Stereo Upgrade - Completed

[bol]

I posted in another thread that I was upgrading the stereo in my MZ4 and the installation is now done. I wasn't very happy with the stock system at all and after evaluating my options I opted to replace the entire system. Originally I had wanted to keep the factory head unit but the overall cost of summing interfaces, EQ's to restore the signal and integration nightmare it was clear that replacing the head unit as well was the direction to take.

The main equipment that went in was:
Alpine CDA-117 head unit
Alpine PHA-H100 Imprint Audio Processor
Alpine CE-250BT Bluetooth Adapter
Alpine PDX-F4 amp for front & rear
Alpine PDX-M6 amp for sub
Alpine SPR-17S 6.5" component set up front
Alpine SPR-17S 6.5" midbasses in the existing sub locations
Alpine SWR-1043D 10" sub in a custom fit enclosure


A local shop (Speed of Sound) did the installation and built the enclosure. They did a great job and utilized all factory mounting positions to hide all components. My requirements were firm; factory mounting, factory connections, components hidden and a OEM look. The custom enclosure for the subwoofer tucks into the trunk nicely and very little space was sacrificed.

The result? The sound the car should have had. There is a huge amount of midbass from the 17S speakers and for most listening the subwoofer is completely unnecessary depending on your tastes, for me it rounds out and completes the system. The Alpine Bluetooth works great, all steering controls work and the system is a pleasure to listen to.

I'll post a picture of the amplifier mounting when I have an opportunity to take a picture of it.

[SSG S]

I like the fact that the sub does not take up most of your trunk. But the headunit non flush look would take me some getting used to.
Im sure it sounds great though, specially in a coupe.
Enjoy.

SSG S

[SSG S]

What was the final price? I remember on your other thread someone asked but was never answered.
I think it would be good for myself and other members to see what a great sounding system would be expected to be in price and quality.

Thanks.

SSG S

[crfine88]

Man, this must sound awesome! Nice work. I can't stand the stock stuff. Highs and mid only sound good loud and the bass just distorts too much.

I'm not feeling the looks of the head unit, but I understand that it was needed.

[johanness]

^^^ Agreed. Isn't it possible to utilize all the components above, but keep the stock head unit? (DSP-NAV)
I'm thinking through line-level inputs or the like?

[bol]

You can keep the stock headunit if you're willing to pay the money for something like a DQL-8 which will cost more than a good head unit. It will convert line level outputs and EQ back as close as possible to the original source. It will NEVER sound as good as a clean signal. The problem with the DQL-8 and other converters is that you're taking multiple signals that have already been EQ'd, been through an amplifier, had crossovers applied and then trying to convert back to one clean stereo source. It's not exact, it's not the original and you're chaining so many components together that you're just asking for trouble. It's better just to start with the clean source if you want audio quality. It is possible tune a DQL-8 and others to be pretty good; but it will just never be as good as starting with a clean source.

As much as I wanted to retain the stock headunit I had to weigh the pro's and cons of the solution. The only pro with the stock head unit is its physical appearance. By replacing it I got one of the best iPod interfaces, a great bluetooth setup and fantastic SQ with more options for xovers and eq than I'll ever need. The only downside is its look but when I'm driving I'm not looking at the head unit, I'm listening to music and enjoying the open road.

You won't be able to do something like this without investing in it - at least $3K+. My headphone listening setup at home still cost more though so per pound this was a better deal heh.

[onebluemcm]

FWIW, If the head unit outputs balanced line level signals, I believe there are amps out there that can use such a signal. In fact, I think I own one - Alpine PDX series. And my understanding of it is that this kind of signal is "preamp", unadulterated.

[johanness]

Exactly. It's a zero-power head unit, w/ a 5 channel amp powering the rest. We could tie into it from the head unit on w the proper equipment. That's the way I've done it in other cars. Wondering if this can be done here or is there something else installed (stock) that wouldn't allow it?

[l4zy]

nice install

[onebluemcm]

Originally Posted by johanness

Exactly. It's a zero-power head unit, w/ a 5 channel amp powering the rest. We could tie into it from the head unit on w the proper equipment. That's the way I've done it in other cars. Wondering if this can be done here or is there something else installed (stock) that wouldn't allow it?

wrh3, member here, has said that the issue with the systems with NAV I believe, maybe it's just the THX systems, the HU outputs are optical......why the hell they would do that is beyond me, THX or not, it's a car not a home theater....but that's just me. Don't get me wrong, I want a world class stereo in my car if I can get it. The optical outs are a major problem for attaching to an aftermarket amp. I have not dug into mine to see and document what these outputs are like, what the connectors might be like, etc. This seems to be the issue that needs to be worked out in detail so we can figure out how to ditch the factory amp and go from there.

[OverRev]

hi, i m new to Z4 and i like ur system, it's clean. where do u have the amps mounted? and do u know if they used a metra dash kit or a scosche dash kit for the deck?

[CJW2OO4]

damn i like that sub box

[elerner61]

Originally Posted by onebluemcm

wrh3, member here, has said that the issue with the systems with NAV I believe, maybe it's just the THX systems, the HU outputs are optical......why the hell they would do that is beyond me, THX or not, it's a car not a home theater....but that's just me. Don't get me wrong, I want a world class stereo in my car if I can get it. The optical outs are a major problem for attaching to an aftermarket amp.

It's even more screwed up than that. The output from the head unit is actually analog to the OEM amp. The volume gain is performed by the OEM amp and it is the control signal from the head unit to the amp (to adjust the volume) that is via the digital K-bus signal.