Audio for Dummies (me) - I need some advice!
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 10,954
Likes: 261
From: Greensboro NC
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
Audio for Dummies (me) - I need some advice!
Forgive me, I know almost nothing about audio.
I have a 2010 stock C6 coupe with the base radio/CD. No Bose. No 6 CD player. I am going to install the Kenwood DNX-9140.
Should I upgrade the speakers or are the stock ones OK? Would upgrading the speakers improve the sound quality noticeably? If I did change the speakers, I assume I would need to replace the ones in the doors and the ones in the back. Is that correct? What are some decent speakers I should consider?
Would/Should I run new speaker wires?
Also, should I add an aftermarket amplifier? Any suggestions on what kind?
Basically, I am upgrading to the Kenwood DNX-9140 and would like to have a "good" sounding system without having to spend too much over the $1700 or so that the DNX-9140 head unit and peripherals will set me back.
I am not a big audiophile, I just want a "GOOD system". Where should I spend my $$$ to give me the best return?
So far I have ordered:
Metra 95-3304.................Received
Metra 40-GM10................Received
PAC SWI-JACK.................Received
2 ground loop isolaters.......Received
GMAHCM.........................Received
GMAH24..........................Received
KCA-IP301V.....................Received
Kenwood DNX-9140 ..........Received
Any advice/suggestions/comments are welcome.
Thanks, Randy
I have a 2010 stock C6 coupe with the base radio/CD. No Bose. No 6 CD player. I am going to install the Kenwood DNX-9140.
Should I upgrade the speakers or are the stock ones OK? Would upgrading the speakers improve the sound quality noticeably? If I did change the speakers, I assume I would need to replace the ones in the doors and the ones in the back. Is that correct? What are some decent speakers I should consider?
Would/Should I run new speaker wires?
Also, should I add an aftermarket amplifier? Any suggestions on what kind?
Basically, I am upgrading to the Kenwood DNX-9140 and would like to have a "good" sounding system without having to spend too much over the $1700 or so that the DNX-9140 head unit and peripherals will set me back.
I am not a big audiophile, I just want a "GOOD system". Where should I spend my $$$ to give me the best return?
So far I have ordered:
Metra 95-3304.................Received
Metra 40-GM10................Received
PAC SWI-JACK.................Received
2 ground loop isolaters.......Received
GMAHCM.........................Received
GMAH24..........................Received
KCA-IP301V.....................Received
Kenwood DNX-9140 ..........Received
Any advice/suggestions/comments are welcome.
Thanks, Randy
Last edited by ncvette_1FUNRIDE; Feb 16, 2010 at 03:45 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: Mesa AZ
Forgive me, I know almost nothing about audio.
I have a 2010 stock C6 coupe with the base radio/CD. No Bose. No 6 CD player. I am going to install the Kenwood DNX-9140.
Should I upgrade the speakers or are the stock ones OK? Would upgrading the speakers improve the sound quality noticeably? If I did change the speakers, I assume I would need to replace the ones in the doors and the ones in the back. Is that correct? What are some decent speakers I should consider?
Would/Should I run new speaker wires?
Also, should I add an aftermarket amplifier? Any suggestions on what kind?
Basically, I am upgrading to the Kenwood DNX-9140 and would like to have a "good" sounding system without having to spend too much over the $1700 or so that the DNX-9140 head unit and peripherals will set me back.
I am not a big audiophile, I just want a "GOOD system". Where should I spend my $$$ to give me the best return?
So far I have ordered:
Metra 95-3304
Metra 40-GM10
PAC SWI-JACk
2 ground loop isolaters
GMAHCM
GMAH24
KCA-IP301V
Kenwood DNX-9140
Any advice/suggestions/comments are welcome.
Thanks, Randy
I have a 2010 stock C6 coupe with the base radio/CD. No Bose. No 6 CD player. I am going to install the Kenwood DNX-9140.
Should I upgrade the speakers or are the stock ones OK? Would upgrading the speakers improve the sound quality noticeably? If I did change the speakers, I assume I would need to replace the ones in the doors and the ones in the back. Is that correct? What are some decent speakers I should consider?
Would/Should I run new speaker wires?
Also, should I add an aftermarket amplifier? Any suggestions on what kind?
Basically, I am upgrading to the Kenwood DNX-9140 and would like to have a "good" sounding system without having to spend too much over the $1700 or so that the DNX-9140 head unit and peripherals will set me back.
