Hello everyone,

I just bought my G35 Sedan last week and I love it. I can't get my wife to drive her Touareg anymore. Anyways, I am slightly dissapointed in the Bose system (no surprise). I shopped around and got some replacement suggestions from local stores and they were quoting from $650-1000 just for a sub/amp combo. I ofcourse thought I could do better than that, so I started researching. I have concluded that I can get a decent sub installed for under 400.00 if I do it myself. After further research, I found several 5-channel amps that caught my eye. I was thinking of installing a 5 channel amp to power my stock door speakers, and also buying a sub. I need your expert opinions on which one to buy. My choices so far are as follows:

Amps (all 5 channel)

Phoenix Gold Octane R9.0:5 75W x 4 / 250 x 1 @ 2 Ohm $286.00
Alpine MRV-F450 V12 series 60 watts RMS x 4 at 2 ohms + 200 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms $300.00
INFINITY 5760A RMS Output @ 2 Ohms Stereo: 80 Watts x 4 + 150 Watts x 2 $268.00
HIFONICS ZX8000 4 x 100 Watts + 1 x 300Watts @ 2 Ohms $210.00

All prices include shipping. I am leaning towards the Hifonics because of the price, but some people said that it gets a bit hot. I was thinking of the Hifonics amp, type R 10", wires and LLC for $400.

I really am not looking to have a show off system, just a nice full sound. I was just going to buy a cheap box off of ebay, or a Q-logic box. I know someone is going to talk me out of that though. It's just hard to spend more on a box than a sub.

Another option is to simply buy a 4 channel amp and just run the front components. I might have enough money to buy new components then. If anyone has done this, do you miss your rear speakers in the sedan? All together, I can't go over $550. Someone give me some guidance. I haven't bought a system since I had my Punch 45 back in 1991.

Andre'

 

Are you planning on keeping your stock head unit? Becuase if you do then you will need to get a line level converter ( I think thats what it is called ) and run your rca's from that. As far as what amp to get.. I'm not too sure. But one of my buddies has the type R sub and it sounds really good. So I don't think you would go wrong with that. Also, if you are at all interested. I have a pioneer 12" dvc sub in a sealed box that I am going to be selling. It isn't the loudest sub in the world but it sounds really clean and has plenty of bass. The box was built by a custom shop too so it is really good quality. I only want like $125 for it so.. if you're interested let me know.

 

For the amp, I would go with the hifonics. It is a great amp, especially for the $.

For the sub, I wouldn't use the Alpine. I would get the Image Dynamics IDQ 10" D4 from http://www.cardomain.com/item/IDSIDQ10D4V2 . It will be under warranty (since they are an authorized dealer). Also, this is probably one of the best subs on the market for $150. It is without a doubt a better sub than the Alpine Type R in both sound quality and output.

If $150 is a bit high for the sub, then you could look into the Image Dynamics IDv3 10" D4. It's $120 and it is still an excellent performing sub. http://www.cardomain.com/item/IDSID10V3D4

Both subs come with free shipping as well.

For wires, you should look at http://knukonceptz.com/ . Reasonable pricing and great products.

 

If you're sticking with the stock HU right now, depending on which amp you select, you don't have to use a LOC. Since you're on a budget, here's an option for you.

eDi 6000s 6.5" components $125.
Nine.4 4 channel amp $185 with discount.
Pick up a pair of fill speakers for $50-75.

As for subs, you can pick up one from eD or else where but power it using the Nine.2 2 channel amp bridged. Again, with the discount, it's $175 for a good quality amp.

Here's a link to the discounts. All shipping is free so in order to get the discount, you'll have to order each item separately. All this might push your budget but definately have an improvement in your sound system.

 

replace the front door speakers, world of a difference. i have the infinity kappas.

