Gents: I have been contemplating whether to upgrade the Bose Speaker system at the same time as the installation of the AVIC-Z2 DD Nav unit.

I think I have come to the conclusion that I'll upgrade the speakers etc as Phase II (time and money issue).

So I need some help from y'all.
I am thinking Phase II is:
[1] new 5 channel amp
[2] new rear shelf storage - inside will hold amp, cross overs, misc AVIC modules, etc: See attached link: http://www.southerncarparts.com/corv...ay-p-2392.html
[3] new front speakers in the doors
[4] new rear speakers (maybe re-use the 5.25" speakers, maybe try and install some speaker boxes on top of [2] or maybe just go front speakers, I don't know yet.
[5] new tweeters? I was thinking maybe in the door opening latch area (do they attach via velcro or do you actually cut the inside door opening back bezel and recess the tweeters?)
[6] new sub (center cubby area in trunk but want it to be stealth with a cover on top to ensure I can use the full width of the trunk for storage as my daily driver)
[7] maybe sound mitigation on the inside of the car to reduce road noise, maybe not...
[8] Can I go with passive crossovers or do I need to go with active cross overs for above needs?

I am not a huge audio guy, I don't need to blow the doors off my neighbors. Just some nice improvement in sound quality, with reasonable (for average folks) volume levels. I think my sub needs are for supplementing the overall quality of the sound NOT to create this huge booming noise.

OK so all of that in mind: Can a system be purchased for $1000 range or so that I install? If so, what do you suggest?
I have no hands on experience with different brands of speakers/amps etc.
I need some guidance to try and put a package together that fits my needs and budget. I'll probably do this late summer or so.

 

You can easily do all new speakers, sub, and 5-channel amp for under $1000 if you're willing to DIY. I did what you're asking about in my C6 for just a bit over $500 with a DIY box, look at the link in my sig for specifics.

Click here for DIY C5 sub box plans. You may have to adjust the depth to make sure it's 'stealth'. Stick with a 10" sub for the sound you're looking for.

The rear vertical wall is a good place to mount the amp, everything else will fit behind the radio or above the plastic panel above the passengers feet (the one with the light mounted on it). No real need for the rear shelf, unless you want it

Re-using the OEM speakers isn't a good idea if you go with an aftermarket amp.

6.5" components on custom plates in the doors would probably be your best option. Plates can be purchased for $50 or you can easily trace the stock setup and DIY.

Component speakers (in the front) would come with crossovers, so both the mid driver and tweeter would look like one 4-ohm load on the amp channels 1&2. Rear coaxials would be the same on ch 3&4. Then the sub on ch 5.

 

Well if I can do it for the $500 range, I may just squeak it in now.
Does that include misc wiring?
Do you have a specific system/parts you can recommend? If you are a vendor, that's even better.
I'll probably purchase a stealth box style from someone, I am not a woodworking dude. That's the wife.. (she's the GC, I am the mechanical guy for house upgrades).

If you have some time or if you are a vendor, quality of sound is more important than volume. Frankly I am probably ok not doing any sound mitigation at this point. I'll just turn up the volume a bit more...hence I am thinking a little more powerful speakers and bit more amp.

PS: if you are a vendor I am interested in a package deal. One stop shop. Give me everything down to wiring etc. I can then slam it in, and not spend hours chasing down the little electrical parts that kill you for time, that the novice wont think of. And ensures the system is balanced for electrical loads, wattage of speaker/amp, correct mounts for front doors/speaker interface etc. Interested?

Andy

 

I'm not a vendor, not even close. I usually get mid-grade components at cheap internet prices. SonicElectronix has been my favorite for car equipment lately.

The nice thing about a STEALTH box in the center tub is that it doesn't need to look good You'd save a few hundred bucks with a DIY box. You could just make a square box without the angled part to make it a bit simpler, but be careful with the volume specs of the sub you buy.

Everything depends on your budget. Decent front components like Polk db6501 can be found for under $125, MM series gets great reviews at about $200. Those are just examples of one brand, if possible, try to listen to stuff locally to make sure you like them before buying. Smaller class-D amps run $400+, but I'm very happy with my $200 amp.

 

Is there a vendor here online that could get me through this process that I can reliably work with?

 

c5bearsfan has this site. I think he sells more items than are shown online.

There are several others here also, but I think most deal with the higher end stuff.

 

Excellent. Dennis is doing my DD Bezel right now. I'll see what he can do.

 

Let me know if you consider a used 5 channel amp. I have one sitting here that I was going to use for my install,but I think I am going a different way. It's a Kicker ZX700.5 if you're interested.