I am not a big audiophile, I just want a "GOOD system". Where should I spend my $$$ to give me the best return?
So far I have ordered:
Metra 95-3304
Metra 40-GM10
PAC SWI-JACk
2 ground loop isolaters
GMAHCM
GMAH24
KCA-IP301V
Kenwood DNX-9140
Any advice/suggestions/comments are welcome.
Thanks, Randy
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 10,954
Likes: 261
From: Greensboro NC
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
Say: Amp: Arc Audio KS 300.4 $350 ????......listed in a previous thread
ANY Recommendations?
I would like to keep additional cost under $1000 if possible. Like I said I am not an audiophile looking for a top of the line system, just something better than stock.
Thanks!
Last edited by ncvette_1FUNRIDE; Feb 4, 2010 at 11:02 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
If you're willing to spend $1000 just on amp/speakers, you can do pretty well.
Are you planning on adding a sub in the trunk? If you remove the OEM door subs you pretty much have to in order to call the final product "good".
If you want to keep the rear speakers, and add a sub, you could do....
Alpine PDX-5 amp - $400
Polk MM6501 components for the front - $200
Mid-grade 5.25" in the back - $100
Sub box for rear cubby - $300
Skip the rear speakers, get a 4-channel amp and bridge 3/4 to a sub, the price goes down a few hundred.
My setup is in my sig link, everything other than the radio (amp/speakers/sub/DIY Box) only cost me $500.
The possibilities are endless
Are you planning on adding a sub in the trunk? If you remove the OEM door subs you pretty much have to in order to call the final product "good".
If you want to keep the rear speakers, and add a sub, you could do....
Alpine PDX-5 amp - $400
Polk MM6501 components for the front - $200
Mid-grade 5.25" in the back - $100
Sub box for rear cubby - $300
Skip the rear speakers, get a 4-channel amp and bridge 3/4 to a sub, the price goes down a few hundred.
My setup is in my sig link, everything other than the radio (amp/speakers/sub/DIY Box) only cost me $500.
The possibilities are endless
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 10,954
Likes: 261
From: Greensboro NC
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
If you're willing to spend $1000 just on amp/speakers, you can do pretty well.
Are you planning on adding a sub in the trunk? If you remove the OEM door subs you pretty much have to in order to call the final product "good".
If you want to keep the rear speakers, and add a sub, you could do....
Alpine PDX-5 amp - $400
Polk MM6501 components for the front - $200
Mid-grade 5.25" in the back - $100
Sub box for rear cubby - $300
Skip the rear speakers, get a 4-channel amp and bridge 3/4 to a sub, the price goes down a few hundred.
My setup is in my sig link, everything other than the radio (amp/speakers/sub/DIY Box) only cost me $500.
The possibilities are endless
Are you planning on adding a sub in the trunk? If you remove the OEM door subs you pretty much have to in order to call the final product "good".
If you want to keep the rear speakers, and add a sub, you could do....
Alpine PDX-5 amp - $400
Polk MM6501 components for the front - $200
Mid-grade 5.25" in the back - $100
Sub box for rear cubby - $300
Skip the rear speakers, get a 4-channel amp and bridge 3/4 to a sub, the price goes down a few hundred.
My setup is in my sig link, everything other than the radio (amp/speakers/sub/DIY Box) only cost me $500.
The possibilities are endless
Well, I wasn't planning to add a sub. I didn't know that the door speakers had subs integrated into them.
I told you that I was 'uninformed'.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: Sterling Heights MI
Replacing the HU alone will give you some improvement in sound quality.
Of course you won't be using the full capability of the unit, but it's not worth spending another $600+ on a set of components and amp if you're not used to appreciating the sound quality.
Also, once you start to listen to some SQ setups, you'll be hooked and there's no going back. It's a very expensive hobby.
In short, if you're not a huge music/audio person, I'd say just stick with your stock speakers.
Just my $0.02
Dan
Last edited by nearwater; Feb 5, 2010 at 04:06 PM.
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 10,954
Likes: 261
From: Greensboro NC
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
Honestly, if you're pretty satisfied with the current stock non-bose speakers, just get the head unit only.
Replacing the HU alone will give you some improvement in sound quality.
Of course you won't be using the full capability of the unit, but it's not worth spending another $600+ on a set of components and amp if you're not used to appreciating the sound quality.
