Hey guys,

Just want to give all of you props for keeping this audio forum alive and well. Collectively, you represent a tremendous asset for people like me trying to wade through all the options of putting together a system in our vettes.

With that being said, I'm ready to pull the trigger on new components. I'm looking for advice and/opinions on my choices so far. I have on 03 Z06, and weight is a BIG issue for me. I'm willing to sacrifice some sound quality to avoid adding a lot of unnecessary pounds. In addition, my budget is <$2k installed.

Here goes:
HU - Clarion VRX375 USB http://www.clarion.com/us/en/product...294998363.html
I like this unit, because it does have a video screen (although small), and I don't have to hack up the console to get it to fit.

Z06 HU mount from corvetteaudio w/ blue lighting

Interfire IF4VU gauge pod: http://www.surroundsoundonline.com/s...e-station.html
I'll put this in where the ashtray currently sits. I think it will look cool and I haven't seen one on here yet. Only worry is that the blue won't match the Z06 HU mount blue.

Focal 5 1/4s - I already own these, and am considering throwing them in the rear, and powering off the deck for rear fill.

Ok now to the hard part. A lot of you may disagree w/ my choice, but I have decided to NOT go with a sub box. I can't justify adding another 30lbs. I know it can easily be pulled out, but I also don't really want or need powerful bass. SO, my choice will be limited to what will fit in the doors, and be powered by a 4 channel 400 watt amp.

Here are some options for the doors (in order of my preference thus far):
1) Pioneer Premier TS C720PRS 6 3/4 components. (thanks to Scott_FX for this recommendation)
2) A name brand 7" woofer & separate tweeter
3) High end 6x9s

So given my constraints, which of the three would you recommend? I fully understand it won't be ideal versus a dedicated sub/box setup, but which is the best compromise? Any advice on specific brands would be welcome.

Thanks,
Michael

 

Components hands down... Premier, Polk Momo, Polk SR, Elemental Designs 6000 or 6500s all come to mind as a great component. I have never heard the premier but have heard good things except they seem to have low powerhandling. CDT also makes killer stuff

 

No amp correct just HU power? I would have to go look at the efficiency of those speaker options to know for sure which would be best. If it were me I would look at adding a small 2 channel amp say 50watts x2, you are talking about a total witoof maybe 5 extra lbs, and if you can feel that difference driving you need to look into driving professionally

Downfall of HU power is that if it is rated at 50x4, you are getting 16-18watts of real useable power ... which really isn't much. When you crank it up a little there is no room to drive the speakers cleanly, so you get distortion and ends up sounding like crap.

Since you have a z06 you can easily mount an amp under the passenger side seat and not sacrafice any leg room. If you are making the effort to replace the stock crap entirely you really should spend a few extra bucks and pick up and amp for the front speakers to enjoy them properly and give them the power to at least make up for some of the bass output that your sub would normally represent. The HU just will not have enough power to give the midrange drivers a chance to really shine and stay in control.

You can throw the 5.25's in the rear locations and use the HU to power them, just connect them to the rear speaker outputs on the HU and you will be able to fade them to your liking to blend with your front stage. Or you could just leave them out entirely and help offset some of the weight that adding an amp will add!

Also I just ordered a set of the Pioneer Premier 720's for my DD truck and I am a somewhat discerning listener. I will give a review of them when I get them installed and tuned. They will be likely getting 100w rms, possibly 150w rms per speaker with a single 8" sub under the rear seat.

Fej

 

[QUOTE=fej;1559548175]No amp correct just HU power?

Hi Fej,

No the front speakers would definitely be powered by a 4 channel, 100w per channel amp. Only the 5 1/4 rears would be off the HU.

As you mentioned, I'm planning on mounting the amp either underneath or behind passenger seat.

And no, I can't feel the diff b/t 5 lbs

At least I'm not as crazy as my buddy in his M3. Completely removed all stereo, airbags, door panels, etc and, that's his daily driver

 

funny you mention that thing about the gauges...i was contemplating installing something like that in my dash after seeing them in a link i posted in another thread (the thread has an ebay link and the sellers other auctions has a gauge pod like that). you'll probably still be the first if you install them...i'm not known for my speed :-)

 

FYI if just ampin the fronts 2 channel will work fine. Honestly any decent component will rape the stock setup, even 130 dollar polk db's on ebay are great components. Also add like 3 sq feet of deadening to each door right behind where the speaker goes its like 3 lbs and will help with midbass

 

My bad I missed the amp portion in your original post.

I personally think that you run a wire back to the rear, pick up a sub box from corvettecaraudio.com or member NVTHIS, and run two channels to your front components, 2 channels bridged to a single 10" dual 4 ohm coil sub and be done with it. Tape the speaker leads when you pull the sub out for storage/spirited driving times and enjoy it when you are just cruising around. Would make tuning your system a lot easier and the output would be much more enjoyable both on the "stereo" side of things as well as in the sub bass arena.

I personally pull my sub box out all the time when I race/auto-x, and enjoy it when I get to drive it around normally on the street Worth a thought IMO, and worst case, you hate it and hate the added weight you could easily sell it on here without much $$ loss.

Fej

 

Ok the pics of the 2 Din DVD/NAV units were too enticing. Decided to spend some more moolah and am going with this HU unit:

http://www.clarion.com/us/en/product...643389338.html

Since I'm going subless, I needed a little more kick from the doors, so settled on the CDT HD62 M6 component system.

I'll also be going with the Garmin Nuvi 660 for portable NAV - that way I can use it in my other car.

The guys over at Phantom Electronics in Thousand Oaks are going to install everything next Thursday (I'm dangerous around electronics). Can't wait. I'll post pics once everything is done.

Thanks for all the valuable input...

 

You wanna throw some deadening in the front doors as well to help with midbass

 

Since you are opting to go 2 DIN (and if you can wait until April 16) might I suggest this:

Pics
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/mp3c...res-specs.html

Discussion
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/mp3c...-comments.html


It has PC/NAV/Bluetooth/DVD/Radio/XM capable, and just about anything else you can think of, for about $2200. I'm trying to ascertain whether or not it will fit (depth-wise) in the C5's radio compartment.

 

The install shop highly recommended this as well. I told them to try and strike a balance between best sound deadening and weight management. We'll see what they come up with.

 

key spots are directly behind the speaker in the door even as little as 10sq feet per door will help immensly while keepin weight down

 

That's a nice looking unit, but out of my budget for this install. Plus I really want to go the portable NAV route, so I can use in other cars. My g/f is just as bad as me w/ directions, so that will also come in handy in her car.

The only that I hate in my Z is the dash layout, w/ the outdated GM stereo. I've seen the 2 Din installs in here, and think it makes a vast improvement in the overall look of the interior.

 

 

I've got a convertible so truck space is at a premium. I found I couldn't hear the stock system with the top down at 75. You can fit a pair of 8" subs in the front door along with a set of 5 1/4". I'm using Boston Acoustic.