looking for suggestions

[willabeest]

i have a 1992 NSX with stock sound.
i would like to replace the speakers/amps but keep the head unit (mainly cause it is an odd shape!).
i do not necessarily need a subwoofer.
i am going to have a shop do the work.
(probably paradyme in sacramento).
i want to spend less than a thousand dollars.
any sugggestions?
TIA.

 

[Hugh]

Trust me, you need a subwoofer. This system should come in close to $1000.00

I'd recommend:

JL XR650-CXi 6 1/2" coaxials in the doors ($150 on eBay)
JL 8W3v2-D4 Sub in a custom enclosure in passenger footwell (about $100 for the sub and $250 to build the box)
JL 300/4 Amp in the trunk ($300 on eBay)

See this thread for pics of the install.

The installer will need to fabricate a simple harness to connect the line level outputs of the factory head unit to RCA connectors to connect to the amp. Information on how to make one can be found here or you can simply purchase one from ScienceOfSpeed for $29.00

So the hardware comes in at about $800. The install should cost around $300 to $400. This would be one hell of a good sounding system (I should know, I have it in my car) and it's close to your budget. Later on you can easily upgrade to a better head unit when you're ready. Good luck!

 

[menuserve]

great recommendation by Hugh as always... i'm in a similar boat...

JL XR 525 components in the doors with the tweeters in the triangle sash
JL 10W1 sub

JL 250x1 amp (powering the sub)
JL 300/4 amp (bridged 150x2 powering the components)

Both these amps fit perfectly where the tool tray was in the trunk. I've had them there for almost a year now with no heat problems at all.

JL just has incredible sound for the price. I'm running the stock head unit with this setup... for how long i'm not sure though.

 

[willabeest]

thankyou. i called paradyme to ask what it would cost they do not sell JL equipment.
...
not sure i could trust my ride with just anyone.
would best buy do a good job on installation or should i only be talking to high end shops?
TIA.

great recommendation by Hugh as always... i'm in a similar boat...

JL XR 525 components in the doors with the tweeters in the triangle sash
JL 10W1 sub

JL 250x1 amp (powering the sub)
JL 300/4 amp (bridged 150x2 powering the components)

Both these amps fit perfectly where the tool tray was in the trunk. I've had them there for almost a year now with no heat problems at all.

JL just has incredible sound for the price. I'm running the stock head unit with this setup... for how long i'm not sure though.

 

[CL65 Captain]

Just sold my two JL Audio amps on ebay (300/4 & 500/1). They were pretty darn good amps.... but I replaced the two with an "old school" Soundstream Reference 705 because it would fit in the toolwell and had oddles of power. Plus I like "old school". :smile:

 

[Hugh]

thankyou. i called paradyme to ask what it would cost they do not sell JL equipment.

If you're comfortable with that particular installer I'm sure they could make recommendations using our installs as a reference. If you go to JL's website you could locate one of their dealers near you. However I doubt they'd match the prices you can get online. Would Paradyme do the work if you supplied the audio equipment?

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/dealerfind.php

 

[willabeest]

are you guys using line output converters?
TIA.

Trust me, you need a subwoofer. This system should come in close to $1000.00

I'd recommend:

JL XR650-CXi 6 1/2" coaxials in the doors ($150 on eBay)
JL 8W3v2-D4 Sub in a custom enclosure in passenger footwell (about $100 for the sub and $250 to build the box)
JL 300/4 Amp in the trunk ($300 on eBay)

See this thread for pics of the install.

The installer will need to fabricate a simple harness to connect the line level outputs of the factory head unit to RCA connectors to connect to the amp. Information on how to make one can be found here or you can simply purchase one from ScienceOfSpeed for $29.00

So the hardware comes in at about $800. The install should cost around $300 to $400. This would be one hell of a good sounding system (I should know, I have it in my car) and it's close to your budget. Later on you can easily upgrade to a better head unit when you're ready. Good luck!

 

[D'Ecosse]

You don't need a line output converter.

