Base Stock Speakers

OldGuy · 01-26-2010, 07:27 PM

I'm not much of an audiophile and actually the sound from the stock system in my 370Z base sounds adequate, though not remarkable, to me. The local stereo shop guy says that for under $100 plus cost of installation, two new Kicker speakers in the front would be a great improvement for a modest amount of money. If, it's true as he says, that the factory speakers are very low grade and speaker upgrade is the way to get the biggest sound improvement for the least amount of money, maybe I should do it. Does this sound right or should I just figure he's trying to make a quick buck and leave well enough alone? Also, he says new speaker grilles will be installed. Does all this create or increase the potential for a rattle or two? Could I get an opinion from someone who has done this or knows more than I do about audio (which would be just about anyone!). Thanks in advance.

Division · 01-26-2010, 07:34 PM

I don't understand why you would replace the speaker grills. The factory location (with spacers to provide additional depth) provide more than enough room for any aftermarket speaker, without the need modify the interior of the car at all. (I'm a bit fuzzy as to what installing "new speaker grills" entails.. that alone would scare me away)

That being said, in my experience - the weakest link in a factory audio system is the head unit. Perhaps someone can comment on what gains upgrading the HU has had - keeping the stock speakers, and vice versa. I upgraded both and have been quite happy.

SophiaZ · 01-26-2010, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Division

That being said, in my experience - the weakest link in a factory audio system is the head unit.

I agree. Every car I've had, I put in a new radio and it enhanced the sound by atleast 40%. I'm still waiting on getting my new set up with the radio and speakers, but $2300 doesn't come that easily

JoeyD · 01-26-2010, 08:11 PM

I just ordered a set of polk component 6.5s I'll let you know tmrw what kind of difference they make.

SophiaZ · 01-26-2010, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeyD

I just ordered a set of polk component 6.5s I'll let you know tmrw what kind of difference they make.

for the rears?!!

kenchan · 01-26-2010, 08:21 PM

The base speakers aren't terrible (far from good) but they can sound pretty good with a nice headunit and eq'ing the sound.

PapoZalsa · 01-26-2010, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Division

I don't understand why you would replace the speaker grills. The factory location (with spacers to provide additional depth) provide more than enough room for any aftermarket speaker, without the need modify the interior of the car at all. (I'm a bit fuzzy as to what installing "new speaker grills" entails.. that alone would scare me away)

Speaker grills????? I thought he was talking about the factory speakers.

6spd · 01-26-2010, 09:26 PM

I listen to heavy metal and heavy rock and I think the speakers are great. My MP3 player has EQ settings and that makes a HUGE difference too. Now when my fiancee puts on that hiphop crap, it does sound like duky!

nuTinmuch · 01-26-2010, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6spd

I listen to heavy metal and heavy rock and I think the speakers are great. My MP3 player has EQ settings and that makes a HUGE difference too. Now when my fiancee puts on that hiphop crap, it does sound like duky!

I listen to metal also and it sounds pretty solid. Also as a note, I listen to DnB as well and it sounds pretty good too.

OldGuy · 01-26-2010, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6spd

I listen to heavy metal and heavy rock and I think the speakers are great. My MP3 player has EQ settings and that makes a HUGE difference too. Now when my fiancee puts on that hiphop crap, it does sound like duky!

Stereo guy says grills come with the speakers but you don't have to use them if you want to keep the stock grills. From what I'm hearing, I'm inclined to leave well enough alone. Let's see what JoeyD says tomorrow. The contemplated new speakers are for the front---I'm leaving the rears empty as they appear unnecessary in that small cabin.

6spd · 01-26-2010, 11:06 PM

i think it depends on what you listen to really.

bradz · 01-27-2010, 03:06 AM

For me, sounds from the stock speakers are great. Just change the head unit and you will amazed how it sounds promise.

Zeto · 01-27-2010, 09:49 AM

I plan to get the Kenwood 5140 head unit. They have the 6140 with blue tooth but I have yet to use blue tooth even on my blackberry, seems pretty useless to me.

