Sound system

I’m a new owner of a 2017 Nissan Leaf S.
So far, I love it.

The sound system is lacking quite a bit, however. I realize that this is a common subject.

I’m looking to replace the front/rear with:

Infinity Kappa 62IX 6.5" Coaxial Speaker System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075ZHJ683/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_rPkQFb25S7P4V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I think these speakers will work well because they are 2-ohm impedance, which is difficult to find as 4-ohm is quite common.


I’m also curious about installing one of these subwoofers, possibly under the seat:

Alpine Electronics PWE-S8 Restyle Compact Powered 8-Inch Subwoofer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OYGGMXK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_QQkQFbKJATV5N

Any naysayers?
Can it be done?
I suppose the main thing is running the wires. Where would I pull the audio, power, and remote on/off from?

In case they help...

https://www.crutchfield.ca/S-E8JafmGStol/learn/2011-2017-nissan-leaf.html

https://mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1191

Thanks, alozzy.
I have seen this crutchfield article.
I’m wondering too, since my model Leaf didn’t come with the Bose system, nor the subwoofer, does this mean that I have to pull the wires from some other source? I can’t imagine there would be a harness to attach a sub in the back for my model Leaf, correct?

If I go with one of these Alpine systems, where I can draw power from? All the way from the 12V under the hood? The Alpine box also seemingly has a feature not requiring a remote line connection, and apparently turns on/off when it detects sound...

Sorry, I can't really help you as I haven't done anything with the stock stereo. I probably would have made an effort when I was younger, but I just can't be bothered - the stock system isn't terrible.

Nay, I say!

I really like the S system. Have you played with the EQ?

I have a 2017 S and I thought the sound was OK until Aretha Franklin died, but then all the tributes on the radio sounded horrible. So yeah, it's not a great system.

FWIW, someone (who seemed like they knew what they were talking about) posted here on MNL that the head unit is the weak link in the system. Replacing that and using the stock speakers was reported to be quite an improvement. YMMV of course but just replacing the speakers may not be much of an upgrade without a new head unit.

PrairieLEAF said:

Nay, I say!

I really like the S system. Have you played with the EQ?

Click to expand...

Thanks, y'all.
Yeah, I'm on the fence about changing it.
My sound designer friends would like for me to keep it stock so they'll have a nice crap system to reference their recordings.
I have fiddled with the EQ a bit. I'm currently trying out one notch below max on bass and treble (before I blow 'em out).

happa said:

My sound designer friends would like for me to keep it stock so they'll have a nice crap system to reference their recordings.

Click to expand...

I remember back when I worked for a digital audio company some of the sound guys had special speakers that were designed to reproduce the sound from low-end speakers. They used them to tune their recordings so they sounded good on the generic equipment of the time. I don't know if that is still needed with mp3, etc but maybe it's even more important now.

Aah, that's the problem...having sound designer friends. :lol:

For a crappy reference system, might I suggest the slide-tune tape deck with two speakers (one blown) in the '84 Tercel I grew up with?

I’m preparing a self-install of the following kit to my stock setup on a 2017 Leaf (no Bose, no nav):

Focal PC165F (front)
Focal PA165F (rear)
Alpine 445U In-line Amp
20-pin HU Wiring Harness, advanced w/steering wheel switch wires
14-gauge 15A in-line fuse

(Still an open option to install Alpine PWE-S8 powered 8-inch Subwoofer)

Referencing the following YouTube videos:

Nissan Leaf Amplified!
https://youtu.be/kuKnOsbw6iQ

How to Wire Alpine 445u, LC2i LOC, and Subwoofer | COMPLETE WIRING GUIDE |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEx8kv_t9KQ&feature=youtu.be

In the latter vid, the fella notes a ground loop or interference. How do I mitigate this?

I’m open to any useful info, like optimum tweeter location for front component speakers, ground cable tie off location, etc.

I’ll try to document the process and include any hindrances.

Please wish me luck.

So, I went and did a thing.

