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Thread: Sound system upgrade

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    Newbie LiviuTincu's Avatar
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    Default Sound system upgrade

    Hi guys , I was always asked myself what other people listen to in their cars and how they like it . Is it standard stereo setup , have you changed the stereo, or maybe the speakers ,do you have a subwoofer with a LOC installed ? But what I would like to know the most is how you decide to make the "upgrade" , if you did so, which means if you listen to the setup before to made the change , and where .
    For me was quite of a struggle to get what I have now , changed few times and never listen to any other cars setups or in store demos (except crappy tire and Best buy displays , not a good place to go and check imo). As usual , decisions were made after reading over internet on different forums like here too , and as of now I am quite content with my sound . I am not saying is the best you can get , not at all , but for what I paid is not bad .
    My actual sound configuration :

    Deck -Sony XSP-N1BT
    Front -Infinity Kappa 60.11CS
    Back -Infinity Kappa 52.11i
    Sub -Image Dynamics IDQ10 V.3 D2
    Amp1-speaker -Sony XM-N1004
    Amp2-sub -Audison SRX2S

    Please post yours if you please and let me know how you like it , if you want to share it or if you want to listen to any other member setup probably . Thanks.

  2. #2
    sashaytag jaimie08mazda3's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    Well I tell you in my old car I went through quite a few different setups to get to exactly where I am now which has taken a lot of money and time. But in the last few years I haven't changed it up and now it's in my 08 GT. So here we go:
    Deck- Alpine Ina 900W BT
    Front speakers- Focal PS 165s
    Rear speakers- JL C2650s
    Extra set- RE XXX 6.5cs
    Subwoofer- JL 13W7
    Sub Amp- JL 1000/1 Slash V1 anniversary edition
    Speaker Amp- JL 300/2 Slash V1 anniversary edition.
    1/0 wiring from front to back. Needs more work now. Funny enough years ago I used to run a LOC. I actually have a stickied post on TM3 on how to run one. Mind you now they have become a lot easier to run then they used to. But once you start with car audio, you never stop lol.







    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    They say I'm an addict but I don't have a problem with alcohol or drugs. I'm an addict because I can't live without bass. Car audio is my addiction. And it will never change.

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    Moderator S.F.W.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    I upgraded the sound system on my original 2004 Mazda 3. Before embarking on that upgrade I listened to many different setups and did a lot of reading before making my decisions. Then after the '04 met it's demise, I originally moved the components over to my speed, before making some changes.

    Original 2004
    Pioneer Z100 BT deck
    JL ZR Font component speakers
    JL VR Coax Rear Speakers
    JL 10W3 in JL wedge box Sub
    JL 300/4 Amp for door speakers
    JL 250/1 Amp for sub

    Current setup
    Qualir Double Dine OEM style deck
    JL ZR Components Front
    JL C5 Coax Rear
    2*JL 10W3 subs in false floor
    Amps are both pioneer forget the model .

    I first changed out the JL 300/4 in the '04 as it was giving me issues, then when I moved to the speed and the dual 10" sub setup, I needed more power so I upgraded the 250/1 .

    Maybe next spring I might change out the deck. I like the look of the Qualir(similar to Eonon), but it needs updating, and I want a deck that has Android screen mirror capability.
    2010 Black Mazdaspeed 3 - Lightly modded

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    sashaytag jaimie08mazda3's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    Quote Originally Posted by S.F.W. View Post
    I upgraded the sound system on my original 2004 Mazda 3. Before embarking on that upgrade I listened to many different setups and did a lot of reading before making my decisions. Then after the '04 met it's demise, I originally moved the components over to my speed, before making some changes.

    Original 2004
    Pioneer Z100 BT deck
    JL ZR Font component speakers
    JL VR Coax Rear Speakers
    JL 10W3 in JL wedge box Sub
    JL 300/4 Amp for door speakers
    JL 250/1 Amp for sub

    Current setup
    Qualir Double Dine OEM style deck
    JL ZR Components Front
    JL C5 Coax Rear
    2*JL 10W3 subs in false floor
    Amps are both pioneer forget the model .

    I first changed out the JL 300/4 in the '04 as it was giving me issues, then when I moved to the speed and the dual 10" sub setup, I needed more power so I upgraded the 250/1 .

