How’s it going?
I’m getting ready to start upgrading my 2006 G35coupe’s factory stereo and I am looking for some advice!!

Here is the plan:
Amps, I own a few : )
A.) Esoteric Audio E7056 six channel amplifier (bought in 2001/2002)
B.) Phoenix Gold Ti600 two channel (received in exchange for a Weber downdraft carb)
C.) 2 Zapco 6 channel Ag650 (bought in 1999/2000)
D.) 2 PPI Power Class 4400 4 channel amps (bought in 1998)

Subs, I own a few : )
A.) JL Audio 10W3V2
B.) Image Dymanics 12” (don’t remember the model bought in 2000)
C.) Crystal 12” (Top of the line sub about 6-7 years ago)
I’m going to be using the 4080 box

EQ/crossover:
I have a PPI, Zapco, and Kenwood eq. I also have an Audio Control and Lanzar crossovers.

Now for the advice! I’ve been out of the stereo scene for almost five years and don’t know what types of components I should get!
I have narrowed my choices to:

1. Kenwood 25th ann 6.75” XXV-04S
2. A/D/S 346cs 6.5"
3. MB Quart QSD216
4. Boston Acoustic Z6
5. Help! What should I get? Anything better you would recommend? Budget $4-$650
Should I get some 6.5” for the rear?

Audio interface:
1.) JL Audio clean sweep OR
2.) Audio Control LC8
What do you guys recommend? Why?

Thanks,
Carlos
*NOTE* I have amps, sub, eq, wiring (except rca), cap, and crossover (probably won’t use). The budget for my stereo is $1500 and I wont go over budget!!!! I learned my lesson the hard way, no more using credit cards for toys.

 

i'll take your esoteric amp if you decide to sell it

 

I'm not selling any of my stuff : )

I like Datsun 510 and I will add a wagon and coupe to my driveway(someday)! I will use my old systems in my dimes!

 

I just got the MB quart components installed in my sedan. I am VERY pleased with the sound quality. I had a pair of their tweeters installed in my Maxima a couple of years ago. I also liked the Infiniti and Eclipse components. There are better and more expensive speakers but these are what I have heard and liked for this price range.

 

here is my take:

1. kenwood, heard them in a few installs, well tuned, a great leap forward for kenwood, but IMHO not that special.

2. ADS out of the ones you listed, this woudl be easily be my choice, but again, there are many others

3. and 4 boston z and mbq, both i really dislike, both are harsh, of course, people will asy, well if yo go way off axis and tweak the eq a bit, it will sound nice, but honsetly, both sets are too harsh to me no matter what. A high freq cymbol crash or female volcas at high volune will call rining, and i really idslike it...

but again, thats up to you...

my personal preference for components int he same price range:

1. morel Ovation Integra or ovation component
2. DLS ultimate UR6s or iridium two way comp set
3. AVI BRM comp set
4. polk SR 6500



but just my input hehe

b

 

It will bepedns on what kind of sound you like? eventho you been out of it for 5 years but the basic speaker characters has not change much between different brands in the years pass, A/D/S still smooth and mellow, MB Q;s still bright, think QSD might be even brighter if that was possible! in the price range you mentioned, might want also consider Dynaudio 240mkII/GT, Focal 165K2P.

Out of your list? I would chose A/D/S for sure. had 641IS/346IM before on my 03 G.

 

imo: DLS up6 or Dynaudio 240GT (have to modify tweeter locations for that though)

I plan on going DLS up6

 

Thanks for the Info!

I think I'll scratch the MBQuart and Boston off my list!

That leaves the Kenwood and the A/D/S! I would like to hear the Kenwood again before I decide on it, but after hearing your thoughts the A/D/S sounds like they'd be perfect!!

What about the audio interface?
Audio Control LC8
OR JL Audio Clean Sweep?
I'm leaning towards the Cleansweep! I have always used AudioControl in my systems and trust the brand, any suggestions?

16psiBRICK, I'll see if anyone in my area has the brands of speakers you suggested, I would love to hear those brands.

Thanks,
Carlos

 

Don't buy the Cleansweep. Complete waste of money for the G35. You don't need it.

 

A/D/S is not the same company any more. I dropped them last year. Owned by DEI now.

I'd throw DLS UP6 and Morel Dotech 6/Integra 6/Elate 6 in there...

 

And don't get a Clean Sweep.

 

Yes, that happened around summer of 03? the quality of it may have changed but A/D/S's sound characteristic hasnt changed much if any.

 

How does the Morel Dotech 6 compare to the DLS UP6?

 

Have you considered the JL Audio ZR series?

 

Try CDT, DLS, Morel. All have great components at different price ranges. Focal's and MB's have been known to be too bright and there are lots of posts about them. You can find those post if you do a search. But you should listen for yourself and decide.