I have an '08 G35x non-Bose. I like the way the console looks and want to keep the headunit. At most I wanted to spend $1000 including installation and spread out my costs over a period of 3 steps to offset the costs.

First thing I was going to do was replace the stock speakers with already purchased Pioneer 6.5" components in the front (Pioneer TS-A1702C) and 6.5's in the rear (Pioneer TS-A1683R) and see how it sounds just like that. No amps, no line output converters just yet. I am also adding dynomat to the doors. Total so far spent incl. installation would be $300. Question #1: Using the stock headunit power (no amp), will the new speakrs sound better than the stock speakers?

Then, if I dont like the output coming to the new speakers, I was going to buy and add a line output converter AudioControl LC6i and an Pioneer GM-6400F 4-Channel amp down the road.

For the last step, I was going to buy and add a Kicker Comp 10" 4-ohm free air sub in the existing cutout of the rear deck with a RF PRIME R150-2 amp. Question #2: Will the 10" sub fit in that hole, and since it is free air, will it sound ok there? Or do I have to get a box? I dont want a booming system. Just something nice as long as I can hear it.

Any alternatives you think I should use or things to add? Thanks for your input!

 

hey backdrft, new speakers will *definitely* sound better than stock. in my opinion the stock headunit doesn't do a *bad* job for sound quality but adding new speakers will definitely punch it up.

as far as the sub goes i am not sure if it will fit since i haven't looked into it before but generally free-air subs don't sound that great (or ill say they did not sound good in the past, although maybe the technology has improved in the last 5 years). you could easily add an 8 or 10 inch sub to enhance the sound and not overpower the music (since you don't want a booming system). a small box could be mounted in the trunk without taking up a lot of space.

i think you're on the right track though. new speakers, small sub. you will have a much better listening experience off the bat.

 

Not sure whether you have done anything, but JBL has released the MS8 processor which I plan to use to upgrade the BOSE system. The unit equalizes the frequency response of the signal to each of eight channels which can be assigned to various drivers, and time delays each driver to various seating positions in the car, using a stereo microphone worn on the drivers listeners head during the calibration process. It has eight 20-watt digital amps/or eight RCA outputs (mix and match), and the amps are pretty tolerant of various speaker impedances found in auto applications. I plan to use this unit first with just the stock speakers, and an outboard amp/subwoofer. This unit will be very close to your budget and is very versatile and very sophisticated. There is a lengthy review on the DIYMA site about the unit. This will allow you to use the stock head unit, which is actually quite good and utilizes 24 bit D/A converters and not give up sound quality or functionality and integration.

 

I have the bose system and im in the process of redoing my system also.But i found out my front speaker r 10 inch and the back s r 6.5 wtf lol.I got a jl w7 12inch sub going in also.Is there a converter to go from 10 inch door speakers to 6.5

 

^^^ good to know. For those who have done sound, what about kenwood? Do you think they are good?

 

Subscribed, great thread.

 

I have an identical (non-Bose base stereo) setup similar to yours and would also like to upgrade the speakers. One thing that bothers me with OEM speakers is not their sound but the bass rattle - which I think can be taken care of by placing dynomat around the speakers (in doors). I don't know whether the rattle is just a result of a resonant frequency of OEM speaker specifically, but wouldn't want to take any chances.

 

Ok, so I went ahead with the first leg of backdrf76's plan and purchased the front/back Pioneer speakers. Being lazy I paid an installer to install them along with impact alarm sensor. As RemmyZero correctly predicted, the difference in sound is very tangible - whereas before I could not discern various notes and the bass sound of the stock Blaupunkt speakers was harsh and rattly, the listening experience now is 100% percent better. And the best part is that the door bass rattle is gone - I asked the installer to add some dynamat in doors around the speakers. No line output converter or amp added at this point, but I feel like my G's audio system has a new lease on life just by changing out the stock speakers with the Pioneers. This felt on par to adding a solid state drive to my aging Thinkpad X60

 

Does anyone have any thoughts on Infinity Kappa speakers vs. Pioneer or others? I've only ever had Kappas and so haven't ever been able to judge them against other after market speakers.

 

i just bought infiniti kappa perfect 10 but i havent installed them

 

Looking into the MS-8 as well. Would love to read a review on how well this unit works with our stock BOSE system as well as the blue tooth integration. Please review once installed. Thanks.

 

How big are the rear deck speakers on a non Bose?

 

6.5' 10char

 

I thought the door speakers were 6.5'

 

NM I thought you asked about rear _door_ speakers. Rear deck, I dunno