches is there any reason to get the Axxess over the PAC?

if you have a BASE Z you dont need the metra kit as the stock hole with fit a double din. (NON Bose) if you have Bose then, yes, that kit is fine.

you will also need this for the antenna

Yes the speaker set is complete for both left and right. home speakers are a different story.

Quote:

Will the speakers run well off the headunit and no external amp? I'm trying to keep this setup fairly simple and in general I like to remove weight rather than add any extra to my car.

yes but this headunits continuous power rating is 20 watts RMS these speakers continuous power rating is 125 RMS. you will be severely underpowering these speakers. You want to try to match if not slightly exceed the power rating of the speaker to be able to a good solid sound throughout the volume dial.

Quote:

For the steering wheel switches is there any reason to get the Axxess over the PAC?

The Axxess was a beotch for me and i ended up scrapping it. I havent installed the PAC to know how that one is. Others will say the Axxess is easy but for me it didnt work, and im not that stupid.

ChipsWithDips · 11-19-2013, 02:44 PM

OK I'm starting to concede that I probably should get an amp. I just noticed these speakers are rated 2.7Ohms, and the headunit is only good down to 4Ohms.

Considering this one at the moment, unless anyone has a better recommendation.
Amazon.com: Amplifier - Model#: P9004: Car Electronics

It has 4ch but I would only be using two. Although with the filters on it it looks like I could actually ditch the passive crossover and make use of all 4ch, would that be worth doing?

Or should I just go with some other speakers that are actually 4ohm (like the DBs) and just don't turn them up very loud, and no amp?

Agh, making decisions like this kills me.

bigaudiofanat · 11-19-2013, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChipsWithDips

OK I'm starting to concede that I probably should get an amp. I just noticed these speakers are rated 2.7Ohms, and the headunit is only good down to 4Ohms.

Considering this one at the moment, unless anyone has a better recommendation.
Amazon.com: Amplifier - Model#: P9004: Car Electronics

It has 4ch but I would only be using two. Although with the filters on it it looks like I could actually ditch the passive crossover and make use of all 4ch, would that be worth doing?

Your head unit will be fine running at 2.7 i've done it many times without issues. If your going to invest in an amp I would go with a better one such as Boston acoustics, alpine, rf, or massive.

RonRizz · 11-19-2013, 05:18 PM

X2 Precision Power is a tough pill to swallow. You can find better for the $$

ChipsWithDips · 11-19-2013, 05:37 PM

Any specific models you recommend?

What is wrong with the precision power amp?

RonRizz · 11-19-2013, 07:34 PM

PP amps used to be a top-notch contender, but they fell out of favor awhile back, and quality was lacking for a few years. If I'm not mistaken, they were recently bought out by Epsilon, which also manufactures a few other names out there. Although I have heard that they were turning things around, and quality was improving, I'm personally not sold on it just yet.
To play devils advocate, the same happened with Soundstream (also owned by Epsilon) I have installed many, many of them, And run their reference series amp in my own car, and swear by them. So, I guess you never can tell.
You should do a google search about the quality of the new PP amps, and read some reviews from actual users, and make an informed decision from there.
To take one mans opinion over the internet is foolish (including mine) and not recommended. Give your purchases their due dilligence, After all it IS your money, and your ride..

ChipsWithDips · 11-23-2013, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonRizz

To take one mans opinion over the internet is foolish (including mine) and not recommended. Give your purchases their due dilligence, After all it IS your money, and your ride..

Yeah I hear ya. I was just curious to hear your reasoning behind your suggestions to avoid it. In the end I decided to stick with that amp. The customer reviews I read on various sites were very positive and also this review: PASMAG | PERFORMANCE AUTO AND SOUND - Precision Power P900.4 Amplifier

I got everything in except the amp right now. Soldered up the metra headunit harness, started working on the tweeters. I cut up the stock tweeter thinking I could snap the polk into that but the hole was a bit too large, and the thickness not good for it to clamp down on, so I lasercut some acrylic mounting plates

Looks great, too bad it will be behind a grill.

Oh and I decided to go with a Pioneer DEH-X6600BT instead of the JVC headunit.

Right now the main things I'm unsure about are where exactly I will mount the crossovers and SWI-RC and how exactly the wires will all be routed through my car. Hopefully I'll get some ideas once I really get into it and remove some panels etc. Just waiting for the amp to arrive before I tear into the car completely.

bigaudiofanat · 11-24-2013, 04:27 PM

Awesome adapters man!

