Revised Stereo Install

[dmorales-bello]

I changed my stereo setup because I was unsatisfied with the sound coming from the underdash speakers I had previously installed. I dumped these and installed a set of Polk Audio 5.25" DB522 coaxial speakers in Derek's kick panel speaker pods. I also substituted the Miura amplifier I had placed behind the Retrosound Radio for a much higher quality Kenwood KAC-M3004. It is slightly larger than the Miura but it's still relatively hidden under the carpet over the transmission hump (see pics). Additional to the front Polk Audio speakers I have Infinity Kappa 4" coaxial speakers under the quarter windows in the stock position for speakers in the 280Z and Infinity Kappa 6x9" speakers (wired only as woofers with the tweeters disconnected) in the re-upholstered MSA speaker box in the rear deck. I installed Boom Mat soft speaker baffles behind all 6 speakers. It's arguably the best sounding car system I've had. 

The circle identifies the amplifier location, with a slight bump on the carpet.

The crossovers have been disconnected and only the base baffles are wired to the amp, rendering the rear Infinity Kappa 6x9s as very effective woofers.

I also did some work on the Retrosound radio faceplate by adding a ABS overlay with the same texture as the OEM Datsun center console material and chrome pinstriping. I'm still searching for someone who will laser engrave the letters on the faceplate to further mimic the original.

The USB remote ports are in the glovebox and in the center console.

I tried to make everything look as stock as possible even though the MSA rear deck enclosure is quite obvious (but supplies the bass). The front kick panel speaker pods are a truly excellent product (shout out to Derek for amazing work) and are greatly responsible for the improvement in sound. All the different components are nicely balanced.

 

Edited August 12, 2017 by dmorales-bello

[HaZmatt]

That looks awesome! Nice work

[Jaymanbikes]

Very nice write up Dave, you always do a great job of documenting!   I'm going to try the Polks up front.  I currently have Pyles mounted in the same front kick plates like you have.  As I recall, I was unable to stuff the boom mats backers behind the Pyles, just not enough room.  I have the small Retrosound amp, Retrosound 6x9's in the back end and a powered JVC sub that is behind the passenger seat.  I'm really please with the sound in the rear, the front is very sub par though.

[dmorales-bello]

28 minutes ago, Jaymanbikes said:

I'm really please with the sound in the rear, the front is very sub par though.

I think you will be very pleasantly surprised with the sound quality from the Polk Audio speakers however, fitting them in with the Boom Mat took some squeezing.