2011 Mazda3 speaker upgrade

[Captain Mazda]

How many people here have some form of aftermarket sound system? I'd like to upgrade my stock non-Bose speakers to something better, but since I don't plan on changing the head unit I'd rather not spend on an amp or sub either. If I got a new head unit, I'd want it to have Bluetooth. Problem is I think those double din receivers look like ass in the 2nd gen dash and a decent video unit with BT will cost over $350 minimum.

Would I notice enough of a difference with a quality speaker upgrade on a stock head unit or is it not worth it?

[staax]

I would honestly buy a head unit before you upgrade your speakers.

I find that almost all aftermarket decks are better than your stock (non-upgraded) deck. You'll also get Bluetooth and all of the other features your stock deck doesn't have (ie: USB, sub/amp outputs).

[ottoyu34]

I upgraded to a Pioneer deck first which was a great difference, and I upgraded the speakers later this year which was not as big improvement.

But I personally would suggest getting a deck first as better speakers really need the power to shine.

[Captain Mazda]

Any specific models you can recommend? The one I've been looking at is the Alpine CDE143BT. Audio quality with BT will be worse though, right? I used BT mode on a stock 2013 Mazda3 and the audio quality didn't sound much worse than if it was plugged into AUX.

I just wish those audio decks didn't look so damn boxy :(

[staax]

Depends, are you looking for a single DIN or a double DIN?

I plan on buying this one here within the next couple weeks. Not a bank breaker, but nothing too fancy either... Reviews say the bluetooth works great:

http://www.crutchfield.ca/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=113DPX500B&CartID=1

[Hyperion]

I have a nice 12: JL 12W0V3 still in the box that you can buy :)

[Captain Mazda]

Depends, are you looking for a single DIN or a double DIN?

I plan on buying this one here within the next couple weeks. Not a bank breaker, but nothing too fancy either... Reviews say the bluetooth works great:

http://www.crutchfield.ca/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=113DPX500B&CartID=1

Looks enticing, I might just get that. Would you recommend a set of front or rear speakers to go with it?


I have a nice 12: JL 12W0V3 still in the box that you can buy :)

Tempting, but then I'd have to give in and go for speakers and an amp too :P

[Hyperion]

No no, even just a sub makes a big difference

[staax]

Looks enticing, I might just get that. Would you recommend a set of front or rear speakers to go with it?



For speakers and subs, i'm a big fan of Kicker products but thats just my personal preferences. I prefer affordable speakers with good highs and use my subs for lows.

A great speaker that I'm very happy with are the Kicker KS60/65. They are 6.5 and 6.75 inch so you would need an adapter template, or you can just go with stock size. And I would replace the fronts before the rears (if you're on a budget) since that's where you are located when driving... I guarentee you'll notice a huge improvement with just the headunit tho.

[Captain Mazda]

No no, even just a sub makes a big difference

I'm a complete noob when it comes to car audio, how much space would the enclosure take for that sub? My rear seats are folded down 90% of the time for goalie gear.

[jaimie08mazda3]

I'm a complete noob when it comes to car audio, how much space would the enclosure take for that sub? My rear seats are folded down 90% of the time for goalie gear.
If its in a JL box then a decent amount. But then again you could also work around it. Put it in the back seat worst case. My brother doesn't have any room in the trunk of his 09 TSX when his goalie equipment is in it. As for door speakers its all about how much you would like to spend. But putting in a deck will also greatly amplify the speakers. If your looking for cheap look at MTX, Pioneer. I've had both and have been decent speakers. Mid range Alpine, Clarions. Currently my fronts are 6x8 220W Clarions and my rears are 5x7 220W Alpine Type S and they are quite nice. Although if you have the money look at a set of Focal's. Very expensive but the sound quality is unreal. Its all depending on what your budget is for. So say you buy the Alpine 143 (I have a 141 and love it highly recommend an Alpine) and 2 sets of 5x7s/ 6x8s (I love my Clarions the most) and even a 500W Alpine amp and a shallow 10" or 12" (I say shallow as you'd be able to fit your hockey gear in the trunk with the sub on the side)you'll notice such a difference. And spend maybe anywhere from 500-1k.

[Captain Mazda]

I ended up ordering the Kenwood DPX500, I'll see if I can find a shallow sub on Kijiji or something 0_o

[Captain Mazda]

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-car-audio-gps/mississauga-peel-region/10-kicker-sub-for-truck-van-car-jbl-2-way-amp-euc/593765308?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Any thoughts on that?

[staax]

Pretty weak sub, 150 RMS at 4 ohms.

If you're just looking for a little extra base itll be good. Since it's a 10 inch it'll be more punchy with less lows, but I have a 10 inch too and I find it does just fine.

[staax]

P.S - oh you arsehole, you just got the last dash kit for the 3.

Checked my cart and it now says the dash kit is out of stock lol!

[Captain Mazda]

No way, I got the last one? I'm sorry man, I'll give it to you if you want it :(

EDIT: The unit is still in-stock, it's just the free in-dash receiver kit that they've run out of D:

[staax]

Haha nah that's alright.

What I find funny is that I was already waiting a couple weeks for them to get more of the wiring harnesses in because they were sold out.

Now that they get those in stock, they run out of the dash kits lol!

It's actually probably a good thing... I just picked up some new rims for the 3 and should wait another couple of paychecks before I throw in a stereo haha.

[Captain Mazda]

How's this for a rear speaker upgrade? http://www.crutchfield.ca/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=107DB521&CartID=1

Would these Polks give me a noticeable improvement in mid and bass sound without splurging for a sub+amp?