pls help me in decent audio upgrade in 350z

[350z]

Before starting I am pretty newbie when coming to car mechanical aspects...so pleas go easy on me //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

I have 2006 Z touring with Bose system, w/o navigation and I want to upgrade headunit, speakers and sub with budget between 500 - 1000 inc. parts and labor...

Based on my little knowledge and online research I am under impression that its better to spend money on HU and front speakers as it is small car (correct me if I am wrong)

So where shall I start?

1) I am thinking of to have appradio.. please suggest me if spending 400$ is worth the money or if there are any good suggestions. Basically I am looking for something that has Bluetooth and navigation.

2) Add amps to stock speakers and see if I like sound or shall I replace stock with speakers / kickers?

Any inputs from seniors will be really appreciated . Also I am not sure if I will keep my car with me for more than 1 year but I am guessing that I can appraise car value by upgrading audio with navigation..(correct me if i am wrong)

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[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

400 will not get a decent hu with navi ,unless used first off .also yes the hu front stage and amp will be a good starting point ,but you may still want a sub for that lower end bass.also i know that space is an issue in these cars ,so with that said mini amps will be what you want and need .so a decent head unit [hu] with navi new will be around $600 + an amp for the speakers 150 -300 ,components can be any where from 150 to $1000 plus you still need all the wires for the amp/amps,head unit replacement and the install

 

[Full Tilt 10+ year member]

I agree. OP, you'll either have to adjust your budget, or adjust what you plan on getting out of that $1000.

 

[Bassman999 10+ year member]

Everyone has their preferences, but Kicker isnt at the top of my list anymore, and not since 92'

If Kicker is what you want bu all means get that, but if not look around at other ppls builds on here and demo several brands before you choose.

Main-stream brands are not always, and again IMO not usually the best.

The front speakers are IMO the most important aspect of a great audio system.

 

[hispls 5,000+ posts]

I personally have had good luck with Jensen in dash dvd/nav head units. Shop around for a discontinued model (a year old or whatever) and they're short money for what they do. I'm running a JVC HU now which I'm also quite happy with. Their discontinued models can also be had for cheap.

Upgrading factory fronts is a very good idea. If you can budget for some kickpanels or plan to spend some money into deadening it'll be a good investment.

A couple years ago I did a full 5.1 surround system for a friend of mine (the only thing he had was a cheap sub) for about 1050$. There's no reason you can't do something nice for 1000$ or under. Shop around, and don't be afraid to buy used or new-old-stock.