How to Upgrade Your 350Z Sound System

Swapping out your Nissan 350Z sound system can elevate your driving experience—and possibly your car insurance premium.
Written by Natalie Todoroff
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
background
Depending on the model year of your 350Z, it’s either equipped with a 6-speaker sound system or a 7-speaker system with a subwoofer. To achieve a deep, clear, and overall larger sound, consider swapping out the OEM speakers and adding an amplifier. 
While the 350Z has a certain timeless, cool look, the sound system could use an overhaul. After all, the last 350Z rolled off the factory floor in 2009, and it’s safe to say that audio technology and quality have come quite a long way since then. 
So, if you’re looking for a new aftermarket sound system that matches your 350Z’s effortless style, you’ve clicked on the right article. You probably already know
Jerry
as the
comparison shopping app drivers trust
to upgrade their
car insurance
policies, but today we’re turning our ear toward the 350Z sound system. 
We’ll review some essential sound upgrades for your 350Z and give you our top-rated tips on lowering
350Z car insurance costs
 
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What kind of sound system does a 350Z have?

The sound system you’ve got in your 350Z depends on its model year. The age of your vehicle will determine how many speakers you’ve got and whether or not it comes with a subwoofer: 
  • 2003 Nissan 350Z: 6 speakers 
  • 2004 Nissan 350Z: 7 speakers and 1 subwoofer 
  • 2005 Nissan 350Z: 7 speakers and 1 subwoofer 
  • 2006 Nissan 350Z: 6 speakers 
  • 2007 Nissan 350Z: 6 speakers 
  • 2008 Nissan 350Z: 6 speakers 
  • 2009 Nissan 350Z: 7 speakers and 1 subwoofer 
Of the two, the 240-watt 7-speaker and 1 subwoofer system are superior. For this sound system, Nissan opted to use Bose speakers, as opposed to the Nissan base speakers found in the 160-watt 6-speaker system. And while the Bose speakers may have been top-of-the-line for their time and have held up considerably well, they’re long overdue for an upgrade.

How to upgrade a 350Z sound system

The trifecta of sound system upgrades is this: a new speaker system, an amplifier, and a subwoofer. Unfortunately, not all 350Zs can handle a complete upgrade, so it will depend on the trim level of your specific vehicle. 

Start with speaker upgrades

Getting new speakers is the best place to begin for anyone looking to upgrade their sound system. 
But, before you start shopping, you should be prepared to shell out a healthy chunky of change, as they can get pretty pricey. Consider leaving the installation process to a professional, as a 350Z sound system can be tricky to remove and replace. 
After you’ve decided you’re ready to swap out your speakers, you’ll need to determine how many speakers you want to replace. Many drivers opt to focus on just one area of their car, like the front. And, if that wasn’t enough decisions for you to weigh, you also have to choose between cheaper coaxial speakers or the pricier component speakers. While you can’t go wrong with either, you will get clearer sound quality with component speakers. 
For the 350Z, we like these three aftermarket upgrades: 

Pump up the bass with a subwoofer 

Installing a subwoofer can work wonders for boosting sound quality without distortion. With a subwoofer in your 350Z, you’ll be able to pick up all of the low frequency bass tones (think bass guitar, kick drum, and pipe organ) you’ve been missing. 
In the 350Z, the subwoofer sits behind the driver’s seat on the back wall of the vehicle. If your 350Z comes with a subwoofer and you’re looking to replace it, you will also have to replace the amplifier. The
Bazooka BT6014
frequently sells out for a reason: at just $119.99, this small but mighty 4-ohm subwoofer could very well be the missing piece in your 350Z’s sound system.

What’s the difference between a 4-ohm and 2-ohm sub?

A quick note about subwoofers: they are available in 4-ohm and 2-ohm models. There’s not an objectively better or worse option, it really comes down to your personal preference. With a 2-ohm subwoofer, you’ll get a loud, punchier sound. With a 4-ohm subwoofer, you’ll get a deep, clear sound. 

Boost the power with an amplifier 

Last, but certainly not least, let’s talk amplifiers. An amplifier, as its name suggests, will crank up the dial on your sound system as a whole by unlocking more power. If you can get your hands on it (it’s currently on backorder), we like the
Sony XMS400D
.  
But, if you don’t want to wait weeks for your amplifier, look for something like the
Sound Ordnance M100-2
.  
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How to protect your 350Z sound system—and save on insurance! 

While swapping out your old 350Z sound system for something newer can enhance your ride quality, it can also cause your car insurance premium to spike. That’s because your car insurance policy usually only covers OEM parts, so your new stereo system may not be protected by your current policy. 
To work around this, many insurance providers have begun offering
sound system coverage
to protect your shiny new digs. Although adding sound system coverage will increase your premium, it’s worth it to have it in the event of theft. You may not know it, but an aftermarket sound system is more likely to be vandalized or stolen—so equipping your car with
comprehensive coverage
can be a huge help here as well. 
And, if you feel like your car insurance costs are spiraling out of control, download
Jerry
to find some much-needed financial relief. Jerry’s trustworthy super app uses the power of comparison shopping to find customized insurance quotes designed to save you money without lowering your coverage level. Signup takes only 45 seconds and on average, Jerry users save over $800 a year
 “I thought my previous insurance rate was the best I could get. After
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FAQs

The Nissan 350Z comes with two different kinds of sound systems. One is Nissan’s base audio system, and the others are made by Bose. The kind of sound system in your 350Z depends on the model year.
The number of speakers in a Nissan 350Z changes based on the model year. The 2003 and 2006-2008 models have six-speaker systems, and the 2004, 2005, and 2009 came equipped with 7-speaker and 1 subwoofer sound system.
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