Newb alert. Please dont wail on me.

I have an 08 G35 Sedan. Looking to upgrade the stock non-Bose sound system while keeping the existing headunit. I've already read the thread here on keeping the HU. I just want to hear some suggestions on what you think would be good.

I already purchased Pioneer TS-A1702C front components and Pioneer TS-A1683R for the rear. I was considering adding a line output converter AudioControl LC6i, Pioneer GM-6400F 4-Channel amp, and then a Kicker 10 C10 4-Ohm 10" sub for the existing cutout in the rear with a RF PRIME R150-2 amp.

Thoughts, ideas, suggestions?? Thanks!

 

Well, there's no danger of the subwoofer overpowering the speakers with that setup, and uh, it'll be fairly cheap, and probably sound better than stock, but it seems kind of a waste to spend less on the subwoofer than you end up spending on the wiring kit for the amp.

 

If you're asking for suggestions, number one thing you need to include is your budget, as well as everything you've already got purchased or installed.

 

^^Perfect, thanks. Thats the kind of stuff I was looking for. I'm not looking to get too crazy. Just better sounding that the stock system. I didnt want to spend more than $1000. Basically looking for "bang for the buck". I've already spent $150 on the front components and rears, and another $50 on door dynamat.

 

So you have $800 left to spend on amps for speakers and the sub, wiring, box, sub?

 

Sure. Dont want no thumpin' system, no flash. Just something nice to add to an already really nice car. The best bang for the buck. As long as it sounds better than the stock speakers.
Thanks for your advice!

 

Get a processor for the eq and to clean up the signal.

sub? sundown sa-10 & soundstream rub600.1

 

Is that the same thing as the AudioControl LC6i line output converter? Thanks!

 

that's just a line out

no eq on there

check out the rockford 3sixty.2

 

ETA: The following applies to 03-07 Coupes and 03-06 Sedans, not the 08 as the OP states he has.

Something to keep in mind, is how prone to failure the stock headunit is. It would be a shame to put $1000 into speakers, sub and amps, only to have the headunit fail and be without any audio at all until you can afford to do the replacement.

My wife has a new headunit and stock non-bose speakers without a sub. It sounds better than stock. By replacing the headunit, you don't have to worry about a line output converter, and the built-in EQ of the headunit may be sufficient to not need an external processor either. Of couse, you'll gain a lot of other good features, like the big touchscreen, DVD playback, iPod compatability, USB in, AUX in... maybe even bluetooth.

$800 will easily get you a Pioneer 3200BT or 4200DVD, JDM console kit, steering wheel controls and other small parts, but you'll want to pick up an amp for the subwoofer.

 

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. I wanted to keep the HU simply becuase I really liked how the center console looked. Thats the only reason for keeping it. I didnt want to change that look.

I wasnt aware of too many stock headunits failing. Is this something that is common?

Basically I just wanted to see what I could do with the exisitng HU and see what kind of improvements I could pull off.

 

How much would a replacement stock unit cost? i've never heard of them failing.

 

ETA: The following applies to 03-07 Coupes and 03-06 Sedans, not the 08 as the OP states he has.

How long have you been in this forum?

Collected from JUST THE FRONT PAGE of this forum:
https://g35driver.com/forums/audio-v...ng-needed.html
https://g35driver.com/forums/audio-v...ed-advice.html
https://g35driver.com/forums/audio-v...-05-coupe.html
https://g35driver.com/forums/audio-v...error-foo.html

Anyway, replacement stock units (refurbished) from the dealer are about $600+. Used with unknown life left can be $100-300.

And you think this looks worse than stock?

 

2008 has the newer dash doesnt it??

and as far as I know you can only use a LOC on the newer head unit types.

 

Ah yeah, forgot the OP has an 08.

Not sure if there's a trend of poor radios in those or not.

In which case, you can ignore the advice of a new headunit and concentrate on the amp and speakers.
For 03-06 Sedans and 03-07 Coupes though, that advice is still valid.