Also, once you start to listen to some SQ setups, you'll be hooked and there's no going back. It's a very expensive hobby.
In short, if you're not a huge music/audio person, I'd say just stick with your stock speakers.
Just my $0.02
Dan
Replacing the HU alone will give you some improvement in sound quality.
Of course you won't be using the full capability of the unit, but it's not worth spending another $600+ on a set of components and amp if you're not used to appreciating the sound quality.
Also, once you start to listen to some SQ setups, you'll be hooked and there's no going back. It's a very expensive hobby.
In short, if you're not a huge music/audio person, I'd say just stick with your stock speakers.
Just my $0.02
Dan
I was wondering if the added expense would be worth it.
Besides that, I just spent some $$$ on DSV's steering wheel that the have a weekend special on.
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: Sterling Heights MI
If you don't mind taking apart the center console again, I think it's a good idea to get the HU first and see if you're satisfied enough with the sound.
IF you think you want better sound, I'd recommend a set of components for the front($100~$200 range), and a 4 channel amp(2 channels for the front, 2 channels for a sub) + a stealthbox(can be had for around $400 used including a driver... I think..).
Is the added expense worth it? To me, definitely.
But like I said, you should carefully gauge your appreciation in sound quality vs. $$ factor.
While spending $1k on a set of speakers/amp could be worth every single penny to some people doesn't necessarily mean you'll be totally satisfied after spending that much money.
It would be ideal if you can get a chance to listen to an aftermarket setup in a Vette and see if you like it.
Good luck!
Dan
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 10,954
Likes: 261
From: Greensboro NC
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
No problem.
If you don't mind taking apart the center console again, I think it's a good idea to get the HU first and see if you're satisfied enough with the sound.
IF you think you want better sound, I'd recommend a set of components for the front($100~$200 range), and a 4 channel amp(2 channels for the front, 2 channels for a sub) + a stealthbox(can be had for around $400 used including a driver... I think..).
Is the added expense worth it? To me, definitely.
But like I said, you should carefully gauge your appreciation in sound quality vs. $$ factor.
While spending $1k on a set of speakers/amp could be worth every single penny to some people doesn't necessarily mean you'll be totally satisfied after spending that much money.
It would be ideal if you can get a chance to listen to an aftermarket setup in a Vette and see if you like it.
Good luck!
Dan
If you don't mind taking apart the center console again, I think it's a good idea to get the HU first and see if you're satisfied enough with the sound.
IF you think you want better sound, I'd recommend a set of components for the front($100~$200 range), and a 4 channel amp(2 channels for the front, 2 channels for a sub) + a stealthbox(can be had for around $400 used including a driver... I think..).
Is the added expense worth it? To me, definitely.
But like I said, you should carefully gauge your appreciation in sound quality vs. $$ factor.
While spending $1k on a set of speakers/amp could be worth every single penny to some people doesn't necessarily mean you'll be totally satisfied after spending that much money.
It would be ideal if you can get a chance to listen to an aftermarket setup in a Vette and see if you like it.
Good luck!
Dan
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
If you do keep the stock speaker setup, try just replacing the 3.5" paper twiddlers in the doors with 2-ways like Boston Acoustic S35 or Polk db351. That would give you a much better high end for about $50.
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 10,954
Likes: 261
From: Greensboro NC
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
How would the Boston Acoustics S35 compare to the Infinity Reference 3022cf ?
Any idea? Thanks!
Last edited by ncvette_1FUNRIDE; Feb 5, 2010 at 06:40 PM.
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 10,954
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From: Greensboro NC
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 586
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I say replace the speakers.... I had 2 sets of Polk 2-ways in my C5 vette and they sounded good with the Alpine HU I had and really sounded good with the Diamond Audio D5 amp I later installed. You can get Polk 2 ways for $100 or less a pair, they are pretty clean and don't have to have a amp added. They do sound better with a amp , but that adds $$. You don't have to have components to have a good sounding system. I had a Audio shop owner pretty impressed by my sound in my c5 Z06. You already have a great HU, and can add more to it later if you feel it's needed, but I think a decent set of 2 ways will be a good choice if you don't want to go all out..... Do you have a connection to get good prices on audio stuff ? I'm looking for a HU myself since I got my new to me 07 Z06 ! Now I have to a Audio upgrade to it !