I installed a set of Focal PS 165F components at front, and Focal PC 165F pairs at the rear. These speakers are cool because the cones are made of flax fibers, which complement my regimen of flaxseed oil and grains I sprinkle over my cereal every morning. So far, running straight from the stock head unit, these Focal speakers are pretty darn crisp and shimmering, but they can stand to use more power because I have to crank up the stock head unit volume to get any life out of the speakers. I’m pleased with the relative ease of the install. I think helps that Crutchfield provides the wire harness for the speakers to mate with the factory connectors. I’m waiting for a Rockford Fosgate T400X4ad 4-channel amp to juice up the system. I’m hoping the amp is small enough to fit behind the factory head unit, we shall see. I think I will also eventually install an Alpine PWE-S8 compact powered sub to enhance the low-end.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/99ybpzrhbllcmm8/Photo%20Dec%2006%2C%203%2056%2030%20PM.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2aq5k2jdqb4jgc8/Photo%20Dec%2006%2C%208%2011%2045%20PM.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/xn88moykmwuco8q/Photo%20Dec%2006%2C%209%2032%2026%20PM.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/xn88moykmwuco8q/Photo%20Dec%2006%2C%209%2032%2026%20PM.jpg?dl=0

I can’t upload pics :-/

Upload them to a free service like Imgur - NOT Photobucket - and then link them here with the "Img" tag in the posting tools.

LeftieBiker said:

Upload them to a free service like Imgur - NOT Photobucket - and then link them here with the "Img" tag in the posting tools.

Click to expand...

Aha. Gotcha. I’ll have to look into Imgur. Thank you.

happa said:

Aha. Gotcha. I’ll have to look into Imgur. Thank you.

Click to expand...

Dropbox is fine. But with all of these services (including Imgur), you have to find the link to the actual .jpg (etc) image. I usually use "Show image in new tab" from the context (right mouse) menu. For example:
[img]https://ucda73e1f90b1447e5991275c950.previews.dropboxusercontent.com/p/thumb/ABC7XokwN7Qz_aiQa8HaqoUJOIK-HZ4wryjsNIvS-NP_PRuRgnWG-8sZgZ-6JOEva0ytBASxFQBYfNY09h1KNVxZ7fCSOTuP_uuvE5Y4nbbU9sUqaqnxRgrXbzqXOCMa0X-yW9nLOZux-Vtjo0CfndgyoPRNX1_7lhgOhOsUTvwwiVf5ut0mkx1Lx0d4Zay54XKkylPaQcTUGCrNwfbZDhvvYel3CSJUEk47bYJG1Ojs1z7wNDKHw1XT7qIXQcXsZVFyhjUnDD-2j8NbpjAQXQFHdbiTgq3l-_4Z9w8exSQq5jZ_vQyseLYWpWmXSlXQ60Cx7L0Q7nQp1MXlbryKqc8xS0VfRTsU4Pau8gnVbJEyDk9mFs5VrwuXzJ1M4Vp7MOCJ0x4DqdYgUtZBbhksnGyL/p.jpeg?fv_content=true&size_mode=5[/img]

which produces (when not defeated):



Edit: one advantage of Imgur is that the image URLs aren't so long, though since you copy it to the clipboard anyway, it's no hardship. Google drive takes the cake for the longest URL.

Bravo! Thanks for the tip, coulomb.

Test.
If it comes up, you can see the driver side door panel with the Focal tweeter above. I like that it practically looks stock and barely noticeable. But the highs are so crisp. I can’t wait to connect the amp to get more out of these speakers

happa said:

If it comes up,

Click to expand...

It doesn't. This one feels like a permissions issue (the error message for me is something about me not being allowed to be there).

I finally wrapped up this audio upgrade.


2x Focal PS 165 (front)
2x Focal PC 165 (rear)
- AudioControl LC7i line out converter connected to stock Bose-less head unit.
- Rockford Fosgate T400X4ad 4-channel amp

And it works! I’ve never set up a system like this, especially in an EV, and I’m surprised and quite pleased with the outcome (at least so far).

I think the most important and time-consuming aspect of this install was figuring out the speaker wiring. Crutchfield included some adaptable Metra harnesses for the door speakers, but the provided Mastersheet diagram/chart for wiring was quite off. I had to systematically examine the PIN numbers on the HU harness to verify that they corresponded with the respective speaker wiring because the colors did not always match. Checking for continuity wasn’t easy, but a multimeter, a couple of small bare safety pins to stick in the harness pinholes, and some alligator clips did the trick, and they allowed me to adapt to the following wiring chart:


2 - front/left, Blue +
3 - front/left, Pink -
11 - front/right, Green +
12 - front/right, Red -
4 - rear/left, Purple +
5 - rear/left, Lt Blue -
13 - rear/right, Lt Green +
14 - rear/right, Pink -

Be aware that numbers 3 and 14 are not the same Pink wire. This is where a multimeter (and the safety pins, etc.) comes in handy to those wires' continuity.

I still have some tidying up to do, but this all fit under the passenger seat. Concert sound and excellent clarity from the Focal speakers.

I also found a good bare metal ground point on the passenger side, for the LC7i and amp. Under the passenger-side seat belt cover/trim; the existing bolts were a perfect size for the wire terminals I used; no drill/tapping: