I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a DD NAV/MP3/DVD system for my 04' convertible once I complete my current set of mods. One option is to use a bypass harness to allow the new head unit to work with the stock Bose speakers. Since I think the stock Bose speakers are average at best, I would rather put the $$$ spent on a bypass unit into new speakers. However, I don't want to spend my kids' college fund on a new speaker system. I want to improve the existing front door speakers and the existing small rear speakers if possible. I need my trunk space, so any super subwoofer is out of the question. I am open to installing an amp perhaps behind the passenger seat, however I am really looking for a one-for-one speaker exchange. Something that doesn't require too much modifcation, although I have no problem installing custom speaker mounts in the doors to handle an aftermarket driver.

Anyone already go this route? If so, can you provide speaker recommendations? Thanks!

 

IMO u really need to add an amp and rip the entire bose setup out of the doors, do 6.5 components up front and ur choice of 5.25 coaxial in the rear

 

yeah i'd like to hear some solutions here also-dont need a amp or sub but want to upgrade existing setup in an 01 vert

 

Well I just did my install this weekend and I had the same goals as you when I was buying components. I was totally against a sub and amp when I started but changed my mind on the amp. I will include a list of what I installed and cost at the bottom of this post.

Reason for going with an amp afterall.
1. It really makes the components in the doors sound so much better.
2. Made wiring alot easier, at least in my mind. I ran all new speaker wire and it seemed easier to run it to the pass seat. Without an amp you would have to run each wire to the HU and wire it into the wiring harness adapter. I thought it would be easier to run the rcas from HU to amp, and wires from each speaker to the amp.
3. Put it under the passenger seat, completely out of sight.
4. I got a nice 4 channel Rockford for channel for cheap.

I am very glad I listened to the advice I was given on this forum and went with an amp in the end. A sub is purely preference but an amp is necessary. I personally will never do a sub as I don't want to sacrifice the little room I have in the trunk.

Pioneer F90BT $650
Rockford R300-4 $128
Infinity 6.5 Comps $120
Infinity 5.25 $80
Factor in another $150+ for harness/adapter/amp kit/wiring/misc

I was trying to save money anywhere I could. Even had myself all talked into modding the bezel myself. After about 30 sweaty hours in my garage I am calling in the expert. C5Bearsfan aka Dennis will be modding my bezel for me. Do yourself a favor and get the bezel b4 you start.

 

if u dont do an amp all u can do is the 3.5" coax in the door leaving you with the crabby bose sub.

IMO just add an amp, in a vert u can put it under where the top sits esentially in space that is wasted, some nice 6.5 components up front and it will be a whole new beast

 

Thanks for the info! This is the information I needed. I agree that under the passenger seat is a great place for the amp.

Were the speakers simple plug and play exchanges? Were they the same size as the stock Bose?

I was playing around the other day and put all the sound on the back stock speakers. Man are they weak! It's almost like not having rear speakers.

 

Thanks for the idea.

 

ill post some pics for you so you get an idea.

not to say that it cant be done without an amp but you will get much better results with an amp

 

Check out the what do you run in your system sticky. There are some great installations in there. Here is mine:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1561485627-post84.html

 

I stole this idea after seeing one Pentavolvo's installs.

 

Ok i know i said i would post more options work has been keeping me away from the computer haha. You have lots of options on how to go about this, regardless of how you do it its gonna sound better then stock. IMO dont be scared to add an amp it really will do alot for you, as said under the top area is esentially wasted space. Ill post some links to threads with pics. I highly recommend going with a solid component set up in the doors with some sound deadner behind the doors to help get some mid bass and block out road noise. Personally I find that components and a 2 channel amp is the perfect setup. Some people prefer rear speakers some hate them, IMO in a vert they are a waste. If you plan on doing rears something like the polk db coaxial is a very good budget oriented speaker that works out pretty well regardless if powered off the headunit or powered by the amp.

Here is an install I did for a forum member, the rear speakers are ran off the radio just the stock garbage coaxials but they are faded so far you can barely here them. Sounds 1000x better then stock and has the same amount of bass at the same time.

http://forum.edesignaudio.com/showth...3.html?t=71293
he is forum member jzubik feel free to PM him if you like to see how he likes his install because he was grinning ear to ear when he left. Top down you can crank it and really here it going down the highway.

Doing rear speakers will let you get a little bit louder but wont sound quite as good