Can I get some suggestions for upgrading the audio system in my 2005 G35. I got the base package and the overall the sound is pretty bad. I'd like to go in $300-400 increments if possible - like amp first, front speakers, back, etc. Any advice on the best components would be great!

Thanx
-andrew

 

Since the truly weekest link in the stock system is the speakers I'd start there. To do it in $300 - $400 increments I would do the following:

1. Good set of components and a decent coax for the rear

2. 4 channel amp to run the 4 new speakers

3. Subwoofer and box rewire your amp to run front 2 speakers and bridge back 2 channels to run sub and put the rear speakers back on the stock amp.

4. Buy a mono block amp to run the sub and put the rear channels of the 4 channel amp back on the two rear speakers.

5. Get the double din conversion kit and a new head unit. This last step may go over the $400 limit but worth it or just break it up into two steps.


Good luck,

Rudy

 

How much would these steps cost each you think? And will the sound really be that much better with just new component speakers and not a sub yet? If you were to stop for awhile after upgrading the components, how would it sound with just these new speakers? I would assume much clearer but not any additional bass without a sub..

 

The thing that's bothered me the most is how mid-range heavy the system is and all the tuner has is bass and treble adjustment. That's why initially I was thinking to go with an amp first so I'd at least have some control over cutting out certain frequencies. Thoughts? Also would you have any recommendations on specific brands and types for the amp and speaker replacements?

-andrew

 

The speakers are definitely the first step. You will not believe what a difference that will make. I have been using the MBQuart Q series speakers for the past 5 years and they sound awesome, even with a piece of crap stereo. You will definitely get better bass with them right away. But they will really impress you when they get some power from a real amp. Unbelievable. Look for the thread that has the pics of an install with these speakers. My suggestion is to go with the speakers up front first, then add an amp and sub, and just turn off the rear speakers, you absolutely won't need them. Those MBQuart Q's with a sub will take care of all your needs. Of course, a new head unit might be a nice edition after that, but probably not necessary. Good Luck!!

 

Astropol, are you opposed to replacing the head unit?

I would always start with the source, and work your way down the signal path. Now if you absolutely do not want to replace the head unit then I guess it can really be a toss up whether to replace the speakers first or the amp first. If you're going to do a good set of components I would have an amp ready to run them. Personally I don't recommend running component sets with low power. MB Quart Q series are a good set of speakers, but there are many others out there that are good. It really comes down to preference of sound. MB Quart stuff can be on the bright side.

 

That is the beauty of the Quarts, they have an adjustable crossover. I like to take the highs down 6db to make everything blend nicely. Of course, this is personal preference, but it would be nice if all component sets did this, so you could tune to your preference. Also, I still think speakers should come first because they can make an instant impact. Using an amp to drive crappy speakers still sounds crappy. Use good speakers with less power and they still sound great. But,that being said, you don't want to turn up the volume on a crappy head unit if there is distortion, because you could kill the speakers. I believe the stock units in the G35 are good enough that they don't experience this problem, but just a heads up.

 

Quarts are great, but they are still too bright with tweeters adjusted -6 db. I know, sold them in the past, but thats just my preference. Most decent component sets give the ability to adjust the tweeter volume. But trhowe I'm glad you're happy with your setup.

The problem with getting speakers that are so good is that they are very transparent. So if your source sounds like crap your speakers will just show that even more. You really need to build a balanced setup. For example if you get a really hot CD player but have crappy amps and speakers, whats the point of having the awesome CD Player.

 

My point was that he wants to do this in stages, so starting with speakers is something that has worked for me. But, I agree a full balanced system will be much more satisfying.

 

Does anyone else have any non-MB Quart suggestions for speaker replacements? I'm not a big fan of overly bright speakers (my home theater is full of Onix Rockets, which are known for their smoothness and lack of harsh highs), but I don't really know anything about car audio... Thanks in advance!

 

Try Boston Acoustics then

 

Is that a serious suggestion? Like I said, I'm not a car audio guy... but I'm not saying I want to buy Bose! I don't know anything about BA's rep for car speakers.

 

Try Morel, Diamond. These should be on the smoother side. And also Dynaudio.

 

focal and a/d/s are also great options

 

A/D/S, Dynaudio components? $550-800 for those set-up. Go with Diamond or Boston Pro 6.5, little more affordable.