Recommend an MP3 head unit and decent speakers for non BOSE 370z!

steven88 · 09-13-2009, 08:03 PM

Okay so I've already decided NOT to get the touring model 370z...so I get no mp3 cd playback right off the bat....the base model stereo only has 4 speakers as well (no subs)...I need some recommendations for a cheap mp3 cd playerback HU...thats all I really want...is the mp3 cd playback....definitely not looking to spend $300 on a HU

Also, is it a worth while upgrade to get aftermarket speakers with an aftermarket head unit (no external amp)....I remember back in the days, I added JUST a head unit to my 95 toyota camry and left the stock speakers...the sound quality rose up like 3x....is it like that for the 370z too? I'm just wondering if I could get away with aftermarket head unit (for mp3 cd playback) and leave the stock speakers....

btw, I'm more into performance upgrades than anything else....the only reason why I'm posting in this section is because the stock 370Z comes without mp3 cd playback

....so that is why I'm just asking around for a decent HU...and if its possible to get away with stock speakers or its highly recommended to upgrade to aftermarket speakers...

thanks in advanced!

bigaudiofanat · 09-13-2009, 08:44 PM

The base model has NO rear speakers. SO you will only have the tweeters and the door sepakers which is still 4 if that is what you are talking about. A new head unit will help you with your sound quality but not to the max. Almost any head unit now a days can play mp3's. What are you looking to get from your head unit other than mp3 play back? Are you looking for a double din? Are you looking for a touch screen or nav? If you are looking for a double din and do not mine about nav. I would look at the alpine double din head unit model number ixaw404 "I believe will confirm in a bit" It is a good head unit. If you do not mind weather it is a double din or a single din look at the alpine 9886. Or if you do mind if it have nav and all look at the kenwood 6140. Hope this helps also if you have five me your budget and all I can help you even more.

steven88 · 09-13-2009, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

The base model has NO rear speakers. SO you will only have the tweeters and the door sepakers which is still 4 if that is what you are talking about. A new head unit will help you with your sound quality but not to the max. Almost any head unit now a days can play mp3's. What are you looking to get from your head unit other than mp3 play back? Are you looking for a double din? Are you looking for a touch screen or nav? If you are looking for a double din and do not mine about nav. I would look at the alpine double din head unit model number ixaw404 "I believe will confirm in a bit" It is a good head unit. If you do not mind weather it is a double din or a single din look at the alpine 9886. Or if you do mind if it have nav and all look at the kenwood 6140. Hope this helps also if you have five me your budget and all I can help you even more.

I'm just looking for a head unit with mp3 playback...no touch screen...no navi...no dvd playback...just a simple head unit with mp3 playback and maybe 60 watts x 4 channel internal amp...well since the Z only has two channels up front, would it be possible to combine the wattage to only the front two speakers and gain maximum power? sorry I'm a newbie at this

my main question is, will it be extremely beneficial to upgrade to aftermarket speakers when I go to upgrade my stock HU? I DO NOT plan to run an external amp to power my speakers...just the internal amp on the HU which we all know does a max of 50 to 60 watts x 4 channels...I know that running an external amp that matches the aftermarket speakers "max output" is ideal...but of course, like I said earlier in my thread...I'm not huge into sound quality...i'm more into performance upgrades...all I really want is mp3 playback....so is it worthwhile to upgrade the stock Z speakers with my aftermarket HU? or just keep the stock speakers with aftermarket HU and it will handle the power fine?

by the way, i don't want to lose my steering wheel controls...most HU kits out there have an option to keep your controls right?

bigaudiofanat · 09-13-2009, 09:49 PM

No head unit will put out 60 by 4 that is a max rating you always want to look at the true RMS rating. That is what a head unit is rely putting out to your speakers. So a normal head unit will put out around 15-22 watts RMS. No head units can not be bridged with there channels so that is not possible to do. In that case of not running any external head unit and all, I would look at a alpine CDA-105 it is a basic head unit that will do what you want. AGAIN you will NOT get 50-60 watts out of a head unit that is the max a number that you will never get to you always look at the RMS wattage.

bigaudiofanat · 09-13-2009, 09:50 PM

The steering wheel feature is on higher end model head units not normally something you ind on lower head units. The alpine I recommended might be able to sue it.

