I'm picking up my Vette on Saturday, and have been underimpressed with the sound system. In all the Vettes I test drove, the sound was pretty poor. I admit that I did not listen to a CD, only the radio, but still it was bad.

I'm seriously considering changing out the system right away. I was wondering if I could still use the changer with a new head unit, or if it was proprietary with the Bose system.

Also, are there any problems to look out for when changing the system. Is the radio integral to the Corvette system?

Jack

 

Boy, Jack, I'm gonna make sure you do this right.... DO NOT GO 1/2 A*S*S on ANYTHING with that car!

The stock CD changer will ONLY work with the stock head unit. You cannot change speakers, radio or changer. The Bose "system" must remain all Bose matching components in order to work, which is pretty lousy.

Take my advice, change it all out. You don't need to go hog wild like I did.

Just get a decent cd/tuner unit, cd changer, and decent speakers with a sub, powered by quality amps.

You should be able to do it for $2,500.00 or less.

Trust me, if you can't get it done for that, WAIT! DON'T SKIMP!

SAVE UP UNTIL YOU CAN DO IT THE RIGHT WAY FROM A PLACE THAT KNOWS WHAT THEY'RE DOING!!!!!!

If you come up early enough, I'd be more than happy to go to Soundcrafters with you. See ya!

Ellis

 

I agree completely. After I had my car about a month, I ended up changing out the whole sound system because the stock system, even with the CD changer "upgrade," blows chunks.

One thing to seriously consider doing if/when you do the upgrade is adding dynamat to the floor & rear storage area to cut down on road noise. I did & was pleased with how much it cuts down on ambient noise. Also, although it will kick your upgrade budget up a notch, consider adding enough amp to power at least a small sub (you can actually fit an 8" one in the center compartment in the back & still have room for an amp there too). The sub makes a huge difference.

 

I get the point. I'll change out everything. Head unit, speakers, amp, changer (I may wait a little on that).

Since its a vert, I guess there's a limit to what I can do?

Stereo shop recommended Pioneer head unit. Any concerns?

Jack

 

Pioneer will work fine for you. What year vette did you pick up? What do you want from your system? Bass, Changer, video? Good Sound, Win Competions?
92TripleBlack :cheers:

 

The car is a 2000 vert, and I get it Saturday.

I just want a great sounding system. I listened to the audio in three vettes, 2000, 2001, and 2002. I thought all three sounded very poor. It just seems like a shame to have such a nice car and not have a great sounding system.

I've decided to swap out everything. I'll probably look to sell the stock system (receiver, amp, speakers, changer).

Jack

 

How much do you want to spend? Which of the above options do you want or need?
92TripleBlack :cheers:

 

A very reputable audio shop by me says he can get me new speakers, receiver, and amp for about $1500. I could go more, especially if I can sell the stock unit. Do you have any idea what the stock system (speakers, amp, changer, and receiver) is worth?

I'm also a little concerned with the size of the unit. I'm told tha the stock unit is 1 1/2 DIN? I think I would prefer not having to have a face plate to take up the extra room. He showed me some units that would fit okay.

Anyway, I'll look for a little before I buy.

Jack

 

Jack:

If you get a unit that is single or 1 DIN, don't worry... The faceplate is no biggie.

I actually like the more standard single DIN units. The 1.5 DIN look like they should be for a TV screen or navagation unit.

Most high end products will be in 1 DIN. Its lousy GM (AC Delco) with their 1.5 DIN that screws it up...

Again, don't sweat a faceplate if needed. Very standard.







[Modified by indypace78, 7:36 PM 10/7/2001]

 

I'd stay away from the units that take up the whole area for several reasons. They are usually overpriced and have less features. Many times they lack even basic features like two RCA outputs. They will only fit in a car that has this type of opening. Since this is basically GM or Dodge, If you want to put it into another car or sell it later it is much more difficult. Lastly, you can get a kit that will put the unit in the middle of the opening, effectively spliting the difference and having only a little space on top and bottom instead of one large space. It is aestetically fine. You will also have a much wider selection of units to match your tastes. I would defer to others with the C5 body style for a subwoofer choice. There are many available but I don't know enough about the body style to know what fits without a custom enclosure. I would recommend A/D/S, MB Quart, and Diamond speakers. Make sure you get mid level or better.(If your paying $300-$500+ a set your in the right range)
I would also recommend looking at Alpine and Pioneer CDs. I would lastly look at an A/D/S powerplate amp. Check here to see specs and decent prices on these products. http://www.mmxpress.com
Hope this helps
92TripleBlack :cheers:

 

:D