Where to start with an ICE upgrade?

[toffeeblock]

Hi, my 2006 350Z does not have the "Bose" upgrade, just the standard Clarion/Bose head unit (refurbished to stop CD skipping) and the Bluetooth/steering controls system. It also has the in-line FM Dension link and cradle which works ok, however the sound quality is pretty poor so I am thinking of upgrading the system but don't know where to start.

 

I don't need a drug-dealer ground-shaking sub-woofer, or sat-nav / DVD player, just something that gives:

- a clear sound at reasonable volume (for passengers, not pedestrians)

- CD / radio and ipod connectivity (and charging), USB would be nice too.

- bluetooth

- retains as many steering controls as possible

 

I've see the post viewtopic.php?f=17&t=16403 which tells me which cables etc. I may need, but I am not sure where I would get the most benefit from a sound quality viewpoint.

 

- new speakers

- sub

- new head unit

- new amp

 

Anyone have any ideas about where to start to get the most value for money? I'm replacing my tyres, pads and discs tomorrow so haven't loads to spend on ICE, reckon a few hundred quid max, but could always upgrade more later.

 

Cheers,

Toffeeblock

[H5]

The main principle to remember with ICE, is the addage that a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link.

 

For a few hundred £, my recommendation would be the following....

 

Alpine head unit - the best sounding CD players and RDS tuners for in car applications that sensible money can buy. Great user interfaces and decent styling. Oh, and they last for years.....

To do what you want, something like this as a head unit - http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine- ... -6422.html

And this cable - http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine- ... -5637.html

Will give you radio, CD and iPod. Alpine units use their own software to decode the iTunes so it sounds a bit better too. Still not CD quality, but OK.

 

Speakers could be run off this head unit. Not ideal but they could be. If you want sub bass (which I recommend) then I would go this route....

 

Amp - http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/audio-g4500-p-7290.html

Sub - http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/audio-8 ... -7283.html

 

The little JL sub will fit in a small box and will really enhance the low end, letting the speakers do the job of reproducing the other instruments and vocals. And for those speakers - http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/audio-e ... -7297.html

Great sounding speakers.

 

Then with some cabling (£50) and Dynamat (£50) you'd have a sound you'd love and you can get just how you want.

 

There's no rear speakers here, you can run a pair off the headunit at really low volume. The sound should be infront of you, not booming from behind so all you need is a little bit of rear fill.

 

Total for this:-

Headunit and iPod cable - £170

Amp - £270

Sub - £70

Speakers - £180

Cabling & soundproofing - £100

Sub box - (est. £75)

Total - £865

 

If you dropped the sub and amp for now, that's £525.

 

Does that kind of help??

[toffeeblock]

That does help thanks. I think I'll need to save up as my new tyres and brakes are setting me back almost a grand tomorrow! Plus the cars first MOT is in June, I expect no problems but you never know.

 

If I did go for the full monty and idea how much it'd all cost to have fitted properly?

 

ta

toffeeblock

[Martin W]

The main principle to remember with ICE, is the addage that a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link.

 

For a few hundred £, my recommendation would be the following....

 

Alpine head unit - the best sounding CD players and RDS tuners for in car applications that sensible money can buy. Great user interfaces and decent styling. Oh, and they last for years.....

To do what you want, something like this as a head unit - http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine- ... -6422.html

And this cable - http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine- ... -5637.html

Will give you radio, CD and iPod. Alpine units use their own software to decode the iTunes so it sounds a bit better too. Still not CD quality, but OK.

 

Speakers could be run off this head unit. Not ideal but they could be. If you want sub bass (which I recommend) then I would go this route....

 

Amp - http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/audio-g4500-p-7290.html

Sub - http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/audio-8 ... -7283.html

 

The little JL sub will fit in a small box and will really enhance the low end, letting the speakers do the job of reproducing the other instruments and vocals. And for those speakers - http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/audio-e ... -7297.html

Great sounding speakers.

 

Then with some cabling (£50) and Dynamat (£50) you'd have a sound you'd love and you can get just how you want.

 

There's no rear speakers here, you can run a pair off the headunit at really low volume. The sound should be infront of you, not booming from behind so all you need is a little bit of rear fill.

 

Total for this:-

Headunit and iPod cable - £170

Amp - £270

Sub - £70

Speakers - £180

Cabling & soundproofing - £100

Sub box - (est. £75)

Total - £865

 

If you dropped the sub and amp for now, that's £525.

 

Does that kind of help??

we need to talk mate

[H5]

That does help thanks. I think I'll need to save up as my new tyres and brakes are setting me back almost a grand tomorrow! Plus the cars first MOT is in June, I expect no problems but you never know.

 

If I did go for the full monty and idea how much it'd all cost to have fitted properly?

 

ta

toffeeblock

 

The main driver on the cost will be the sub box. Where you have it put, and how much of a show thing you want to make of it. An estimate would be a day to do a dead simple install so maybe £400? You're best off chatting to a good installer and seeing what they recommend.

 

No probs Martin, give me a shout

[Rob_Quads]

Yup I will back up what Rob said. If your not sure what your looking for go for an Alpine head unit and you will not be dissapointed. Mine is still running from 2002 and has not missed a beat (Although hopefully the 404 will replace it soon)

 

I would also recommend getting some sort of sub as without it you will really notice it. This also raises the issue of how exposed you want the sub to be. Its possible to use the stock location if you want but this can sometimes involve extra work as its not the easiest space to get working properly. Alternatively the normal 2 other positions are under the strut bar or in the boot, both will require a custom build.

 

It sounds like your not going to be doing the work so pop into your local audio installers and see what they say and what they think they are capable.

[hotrain69]

Yup I will back up what Rob said. If your not sure what your looking for go for an Alpine head unit and you will not be dissapointed. Mine is still running from 2002 and has not missed a beat (Although hopefully the 404 will replace it soon)

 

I would also recommend getting some sort of sub as without it you will really notice it. This also raises the issue of how exposed you want the sub to be. Its possible to use the stock location if you want but this can sometimes involve extra work as its not the easiest space to get working properly. Alternatively the normal 2 other positions are under the strut bar or in the boot, both will require a custom build.

 

It sounds like your not going to be doing the work so pop into your local audio installers and see what they say and what they think they are capable.

 

yes i'd recommend getting a local audio specialist to have a look. and also agree that you should get some subs as this will be noticeable. under the strut bar is a very common place for the subs to go. i have some photos up of mine in the for sale section as i'm selling my subs. have a look. you might be interested. if your not too far away, you can come and have a listen.