C6 Audio Upgrade - Please Chime In
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Tampa FL
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C6 Audio Upgrade - Please Chime In
I'm looking at upgrading my factory Bose system. I have already purchased the Kenwood DNX8120 to replace my factory nav and am in the process of taking apart the interior to install Crazy Cowboy's insulation kit (and possibly sound deadening material if I can find good stuff at the right price).
I am interested in the possibility of pulling the entire Bose system and would like opinions as to the value of this upgrade (is it worth it?) and suggestions for replacement speakers, new sub(s), and new amps.
I'm currently looking at either the alpine PDX amp or the JL audio HD series, and am interested in adding 1-2 12" subs either in a custom box behind the driver/passenger or finding someone to do an artificial floor. I am also interested in getting recommendations for component door speakers and people's take on the value of replacing or disconnecting the rear speakers.
Thanks a ton in advance!
I am interested in the possibility of pulling the entire Bose system and would like opinions as to the value of this upgrade (is it worth it?) and suggestions for replacement speakers, new sub(s), and new amps.
I'm currently looking at either the alpine PDX amp or the JL audio HD series, and am interested in adding 1-2 12" subs either in a custom box behind the driver/passenger or finding someone to do an artificial floor. I am also interested in getting recommendations for component door speakers and people's take on the value of replacing or disconnecting the rear speakers.
Thanks a ton in advance!
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Long Island New York
I did a complete replacement of the Bose in my 06 Coupe. Kenwood 8019 H.U. JL C5-650 components in the doors, JL XR-525 in the rears, a JL Stealthbox 10" Sub and a JL 450/4v2 powering the C5's and XR's and a JL 300/2v2 powering the sub. Im a fan of using rear speakers but alot here arent. A Viper has a 10 speaker system, my new Mini S has an 8 speaker system and all top of the line cars today have multiple speakers. If adjusted properly the "Wall of Sound" is fantastic! Especially with top line equipment. My system will knock your socks of with volume and clarity. Huge, huge improvement of Bose.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Tampa FL
So. Cal. Events Coordinator
Also, does anyone know if the Kenwood DNX8120 can have both XM and HD radio connected at the same time? Is it worth $135 for HD radio? Anyone with any experience with this?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Kansas City MO
They can not be connected at the same time. Both units use the same KAB connection on the back of the 8120. Neither adapter offers a pass through and kenwood does not make a splitter box yet. If you are looking for more programming content, go XM. If you like your local programming, but want better sound quality with a bit more programming, HD is a good choice. Its also free over the air.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Tampa FL
So. Cal. Events Coordinator
Also, am I better off with 1 4 channel amp running the 2 doors and bridged for 2 subs in the rear (would this be enough power)? If I run the 2 subs this way, shoudl I used a dedicated mono-patch cable like the monster 402 SW or should I use 1 4 channel interconnect to use 2 for the fronts and 2 for the subs into the amp? Any suggestions are appreciated.
2019 Z06 2LZ A8 Coupe
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From: Atlanta GA
They can not be connected at the same time. Both units use the same KAB connection on the back of the 8120. Neither adapter offers a pass through and kenwood does not make a splitter box yet. If you are looking for more programming content, go XM. If you like your local programming, but want better sound quality with a bit more programming, HD is a good choice. Its also free over the air.
I liked the GXM30, as it also gives you the option of XM NaviTraffic and Weather.
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Le Mans Master
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From: Dyer IN
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Ok as far as the 6.5" components I would recommend looking into DLS they make some killer components and give you alot more bang for your buck then the JLs. As far as 1 amp vs 2 amps, if you are planning on running 2 12's you are going to need to amps one for speakers one for subs. Otherwise If just one sub a pdx4.150 would power it all quite nicely, the JL HD amps are supposed to be pretty nice but I have yet to use them. As far as door removal instructions I am pretty sure they are in the C6 FAQ but I can dig them up if you cant find them. Also I highly recommend ditching the rear speakers
If i missed anything let me know
If i missed anything let me know
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
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From: Tampa FL
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Which series within the DLS 6.5" components would you recommend? Also, are these better than the Boston Acoustics, Infinity, and MB Quartz?
On the note of the amp, if I get 2 JL W3V3's and wire in parallel to equal 4 ohms impedence, would the amp not be able to run both these subs off of one channel with 300W on that bridged channel (using alpind pdx 4.150)? I would like to keep to one amp if possible for 2 subs and 2 front speakers to reduce overall system cost. Please let me know if this is possible without destroying the quality of the system.
On the note of the amp, if I get 2 JL W3V3's and wire in parallel to equal 4 ohms impedence, would the amp not be able to run both these subs off of one channel with 300W on that bridged channel (using alpind pdx 4.150)? I would like to keep to one amp if possible for 2 subs and 2 front speakers to reduce overall system cost. Please let me know if this is possible without destroying the quality of the system.