ArtVandaleigh · 01-27-2010, 01:34 PM

Just changing the front speakers alone will not do too much in terms of sound quality on the stock HU. I've changed both the HU and speakers myself, but if you dont want to go through the hassle of changing the fronts (especially with the not-common 2.5" tweeters) a good HU will sound far superior to stock.

OldGuy · 01-27-2010, 08:43 PM

Thank you all for your thoughts. Decided to leave well enough alone. Actually, Limbaugh is loud enough without any speakers to help him!

01-26-2010, 07:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
OldGuy Base Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Greensburg PA Posts: 899 Drives: '09370Z Red Base A7 Rep Power: 16	Base Stock Speakers I'm not much of an audiophile and actually the sound from the stock system in my 370Z base sounds adequate, though not remarkable, to me. The local stereo shop guy says that for under $100 plus cost of installation, two new Kicker speakers in the front would be a great improvement for a modest amount of money. If, it's true as he says, that the factory speakers are very low grade and speaker upgrade is the way to get the biggest sound improvement for the least amount of money, maybe I should do it. Does this sound right or should I just figure he's trying to make a quick buck and leave well enough alone? Also, he says new speaker grilles will be installed. Does all this create or increase the potential for a rattle or two? Could I get an opinion from someone who has done this or knows more than I do about audio (which would be just about anyone!). Thanks in advance.

01-26-2010, 08:11 PM	#4 (permalink)
JoeyD Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Raeford, NC Posts: 305 Drives: 09 NISMO 370Z Rep Power: 186	I just ordered a set of polk component 6.5s I'll let you know tmrw what kind of difference they make. __________________ When was the last time you did 230MPH in something with 4 seats?

01-26-2010, 09:26 PM	#8 (permalink)
6spd A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 3,001 Drives: Q50RS Rep Power: 25	I listen to heavy metal and heavy rock and I think the speakers are great. My MP3 player has EQ settings and that makes a HUGE difference too. Now when my fiancee puts on that hiphop crap, it does sound like duky! __________________ -Jay- jonathanjamesphotographer.com

01-26-2010, 11:06 PM	#11 (permalink)
6spd A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 3,001 Drives: Q50RS Rep Power: 25	i think it depends on what you listen to really. __________________ -Jay- jonathanjamesphotographer.com

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01-26-2010, 07:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
Division Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Central FL Posts: 199 Drives: 2009 370Z Sport Rep Power: 16	I don't understand why you would replace the speaker grills. The factory location (with spacers to provide additional depth) provide more than enough room for any aftermarket speaker, without the need modify the interior of the car at all. (I'm a bit fuzzy as to what installing "new speaker grills" entails.. that alone would scare me away) That being said, in my experience - the weakest link in a factory audio system is the head unit. Perhaps someone can comment on what gains upgrading the HU has had - keeping the stock speakers, and vice versa. I upgraded both and have been quite happy.

01-26-2010, 08:21 PM	#6 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	The base speakers aren't terrible (far from good) but they can sound pretty good with a nice headunit and eq'ing the sound.

01-27-2010, 03:06 AM	#12 (permalink)
bradz Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pinellas County Florida Posts: 348 Drives: 09' 370z MB 6spd Rep Power: 16	For me, sounds from the stock speakers are great. Just change the head unit and you will amazed how it sounds promise.

01-27-2010, 09:49 AM	#13 (permalink)
Zeto Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: North NJ Age: 40 Posts: 766 Drives: 09 Pearl White 370Z Rep Power: 267	I plan to get the Kenwood 5140 head unit. They have the 6140 with blue tooth but I have yet to use blue tooth even on my blackberry, seems pretty useless to me.

01-27-2010, 01:34 PM	#14 (permalink)
ArtVandaleigh Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 227 Drives: 09 PW 370Z Rep Power: 675	Just changing the front speakers alone will not do too much in terms of sound quality on the stock HU. I've changed both the HU and speakers myself, but if you dont want to go through the hassle of changing the fronts (especially with the not-common 2.5" tweeters) a good HU will sound far superior to stock.

01-27-2010, 08:43 PM	#15 (permalink)
OldGuy Base Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Greensburg PA Posts: 899 Drives: '09370Z Red Base A7 Rep Power: 16	Thank you all for your thoughts. Decided to leave well enough alone. Actually, Limbaugh is loud enough without any speakers to help him!