Audio Upgrade

[jhall299]

Hi,

I am considering audio upgrades to my '00 non-S. I currently have the Becker CDR-220, OEM Dash and door speakers and upgraded PNP rear speakers. Where should I start? I would like better low end performance so should I replace the door speakers? Change the amplifier? How big of a hassle is a sub?

Any comments will be appreciated.

Jon

Edited April 2, 2006 by jhall299

[Cassiebox]

Hi,

I am considering audio upgrades to my '00 non-S. I currently have the Becker CDR-220, OEM Dash and door speakers and upgraded PNP rear speakers. Where should I start? I would like better low end performance so should I replace the door speakers? Change the amplifier? How big of a hassle is a sub?

Any comments will be appreciated.

Jon

First things first, I'd drive your PNP rear speakers w/ an amp not the head unit just to balance the power from the dash/door speakers w/ the rear. I did mine w/ a 6x40 amp from a 996. If you want to keep a stock appearance, I'd go that route. Make sure you use the correct amp (M490 or 680 w/ DSP depending on what you currently have). Otherwise you can replace it with any good 6ch amp or just add a seperate 2ch to drive only the rears. Doing so helps increase the presence of the low end coming from the doors, dash and rear speakers as it dramatically changes the focal point in the car. You'd be surprised at the low end you get when driving the rears w/ power equal to the front w/out adjusting the fade. (I was surprised at the freq response range on the rear - very broad considering their size - and much clearer when driven in unison w/ the doors). Haven't done it myself but, I've read many posts suggesting to fill the speaker cavities in the rear shelf w/ poly-fil (seems counter intuitive to me based on the air flow you want/need but I'm no expert). If you do swap out a 6x40 from a 996, search the archives for where the wires go into the amp harness or contact PNP for help (and also to get the additional harness which runs from inside to the amp).

I would also replace the stock dash speakers (I did w/ a pair of Infiniti 4" Refrences - about $70). They aren't 'components' like the OEMs but they are coaxials - which is the next best thing but w/ much less work to install. The freq response on them is so much better than the OEMs which in turn gives you greater clarity in all ranges- highs,lows and mids. Clarity, in my opinion, is really 70% of the issue. You'll need to modify the basket/bracket on the back to fit in aftermarkets, but it is very easy to do. The toughest part of the entire job was finding the right 90 degree driver w/ T20 bit to remove the speakers/grills from the dash. I'd post pictures but didn't take any since so many others who've already done these upgrades did such a great job documenting their steps. Just search the archives for speaker upgrade ideas.

Haven't added (and don't ever plan on it) a separate sub. However, I might upgrade the door speakers some day. I figured I'd save the easiest swap out for last since those usually have the least impact too. Low end response is much much better these days and I'm pleased w/ the system's performance now. Besides, the best 'music' in the car will always be the exhaust notes coming from the rear...

Good luck and I hope this helps!

[jhall299]

Great reply Cassiebox! You have validated much of what I suspected.

I think I will add an amp for the rears as you suggest and replace the dash speakers as well. The only other thing I think I will do is change the door speakers and upgrade them to 6.5" speakers. I found some other posts on this and it looks fairly simple. I can do all of this for less than $400 and I'm sure it will make a huge improvement. This will preserve the original look while providing much improved listenability.

Any other comments?

Jon

[Cassiebox]

I think 6.5" in the door will be a huge improvement - especially for hitting new 'lows'. Good luck and please post your results as I'm sure others like me are very interested!