Robonaut

Hi, all, I'm considering buying an RX8, but I'm pretty underwhelmed with the factory audio options. So, I'm looking for advice on creating a custom audio system.

I'm pretty familiar with home hi-fi equipment, but I'm quite ignorant regarding car audio. Also, my handyman/electrical engineering skills are non-existant, so I wouldn't even consider doing this myself--I plan on having a professional installer do it.

I tried doing some searches, but there was so much material that it was kind of overwhelming. Plus, a lot of it seemed to pertain to DIY jobs, which is not my plan.

My questions are these:

(1) If I'm going to do a custom system, is there any reason to get the factory Bose option instead of the standard audio?

(2) How much should I expect to spend to get a significant upgrade from the Bose? $1k? $3k? More?

(3) What should I look for to tell if the custom installer knows what they're doing?

(4) What brands of speakers should I look at? Are there any brands that I should avoid?

(5) I listen to a lot of trance/house/EBM, so I need bass. Which means a subwoofer. Is there anything special that I need know about getting one installed?

(6) Do I need to replace the factory head unit? If so, what are my options?

(7) Can anyone recommend a custom installer around Detroit?

(8) Any other advice you can give me?

Sorry for the noobish questions.

I look forward to reading your responses!

WikkedOne

wow thats alot, let me start by saying NO BOSE whatever you do, especially if your going to upgrade.

if you want a good serious upgrade with good amps, subs, speakers, and everything expect to pay between 1 and 2 grand. if you want to replace the HU too, expect more like 3

that may seem like alot, but if you space it out, it works out quite nice.

here is a reference to my setup, which rocks! https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/corksport-avic-z2-experience-review-rest-my-alpine-system-121032/

the first thing you will want to look into with any system is a sub. I prefer Alpine, but it's really a personal preference thing, you just can't beat alpine's punch for the price and also the abuse and versatility their systems have.

I reccomend alpine type R 10"s - they are Dual voice coil and handle 500 watts RMS. they are AWESOME! and they cost about 100 each on ebay

If you are considering changing the HU the only total replacement kit out there is the corksport 2 din kit, it's pricey but SWEET!

in an effort to reduce overload, i'll stop there.. and let the other memebers chime in on the rest.

PM me if you want to know more!

forbidden

Update your info to show where you are located. There are many people on this forum that can direct you to a good install shop when the time has come. It's kind of important to know where you are as it will directly affect the system that is recommended. An example of this is JL Audio. While it is good equipment, here in the Great White North (how's it goin eh!), it is massively overpriced due to excessive markup from the Canadian distributor that we are forced to purchase from. Even though it is good equipment, it is not in the customers best interest.

Depending on the trim level of the vehicle you choose, the Bose or non Bose system may be part of the package. In any eventuality, totally ignore the factory stereo and start from scratch. The integrity of the system and it's tonal response is going to depend on a number of things, your budget, how it is matched together and who is going to install it. If the installer is a butcher, your system is going to leave alot to be desired, if the installer is a magician, it is going to sound amazing.

Kiken_808

(1) If I'm going to do a custom system, is there any reason to get the factory Bose option instead of the standard audio?

Most definitely NOT!

(2) How much should I expect to spend to get a significant upgrade from the Bose? $1k? $3k? More?

sorry to say, but you may be looking at $12K+.

(3) What should I look for to tell if the custom installer knows what they're doing?

You get what you pay for. If the place is good then you have nothing to worry about, however it maybe very pricey.

(4) What brands of speakers should I look at? Are there any brands that I should avoid?

Personally, I would spend all of my money on Alpine F1 Status. Otherwise Inifiniti, Pioneer, Polk
Check it out http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/prod...gory=AF1STATUS

Avoid Dual, Insignia and any of those cheap brands.

(5) I listen to a lot of trance/house/EBM, so I need bass. Which means a subwoofer. Is there anything special that I need know about getting one installed?

Well with subwoofers you'll also need to look at amplifiers. It all depends on what kind of Sub you want and what the output is. Then you try to match it up with an amp that is capatable with that sub.


(6) Do I need to replace the factory head unit? If so, what are my options?
This is a must. The problem now is getting the right fitment for the factory head unit. As you may know that unit is a very odd shape. Its like a circular shape. So to have someone fabricate something that will fit, will be a difficult task as well and may require you to dish out some more cash.

(7) Can anyone recommend a custom installer around Detroit?

I would, but I'm from Hawaii and I don't know anyone in Detroit.

(8) Any other advice you can give me?