    Maybe next spring I might change out the deck. I like the look of the Qualir(similar to Eonon), but it needs updating, and I want a deck that has Android screen mirror capability.
    You should get a 500/1 slash on them.

    And buy another W3 to make them match . Or just do what I did and go W7.

    It's not that loud


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    Moderator S.F.W.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    Quote Originally Posted by jaimie08mazda3 View Post
    You should get a 500/1 slash on them.

    And buy another W3 to make them match . Or just do what I did and go W7.

    It's not that loud


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    I considered the 500/1 but the price I got for the pioneer was great, and I figured for a mono amp, the requirement is minimal.
    Yes, over the winter or in spring have to unify the W3's , I currently have a 10W3v2 and 10W3v3 . I can't go to the W7, not even a loud issue, but the depth the sub requires will not work with my false floor solution.

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    Newbie LiviuTincu's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    Where do you get the parts from ? Is it online or in store ?

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    Moderator S.F.W.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    Quote Originally Posted by LiviuTincu View Post
    Where do you get the parts from ? Is it online or in store ?
    My head unit I bought online, everything else was retail.

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    sashaytag jaimie08mazda3's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    Quote Originally Posted by LiviuTincu View Post
    Where do you get the parts from ? Is it online or in store ?
    Between kijiji, eBay and a shop called autosonics ive found everything I have and I'm happy. Mind you buying what I have new puts you to around 8k roughly. Kijiji is the best place to find some decent setups. Always has been. And the 13 the 1000/1 and the 300/2 was sold to me by a buddy of mine that I used to work with.


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  9. #9
    Newbie LiviuTincu's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    I am using Kijiji as well , some of what I have it came from there . Also get it from Amazon .com , haven't tried Ebay . Best Buy for my components . Not so many choices here as you can find in US though , I wish they were more. Installation I think you did it yourself , same as me .

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    Newbie LiviuTincu's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    How is the sound like in cars with 10-15 speakers and sub ? Is it worth is do have more than 4 speakers and sub ?

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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    Quote Originally Posted by jaimie08mazda3 View Post
    You should get a 500/1 slash on them.

    And buy another W3 to make them match . Or just do what I did and go W7.

    It's not that loud


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Your rear window shook to the point where we all thought it would break. Your reverse lights also shook and looked like mini-subs.

    IT WAS LOUD


    What would you guys recommend as a good starter setup in terms of value?
    I'm interested more in clarity, but definitely need added base.

  12. #12
    sashaytag jaimie08mazda3's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    Quote Originally Posted by LiviuTincu View Post
    I am using Kijiji as well , some of what I have it came from there . Also get it from Amazon .com , haven't tried Ebay . Best Buy for my components . Not so many choices here as you can find in US though , I wish they were more. Installation I think you did it yourself , same as me .
    Kijiji has made it so much easier. Just gotta find good quality for a good price. Do your research. Like do you wanna amp the speakers. And if so don't go cheap. How loud and how clear and what you wanna spend. Kijiji is great for that.


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    sashaytag jaimie08mazda3's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    Quote Originally Posted by Kiewan View Post
    Your rear window shook to the point where we all thought it would break. Your reverse lights also shook and looked like mini-subs.

    IT WAS LOUD


    What would you guys recommend as a good starter setup in terms of value?
    I'm interested more in clarity, but definitely need added base.
    It wasn't thaaaaaat loud lmao . It needs to be louder. I have so much work to do with the GT to get it to where I was with the GS. I'm still disappointed I never broke my rear window lol.

    And well a good clarion setup all the way around will be a decent starter setup. I loved my clarion subs. But the 13 was just too good to not want.


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  14. The Following User Says Thank You to jaimie08mazda3 For This Useful Post:

    Kiewan (11-22-2017)

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    Newbie LiviuTincu's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    I am not trying to go boom with mine , more SQ oriented . I like crank it sometimes on some tracks , but I want it clear .

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    Member gabbygenier's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    Oh the good old days of a crazy stereo. I miss it

    I've had many different things in my 04 but here is what i had in the end and for the longest
    Deck- Pioneer X8600BT with all the addons
    Front speakers- JL audio C2 components
    Rear speakers- JL TR Coax
    Subwoofer- 2 pioneer TS-W2504SPL
    Sub Amp- JL 1000/1 Slash V2
    Speaker Amp- JL E4300
    Kinetix HC700SE Battery

    In the truck, so far i have JL C1's all around and that's it haha. The deck is actually pretty descent and really integrated as part of the truck so changing it would not be worth spending money on IMO. i will eventually put a small sub/amp under the center console since i don't want to lose the back seat of the truck. I may also eventually amp the speakers but that wont be for a bit.

