snash22

I have a 2004 RX8 (non-Bose).

I want to upgrade the sound, but there is no need to blow the roof off nor deplete my bank account. I have doen some research on the crutchfield and have come up with the following.

H/U - Clarion CZ500 - I want BT and iPod integration. I want an aux in on the front. Don't need NAV or DVD or the big screen. I like that this has better FM sensitivity than others. I rarely listen to CD so I don't care about its lower SNR. RMS is 19, (CEA-2006) - I really don't know if that is good enough. Preamp voltage is 4, I get the impression this will help with the sub.

Subwoofer - Infinity BassLink II- This is a 120 watt powered SW. While I don't need loud bass, I do need low bass. I figure this can also take some of the load off the door speakers. I also need it to fit under the seat if possible, or take up as little room in the trunk as possible. Compact size is key here. I wish the frequency went down to 20Hz.

Speakers - I'm not sure where to go here. I'd like the front and rear matched, but the differing sizes on the front and rear make that impossible without a bracket. Would I get 4 6x9s and put brackets for the front? or 4 6x8's?. I'd also want to match the tweeters too as far as brand/line.

So right now I am at $350 (not including the Mazda Integration adapter, wires, cables, etc). I imagine another 300 or so for the speakers.

So given this info...

1. The CX500 is damn cheap, but I don't want many of the functions that drive the prices up. My fear is the RMS, is is sufficient?

2. Is there alternatives to the sub as far a compactness goes? I am just looking to round out the low end here.

3. Building up from the HU and Sub, what speakers would integrate nicely? My preference is Rock, Alt-country, that kind of stuff.

4. Also, since i really don't know what I have now (like I said, non-Bose), I want to make sure this will be quite a bit better.

xShinka666x

since you seem to be going for price point upgrade let me suggest buying off www.sonicelectronix.com instead of crutchfield, while crutchfield has great customer services their prices are in some cases much higher than sonic and they charge shipping for most items, sonic has great customer service also plus has free shipping, and lower prices on everything.
now to your actual post and questions, if youre looking to get nice power without adding a 4 channel amp for the cabin speakers i would suggest going with an alpine headunit and getting the alpine power pack to amplify the headunit output to 45watts RMS per channel, sounds great and takes no space just have to squeeze it in the dash
for the speakers, i have found kicker speakers sound great for the price compared to speakers costing much more, was going to buy $350 alpine type x speakers and ended up going with kickers that sound just as good and have better bass output, heres the 6x9 and 6x8 ones. http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...ker+KS690.html http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...ker+KS680.html

xShinka666x

also as far as the sub, if you dont mind spending some more (~$90) the infinity basslink 2 fits exactly what you asked for down to 20hz, http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...ssLink+II.html if you click make an offer and offer about $250 you can get it at $289

snash22

Thanks - I'll look into their prices.

So I take it 19 RMS on the CZ500 is low? I could add an amp to it as well, or are you steering me away from clarion?


Speakers seem like such a crap shoot to me. You don't know what they'll sound like until they are installed, and then it take a while (lots of music) to determine if they were a good choice. But they are matched and there are good reviews.

Thanks for info on the Infinity Bass Link Sub. I'll update the original post.

xShinka666x

19 RMS from just a headunit is about average if not a little above for CEA 2006 ratings, i just got a pioneer mvh p8200 that is CEA rated at 14 RMS however im getting a 4 chan amp to make everything 60 RMS, ive never used a clarion unit but it would be extremely low on my chain of purchasing order, this is an alpine i was considering before going with the pioneer i got (got the pioneer because it is a multimedia only receiver no cd) http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...CDE-103BT.html the power pack i was referring to before is this http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...e+KTP-445.html it simply plugs into the alpine receiver and amplifies the signal just about 3x

with the speakers you are right everyone has different tastes best thing is to find something you like in a local audio shop (please not bestbuy) but not buy it in the shop because they usually charge quite a bit more in store than online prices.