Make sure that you talk to the right people around your area. You can choose to listen to anyone, but its your money and everyone has different tastes. I like alpine and I've switched to alpine on my Mazda Protege 5, but I am not planning to touch the RX8's sounds for warranty reasons. Besides Bose is very adequate in my opinion.

Robonaut

Thanks for the responses!

I've updated my info with my location.

I can't believe that I would have to spend $12K to get a better system than the factory Bose! I used to have a Bose system in my Audi TT and the factory system on my Scion Tc is far superior. Seriously, though, what's included in this $12K system? McIntosh amps or something?

forbidden

You do not need to replace the factory head unit at all in order to get good sound. What you do need is a proper interface adaptor like the Audio Control 6XS. The sole reason to replace the head unit would be to offer options or functions that the factory unit cannot offer.

If you are after good tonal response and not looking to blast yourself out of the vehicle, there are many options to go over. You most certainly can spend huge coin on a system, chances are that in your case you will not have to.

Kiken_808

I would actually have to disagree. In my protege5 I run all stock speakers and one stock sub in the back. Once I changed the head unit to an Alpine, it made all of the stock components sound like aftermarket ones. Even my friends thought that I changed everything. I don't know, it could just be that i was lucky with that head unit.

forbidden

Your aftermarket head unit more than likely had far more output than the stock unit did. Power makes speakers behave far differently, thus the change in what you perceive to be better sound. In the case of the 8, you can develop a devastating system using the stock head unit. Again, my recommendations are based on experience and not blind faith. This system works and works extremely well.


Kiken_808, what you are comparing is the exact opposite end of the spectrum as compared to what the original poster is asking. I know for fact that if you change your speaker and throw an amp on them you will see a far larger jump in performance of your system. One of the sole reasons for people changing head units is to add functions or capabilities that the factory unit does not have. This has not changed in the 20 years that I have been selling and installing aftermarket car audio and is not going to change in the future either.

What is changing is the way that the factory is addressing the market and starting to include the options that the aftermarket has so long coveted. With people like Rockford, Panasonic, Clarion, Pioneer, Nakamichi, Fujitsu Ten (Eclipse) and other namely manufacturers supplying the head units to so many vehicles today, trust me when I say that there is not that large a difference in the internal workings of aftermarket to factory. The difference is options and that difference is rapidly shinking. The factory is getting smart by incorporating all sorts of devices into the radio circuitry now, as they have in the RX8. This is one of the main obstacles that has just recently been overcome by the aftermarket thanks to Corksport.

The original poster has a couple of ways to go, invest in the Corksport kit system and go 100% aftermarket or keep the stock radio if the functions are what he needs and add the 6XS. Either system is going to work just fine.

simplec

(1) If I'm going to do a custom system, is there any reason to get the factory Bose option instead of the standard audio? Don't expect the Bose system to sound anything more than plain in the RX-8.

(2) How much should I expect to spend to get a significant upgrade from the Bose? $1k? $3k? More? You can get buy for not a penny over $1,500 for everything. as for the guy that said 12,000?? why buy a 30,000 car and put that much into it in stereo. I have competed before and I'm a proud owner of an RX-8, but you have to admit, it's not anywhere near being large enough for a full soundstage and proper depth.

(3) What should I look for to tell if the custom installer knows what they're doing? You can check certifications, look for photo albums of their work, check installations they are currently working on, lastly... word of mouth.

(4) What brands of speakers should I look at? Are there any brands that I should avoid? Infintity, Alpine, look for who's having a sale. Try to tay with all the same brand speakers.

(5) I listen to a lot of trance/house/EBM, so I need bass. Which means a subwoofer. Is there anything special that I need know about getting one installed? space is small in the trunk. Don't go below a 10 and for you music a ported box.

(6) Do I need to replace the factory head unit? If so, what are my options? Not going to find any aftermarket things to help you do this. A lot of work and money is the bottom line for this. The factory head unit will be fine.

(7) Can anyone recommend a custom installer around Detroit? Try cartunes.

(8) Any other advice you can give me? 500 for the factory speakers replacements with installation, 500 for a quality amp and wiring/ install/adapters and 500 for a heavyweight 10/12 in a custome made box and you'll be rocking.

simplec

Okay, maybe I should've used spellcheck. I hope I helped you out some. Check out a total system by Infinity, check out Rockford's new amps, stay away from bass tubes, bass modules, or links. Don't skimp. If you don't have a lot of money don't try to stretch it. Just buy items as you can.