RonRizz · 11-24-2013, 04:31 PM

Nice job with those

11-18-2013, 07:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
ChipsWithDips Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 279 Drives: '11 Gunmetal 370Z MT Rep Power: 14	Upgrading base stereo, any input on this setup? I'm looking to upgrade by base stereo system. I don't consider myself a picky audiopohile by any means, but the base system has no midrange and basically sounds like deleted entire instruments or parts of songs when I listen to it. I'm just looking for something with decent sound quality, don't need a ton of bass and don't typically play music very loud. This is my plan so far: JVC KDX250BT Ebay Bezel Polk MM6501 PAC SWI-RC Metra 70-7552 These should all be compatible right? Anything else I'm missing? I read somewhere about using a zenclosures spacer for the door speakers, is that necessary? The headunit is really cheap but seems to have decent reviews and looks like it does everything I want. It doesn't have disc player, but I've never used a CD in my stock stereo since I've had this car. The main thing I want is just Android Pandora compatibility. I only really either listen to pandora or FM radio. I'm just wondering if something this low cost unit will still be able to provide a decent sound quality. I can't imagine it being any worse than stock. Will the speakers run well off the headunit and no external amp? I'm trying to keep this setup fairly simple and in general I like to remove weight rather than add any extra to my car. For the steering wheel switches is there any reason to get the Axxess over the PAC? __________________ PPE Headers SS/Coated/Wrapped \| Ebay y-pipe \| Custom 3" single exhaust w/ Magnaflows \| UpRev \| Racingbrake 2pc Rotors \| 40th calipers \| Eibach sways \| SPL endlinks, diff mounts \| RJM pedal \| Stillen Intakes, UDP, Flywheel \| M370 Manifold \| Z1 engine mounts, CSC-EK, Clutch \| Forgestar F14 18x10 \| Conti DWs \| Quaife diff/4.08 gears \| Nismo diff cover Last edited by ChipsWithDips; 11-18-2013 at 08:09 PM.

11-18-2013, 07:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
ChipsWithDips Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 279 Drives: '11 Gunmetal 370Z MT Rep Power: 14	Oh and this is probably a really dumb question but just to be sure, those polks are for both left and right speaker sets right? I once bought polk floorstanding speakers for my living room on amazon thinking "wow these are really cheap" only to find out when I opened the box that I needed to buy 2 of them. __________________ PPE Headers SS/Coated/Wrapped \| Ebay y-pipe \| Custom 3" single exhaust w/ Magnaflows \| UpRev \| Racingbrake 2pc Rotors \| 40th calipers \| Eibach sways \| SPL endlinks, diff mounts \| RJM pedal \| Stillen Intakes, UDP, Flywheel \| M370 Manifold \| Z1 engine mounts, CSC-EK, Clutch \| Forgestar F14 18x10 \| Conti DWs \| Quaife diff/4.08 gears \| Nismo diff cover

11-19-2013, 02:44 PM	#4 (permalink)
ChipsWithDips Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 279 Drives: '11 Gunmetal 370Z MT Rep Power: 14	OK I'm starting to concede that I probably should get an amp. I just noticed these speakers are rated 2.7Ohms, and the headunit is only good down to 4Ohms. Considering this one at the moment, unless anyone has a better recommendation. Amazon.com: Amplifier - Model#: P9004: Car Electronics It has 4ch but I would only be using two. Although with the filters on it it looks like I could actually ditch the passive crossover and make use of all 4ch, would that be worth doing? Or should I just go with some other speakers that are actually 4ohm (like the DBs) and just don't turn them up very loud, and no amp? Agh, making decisions like this kills me. __________________ PPE Headers SS/Coated/Wrapped \| Ebay y-pipe \| Custom 3" single exhaust w/ Magnaflows \| UpRev \| Racingbrake 2pc Rotors \| 40th calipers \| Eibach sways \| SPL endlinks, diff mounts \| RJM pedal \| Stillen Intakes, UDP, Flywheel \| M370 Manifold \| Z1 engine mounts, CSC-EK, Clutch \| Forgestar F14 18x10 \| Conti DWs \| Quaife diff/4.08 gears \| Nismo diff cover Last edited by ChipsWithDips; 11-19-2013 at 02:49 PM.

11-19-2013, 05:18 PM	#6 (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	X2 Precision Power is a tough pill to swallow. You can find better for the $$ __________________ 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

11-19-2013, 05:37 PM	#7 (permalink)
ChipsWithDips Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 279 Drives: '11 Gunmetal 370Z MT Rep Power: 14	Any specific models you recommend? What is wrong with the precision power amp? __________________ PPE Headers SS/Coated/Wrapped \| Ebay y-pipe \| Custom 3" single exhaust w/ Magnaflows \| UpRev \| Racingbrake 2pc Rotors \| 40th calipers \| Eibach sways \| SPL endlinks, diff mounts \| RJM pedal \| Stillen Intakes, UDP, Flywheel \| M370 Manifold \| Z1 engine mounts, CSC-EK, Clutch \| Forgestar F14 18x10 \| Conti DWs \| Quaife diff/4.08 gears \| Nismo diff cover Last edited by ChipsWithDips; 11-19-2013 at 05:40 PM.

11-19-2013, 07:34 PM	#8 (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	PP amps used to be a top-notch contender, but they fell out of favor awhile back, and quality was lacking for a few years. If I'm not mistaken, they were recently bought out by Epsilon, which also manufactures a few other names out there. Although I have heard that they were turning things around, and quality was improving, I'm personally not sold on it just yet. To play devils advocate, the same happened with Soundstream (also owned by Epsilon) I have installed many, many of them, And run their reference series amp in my own car, and swear by them. So, I guess you never can tell. You should do a google search about the quality of the new PP amps, and read some reviews from actual users, and make an informed decision from there. To take one mans opinion over the internet is foolish (including mine) and not recommended. Give your purchases their due dilligence, After all it IS your money, and your ride.. __________________ 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

11-24-2013, 04:27 PM	#10 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	Awesome adapters man! __________________ 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/

11-24-2013, 04:31 PM	#11 (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	Nice job with those __________________ 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

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