Mar 25, 2015, 01:48 PM
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:
Browse all: Interior How-Tos
- C6 Corvette: How to Install an Amplifier
Step by step instructions for do-it-yourselfers...
Browse all: Interior How-Tos
C5 and general audio FAQ
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 172
Likes: 57
I was all set to go to Car Toys and spend about $2K to replace everything in an '01 vert I just picked - was pleasantly surprised that the existing system sounds really nice - the only upgrade I can see at this point rear speakers but reading one post about someone who did that and they sounded horrible - any suggestions? Can the speakers just be swapped out for a nice 3 way? I love using my ipod and having all the controls and info in the HU display - would swapping out the HU and adding the rear speakers mess anything up?
I think I may have found my answer at least for the rear speakers - "Any standard 4ohm 2-way aftermarket speakers will work for the 3.5" in front and 5.25" in back. If you've blown the door subs you'll need to find some takeoffs to replace them with."
Can just the HU be swapped out and still use the Bose system and front speakers?
I think I may have found my answer at least for the rear speakers - "Any standard 4ohm 2-way aftermarket speakers will work for the 3.5" in front and 5.25" in back. If you've blown the door subs you'll need to find some takeoffs to replace them with."
Can just the HU be swapped out and still use the Bose system and front speakers?
Last edited by Friscojim; Jan 7, 2017 at 11:53 PM.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Long Island NY
Please help!! Just bought my first Vette, a 1999 Convertible. It has an Alpine 1 DIN HU, factory Bose speakers in the doors, and newer speakers in the rear.
There is no bass, and the sound is horrible.
From what I've read here, I need to have the door speakers amplified and with some kind of subwoofer.
1. is it possible to use the factory Bose units to do this?
2. I heard that the factory Bose door speakers contain an amp and subwoofer - can they be wired to use that with an Alpine head unit?
3. If so, how exactly do you do that?
4. If not, I have no problem buying replacements for the door - how do I add the speakers - and which ones - and how/where do I install an amp?
Thanks
Ed
There is no bass, and the sound is horrible.
From what I've read here, I need to have the door speakers amplified and with some kind of subwoofer.
1. is it possible to use the factory Bose units to do this?
2. I heard that the factory Bose door speakers contain an amp and subwoofer - can they be wired to use that with an Alpine head unit?
3. If so, how exactly do you do that?
4. If not, I have no problem buying replacements for the door - how do I add the speakers - and which ones - and how/where do I install an amp?
Thanks
Ed
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 59
Likes: 9
Please help!! Just bought my first Vette, a 1999 Convertible. It has an Alpine 1 DIN HU, factory Bose speakers in the doors, and newer speakers in the rear.
There is no bass, and the sound is horrible.
From what I've read here, I need to have the door speakers amplified and with some kind of subwoofer.
1. is it possible to use the factory Bose units to do this?
2. I heard that the factory Bose door speakers contain an amp and subwoofer - can they be wired to use that with an Alpine head unit?
3. If so, how exactly do you do that?
4. If not, I have no problem buying replacements for the door - how do I add the speakers - and which ones - and how/where do I install an amp?
Thanks
Ed
There is no bass, and the sound is horrible.
From what I've read here, I need to have the door speakers amplified and with some kind of subwoofer.
1. is it possible to use the factory Bose units to do this?
2. I heard that the factory Bose door speakers contain an amp and subwoofer - can they be wired to use that with an Alpine head unit?
3. If so, how exactly do you do that?
4. If not, I have no problem buying replacements for the door - how do I add the speakers - and which ones - and how/where do I install an amp?
Thanks
Ed
Hi Ed,
When dealing with a Bose system, I strongly suggest you change out everything Bose instead of trying to make it work with other components. Besides, those Bose speakers weren't great shakes back in 1999 (20 years ago), and I can't imagine they have improved with age. Speaker technology has come a long way.
If you like your head unit, keep it. I am guessing that it can accommodate a line out to a separate amplifier. Get that amplifier and use it to power a sub woofer. And get rid of the in-door Bose speakers. If it's Bose, it goes!
I recently upgraded my system in my C5 and I love it. PM me if you want to discuss this further.
HV
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 108
Likes: 30
From: Rancho Cucamonga, Ca
I just recently purchased a 2003 50th anniversary special edition. Both the cassette and CD changed do not work.
I'd like to install the PIE GM10 and not really worry about the tape/CD changer. I can't seem to locate it anywhere.
Are they discontinued? What is a viable substitute? I'd prefer not to install an aftermarket and take away from the originality.
But if that is the only option..... Then I guess that will be it. I guess I could always buy the kit and an HU and keep the original to reinstall whenever.
Any help greatly appreciated.
Larney
I'd like to install the PIE GM10 and not really worry about the tape/CD changer. I can't seem to locate it anywhere.
Are they discontinued? What is a viable substitute? I'd prefer not to install an aftermarket and take away from the originality.
But if that is the only option..... Then I guess that will be it. I guess I could always buy the kit and an HU and keep the original to reinstall whenever.
Any help greatly appreciated.
Larney
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 35
Likes: 1
From: Tomball, tx
I just upgraded my 02 convertible to a Pioneer double din and also swapped out the twiddlers to the JBL's as recommended here. It sounds OK, but that is all I am willing to give it. I am now looking into ditching the bose crap. What is the best subwoofer box and location for a convertible?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 7
From: Motor City area Michigan
speakers dim
I have a 2002 Z06 with all OEM radio system. I can barely hear the speakers with the radio on. What should I be checking so I get sound. Not looking for any upgrade, just basic stuff
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 75
Likes: 1
From: South Alabama
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 52
Likes: 2
From: Randleman, NC
Good day,
I'm looking for the radio plug pin outs for my 2002 vert. I am installing a Kenwood 996 HU with a xsvi-2004 interface. Unfortunately the instructions are a bit vague. I followed a couple of your links but the pics are missing. Can you send me the C5 radio plug pinouts?
I'm looking for the radio plug pin outs for my 2002 vert. I am installing a Kenwood 996 HU with a xsvi-2004 interface. Unfortunately the instructions are a bit vague. I followed a couple of your links but the pics are missing. Can you send me the C5 radio plug pinouts?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 273
Likes: 10
From: New Jersey
I was all set to go to Car Toys and spend about $2K to replace everything in an '01 vert I just picked - was pleasantly surprised that the existing system sounds really nice - the only upgrade I can see at this point rear speakers but reading one post about someone who did that and they sounded horrible - any suggestions? Can the speakers just be swapped out for a nice 3 way? I love using my ipod and having all the controls and info in the HU display - would swapping out the HU and adding the rear speakers mess anything up?
I think I may have found my answer at least for the rear speakers - "Any standard 4ohm 2-way aftermarket speakers will work for the 3.5" in front and 5.25" in back. If you've blown the door subs you'll need to find some takeoffs to replace them with."
Can just the HU be swapped out and still use the Bose system and front speakers?
I think I may have found my answer at least for the rear speakers - "Any standard 4ohm 2-way aftermarket speakers will work for the 3.5" in front and 5.25" in back. If you've blown the door subs you'll need to find some takeoffs to replace them with."
Can just the HU be swapped out and still use the Bose system and front speakers?
You can replace the rear speakers easily. I don't think the Bose system would be upset over it, but then again I've removed the Bose system.
