Hi Guys, i am getting my Z soon and i want some advice in setting up the sound system
 

Hey guys, i am getting my Z soon and would like some advice in setting up a nice sound system for the Z.

I am planning to get the Kenwood DNX7140 for the HU, but i do not know much about setting up a sound system myself. So, my question is, what amp, speakers and sub should i get with a budget of less than 1000 bucks(excluding the HU)? Thx in advance.

First off, welcome to the forum and congratulations on your way to getting a Z! I have a few questions for you before I start recommending products. What kind of music do you listen to? Are you for a single amp to do everything or 2 amps? I will make a nice selection for you to look over that way you can pick and choose what you think you like best.

Hey! I think I might wanna jump into this one. I generally listen to hard rock/heavy metal but I do have a lot of hip hop/dance/techno music I like, too. Already filled up my 9.3 gig MusicBox in my Z. Didnt last as long as I thought it would. :ugh2:

I do have the navi package so I guess I would just be switching out the head unit and the speakers? I suppose I could also loose the 9.3 gig MusicBox or is that something separate? Anyway, lets say between 1K and 1.5K to play with. :tup:

Alright 2 the extreme, yes you are going to have to replace everything in order to do a full upgrade. Or you can use a JL clean sweep and use the factory head unit if you wanted to. That way you could keep the jukebox. Other wise I would just do a full upgrade. Your best alternative to the jukebox is a cheap ipod that has a broken screen on ebay. Sense you will not use the screen when it is docked to the head unit there is no real reason to have one.


For the head unit I would probably start out with the Kenwood 6140 as it has proven itself time and time again that is a great head unit, with plenty to offer.

DNX6140 - Kenwood Double-Din Navigation and Multimedia DVD Receiver w/Bluetooth

Or if you are just looking for a double din and are not worried abotu some of the features like touch screen and dvd playback take a look at the alpine ixa-w404

iXA-W404 - Alpine 2-DIN 4.3-inch QVGA Touchscreen iPhone Compatible Car Reciever

Amps

Now there are so many ways and companies to choose from when it comes to amps. The sky is the limit on how much you can spend on them as well.

For both of you if you are looking for a amp that will not take up much space at all and will power everything take a look at the alpine pdx-5 channel amp

PDX-5 - Alpine 5 Ch 600 Watt Digital Power Amplifier PDX5

Or if you are looking at separate amps for speakers and subs here is a selection of ones.

SUB amp

Kicker zx500.1

ZX500.1 - Kicker 500W 1 Channel Amplifier

Polk Audio

PA600.1 - Polk Audio 1 Ch 600 Watt Amplifier

Alpine

MRP-M500 - Alpine Mono 500W subwoofer amplifier


Speaker Amps

Alpine

PDX-2.150 - Alpine 2 Ch 300 Watt Digital Power Amplifier

Focal

Solid2 - Focal 2 Ch 200 Watt Amplifier (Black)


JL

300/2 Black - JL Audio 2 Ch 300 Watt Amplifier

And my personal favorite Audison

LRX 2.150 - Audison 2 Ch 220 Watt Amplifier

Speakers

Alpine

SPR-17S - Alpine 6.5" 2 Way Component Speaker System

Same as with amps the sky is the limit. I know some peoples budgets are a little more flexible so I will post some higher end components as well.

Alpine

SPR-17S - Alpine 6.5" 2 Way Component Speaker System

Polk Audio

MM6501 - Polk Audio 6.5" Component Speaker System

Focal

165VSlim - Focal 6.5" Polyglass Shallow Component

Image Dynamics

XS-65 - Image Dynamics 6.5" 2 Way Component System

Sub

I have not yet heard from the OP about what kind of music he listens to but I will recommend a 12 inch most likely.

Image Dynaimcs

IDQ12V3.D4 - Image Dynamics 12" IDQ Version 3 Dual 4 Ohm Subwoofer

Polk Audio

SR124DVC - Polk Audio 12" 1400 Watt Dual 4 Ohm Subwoofer

If you have any questions or want more info on anything just ask. Also you do not have to get the products from the site you can order them from where you would like to buy them.

I would recommend the Kenwood DNX7140 over the DNX6140.

Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & more $1079. free shipping.

Speakers are a function of type of music played and are always a personal decision.

I would also recommend the Pioneer AVIC-X910X…………$839.

Pioneer AVIC-X910BT Car Navigation Systems - Video/Multimedia at Onlinecarstereo.com

Why is it that no one ever recommends the Eclipse AVN726E? It seems very nice from what I have read. It is the one I am thinking of getting once I get my Z.
ECLIPSE DVD-Video/USB Multi-Source Receiver/ 7inch Wide Screen Monitor/Navigation/ Built-in Bluetooth wireless technology AVN726E | Fujitsu Ten

i think the last time i played with an eclipse, the LCD was pretty low resolution. not sure about the one you show, flashburn, but when i think eclipse i think great sound contouring options/crappy graphics.

as far as the nav's i think kenwood's got it right. be willing to try the pioneer one too
if i decide to use my 3100 in my G35C later on and get a nicer unit for the Z. :)

:eek: ibtl!

i dont like pioneer myself...

alpine or kenwood would be my choices...

After three successive failures / breakdowns with my Pioneer AVIC-D3 unit on my Audi, I'm never going with them again.

Just my:twocents:

I have the Kenwood DNX 6140 and I have no complaints at all... I know its not the 7140, but being its predecessor its still an excellent piece of technology; I'm positive you will be happy with 7140.

you cant go wrong with kenwood...and if you dont know much about installing take big audios advice, hell, you could even fly him out to you and have him do the install for you..im not joking either, he has already done it for another forum z owner...

ibtl,

i'm going w/ the 6140...don't really feel the need to spend the extra $$$ for the 7100

:confused: why in before the lock? i dont get it.