post up what you do
Tim
post up what you do
Tim
Last edited by 00Hawk#140; Feb 9, 2010 at 12:13 AM. Reason: mis-spelling
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 10,954
Likes: 261
From: Greensboro NC
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
I say replace the speakers.... I had 2 sets of Polk 2-ways in my C5 vette and they sounded good with the Alpine HU I had and really sounded good with the Diamond Audio D5 amp I later installed. You can get Polk 2 ways for $100 or less a pair, they are pretty clean and don't have to have a amp added. They do sound better with a amp , but that adds $$. You don't have to have components to have a good sounding system. I had a Audio shop owner pretty impressed by my sound in my c5 Z06. You already have a great HU, and can add more to it later if you feel it's needed, but I think a decent set of 2 ways will be a good choice if you don't want to go all out..... Do you have a connection to get good prices on audio stuff ? I'm looking for a HU myself since I got my new to me 07 Z06 ! Now I have to a Audio upgrade to it !
post up what you do
Tim
post up what you do
Tim
Along with the previous Kenwood DNX-9140 and peripherals mentioned earlier I also ordered the following equipment with the help of Pentavolvo's advice.
AMP.............................Alpine PDX-4.100....................$273.00 shipped
Component Speakers.......Elemental Designs Edi e3.65i.....$150.00 shipped
Shallow subwoofer...........Pioneer TSSW2501S4...............$90.00 shipped
Amp wiring kit..................................... .......................$35.00 Shipped
Car Audio for Dummies (the book!)...........priceless
What do you think?..........Do you think I can get a pretty good sound from this combination if I set it up right?
I have yet to get a box for the AMP.
Randy
PS: It's a little intimidating, cross-overs and such but I'll learn.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: Sterling Heights MI
Thanks Tim. I will post up my results when it gets done. It might be a while as I am not in a big hurry and I want to educate myself before attempting this install myself.
Along with the previous Kenwood DNX-9140 and peripherals mentioned earlier I also ordered the following equipment with the help of Pentavolvo's advice.
AMP.............................Alpine PDX-4.100....................$273.00 shipped
Component Speakers.......Elemental Designs Edi e3.65i.....$150.00 shipped
Shallow subwoofer...........Pioneer TSSW2501S4...............$90.00 shipped
Amp wiring kit..................................... .......................$35.00 Shipped
Car Audio for Dummies (the book!)...........priceless
What do you think?..........Do you think I can get a pretty good sound from this combination if I set it up right?
I have yet to get a box for the AMP.
Randy
PS: It's a little intimidating, cross-overs and such but I'll learn.
Along with the previous Kenwood DNX-9140 and peripherals mentioned earlier I also ordered the following equipment with the help of Pentavolvo's advice.
AMP.............................Alpine PDX-4.100....................$273.00 shipped
Component Speakers.......Elemental Designs Edi e3.65i.....$150.00 shipped
Shallow subwoofer...........Pioneer TSSW2501S4...............$90.00 shipped
Amp wiring kit..................................... .......................$35.00 Shipped
Car Audio for Dummies (the book!)...........priceless
What do you think?..........Do you think I can get a pretty good sound from this combination if I set it up right?
I have yet to get a box for the AMP.
Randy
PS: It's a little intimidating, cross-overs and such but I'll learn.
Learning stuffs will take a while, but nothing to be too intimidated about.
Once you listen to a well-tuned/installed system, you'll understand why people spend so much $$ into audio systems.
Make sure you know what you're getting into before you actually do.
Good luck!!
Dan
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 10,954
Likes: 261
From: Greensboro NC
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
I just ordered this AMP wiring kit:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...ik+KIT-4G.html
I know I will probably need a few more things but not sure of what else I need.
I'm just waiting to receive everything, then I'll take stock and see what I am missing.
I still need to get (or build) a sub box.
I ordered two 12x12 1/4" sheets of LEXAN for my speaker mounts.
Pentavolvo, if you know of anything else that I am sure to need, please let me know.
Thanks, Randy
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...ik+KIT-4G.html
I know I will probably need a few more things but not sure of what else I need.
I'm just waiting to receive everything, then I'll take stock and see what I am missing.
I still need to get (or build) a sub box.
I ordered two 12x12 1/4" sheets of LEXAN for my speaker mounts.
Pentavolvo, if you know of anything else that I am sure to need, please let me know.
Thanks, Randy
Last edited by ncvette_1FUNRIDE; Feb 10, 2010 at 11:16 AM.