I am keen to upgrade the sound system in my Z3M. It has an aftermarket head unit but I think it is hooked up to original speakers. The headunit has Bluetooth for handsfree phone - with a mic installed also.
I am after a DAB head unit with Bluetooth for my iPhone. Where I am particularly keen for advice is amp/speakers/sub setup. Don't need it to go loud but do want it to sound good.
Any suggestions gratefully received.
Upgrade sounds on my Z3M - advice please!
- Southernboy
- Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
- Posts: 6437
- Location: Johannesburg
Re: Upgrade sounds on my Z3M - advice please!
-
- Joined: Fri 26 Jul, 2013 09:28
- Posts: 1733
- Location: Manchester
Re: Upgrade sounds on my Z3M - advice please!
My M has had an aftermarket solution fitted... new head unit, amp and speakers which have (very well IMHO) been built into the door below. I dont know how much it cost or would cost now but I am sure I have the company details if you like?
Only down side is you cant adjust the back of the chair with the door shut !
Only down side is you cant adjust the back of the chair with the door shut !
Re: Upgrade sounds on my Z3M - advice please!
Both of these look OK but I'm not of a mind to mess with the doors.
Any other options?
Any other options?
Re: Upgrade sounds on my Z3M - advice please!
The OEM system is poor, but I'm not sure that it's worth spending a fortune on audio upgrades - the car is just too noisy for any real hifi.
The standard speakers have no real bass, so it's worth considering a small sub unit. I have one mounted behind the passenger seat which adds considerably to the range - there are a number of alternatives depending on how much you want to spend.
The speakers can be usefully upgraded, particularly the rears which can take slightly larger units without much work.
The best music from the car is hood down, exhaust blaring, tyres smoking!
The standard speakers have no real bass, so it's worth considering a small sub unit. I have one mounted behind the passenger seat which adds considerably to the range - there are a number of alternatives depending on how much you want to spend.
The speakers can be usefully upgraded, particularly the rears which can take slightly larger units without much work.
The best music from the car is hood down, exhaust blaring, tyres smoking!
Re: Upgrade sounds on my Z3M - advice please!
Agree!
I just would like better than OEM. Will hoof it down to my local friendly car audio specialist - any suggestions in the Amersham - Wycombe - Hemel - Aylesbury area?
I just would like better than OEM. Will hoof it down to my local friendly car audio specialist - any suggestions in the Amersham - Wycombe - Hemel - Aylesbury area?
Re: Upgrade sounds on my Z3M - advice please!
I would get an Alpine head unit and one of their power pack amps, is all plug and play and will fit behind the dash, install takes 20 minutes at most.
That is head unit sorted.
Speakers?
Before upgrading those I would consider a compact active sub, with the new head unit send everything below 120hz to a sub and everything above to the factory speakers.
Some good ones from Focal, nice and slim will fit behind the seat, some better priced ones that will do the job well enough in a Z from Pioneer and Alpine for half the money.
That would be my choice after starting to mess around with a Z.
That is head unit sorted.
Speakers?
Before upgrading those I would consider a compact active sub, with the new head unit send everything below 120hz to a sub and everything above to the factory speakers.
Some good ones from Focal, nice and slim will fit behind the seat, some better priced ones that will do the job well enough in a Z from Pioneer and Alpine for half the money.
That would be my choice after starting to mess around with a Z.
-
- Joined: Fri 26 Jul, 2013 09:28
- Posts: 1733
- Location: Manchester
Re: Upgrade sounds on my Z3M - advice please!
Just also to add.... the sound system I have has an amp in the boot which is handy to boost the sound when the top is down and the MPH is above 50... however, top down usually means the sun is out and therefore the weather is hot, including inside the boot where the amp sits and is now being asked to boost the sound - to the point that the amp gets too warm and cuts out - usually on an hourly basis !!
As such, when I start the restoration of the M I will be removing the amp and buying a decent head unit which has an amp integrated within it
As such, when I start the restoration of the M I will be removing the amp and buying a decent head unit which has an amp integrated within it
Re: Upgrade sounds on my Z3M - advice please!
I do have a alpine power pack amp for sale if interested £50. I had it behind the passenger seat in my M and did add a lot more bass.
Please pm if you want more details.
Please pm if you want more details.
Re: Upgrade sounds on my Z3M - advice please!
Which one is it?
The one with Alpine ends or bare wires?
The one with Alpine ends or bare wires?