 

[willabeest]

i went over to paradyme yesterday.
this is the system they suggested.
fosgate rft4004 amp at 500 dollars (4 channel) or
an alpine unit at 500 dollars that i did not like or
fosgate t5002 at 500 dollars (2 channel).
focal 130 cvi speakers which are 5.25 inch coax 60w rms
at 250 dollars,
fosgate 3sixty.1 DSP integration processor at 300 dollars
then the following install labor and kit charges
amp parts 7.50
4 awg power amp kit-s 80 dollars
3.3' dual twist rca 20 dollars
labor 140
labor 85
grand total 1589.70 dollars
without california sales tax.
i figure i would be paying too much but i am also wondering about the quality here. i listened to the speakers quite a bit and i was unimpressed with these speakers.
my wife drives a 540i and her sound is enormously better with no subwoofer.

i picked paradyme because they have the reputation for not screwing up installs but i think my stock system sounded better...

You don't need a line output converter.

 

[D'Ecosse]

Sounds horribly expensive for what is essentially a couple of co-ax speakers and amp kit.
(were you missing something from list, or add incorrectly? I get $1382.50 from your itemized list)

Rather than the DSP, I'd probably put the money into a much better speaker set.

For that kind of money, why not consider the SOS Profromance kit?

Far superior system all the way round to that proposed including better quality amp, speakers & a sub!
Retaining the OEM head unit, it makes for a relatively straight forward DIY install - you can find details of how to go about it with the included instruction, or follow my guide here. There's really no fabrication required, the kit has pretty much everything for bolt-in installation.
I'm available for guidance if you run into problems/questions & not too far away for a quick trip up there if required.
Incidentally Hrant had asked me to come up to participate in the local brake bleeding meet in May as a 'side-show' to answer any questions on different stereo options.

 

[willabeest]

OK maybe i will do that.
thankyou.

Sounds horribly expensive for what is essentially a couple of co-ax speakers and amp kit.
(were you missing something from list, or add incorrectly? I get $1382.50 from your itemized list)

Rather than the DSP, I'd probably put the money into a much better speaker set.

For that kind of money, why not consider the SOS Profromance kit?

Far superior system all the way round to that proposed including better quality amp, speakers & a sub!
Retaining the OEM head unit, it makes for a relatively straight forward DIY install - you can find details of how to go about it with the included instruction, or follow my guide here. There's really no fabrication required, the kit has pretty much everything for bolt-in installation.
I'm available for guidance if you run into problems/questions & not too far away for a quick trip up there if required.
Incidentally Hrant had asked me to come up to participate in the local brake bleeding meet in May as a 'side-show' to answer any questions on different stereo options.

 

[Shaun Ray]

Yeah, go for the SOS performance kit. Probably the toughest part of the install is putting in the sub, and since you don't have to deal with the power steering unit, it should be pretty easy.

Even if you find a stereo shop to install the system, it should be worth the peace of mind knowing that the system is a fully planned package for the NSX.

By the way, the stock head unit would be the last thing to upgrade. You want to have a good power amp and speakers. Then, if you want to spend more money, think about upgrading the head unit. My $0.02.

Good luck!

 

[clr1024]

Trust me, you need a subwoofer. This system should come in close to $1000.00

I'd recommend:

JL XR650-CXi 6 1/2" coaxials in the doors ($150 on eBay)
JL 8W3v2-D4 Sub in a custom enclosure in passenger footwell (about $100 for the sub and $250 to build the box)
JL 300/4 Amp in the trunk ($300 on eBay)

See this thread for pics of the install.

The installer will need to fabricate a simple harness to connect the line level outputs of the factory head unit to RCA connectors to connect to the amp. Information on how to make one can be found here or you can simply purchase one from ScienceOfSpeed for $29.00

So the hardware comes in at about $800. The install should cost around $300 to $400. This would be one hell of a good sounding system (I should know, I have it in my car) and it's close to your budget. Later on you can easily upgrade to a better head unit when you're ready. Good luck!

I would get either the Zetoolman sub or the SOS sub which has been designed for the NSX. You know it will work as you have read the reviews. Plus the zetoolman sub has a great finish. Believe he just made a shallower sub enclosure that holds a JL 10W1.

 

[zetoolman]

I would get either the Zetoolman sub or the SOS sub which has been designed for the NSX. You know it will work as you have read the reviews. Plus the zetoolman sub has a great finish. Believe he just made a shallower sub enclosure that holds a JL 10W1.

Yes, the new enclosure is a 3" loss from stock. Now can do the face in Carbon Fiber! Looks Great!! Alpines new digital amp is small with lots of power and no heat problems. Door speakers the Focal Polyglass are very nice.

Do it right the first time, you will be happier in the end:smile: