TwinTurbo.NET: Nissan 300ZX forum - My stereo install... so far
People Seeking Info
 
   


     
Subject My stereo install... so far
     
Posted by BigTDogg (MA) on July 02, 2009 at 6:46 PM
  This message has been viewed 4469 times.
     
     
Message I’m about 80% done with my stereo system, so I figured I’d post some pretty pics and show what I’ve been up to.

I’m keeping my Alpine CDA-9831 for now, because it’s a quality unit packed with great features. The only feature it doesn’t have, that I wish it did, would be HD Radio. I’ve become addicted to it since I got it in my DD.

Below is a diagram of what the finished system will look like:

So I’ve got everything but the 3300c and MB Quart PWE304 hooked up. I’m waiting on some funds to accumulate so I can get a Chris-Sacto box. I do have the know-how, but not the patience or time to construct my own. He sells a quality product, so I’ve heard and seen, so that’s my decision.

Now the previous owner took the car to Sound Systems, on Alum Rock Avenue in San Jose California. I cannot warn prospective customers about this place enough. The “work” was amateur at best. Sound came from all four corners, but it was only the left channel. That’s right, left channel mono in all four speakers. I changed every configuration, swapped amps and head units. The hacked in to the stock wiring at odd points to run speaker wire, it was just an abortion. Then they put 5.25” components in the OEM Bose front enclosures. No seal whatsoever, just drilled and placed in there. And for the tweeters they just hole-sawed a GIANT hole in the door panels. Drilled a hole thru the firewall for the power wire (though that’s more common, so I’ll let it slide). So yeah, to say I was frustrated and pissed doesn’t begin to cover it.

Enough bitching :-) I ran these Monster Cable XLN-Pro patch cables from the Alpine to the Audio Control, and from the EQQ to the amps. I ran my power wire when I was doing my engine work with the bay empty and fender liner off:

Here’s what it looks like at the battery end of things:

Then I started on the speaker enclosures. My 90 has the 6.5” rear enclosures, which was greatly helpful in the planning. Miraculously, Sound Systems managed to some how not fuck up the rear enclosures. I removed the Bose amps (yes, they were left in) and stuffed them with the stuffing from the front enclosures in addition to the rear stuffing that was already there.

I ran 16 AWG JL Audio speaker wire. I got a bunch on closeout when the local Tweeter closed down. The finished product:


I used these front speaker adapters because the Focal components did not fit into the Nissan Non-Bose brackets. I drilled holes for the driver and crossover and then sprayed the back side with Plasti-Dip to make them more water resistant. I did about 5-6 coats, one can covered both panels.

Per Gordo’s write up in the FAQ, I sprayed the latex foam in the door, and added the carpet backing to the trim panel. I eventually had to retrim after this picture, as the woofer would hit a piece of foam.

I “dynamatted” the door panels, but not overkill. I just did some areas that could resonate with midbass tones being generated. I actually used a product called R-Blox. I actually liked the supplied roller better than either Dynamat roller I’ve used. The R-Blox is good stuff too, aluminum backed, sticky, just an overall much better value than Dynamat Extreme.

(I actually had to turn the crossover 90° from the position shown here so the trim panel would fit back on.)

To cover the massive (2.25” diameter) tweeter hole left by the shop in the door panel, I needed to get creative. I eventually settled on some 3.5” diameter door knob wall protectors. They were made of some generic plastic, with self adhesive on the back. They can be had at Home Depot for about $2 a piece. I drilled out the hole in the center for my Focal tweets, then sanded and sprayed with 3-4 coats of Plasti-Dip. I think the finished result came out pretty good. NOTE FOR REFERENCE: This is FAR from an ideal tweeter location, as my post history will tell you, but there was no way for me to cost effectively replace the door panel and mount the tweeters properly. As you can tell, I’m really sour about this whole door-panel-cutting-fiasco.

Once the speakers were done, I built the panels to mount the distribution blocks and Xtant 2140c behind the seats. I used 1/2” MDF covered by unbacked cabinet carpet, using 3M spray adhesive to secure the two.

And here’s the finished EQQ and distribution block panel:

I left room for a 1 farad cap on this panel, in case I decide I need it after I add the second amp and sub. On the Xtant panel, I’ll be adding a small fire extinguisher.

Oh, and I added my 300° DIN panel, which is an excellent product. Here’s how it looks with nothing turned on. I’ll take another later with the lights on.

So far, so good. It sounds great, but I still have to install the second amp and sub, then tune the whole thing.





"...Downpipes own. They own everything...anything...all there ever was and will be...they should be stock on all cars. Screw the environment, emissions, noise! I love them...I shall name my first-born after them with glee..." - SeedyRom 05:13:20 10/03/02

"i love the cock" - genic 22:20:47 09/25/03

"I hope you get fucked in the ass with a pringles can." - ni[X]it 14:53:53 02/02/06

"Either ignore him or beat him up. Anything else will be over his head." - Marshall 12:28:23 08/18/04

"Ok, Ill bite.." eriksu9 15:42:10 04/04/08

z32baby: yeah, my memory sucks balls
DJ Juiced: What's your memory doing this friday night? ;)

"i've got to the point where i can drive the Z at its limits and i want more" - shadowZ 16:29:56 08/31/04

"I was way more timid then than I am now about getting in there and yanking on things." - TT XTZ 13:30:34 07/25/05

"Just ran out to get some knee pads. I'm ready now... BRING.....IT.....ON... :-) " - Dave N 19:04:30 10/31/07

     
Follow Ups  
     
Post a
Followup

You cannot reply to this message because you are not logged in.