Hi guys,

First time in the audio forum, and even the FAQs are way over my head. I know nothing, so bear with me..

I have an 03 Z06 with the stock audio system, including head unit with CD player. I want to get a new head unit that can play MP3's. That's really ALL I want. I have no plans to add amps or upgrade speakers. I'd just like to be able to pop in a CD with about 8 hours of MP3's on it and have it play.

First question is, did any model Corvette come with this option from the factory, and if so... can I use it in my C5? I'd like to stay as close to a stock look as possible, as all the aftermarket head units look all futuristic and stuff and I don't find them appealing.

Barring that, if I must pick an aftermarket unit, how can I avoid picking something WORSE than the stock unit?

Lastly, I see about 20 or so aftermarket units from 60 to 200 dollars and they all boast similar specs. How can I make an educated choice? I'd like to stay as cheap as possible, as car audio isn't that important to me. I just want to play MP3's; but I don't want to spend $100 on a head unit when another one at the same price runs circles around it.

I'd like to purchase from Best Buy, as I have a gift card from them that I need to burn through.

Thanks in advance!

 

you need to go aftermarket... i recommend eclipse cd4000 its a last years model about 150shipped on ebay should blend decent with interior. also you need a bose harness to keep your bose subs 70-100 dollars

 

AP,

Trying to keep a 'stock looking' HU in our cars is an act of fruition. Hardly anyone makes a 1.5 DIN Head Unit. Those that do make it look like clown shoes. I am not aware of a MP3 compatible HU in the C5 direct from the factory... but maybe someone else has better knowledge of this and will chime in.

The good news is, you can go with pretty much any after market head unit that you choose. Stick with the decent units for quality (Alpine/Pioneer/Eclipse/Clarion/Kenwood/Sony) and stay away from the lesser known brands. (Pyramid/Pyle/Dual/etc...)

The bad news is, if you have and/or are wanting to keep the BOSE system, you will need an adapter to send the new HU signal to the BOSE equipment. (Figure $50-$100 ball park shipped to AK.) If you don't have the BOSE equipment, then you are much better off when going with aftermarket equipment.

If you have a BB gift card, head down to E. Dimond Blvd and see what you can get locally. I lived in Anchorage back in the early 90's so I know your choices are limited... you may want to go to Pyramid Audio/Video on Seward HWY to see what they have. You can always look locally and buy from the Internet or a CF supporting vendor to save some cash.

We'll help you figure out what you need and how to get it hooked up. If you have a specific budget in mind, be sure to let us know.

Mark

 

Thanks for the replies.

I didn't know keeping Bose speakers would be such a freaking hassle! I don't even like Bose but I wasn't that concerned before finding this out. I'm starting to think it might be cheaper to just buy an ipod and an FM adapter. I just don't want to upgrade the whole audio system in order to play MP3's.

 

i thought i remebered hearing that a guy that fixes the stock HU can also add mp3 capability. But I can't remember the name or even if it was possible for the c5 and maybe I am confusing it with the C4 HU.

 

If you have a CD changer and want to add an iPod while keeping your stock stereo, you can do that too. It's much better than a FM transmitter!

Look in the C5 FAQ for more information.

Mark