Nissan 370Z Forum  

Audio help for a beginner?

Good info. Thanks. I just turned 60 and this is my first Z. Maybe a midlife crisis. Na. I was a gearhead in the 70's burning up the streets with

Go Back   Nissan 370Z Forum > Nissan 370Z Tech Area > Audio & Video


Like Tree29Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 01-20-2015, 01:35 AM   #91 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 34
Drives: 2013 370Z
Rep Power: 11
swj123 is on a distinguished road
Default

Good info. Thanks. I just turned 60 and this is my first Z. Maybe a midlife crisis. Na. I was a gearhead in the 70's burning up the streets with another Z. Z28. Now I just want to cruise around and listen to tunes. I listen to older rock like zz top, eagles, Pink Floyd etc. When I got the car I put what I thought was a decent headend. The Kenwood. I like it a lot. XM, Stream Spotify from my Samsung S5 on BT, USB drive full of music. I am going to go with Components this time and see how that goes. Let me ask this. Pretty sure I know what you will say. If I go with the Focals or the Hertz do I need a amp for sure? I know it probably depends on the speakers. And I'm not going to run a sub. Just curious. I guess I would be more apt to spend more on the speakers If I didn't need the amp right now. Thanks
swj123 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2015, 04:19 AM   #92 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
Nillaz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Reading, PA
Posts: 259
Drives: 2012 370Z M6 Sport
Rep Power: 3369
Nillaz has a reputation beyond reputeNillaz has a reputation beyond reputeNillaz has a reputation beyond reputeNillaz has a reputation beyond reputeNillaz has a reputation beyond reputeNillaz has a reputation beyond reputeNillaz has a reputation beyond reputeNillaz has a reputation beyond reputeNillaz has a reputation beyond reputeNillaz has a reputation beyond reputeNillaz has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I'm sure my answer isn't a surprise, but I always recommend an amp for aftermarket speakers. You don't "need" an amp, but most headunits simply cannot drive aftermarket speakers well.

I love my speakers dearly, but given the choice of my Hertz components running off my headunit vs less expensive speakers plus a decent amplifier I would choose the latter without hesitation, every time. I'm sure you will get varying opinion on this, but that's my 2 cents.

As an aside Kenwood's Excelon units like you have are very nice. They have a strong focus on sound quality and just have an amazing selection of audio options. I can't imagine you being anything but well pleased with it.
Nillaz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2015, 06:48 AM   #93 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Tadpole's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Lockhart, TX
Posts: 1,082
Drives: 13 Nissan 370Z A7
Rep Power: 18
Tadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Sound dampen first then upgrade your speakers. You will be very happy that you did.
__________________
Takeda TR3009P Short Ram Intakes, Custom Dual Exhaust, X-Piped with 18" Resonators & TopSpeed Axle Backs. EVO-R Led Third Foglight,
Tadpole is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2015, 10:46 AM   #94 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 34
Drives: 2013 370Z
Rep Power: 11
swj123 is on a distinguished road
Default

Thanks guys. I will take your advice and get a amp. I kinda knew that was the way to go just wanted to hear it. Yes the kenwood HU is nice. When I bought the car I held out money to get something decent. So here I go shopping for speakers and a amp. This will be a fun project. And I will read the forum about the dynamat. I have the base model with 6speed mt and it gets a little noisy at times. Very fun to drive.
swj123 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2015, 12:40 PM   #95 (permalink)
Premium Member
 
SouthArk370Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: South Arkansas
Posts: 8,435
Drives: 2014 Challenger
Rep Power: 324198
SouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by swj123 View Post
... If I go with the Focals or the Hertz do I need a amp for sure? I know it probably depends on the speakers. And I'm not going to run a sub. Just curious. I guess I would be more apt to spend more on the speakers If I didn't need the amp right now. Thanks
If you are getting enough sound out of the HU, no real need for another amp. Want some more volume? Then get more amp.
__________________
Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma
SouthArk370Z is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2015, 12:53 PM   #96 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 34
Drives: 2013 370Z
Rep Power: 11
swj123 is on a distinguished road
Default

Do you know if I could Bridge the front and back speaker outputs on my Kenwood HU the same way you can on a amp? Just Curious.

Kenwood-Excelon-DDX8901HD
swj123 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2015, 01:46 PM   #97 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
Nillaz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Reading, PA
Posts: 259
Drives: 2012 370Z M6 Sport
Rep Power: 3369
Nillaz has a reputation beyond reputeNillaz has a reputation beyond reputeNillaz has a reputation beyond reputeNillaz has a reputation beyond reputeNillaz has a reputation beyond reputeNillaz has a reputation beyond reputeNillaz has a reputation beyond reputeNillaz has a reputation beyond reputeNillaz has a reputation beyond reputeNillaz has a reputation beyond reputeNillaz has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by swj123 View Post
Do you know if I could Bridge the front and back speaker outputs on my Kenwood HU the same way you can on a amp? Just Curious.

Kenwood-Excelon-DDX8901HD
Don't do this.

