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Anyone have experience with the sound quality of an aftermarket head unit with stock speakers? I'll find out in a week, but what should I expect? I'm hoping that while it's not going to sound like a great car setup, that it will sound noticeably better than stock.
A new head unit definitely cleans up the sound a bit and offers you much more adjustability to tune it to your liking. I also bought some cheap Kicker 3.5"s coaxial speakers to replace the ones in the doors and another set of 5 1/4" coaxial for the back, but haven't gotten around to installing them yet. They should further help clean up and improve the highs. There is only so much you can improve the cheap paper Bose speakers. I spent $70 total for the 2 sets. If you are having your head unit professionally installed, I would recommend doing a quick speaker swap while the installers at it.
I'm going to see how it turns out first. I'm also going to add some sound damping (C6 Z06) to the wall behind the seats and the tunnel, since they'll have that carpet removed. I just want more clarity, since I mostly listen to podcasts.
I'm going to see how it turns out first. I'm also going to add some sound damping (C6 Z06) to the wall behind the seats and the tunnel, since they'll have that carpet removed. I just want more clarity, since I mostly listen to podcasts.
I don't know what they told you, but there is no need to remove any carpet for a HU install in a C6 unless you're having a backup camera put in, which still only requires the rear hatch area carpet to be partially removed.
I just installed a Sony XAV-AX100 in my '10 GS with non-bose system and it absolutely improved the sound quality of the stock speakers. Now, I am going to swap the factory speakers out for some components powered by an external amplifier, but for now they sound much improved.
I don't know what they told you, but there is no need to remove any carpet for a HU install in a C6 unless you're having a backup camera put in, which still only requires the rear hatch area carpet to be partially removed.
Yep, backup camera will be installed, so I'm going to have them install sound damping where they can. I already put insulation on the wall and part of the tunnel. I meant to say the hatch area.
so one of the top Audio guys tells you the units have issues and that's the best you got???
The 4200NEX is very highly rated on every review I've read, and the installer backs his work, having been in the area for a few decades and having several dozen incredibly good reviews. So, again, that's for the installer to deal with, because it's his warranty on the line. Do you feel better now?
I put a Pioneer NEX4200 in my '13 GS last week. Considering the price point, I think it's very nice and I'm happy with it. To answer your question Nuke, I did not notice a difference in sound quality, but I was happy with the sound quality with the stock HU, so not hearing a difference is fine with me.
I had it installed yesterday, along with some Dynamat in the cargo area. I thought it sounded noticeably clearer and less muddy than the stock HU, but I also thought it might just be in my head. My wife got in the car, and without any prompting, said it sounded much better. Startup is fast, the screen is responsive, and I love that the warning message times-out, and goes away on its own. I don't know why DDM had to send several units back, but my 4200NEX is working great, albeit it has only been a day.
Glad it worked out. I definitely prefer the Pioneers over the other brands right now. I have the 8200nex and I am very happy with it so far. The fact that the warning message times out is also a huge plus along with all its other features. As far as the sound goes, it definitely cleans up the sound some. Many factory units sound muddled, due to the head unit and the combination of cheap paper speakers. Replacing only one of the two, the head unit or speakers, will usually give you a noticeable difference in clarity and improvement in sound. Enjoy the new HU!
03-04-2017, 09:17 AM
Aftermarket head unit, stock speakers (C6)