Ok as far as the 6.5" components I would recommend looking into DLS they make some killer components and give you alot more bang for your buck then the JLs. As far as 1 amp vs 2 amps, if you are planning on running 2 12's you are going to need to amps one for speakers one for subs. Otherwise If just one sub a pdx4.150 would power it all quite nicely, the JL HD amps are supposed to be pretty nice but I have yet to use them. As far as door removal instructions I am pretty sure they are in the C6 FAQ but I can dig them up if you cant find them. Also I highly recommend ditching the rear speakers
If i missed anything let me know
If i missed anything let me know
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Tampa FL
So. Cal. Events Coordinator
About how much would those run? Is it not possible to do 2 subs and 2 fronts off of a 4 channel amp? Also would you recommend a stealth box or an artificial floor?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Tampa FL
So. Cal. Events Coordinator
Are there any amps out there around the price of the PDX that could run 2 fronts and 2 12s?
Last edited by ilovemyredhotc6; Feb 1, 2009 at 01:50 PM. Reason: Spelling
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Copperopolis California
For what it's worth, I'm running the DLS UP6i components in my C6 coupe and they are awesome. Granted I'm new to car audio, blah blah blah, but I'm giving them 150 watts a side with the Komoman's adaptors, 1/2 spacers and a Dynamat Xtreme door kit and they are loud enough to drown out road noise and my wife. Mid-bass that thumps your chest, etc. I have no basis to compare them to... for example I haven't heard the Focal Polyglass or Kevlar series which are also well regarded by folks on the forum whose opinions I respect. I just got an insane deal on them packaged with an eD amp before they figured out what they were selling.
And I haven't even installed my sub yet. I have a JL 10w3V3 waiting for Madvette's box. I think that will complement the components nicely. 2 12's in a Vette? That's gotta be overkill. I only have 1 12 in my home system and that's more than I'll ever need.
My advice: get some nice components, Focal, DLS, ID; spend some time deadening the doors and the adaptors; get an amp that provides 4x150 at 4 ohms like the PDX 4.150, Zapco Ref 1000.4, etc.; get a single 10 or 12 sub and box and enjoy the music.
Hope that helps.
Dave
And I haven't even installed my sub yet. I have a JL 10w3V3 waiting for Madvette's box. I think that will complement the components nicely. 2 12's in a Vette? That's gotta be overkill. I only have 1 12 in my home system and that's more than I'll ever need.
My advice: get some nice components, Focal, DLS, ID; spend some time deadening the doors and the adaptors; get an amp that provides 4x150 at 4 ohms like the PDX 4.150, Zapco Ref 1000.4, etc.; get a single 10 or 12 sub and box and enjoy the music.
Hope that helps.
Dave
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
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I would choose XM over HD if I had to choose.
They can not be connected at the same time. Both units use the same KAB connection on the back of the 8120. Neither adapter offers a pass through and kenwood does not make a splitter box yet. If you are looking for more programming content, go XM. If you like your local programming, but want better sound quality with a bit more programming, HD is a good choice. Its also free over the air.
Realize that for now this excludes SIRIUS radio/TV. I have confirmed with Kenwood that so far for the DNX8120 there is no: KAB splitter, MSNDirect traffic/weather, HD TV receiver, or SIRIUS TV interface capability. Perhaps these are victims of the recession. In the case of the digital TV receiver I understand that so far reception has proved too finicky when the vehicle is in motion. MSNDirect traffic/weather which has more data services only works when it is near an MSNDirect transmitter whereas XM weather is functional just about everywhere so I would choose XM over MSNDirect.
Last edited by Spyder699; Apr 27, 2009 at 02:17 PM.
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
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GXM-30 is a receiver/antenna
The GXM 30 is actually an antenna and receiver about the size of a hockey puck which connects to the DNX8120 through the Garmin nav USB port. You don't want either the GPS antenna or the GXM 30 where they can attract thieves into your car and you don't want the GXM-30 in direct sunlight. I was able to place the GPS antenna underneath the dash and the GPS display on the DNX8120 which shows the signal strength of each satellite demonstrated showed there was very little difference in the strength between on the dash and over the dash. While the GXM-30 connects via the nav the controls are accessed from the source display. I had to place the GXM 30 in the rear where the rear windows are heavily tinted.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,029
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From: Florida
Spyder, is it possible for you to post a pic of where you put the GXM30? I just got mine today and - gosh - it's BIG. I was going to put it in place of the middle speaker but am a little confused on how to suspend it. Did you just leave it loose in the back? Any ideas?
RMX
RMX