steven88 · 09-13-2009, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

No head unit will put out 60 by 4 that is a max rating you always want to look at the true RMS rating. That is what a head unit is rely putting out to your speakers. So a normal head unit will put out around 15-22 watts RMS. No head units can not be bridged with there channels so that is not possible to do. In that case of not running any external head unit and all, I would look at a alpine CDA-105 it is a basic head unit that will do what you want. AGAIN you will NOT get 50-60 watts out of a head unit that is the max a number that you will never get to you always look at the RMS wattage.

will i have to change out my stock speakers? i understand they will work, but is it something I should consider even though I'm not running external amp? I don't mind paying extra for front speakers and tweets if its definitely worth the upgrade...or will stock speakers suffice for internal amp on HU?

kenchan · 09-14-2009, 12:05 AM

i donno... since you have space for doubledin and steering wheel controls, i'd just save up a tad more and get a nicer unit that can fulfill your requirements + have capability to run USB and steering wheel controls...and a nice large touch panel.

but that's just me.

bigaudiofanat · 09-14-2009, 06:40 AM

The head unit will work fine. Beleive me that alpine single din head unit is very nice for the price. Yes the stock speakers will work and sound fine. But you are still nat answering what I am asking. What are you trying to achieve from this upgrade? If you do upgrade your speakers, you are going to probably want to add a external amp as well. The reason being is that they like more and cleaner power than what a head unit can provided. I am not saying that they will not drive them. All I am saying is that they can be sent more power to make them sound better. So I would upgrade your head unit than if you are not satisfied than I would upgrade the speakers. Buy one component at a time and do not go cheap that is my look at it.

steven88 · 09-14-2009, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

The head unit will work fine. Beleive me that alpine single din head unit is very nice for the price. Yes the stock speakers will work and sound fine. But you are still nat answering what I am asking. What are you trying to achieve from this upgrade? If you do upgrade your speakers, you are going to probably want to add a external amp as well. The reason being is that they like more and cleaner power than what a head unit can provided. I am not saying that they will not drive them. All I am saying is that they can be sent more power to make them sound better. So I would upgrade your head unit than if you are not satisfied than I would upgrade the speakers. Buy one component at a time and do not go cheap that is my look at it.

well i really want mp3 playback...nothing more...if the stock base model head unit came with mp3 playback, i probably leave everything stock....cuz like i said earlier, i am more into performance upgrades...not sound quality...

so it looks like the stock speakers will suffice for me...thanks for the help...

bigaudiofanat · 09-14-2009, 09:37 AM

No problem as I said almost ANY of today head units come with mp3 playback. If you have any more questions please ask.

kenchan · 09-14-2009, 10:48 AM

does the 2010 HU playback MP3's? If so, might be an option to wait a few months and watch the forsale section from folks selling their stock units at a steal price.

then you'll have factory fit/finish/steering control, and MP3's. (again, not sure if the 2010 base HU plays MP3's... search for that info) i thought i read somewhere it will be able to take USB or something...which means it will have a MP3 decoder.

bigaudiofanat · 09-14-2009, 10:54 AM

I highly doubt that the new model will have any change like that. Also I do not recommend getting the touring model with the bose system just to play mp3's it is even worse than the stock system and even hard to upgrade.

kenchan · 09-14-2009, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

I highly doubt that the new model will have any change like that.

i see... glad i went aftermarket then x2.

steven88 · 09-14-2009, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

does the 2010 HU playback MP3's? If so, might be an option to wait a few months and watch the forsale section from folks selling their stock units at a steal price.

then you'll have factory fit/finish/steering control, and MP3's. (again, not sure if the 2010 base HU plays MP3's... search for that info) i thought i read somewhere it will be able to take USB or something...which means it will have a MP3 decoder.

according to the official spec sheet...no they will not come out with any mp3 playback

looks like i'll be dishing out $150 for a decent HU...and get my mp3 playback ability thats suppose to come standard on these cars...come on nissan, its the 21st century

bigaudiofanat · 09-14-2009, 05:30 PM

Ya but if you rely want to get into what is suppose to be standard. CD's in general are obsolete all together ipods are they way to go now.

