2013 Altima upgrade

[mgiara 10+ year member]

Hey all,

I know I posted something similar in the past but every time I try and find my old posts, I get a forum error.

I want to replace my front speakers first, then whatever else you guys suggest for as close to a budget SQ setup as I can get. I say close to a budget SQ because I know the two words are antonyms.

My research shows the ID CTX series 6.5's as a solid choice but they seem to be discontinued. (I can still find them)

I also see the Hertz SV165.1 as a popular choice.

The 2013 Altima fits shallow mounts, but some deeper research shows people are getting more mount depth by placing the speakers in the shell of the stock speakers.

This is the best guide online for the install. The speaker housings can be seen about a third down the page.

I cannot find any information on how much depth they're getting by using the stock housings.

I suppose if I can find something in the 2+" range I'll be fine, but pushing to 2 3/4 might be cutting it too close.

I also want to amplify the front speakers as the stock speakers run at 2 Ohms, and also because I want the additional power. Amp suggestions? (probably a 200W RMS 2-Channel?)

I also think I need components as the stock system has tweeters in the dash to accompany the door 6.5's

I'm open to (and would like to) buy a signal processor, but not sure how I would tune it.

Installation-wise, sky is the limit. I have no fears short of large scale custom fabrication.

Budget-wise I'd like to spend around $200 on speakers. I feel I'll quickly see diminishing returns without a processor past $250. I can stretch that if I can justify it. (Not past $300 please)

I have installed MLV, Luxury Liner Pro, and felt tape (on clips and what not) in the doors, and plan on continuing to the rest of the car incrementally.

I don't think I want to spend more than $200 on an amp?

DSP I know will be a big chunk. Can I get one for less than $500?

Next step will be amplified 6x9's in the rear deck and when I get the money, a 13w7 in the trunk to replace my L715

Click to read more...

 

[mgiara 10+ year member]

Looking at these Hertz speakers, I like very much that they take 200W RMS each and are "SPL show"

I'm a big basshead.

 

[mgiara 10+ year member]

Minor update: someone here managed to install a 3.5" in the dash.

TIL:

Base package (what I have): 6.5's in the front doors with tweeters in the dash. 6x9's in the rear deck

Bose package: 6.5's in the front doors, tweeters and 3.5" center stage in the front dash, 6.5's in the rear doors and 6x9's in the rear dash making a 9.1 speaker system.

I'd like to approach this setup but I think I'll need the amp(s) to be setup correctly?

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

Minor update: someone here managed to install a 3.5" in the dash.
TIL:

Base package (what I have): 6.5's in the front doors with tweeters in the dash. 6x9's in the rear deck

Bose package: 6.5's in the front doors, tweeters and 3.5" center stage in the front dash, 6.5's in the rear doors and 6x9's in the rear dash making a 9.1 speaker system.

I'd like to approach this setup but I think I'll need the amp(s) to be setup correctly?

Doing this with aftermarket equipment the right way is possible, but your options are entirely hinged on one of two DSPs. The two sets of rear speakers are an extravagance for the enjoyment of rear seat passengers only. The center speaker with the right signal processing can help give similarly good sound for both front seats, and it will give some benefit to rear seat passengers if they're even paying attention to the music enough to care.

One Nissan front speaker setup I have designed, which has gotten rave reviews, consists of 2.5" deep 6.5" mid-woofers in 7/8" deep PVC spacer brackets and 1" aluminum tweeters. The choice of when to buy a DSP, and yes you can get a good one for under $500, will dictate if/when you need to use passive crossovers and also how many amplifier channels you'll want to buy.

I do this kind of system design work all the time, and you're welcome to PM or e-mail me.

 

[mgiara 10+ year member]

Doing this with aftermarket equipment the right way is possible, but your options are entirely hinged on one of two DSPs. The two sets of rear speakers are an extravagance for the enjoyment of rear seat passengers only. The center speaker with the right signal processing can help give similarly good sound for both front seats, and it will give some benefit to rear seat passengers if they're even paying attention to the music enough to care.
One Nissan front speaker setup I have designed, which has gotten rave reviews, consists of 2.5" deep 6.5" mid-woofers in 7/8" deep PVC spacer brackets and 1" aluminum tweeters. The choice of when to buy a DSP, and yes you can get a good one for under $500, will dictate if/when you need to use passive crossovers and also how many amplifier channels you'll want to buy.

I do this kind of system design work all the time, and you're welcome to PM or e-mail me.