 

Thanks for all of the good advise. I have been doing some thinking after reading all of your opinions and I am thinking of doing the following:

HIFONICS ZX8000 4 x 100 Watts + 1 x 300Watts @ 2 Ohms $210.00
and I am still having trouble deciding on these

components:

Infinity 6000cs $118.00
Diamond Audio M361 $137.00
eDi 6000s 6.5" $125.00
Pheonix Gold Octane R6.5 $65.00

sub:

Infinity Kappa Perfect 10.1D $112.00
Diamond Audio D310D4 $108.00
Image Dynamics IDv3 10" D4 $120.00
Image Dynamics IDQ 10" D4 $150.00

Keep in mind, the box, wiring and 4 Channel LLC will be app: $110.00 as well. That leaves me at around $220.00 to play with. Where should I skimp? Will it be the sub, or the components?

By the way, I am keeping the stock head unit. I will probably add a Sirius Starbase later.

Andre'

 

Don't skimp on the components.

 

I use the Diamond Audio D361i for the rear and am very impressed with their clarity. Not much extension down low, but clean sound. Definitely need the sub with these - but highly recommended for a low cost speaker.

I went with the higher end s600a HEX line up front, but I've only heard good things about all Diamond products so I'm sure the M361 will sound good, particularly if paired with a good sub.

 

Second vote for just replacing drivers... try the infinity kappa's up front as a start, you'll be shocked and amazed at what you hear. Round it out with a sub and you're done.

If you're going to gut it like a fish and replace speakers, amps and everything else, then save money and do it right. Otherwise, keep most of the blose and lose the junky speakers. It'll be the best $400 you'll spend.

 

After further research, it seems that many people are satisfied with the Bose amplifier to push the components. With that said, I have decided to stick with the Bose amp and replace the Components with either Infinity, Diamond Audio, or eDi. I was planning on replacing the amp, but I think my money will be more useful in the components.

Now for the question on the Sub, I would like to hear opinions on the following:
Infinity Perfect 10.1D $110.00
Image Dynamics IDQ 10" D4 $146.95
Image Dynamics ID10D4 v3 $97.95

I know that they are all probably fine pieces of equipment, but I am probably going to have a small amp, therefore I won't push these to their limit. I am probably going to spend around 150.00 including shipping on it, so I am guessing around 300 RMS of clean power.

Suggestions are welcome

 

bump, wondering the same and in the same position as Dre's G.

 

I have the Image Dynamics IDQ 10" D4 and I'm very happy with it. Image Dynamics recomends ~250W max so the HiFonics amp will drive it nicely.

Get the system you want in the first place. I'll be much happier in the end.

 

Well,

It looks like today's the day. I plan on ordering all components today and I have a few last questions. I am planning on purchasing the following items.

Diamond Audio D5300.2 for $130.00 to push the sub
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...e=STRK:MEWA:IT

Image Dynamics IDQ10 D4 v.2 for 150.00
http://www.cardomain.com/item/IDSIDQ10D4V2

eDi 6000s Components for 125.00
http://edesignaudio.com/product.php?...pid=28&cur=USD

Amp Install Kit 4 Gauge
http://knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KOL-AK4

I would also like to purchase a 4080, but my budget doesn't allow for it. For right now, I am going to have to settle for a cheap substitute...or I don't get my windows tinted. It's a hard choice, anyways...what does everyone think? Does anyone think that I am settling on the eDi components? I was thinking about the Kappa's, but I am swaying towards eDi because they aren't amainstream company, and they have a great reputation.
Also, what about the Diamond Amp? Should I go for something bigger like the Hifonics Warrior that has more power at the same price. The Diamond is a bit cleaner though...

Info is appreciated.

 

How hard is it to install it by youself, new front/rear speakers, sub and amp with stock head unit? Is there some kind of diy, i'm pretty friggin stereo illiterate so appreciate any feedback.

Dre, I think you should get the 4080 box instead of tints.. well imo. I have a TB so tints weren't a top priority, but if you have an IP i can see why.

 

I don't know if the stock Bose amp is enough to power a set of aftermarket components. That and isn't the Bose system running at 2 ohms while the eDi 6000 are 4 ohm speakers. I would just save up and get a reliable amp to push the components.