09-13-2009, 08:03 PM	#1 (permalink)
steven88 Base Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Cerritos, CA Posts: 39 Drives: 08.5 mazdaspeed 3 Rep Power: 16	Recommend an MP3 head unit and decent speakers for non BOSE 370z! Okay so I've already decided NOT to get the touring model 370z...so I get no mp3 cd playback right off the bat....the base model stereo only has 4 speakers as well (no subs)...I need some recommendations for a cheap mp3 cd playerback HU...thats all I really want...is the mp3 cd playback....definitely not looking to spend $300 on a HU Also, is it a worth while upgrade to get aftermarket speakers with an aftermarket head unit (no external amp)....I remember back in the days, I added JUST a head unit to my 95 toyota camry and left the stock speakers...the sound quality rose up like 3x....is it like that for the 370z too? I'm just wondering if I could get away with aftermarket head unit (for mp3 cd playback) and leave the stock speakers.... btw, I'm more into performance upgrades than anything else....the only reason why I'm posting in this section is because the stock 370Z comes without mp3 cd playback ....so that is why I'm just asking around for a decent HU...and if its possible to get away with stock speakers or its highly recommended to upgrade to aftermarket speakers... thanks in advanced!

09-13-2009, 08:44 PM	#2 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	The base model has NO rear speakers. SO you will only have the tweeters and the door sepakers which is still 4 if that is what you are talking about. A new head unit will help you with your sound quality but not to the max. Almost any head unit now a days can play mp3's. What are you looking to get from your head unit other than mp3 play back? Are you looking for a double din? Are you looking for a touch screen or nav? If you are looking for a double din and do not mine about nav. I would look at the alpine double din head unit model number ixaw404 "I believe will confirm in a bit" It is a good head unit. If you do not mind weather it is a double din or a single din look at the alpine 9886. Or if you do mind if it have nav and all look at the kenwood 6140. Hope this helps also if you have five me your budget and all I can help you even more. __________________ 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/

09-13-2009, 09:49 PM	#4 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	No head unit will put out 60 by 4 that is a max rating you always want to look at the true RMS rating. That is what a head unit is rely putting out to your speakers. So a normal head unit will put out around 15-22 watts RMS. No head units can not be bridged with there channels so that is not possible to do. In that case of not running any external head unit and all, I would look at a alpine CDA-105 it is a basic head unit that will do what you want. AGAIN you will NOT get 50-60 watts out of a head unit that is the max a number that you will never get to you always look at the RMS wattage. __________________ 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/

09-13-2009, 09:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	The steering wheel feature is on higher end model head units not normally something you ind on lower head units. The alpine I recommended might be able to sue it. __________________ 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/

09-14-2009, 06:40 AM	#8 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	The head unit will work fine. Beleive me that alpine single din head unit is very nice for the price. Yes the stock speakers will work and sound fine. But you are still nat answering what I am asking. What are you trying to achieve from this upgrade? If you do upgrade your speakers, you are going to probably want to add a external amp as well. The reason being is that they like more and cleaner power than what a head unit can provided. I am not saying that they will not drive them. All I am saying is that they can be sent more power to make them sound better. So I would upgrade your head unit than if you are not satisfied than I would upgrade the speakers. Buy one component at a time and do not go cheap that is my look at it. __________________ 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/

09-14-2009, 12:05 AM	#7 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	i donno... since you have space for doubledin and steering wheel controls, i'd just save up a tad more and get a nicer unit that can fulfill your requirements + have capability to run USB and steering wheel controls...and a nice large touch panel. but that's just me.

09-14-2009, 09:37 AM	#10 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	No problem as I said almost ANY of today head units come with mp3 playback. If you have any more questions please ask. __________________ 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/

09-14-2009, 10:48 AM	#11 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	does the 2010 HU playback MP3's? If so, might be an option to wait a few months and watch the forsale section from folks selling their stock units at a steal price. then you'll have factory fit/finish/steering control, and MP3's. (again, not sure if the 2010 base HU plays MP3's... search for that info) i thought i read somewhere it will be able to take USB or something...which means it will have a MP3 decoder.

09-14-2009, 10:54 AM	#12 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	I highly doubt that the new model will have any change like that. Also I do not recommend getting the touring model with the bose system just to play mp3's it is even worse than the stock system and even hard to upgrade. __________________ 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/

09-14-2009, 05:30 PM	#15 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	Ya but if you rely want to get into what is suppose to be standard. CD's in general are obsolete all together ipods are they way to go now. __________________ 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/

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
kenwood head unit problems	ddvette9	Audio & Video	5	09-10-2009 11:25 PM
New head unit or sub/amp	ddvette9	Audio & Video	2	08-05-2009 07:19 PM
Aftermarket Head unit	albertu	Audio & Video	5	05-09-2009 07:51 PM
6cd Bose head unit Questions	evse82	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	0	04-23-2009 11:56 PM
LCD above head unit?	zcoupe09	Audio & Video	31	04-15-2009 03:54 PM