    I wish manufacturers came out with small amps that would just go for one speaker. so one in each door. It would make things so much easier for this truck
    2004 mazda 3 GT Sedan Indigo Blue.

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    Member gabbygenier's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    Quote Originally Posted by jaimie08mazda3 View Post
    And well a good clarion setup all the way around will be a decent starter setup. I loved my clarion subs. But the 13 was just too good to not want.
    Clarion make good products. loved my Clarion subs till i blew them haha.

    Quote Originally Posted by jaimie08mazda3 View Post
    Kijiji has made it so much easier. Just gotta find good quality for a good price. Do your research. Like do you wanna amp the speakers. And if so don't go cheap. How loud and how clear and what you wanna spend. Kijiji is great for that.
    Ebay was where i found the best deal for me. I swear that JL 1000/1 fell of a truck somewhere. i mean, i paid 300$ for it on ebay shipped 10ish years ago lol. I made money selling that thing after using it for that long haha.

    you just have to have a lot of time to look on ebay for good deals

    Quote Originally Posted by LiviuTincu View Post
    I am not trying to go boom with mine , more SQ oriented . I like crank it sometimes on some tracks , but I want it clear .
    This is more what im doing with the truck lol. no more crazy bass unfortunately

  18. #17
    Newbie LiviuTincu's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    I see that JL is widely used in car audio , except one amp , I have no other experience with this brand.

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    Moderator S.F.W.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    Quote Originally Posted by LiviuTincu View Post
    I see that JL is widely used in car audio , except one amp , I have no other experience with this brand.
    Typically very well regarded, but also on the more expensive side. The door speakers are typically exceptionally clear. However, you must remember the input source also has significant impact. @Flagrum_3 needs to chime in.

  20. #19
    Newbie LiviuTincu's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    Quote Originally Posted by S.F.W. View Post
    Typically very well regarded, but also on the more expensive side. The door speakers are typically exceptionally clear. However, you must remember the input source also has significant impact. @Flagrum_3 needs to chime in.
    I know about the source of signal , XSP-N1BT has 5V preouts and it's clean and loud (no comparison with eonon I had before ). Also the previous JVC was good at 4V , I kept the Sony for 5V and cradle option to hold the phone .

  21. #20
    Sr Member Flagrum_3's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    Quote Originally Posted by S.F.W. View Post
    Typically very well regarded, but also on the more expensive side. The door speakers are typically exceptionally clear. However, you must remember the input source also has significant impact. @Flagrum_3 needs to chime in.
    @S.F.W. Ami you have more JL components then I do lol. I've just got the speakers, sub and CleanSweep from them. But since he has a aftermarket HU he won't need the CleanSweep.

    I agree, its hard to beat the clarity of the JL component systems.


    _3
    Last edited by Flagrum_3; 11-22-2017 at 04:13 PM.

  22. #21
    Newbie LiviuTincu's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    Quote Originally Posted by Flagrum_3 View Post
    @S.F.W. Ami you have more JL components then I do lol. I've just got the speakers, sub and CleanSweep from them. But since he has a aftermarket HU he won't need the CleanSweep.
    But I agree, its hard to beat the clarity of the JL component systems.


    _3
    I have the Audiocontrol LC2i , sealed yet . jsut in case I change the car and can't replace the deck due integration with the stuff , but on my current drive It was easier just to replace the deck.

  23. #22
    Newbie LiviuTincu's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    [IMG][/IMG]









  24. #23
    Newbie LiviuTincu's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    sorry for the blurry pics

  25. #24
    Newbie LiviuTincu's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    Curious to know how the sound is like in new 2017 (2018) Mazda 3 , Bose or not , better than previous gen or do you still want to upgrade the sound ?

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    Member gabbygenier's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sound system upgrade

    Quote Originally Posted by LiviuTincu View Post
    Curious to know how the sound is like in new 2017 (2018) Mazda 3 , Bose or not , better than previous gen or do you still want to upgrade the sound ?
    it sucks! haha. Wife's 2017 GS 3 non bose definitely needs an upgrade. even the truck (2017 silverado) had actually descent sound stock compared to the 3.

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