So I should start by choosing a DSP and pick amps then speakers from there?

I like the idea while I'm still not sure how the DSP would be tuned.

Suggestions?

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

So I should start by choosing a DSP and pick amps then speakers from there?
I like the idea while I'm still not sure how the DSP would be tuned.

Suggestions?

Do you have any experience tuning any sort of audio system? Are you good with a PC?

To give you a quick look at the DSP I use and currently offer through Rubyserv:

 

[mgiara 10+ year member]

Do you have any experience tuning any sort of audio system? Are you good with a PC?
To give you a quick look at the DSP I use and currently offer through Rubyserv:

I have a very sensitive ear and extensive experience with everything surrounding computing. Computer engineering major.

That looks easy.

Based on the video, wiring looks like it'd go exactly as one would expect.

DSP takes a signal and remote turn on from the HU and outputs to the amps.

If the head unit has only high level outputs (to the speakers) surely there's an input into the DSP for that? Ideally this would allow the user to control volume through the HU?

Edit: the Core-1 looks like it will auto-adjust if you send it high-level inputs

Can I still use the stock HU volume control, and can I use that DSP with any amp?

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

I have a very sensitive ear and extensive experience with everything surrounding computing. Computer engineering major.
That looks easy.

Based on the video, wiring looks like it'd go exactly as one would expect.

DSP takes a signal and remote turn on from the HU and outputs to the amps.

I asked about familiarity with PCs as that makes any DSP that much easier to used on the most basic level. There is still a whole complicated world of electronic and acoustic audio behavior to contend with. The Core-1 software has a lot going on but it's relatively straightforward. I don't recommend tuning by ear 100% as it can lead you astray and potentially cost you in the form of damaged speakers and lost time. I will do my best to guide you in the right direction.

If the head unit has only high level outputs (to the speakers) surely there's an input into the DSP for that? Ideally this would allow the user to control volume through the HU?Edit: the Core-1 looks like it will auto-adjust if you send it high-level inputs

Can I still use the stock HU volume control, and can I use that DSP with any amp?

Do you have the Bose system? Yes it will connect to a stock HU, but it depends on the type of signal it outputs. Yes, you can use this with any amp.

 

[mgiara 10+ year member]

I asked about familiarity with PCs as that makes any DSP that much easier to used on the most basic level. There is still a whole complicated world of electronic and acoustic audio behavior to contend with. The Core-1 software has a lot going on but it's relatively straightforward. I don't recommend tuning by ear 100% as it can lead you astray and potentially cost you in the form of damaged speakers and lost time. I will do my best to guide you in the right direction.

Thanks!

Do you have the Bose system? Yes it will connect to a stock HU, but it depends on the type of signal it outputs. Yes, you can use this with any amp.

I don't. I have the S trim which for me came with 6.5's in the front doors, tweeters in the dash and 6x9's in the rear deck.

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

I don't. I have the S trim which for me came with 6.5's in the front doors, tweeters in the dash and 6x9's in the rear deck.

That makes this easier. Core-1 > Amps > speakers if you want to keep the stock HU and improve the rest.

 

[mgiara 10+ year member]

That makes this easier. Core-1 > Amps > speakers if you want to keep the stock HU and improve the rest.

That is how I'd like to do it.

Core-1 purchased, ETA Sunday

Next is amp and speakers?

I suppose I'll have to tear the door panel off again and measure my mounting depth.

Amp?

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

That is how I'd like to do it.
Core-1 purchased, ETA Sunday

Next is amp and speakers?

I suppose I'll have to tear the door panel off again and measure my mounting depth.

Amp?

Wait, what, you just ordered a Core 1 online?

 

[mgiara 10+ year member]

Wait, what, you just ordered a Core 1 online?

I can cancel it if I shouldn't have.

I want this system installed ASAP

 

[fixinit]

You're running an aftermarket 9.1 surround sound system in your 2013 Altima after tailoring the premium BOSE system? I'm so confused unless you have an entertainment system in that sedan - which is more than roomy enough for one considering the Altima's back seat has leg room.

 

[mgiara 10+ year member]

You're running an aftermarket 9.1 surround sound system in your 2013 Altima after tailoring the premium BOSE system? I'm so confused unless you have an entertainment system in that sedan - which is more than roomy enough for one considering the Altima's back seat has leg room.

Not quite

A 9 speaker Bose system is a factory option but the car I picked up didn't have that package.

I wanted to replace the front speakers as the passenger side is vibrating like it's blown so I figured why not take steps in the right direction.