There were some Pioneer headunits that allowed you to bridge the rear channels to run an efficient sub, but what you are considering is a good way to smoke your headunit.
Nillaz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2015, 01:54 PM   #98 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 34
Drives: 2013 370Z
Rep Power: 11
swj123 is on a distinguished road
Default

I just called Crutchfield and talked to a woman that recommended these with no amp. She said they sound amazing. Any thoughts? Thanks

Infinity Reference X REF-6500cx 6-3/4" component speaker system — also fit 6-1/2" openings at Crutchfield.com
swj123 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2015, 02:30 PM   #99 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 34
Drives: 2013 370Z
Rep Power: 11
swj123 is on a distinguished road
Default

Nope. Not going to.
swj123 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2015, 02:37 PM   #100 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 34
Drives: 2013 370Z
Rep Power: 11
swj123 is on a distinguished road
Default

Just talked to a lady from Crutchfield that said the best bet without a amp would be Infinity Reference X REF-6500cx. So I'm torn between something like this or better speakers with a amp. Not sure if it would be worth it. I think I'll go to a local shop and listen to some speakers.
swj123 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2015, 07:31 PM   #101 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Tadpole's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Lockhart, TX
Posts: 1,082
Drives: 13 Nissan 370Z A7
Rep Power: 18
Tadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I suggest you go with an amp. You will have a lot more options for speaker setup and you can also get it louder too if you wish. Your front components will love the power.
__________________
Takeda TR3009P Short Ram Intakes, Custom Dual Exhaust, X-Piped with 18" Resonators & TopSpeed Axle Backs. EVO-R Led Third Foglight,
Tadpole is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2015, 07:39 PM   #102 (permalink)
Track Member
 
LAVA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Ohio
Posts: 775
Drives: AWD Q50S_3.7
Rep Power: 80
LAVA has a reputation beyond reputeLAVA has a reputation beyond reputeLAVA has a reputation beyond reputeLAVA has a reputation beyond reputeLAVA has a reputation beyond reputeLAVA has a reputation beyond reputeLAVA has a reputation beyond reputeLAVA has a reputation beyond reputeLAVA has a reputation beyond reputeLAVA has a reputation beyond reputeLAVA has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Great thread a lot of valuable info in here. Thx
LAVA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2015, 07:43 PM   #103 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
RonRizz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Pine grove, Pa
Posts: 2,136
Drives: 2 feet, 3 pedals
Rep Power: 6775
RonRizz has a reputation beyond reputeRonRizz has a reputation beyond reputeRonRizz has a reputation beyond reputeRonRizz has a reputation beyond reputeRonRizz has a reputation beyond reputeRonRizz has a reputation beyond reputeRonRizz has a reputation beyond reputeRonRizz has a reputation beyond reputeRonRizz has a reputation beyond reputeRonRizz has a reputation beyond reputeRonRizz has a reputation beyond repute
Default

As Nillas mentioned earlier how the focals would fatigue his ears after long listening at moderate volumes, the Infinitys are 10x worse on the ears. Their tweeters tend to be a little harsh.
__________________
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
RonRizz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2015, 07:48 PM   #104 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
RonRizz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Pine grove, Pa
Posts: 2,136
Drives: 2 feet, 3 pedals
Rep Power: 6775
RonRizz has a reputation beyond reputeRonRizz has a reputation beyond reputeRonRizz has a reputation beyond reputeRonRizz has a reputation beyond reputeRonRizz has a reputation beyond reputeRonRizz has a reputation beyond reputeRonRizz has a reputation beyond reputeRonRizz has a reputation beyond reputeRonRizz has a reputation beyond reputeRonRizz has a reputation beyond reputeRonRizz has a reputation beyond repute
Default

But if you are so inclined http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Refer.../dp/B007SNMQDQ Please don't pay crutchfield prices unless absolutely necessary.... http://www.woofersetc.com/p-11545-re...er-system.aspx
__________________
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
RonRizz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2015, 08:00 PM   #105 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Tadpole's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Lockhart, TX
Posts: 1,082
Drives: 13 Nissan 370Z A7
Rep Power: 18
Tadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond reputeTadpole has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RonRizz View Post
As Nillas mentioned earlier how the focals would fatigue his ears after long listening at moderate volumes, the Infinitys are 10x worse on the ears. Their tweeters tend to be a little harsh.
I think we should dub thee audio god Ron.
__________________
Takeda TR3009P Short Ram Intakes, Custom Dual Exhaust, X-Piped with 18" Resonators & TopSpeed Axle Backs. EVO-R Led Third Foglight,
Tadpole is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Beginner help please Naum16 Detailing / Washing / Waxing / Cosmetic Maintenance and Repair 17 03-28-2013 02:07 PM
Beginner Motorcycle delusional Other Vehicles 37 06-13-2012 09:12 AM
Autocross beginner needs new street/autocross tires Bondfire Track / Autocross / Drifting / Dragstrip 17 04-20-2012 11:35 AM
what's the best way to gain performance driving skill for a beginner? Pharmacist Track / Autocross / Drifting / Dragstrip 45 06-15-2010 08:18 PM
Beginner needs advice! Autobahn Intake/Exhaust 25 06-18-2009 06:58 AM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:49 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2