355 stereo upgrade

Another issue is the fact that most new speakers have that portruding contour that moves in and out when the sound is on and will rub and touch the panel while its functioning and ultimately damage the speaker.

The Ferrari speakers's contour is deep into the frame which protects it from the panel.

 

Excellent thread beginning. I too have searched and there is no concrete evidence of what actually fits. Seems that there are two issues here. depth and magnet size. I am currently considering these.

http://www.polkaudio.com/caraudio/specs/db6501/

They have a top mount depth of 2"

Running a Nakamichi cd400 for a head unit to match the instrument colors and a stock look.

The sub is a different issue. There are a decent amount of options but not a lot of room to work with. I want the sub(s) to not really be too visable. Considering something along these lines for behind each seat at the floor.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ALPINE-SWE-1500-SUBWOOFER-POWERED-COMPACT-BOXED-CAR-SUB-/190534412497?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c5cbc68d1#ht_1450wt_1139

 

Can you take some pics of the sub install? Did you install the sub in the trunk or behind the seats?

 

This thread should be a good one. I'm still running stock everything, mainly because I so rarely use the radio (and I've never used the CD player).

Eventually I'm sure I'll tackle an upgrade. Until that time I'll read and learn.

 

I got these and here are some pics of my installation process. Depth is an issue for sure but the absolute biggest issue is the fact that the portruding contour, which is a moving part, is outside of the speaker frame on the new speakers and are recessed into the frame on the Ferrari original.

I purchased the Xr-S17P kenwood speakers from sonic for just 149$, a bargain price. I tested tons of speakers and it was hard to find speakers that fit properly because the depth is short on the panel and the spacing on the front rubs the front of the speaker so it can get damaged.

I adapted the tweeters by adding the existing OEM clip which will help reinstall the speakers and dash quickly. I did the same thing for the large door speakers by adding a male connector that will quickly connect when we reassemble the doors.

I attached the tweeters with some steel wires and it worked just fine (ther are hidden behind the vent anyway) and I removed the spacer from the original speaker and glued it onto the new one for added protection when the speaker is functioning.
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I also very rarely use the radio but I do have plans for some long distance runs in the future so perhaps I should pay attention to this too Fab, your input and pictures are top notch, thanks for sharing.

 

OK, so I got the nakamichi head unit installed and I'm pretty blown away at how much of a pile of junk the factory radio is. I've already got an amp. Now know that I defintely need new speakers as the left is blown. Off to Frys for me. Gonna look to see what they have for small sub options . . .

 

I have Focals in my F355. I find them to be an excellent speaker. Empirically though, I would imagine that there is some decrease due to the more shallow cone depth in comparison to the same speaker in non-slim line configuration. Remember, due to the engine sound, there is no logic in installing a audiophile grade system in a Ferrari.

With respect to subs, I personally would not do any type of permanent installation in my car. As an alternative, you could use one or more Bazooka Tube-type subs behind the seats. Although, IMHO my Focals produce more than adequate bass and lower mid-range.

 

Got the polk db6501 and installed them today. Good sound. Found out my doors had already been modified for speakers, but these fit perfect as far as mounting holes and whatnot. Put a 10inch mb quert slim sub in the trunk, not sure it'll stay

 

I am an audiophile and used to sell high-end home theater gear.

I have the following installed and even with the top down at 80mph the sound is simply amazing....

Alpine CDA-9887 w/ iPod adaptor ran to the middle console
Alpine PDX-4100 (Digital 4x100rms amp running the 2 tweeters and two woofers in factory locations)
Focal 165KPS K2 6.5” Kevlar (super bad ass sounding!!!!) component set

Total retail price was $2,464 installed. (I got a little bit of a discount, though, due to my connections).

Again....you will NOT be disappointed with Focals. There was no major modification or cutting required, either.

 

Not that it won't sound adequate, but how are you going to get around their specs for the enclosure. Looks like they are calling for 12x12x5.5. I went with the MB Quart 10" which wants about the same size but it is a pretty slim unit for a 10"

 

nakamichi cd400 at night. It is almost like this head unit was made for this car. Like it mostly as it is a factory looking unit with no weird buttons, noises, or flashing screens. Also has an aux input for an ipod, etc.
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Those of you who use iPods, I HIGHLY recommend finding an alternate MP3 player. iPods have, by far, the worst sound quality. I switched to a Zune (no longer sold unfortunately) and it is light years beyond the iPod.

There may be other mp3 players on the market, but iPod/iPhone had the worst sound quality when I had them. My windows phone is pretty good, but for some reason the Zune is just ridiculously good.

Can't comment on Droids.

 

Solid!

 

I love this...amazing. Gotta get me one and rip out the piece of **** the last owner put in.

 

I couldn't agree more. In a nice car, if you turn on the stereo and it sounds like crap (factory) it just doesn't gel. Kinda like wearing a suit from Brooks Brothers but shoes from Target.

Extreme, what are you doing for a sub? I have one in the trunk area now that really fills in the sound. Have the same speakers as you installed, can they handle the bass on their own or do you find them lacking?