After getting my rims and doing a few performance tweaks, its now time to round it with audio upgrades. I went in looking for a Nav Unit, a 4-ch amp, Ipod hook up and sterring wheel controls while trying to stay reasonably around my budget of $2k.

Here's what they suggested.

Kenwood DNX 7100 - $1400
Alpine 4-ch Amp - $ 275
Ipod and steering wheel controls - $125
install - $250

I can probably do cheaper by ordering the stuff online but I've always liked being able to walk into a store in case I need to talk to a human. Anyways, I got about 2 weeks until I can get this done. That said, i'm looking on whether its a good deal, bad deal, suggestions, a specific shop around OC, etc.

The only 2 things to keep in mind is that I dont want to go to far over $2k (currently $2,200) and the Pioneer D3 isnt an option because I really dont like that volume dial sticking out. Thanks again for your input.

 

Don't forget you still need the JDM AC control and the double din trim peace to install this!

That will set you back another $280! Without this you will not have a working air conditioner.

 

meant "piece" above!!

One more thing, if you are adding a 4 channel amp are you planning to upgrade your speakers?

If not you will probably end up over powering the factory speakers and I don't thing they can keep up. It is probably best to run them off your new headunits built in amp.

 

You will a;so need the Nissan wiring harness adapters, Nissan antenna adapter, an amp kit, and RCA cables to connect the Kenwood to the Apine amp.

 

get a chaper deck and use the funds for speakers.

 

Already picked that up. As for the amp, yes I was considering upgrading the speakers but to what, I hadnt really considered yet although I didnt plan on adding anything extra.

As for the harness, antenna adapters, etc., I am told that those pieces were included and that they had them.

As for a cheaper Head Unit, theres only 4 overall that fit the budget with clean looks. The Kenwood 7100 and the Eclipse 5500, 5510 and 6600 (and the 6600 is only if I go through Crutchfield).

I havent had a stereo installed in a long time. Any speaker suggestions? I'm assuming that both front and back should be changed? errr .... do our cars have a sub of some sort? I havent listened to the stereo since I had the HKS exhaust installed.

 

You should make damn sure that the AC control is included since you listed your install as $250. Parts alone for that and the trim piece is $200+!!! Im pretty sure it's not included unless they have some mickey mouse way of doing the DD conversion.

you really dont need an amp if you are running stock speakers i would say.

 

The front speakers are 6.5 inch component speakers (separate speaker and tweeter) and the rear side speakers are 6.5 inches, but a coaxial will work fine. Some people only run front speakers.

If you have the Bose system, there are two 6x9 "subs" in the rear deck. I'd recommend disconnecting them or removing them if you add a sub.

www.4080enclosures.com has fiberglass sub enclosures that integrate into the trunk and look OEM for a 10 inch sub.

 

Just to clarify, I bought the AC controller and the DD unit from Tony@Riverside Infinity the Friday after he said they were back in stock. I figured the amp would be easier to install while they were doing the Head Unit and possibly cheaper. That would leave me with just upgrading speakers in the future.

As for the speakers themselves, I figured I'd upgrade the existing ones. I didnt really want to add an enclosure or anything to the trunk. While I do enjoy my music, I wasnt planning on rattling the windows of the car next to me or on the other side of them for that matter.

again thanks for all the input and any other suggestions.

 

There's much discussion on this board regardnig necessity for the 6.5 coxials in the back (rear fill). I guess it depends on your preference, budget, and front stage speakers.

One word of advice though, listen to as many cars as possible, and find out exactly what you want or may want in the future besides reading the forums. It will save you a load of money and time from redo-ing your system to meet the ever increasing expectations. Also reserach the forums regarding installation. Is the shop giong to build you an amp rack? how are they mounting your amp?

I would get a 5 channel amp just in case you may want to add a sub in the future. 5 channel amps arent usually rated very high on th sub channel outputs, but judging by your posts, you arent into the rattling of a car from 3 blks away! Get something liek the 4080 box as mentioned above.

btw, why do u have only 2 wks?

 

phrased wrong. atleast 2 weeks. wont have the money before then.

your dead on on use. I wanted Nav when I got the car but I didnt like how they set it in. I had to wait a bit though as while my wife didnt make me get rid of the car when the baby was born, she didnt let me do any upgrades either.

Since my overall knowledge in this area is about nil, I was originally just trying to get the head unit with Ipod and steering wheel adapter. The amp was recommended as the pre-amp(?) from the head unit would not be enough. Speakers became involved since ... who knows ... but I might as well do it all at once, right?

I guess I'll do some speaker shopping today. I'm trying not to put any enclosures in the trunk so maybe if I upgrade the 2 6x9 "subs"? As for speaker brands, if you have any you recommend, feel free and as always thanks again

 

used deck single or ddin ~$1000(+~$250 for dd kit)pioneer,eclipse,alpine,
front and rear components~$400-500-jl,polk,infinity,
4-5 ch amp~$300+
+~$100 for 6x9
wires,adapters,installation,~$300+ to install the HU will take lots of time same as the 6.5" for front and back.

If I were you, I'll buy each one at a time and buy a good quality one so there won't be any regret later.