Looking for some input here. I have read and searched the forum and I am sure I will get knocked a little here since I already know it's not the best option but I am trying to upgrade my sound but don't really like the non-stock look of aftermarket head unit installs. I read that upgrading the door speakers will help but I am wanting to add a sub in the mix to help with bass as well but don't want it to over power the rest of the system. Is it possible to keep the stock Bose unit and add an amp like you would with an aftermarket HU to power upgraded door speakers to keep up with a sub? I like the double din screen look but am not ready to make the plunge on that yet so I would like to keep that stock for now until I have the guts to start cutting on my car. Thanks!

 

I did it. I retained the stock HU, added an aftermarket Alpine Amp, 6 1/2 components in the doors and a 8" sub in the right hand cubby.
I frankenstiened a PAC-ADD-VET1 and added RCA connectors to it. That gave me a full signal to the amp.
Ran the RCA's to the rear center cubby, where I mounted the amp and X-overs. Ran new speaker wire to the doors, and made my own door speaker adapters for the Mid and tweet, you can buy them, but I like making stuff.
The sub was in a fiberglass box that was molded to the right rear cubby and was actually overwhelming. Way more than what was needed.
If you looked in the hatch area you had no idea any of that equipment was there, nor did the sub take up any extra space. Completely stealth, and to be honest I was somewhat shocked at the sound the HU produced. It was actually pretty good, and I am a psuedo audiophile.
Sold the C5 a couple fo weeks ago, but definitely miss the sound system.

 

100% can keep stock headunit and add amps etc

 

Thanks guys. Do you have any helpful links I can do some reading on it?I would like to see if it is something I can conquer or just let a good shop do the work.

 

start with reading the FAQ up top has tons of info
yes its kinda of messy but spend time there trust me

 

I just happen to offer Vette upgrade packages, superb deadening, ultra low weight mounting baffles for speakers, very fine tiny amplifiers(much better than D class), low weight speakers, great subs, etc and as a package deal you cannot do better and all fully warrantied

I have not worked out all the wiring details but that is all well shown here on the site. I will have to make a list of links to them, etc.....nothing hard here buddy and DIY is the way to go by far, use the money saved for better gear or more toys for the car

I actually cringe at the thought of having a shop do the deadening as very very few will do it right. Issues like egos, lack of knowledge, lack of respect for their customers wishes, even when given explicit instructions most just do a hack job or their own way which leaves much to be desired.

I also have everything in stock you would need except sub enclosures and wiring, my C6 version will be done soon, C5 cars have some decent ones available but most if not all weight far to much so I will have to get one for C5's done as well. (Note: Not quite ready to ship speaker baffles but I have a C5 door here to work out the design, just had knee surgery but just about able to get back to work on such things, very soon indeed

Thanks
Rick
RAAMaudio Inc
801-829-4997
rick@raamaudio.com (new site just about to launch, I need some nice Vette pics

 

Im sure I can help you come up with a great setup. What are your wants/goals/budget etc

 

I went through the FAQ before I posted but didn't see any specifics as far as how to's. As for what I am looking for...I want sound quality, I have no desire to shake other cars windows with bass as I am driving by. I was looking for a single 10 stealth setup, really have only personally heard a JL 10w3 in a vette so that's all I have as far as input for that. Similar price range for the sub as the JL. I would like to stay at $400 and below for the fronts, not doing rears, and have no clue for amps...maybe $600-700 total for the 2 amps. The price range is somewhat flexible but I don't want to pay $3k for a focal everything like ultimate electronics tried to get me to do, although it did sound nice haha.

 

Give me a call, I am taking a break from the madding pace of my regular business so talking about a nice audio package, whether or not I sell you anything, would be nice

Rick
801-829-4997

 

A stealthbox with 10" sub of your choice, the JL is a great sub and if you have already heard it why not go with it. A nice solid 4 channel amp and a decent set of 6.5 components in the door with some sound deadner would sound awesome. Coupe/vert/zo6?

I can make some recommendations for you if you like

 

Also where are you located?

 

Sorry, can't call, I am stuck at work as well. However I am at a call center so I am able to use the Internet between calls. Possibly later this evening if you are available?

It is an '01 coupe. I am in the St. Louis area in Missouri. Any recommendations would be great. I know people say it's a matter of opinion but I would rather have some decent recommendations from people with similar cars instead of just chain store salesmen that may be more biased on the products they sell.

 

Pentavolvo...just realized you are in IL, I am actually farther out in St. Charles, not sure if you are familiar with the area or not but it's about 40 minutes west of St. Louis.

 

I asked because I end up in St Louis and Moberly for work alot and if interested can do an install for you

If you search threads in this section started by me you will prly get some good ideas

 

You will do yourself a favor if Greg is able to help you.

We Illinioins are lucky to have Pentavolvo in our mist.

A great guy and knows his stuff!! Ask me how I know. Mark

 

Sounds like you have a great opportunity to get some help you need, go for it

Rick

 

I have the JL Stealth, along with a hidden-away dial to let you adjust how much bass is coming through, which sounded like a concern of yours. I keep it fairly high, but the option would be there if that's something you want.

 

My setup is completely hidden and sounds excellent. Everything you need to know is here.

I started with a PAC OEM-Vet1, the most common adapter out there. That taps into the factory pre-amp outputs from the head unit. Even supports the factory delayed turn-off and factory head unit plugs. Run the RCA's and remote turn-on under the carpet and a real 4 gague power cable direct from the battery to a 500 watt sub amp (Rockford Fosgate /w remote and a kicker amp installation kit is good for this). Install a homemade (or pre-made) well damped 3/4" sealed MDF stealth box in the center rear compartment with a good sub like a 10" idq at one ohm and whallah! Nice killer bass.

Of course it'll overrun the stock speakers, annoy your entire neighborhood and when parked in the garage, unhang anything not securely attached to the walls of your entire house but is easily adjustable and meshes well with the bose units. You'll want the added power to hit those low notes you can actually feel.

You can take it a step further and go with new door and back speakers with another amp if you want. The factory head unit can be integrated with an ipod, iphone and there are many other source options too.

The stock alternator has plenty of juice to prevent your headlights from dimming.

This will never be a simple project. You'll end up ripping the entire interior out to lay out the new wires and install the amps and sub box etc.. Fun stuff!

Also keep in mind that bad audio isn't necessarily caused by a crummy head unit or low power bose speakers but rather, lack if proper insulation. Your factory stereo as well as the 10k mondo setup will sound better if you add in second skin or a dynamat type insulation under the carpet. More fun stuff!

 

I am in the St Louis area..... I have all the stuff to do my install and have already ran most the wires i just need to finish it one of these days. If you have not done yours yet we could all get together sometime and do both together, i would even offer up my garage to work in. Then maybe pentavolvo could help both of us if we ask nice . I alwasy have cold beer in the garage

Just thought i would throw that out there for the STL people.

I have a rockford 900 a 10" sub and a set of 5.25's im going to install one of these days when i get the time. I need to order the stealth box for the back though.

Im kinda doing the same thing and leaving the bose head unit.