xShinka666x

wow just completely forgot about this til i saw the bookmark for it, when replacing the stock headunit you will need this kit http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...99-7510HG.html
since mazda thinks its cool to integrate the HVAC controls with the stock headunit nothing will work without this special kit to trick the car into thinking the stock unit is still in place

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

1) The CEA 2006 compliance program is simply a voluntary measurement standard for measuring power output of headunits and amplifiers. It was an attempt to cut through the smoke and mirror of the "1200W Pyramid amp for $49.99". If you see the CEA 2006 symbol, you're suppose to be able to trust that power rating as true. 19WRMS is standard for headunits. Almost all will be within a watt or two. The RCA voltage (of 4V) is pretty standard as well. The higher voltage allows you to create distance between your signal and any induced noises by lowering the gain on the amp and getting the same power output. The alpine power box Shinka recommended is a solid idea. I don't think you're a candidate for a separate 4-channel amp. Much less drama for the installer too.

2) There's no way in hell you're fitting ANY sub under these seats. The basslink or a Bazooka tube is a decent choice for your needs. I've installed plenty of each. I personally feel the Bazooka tube gives you more boom for the buck. But I'll also say that Infinity, as a brand on the whole, is a higher end name. Haven't had many issues with either though. Oh and I wouldn't even second guess those frequency specs. You'll never notice.

3)It's really person-dependent. Everyone hears differently. I personally dislike the Kickers. Specifically the KS line in fact. Several other options at that price point. But to each their own, and I respect that. Several quality manufacturers produce 5x7/6x8 component systems. I would recommend one of these for the front. I encourage you to get out there and listen to as many as you can. Keep in mind that all variables need to be the same. Source unit, settings on source unit, audio track being played, amplifier powering said speakers, installation of speakers. Sound boards can actually be a pretty nice thing in this case. You can usually switch between speakers with just the push of a button. Bring your own CD. High quality stuff (320kbps or a store bought CD).

4) It will. Without a doubt.

Shinka is correct in regards to Crutchfield. Often much more expensive than other dependable sites. I can vouch for Sonic Electronics. woofersetc.com is also trustworthy and cheap. knukonceptz.com for all your wires. An 8awg kit is fine and yes even the cheap RCAs included with the kit are fine for the subwoofer.

~$200 headunit
~$110 headunit amp
~$150 Metra kit
~$250 subwoofer
~$300 cabin speakers
~$40 wiring kit
Total=$1050
Yes I didn't include shipping and all the numbers are estimates. But it's close. Installation is additional. Should be roughly $200-$250.

snash22

Thanks xShinka666x and firebirdude. I got lots to think about. I was already aware of needing the mazda adaptor and mounting kit.

I was hoping to be less than $800. I'm doing the install myself.

Need to head to BB to listen to some speakers.

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

If you really want to stay under $800....

Ditch the headunit amp, go with the Bazooka tube, and take it easy on the speakers. You can get a solid set of Infinities for $250. Should be close, but just squeeze under the $800 limit.

kdoiron08

iTrader: (6)

i wouldnt even bother at all. I installed the metra kit with a pioneer 4200DVD my Climate control only blows Hot air, replaced the climate control unit(200) still nothing did the sodering, and still my climate control does nothing but blow hot air.. BTW metra is the only company that i found that sells a kit for the 8..

snash22

You wouldn't bother with upgrading the audio???

cruthcfield has the kit for the 8 - https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120997...oss-Black.html

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

Wow. Sounds like someone is sour.
That IS the metra kit. Part number is the same in fact.

A couple people have had their issues with the Metra kit. But for every problem, there's 50 satisfied customers.

kdoiron08

iTrader: (6)

slighty upset about my kit.. guess u just got to get lucky with there kits..

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

I'm using the Corksport kit, as my install was done long before the Metra kit was released. More than double the price.

kdoiron08

iTrader: (6)

corksport? does the ac work? LOL
might be worth it at this point