Base stereo in C6
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 43
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From: Santa Clara California
Base stereo in C6
I just took delivery on my '09 1LT coupe /w onstar. I want to do a "moderate" stereo install to get improved sound, bluetooth and iPod integration. (Maybe nav, too ... we'll see) Searching has given me a wealth of info on the Bose system, but not so much on the basic system.
I believe this is the correct system adapter: PAC OS-2C
Does this take care of providing a way to hear the onstar audio? Do I need to re-purpose the center speaker for onstar?
To start I suspect I'm going to just use a decent 6.5" component set and see how I like the sound. My car doesn't have the rear speakers, but I'm not sure I want to monkey around adding drivers back there unless somebody thinks it'll make a big differance. I may also run a cable for a sub, in case I decide to add one later.
Can I use the factory speaker lines, or would I be better off just re-wiring? Is there a way to tap into the Onstar microphone for Bluetooth?
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!
I believe this is the correct system adapter: PAC OS-2C
Does this take care of providing a way to hear the onstar audio? Do I need to re-purpose the center speaker for onstar?
To start I suspect I'm going to just use a decent 6.5" component set and see how I like the sound. My car doesn't have the rear speakers, but I'm not sure I want to monkey around adding drivers back there unless somebody thinks it'll make a big differance. I may also run a cable for a sub, in case I decide to add one later.
Can I use the factory speaker lines, or would I be better off just re-wiring? Is there a way to tap into the Onstar microphone for Bluetooth?
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
I believe this is the correct system adapter: PAC OS-2C
Does this take care of providing a way to hear the onstar audio? Do I need to re-purpose the center speaker for onstar?
Does this take care of providing a way to hear the onstar audio? Do I need to re-purpose the center speaker for onstar?
If you're not planning on a sub, it would probably sound best if you just used the OEM amp/speaker setup (to retain door subs) and possibly replaced the 3.5" door twiddlers with aftermarkets. If that's what you do, then the adapter is pretty much plug-n-play for onstar.
If that's true, somebody in Bowling Green has some splainin to do
(all C6 have rears)Good idea! Power wires for the amp will need to come straight off battery, so you should just need RCA's and a trigger wire.
Nope
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 43
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From: Santa Clara California
Thanks for the detailed response! A big help.
I know a lot of people believe that HUs aren't powerful enough for component sets, but I've done it in two previous cars and enjoyed the results. It's important to select from sets with decent efficiency, but they're out there. I'm not trying to build an SQ competitor, just a "good" system.
After seeing the DIY sub boxes made from the rear hatch cubby-holes, I'll definitely be going that route. I like tight punchy base, so 8's are just fine for me.
Are the rear speakers hidden behind some material other than just the grills? I was poking around with a flash light, and didn't see a speaker cone in there.
I know a lot of people believe that HUs aren't powerful enough for component sets, but I've done it in two previous cars and enjoyed the results. It's important to select from sets with decent efficiency, but they're out there. I'm not trying to build an SQ competitor, just a "good" system.
After seeing the DIY sub boxes made from the rear hatch cubby-holes, I'll definitely be going that route. I like tight punchy base, so 8's are just fine for me.
Are the rear speakers hidden behind some material other than just the grills? I was poking around with a flash light, and didn't see a speaker cone in there.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
The rear grills have a cover on the inside, so you can't see the speakers. It's either a stiff cloth or some kind of construction paper, but it's definitely black and hard to see through.
Click here to see how to get at the rears
Click here to see how to get at the rears
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 86
From: Rocheport Missouri
Reinforcement
I tried a PXAMG for iPhone connectivity and it didn't work on my 07 base radio with no OnStar. If I choose to buy a new head unit that I can connect my iPhone to while retaining the original amp and speakers, is the OS-2C-Bose (and the CM-1 Chime Module) all I need for a plug and play install? Meaning pull the old radio, put in the adapter harness and the new head unit and put it back together? Can it be so easy? I hope... Also, what will I be losing from the factory head unit? The OS-2C-Bose page mentioned something about no longer having fade control. Do all the speaker still work?
I am a little dense so sorry if this is a redundant question. There is just so much information here that it's overwhelming. Thanks in advance for any help.
Also, what will I be losing from the factory head unit? The OS-2C-Bose page mentioned something about no longer having fade control. Do all the speaker still work?I am a little dense so sorry if this is a redundant question. There is just so much information here that it's overwhelming. Thanks in advance for any help.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
If you DON'T have onstar, the ONLY interface you need is the C2R-GM24 (formerly GMCO). It will let you use oem amp/speakers OR install an aftermarket setup if you decide to upgrade later. It also plays the beeps and chimes on it's own internal speaker, so no CM-1 is required. 4-way fade/balance controls are maintained
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
I use TuneBite to convert itunes downloads into normal unprotected MP3's 
It may not be the easiest, quickest, or cheapest way to do it, but what I do is convert the downloaded song and have tunebite save it to my normal music folder. I then delete the downloaded song from the itunes music folder, and manually add the converted MP3 back into itunes. It will then let you burn as many copies as you wish on to a CD
It may not be the easiest, quickest, or cheapest way to do it, but what I do is convert the downloaded song and have tunebite save it to my normal music folder. I then delete the downloaded song from the itunes music folder, and manually add the converted MP3 back into itunes. It will then let you burn as many copies as you wish on to a CD
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara California
Project update
Inventory:
Pioneer AVIC-Z120BT
Cerwin Vega Stealth 440.4 (same as ARC XXD4080)
Morel Tempo 6.5" comps
Infinity 860W sub
PAC OS-2CBose
Raam BXT II + Ensolite
Raam speaker adapters and filler plates
I plan to launch into the install on Thanksgiving so I have a few days away from work to make sure it all gets done. Once I decided to go with a sub it made sense to get a 4ch amp to run the fronts as well as the sub. That also opened the door to less efficient comp sets.
So right now I'm getting the wiring harnesses all soldered up. If I want to use the center and rear speakers for Onstar, do I need to do anything special to the harness? I believe adapter plays the Onstar voices through the front speakers, which won't be connected to the factory amp ... so I don't think I'll hear it.
Inventory:
Pioneer AVIC-Z120BT
Cerwin Vega Stealth 440.4 (same as ARC XXD4080)
Morel Tempo 6.5" comps
Infinity 860W sub
PAC OS-2CBose
Raam BXT II + Ensolite
Raam speaker adapters and filler plates
I plan to launch into the install on Thanksgiving so I have a few days away from work to make sure it all gets done. Once I decided to go with a sub it made sense to get a 4ch amp to run the fronts as well as the sub. That also opened the door to less efficient comp sets.
So right now I'm getting the wiring harnesses all soldered up. If I want to use the center and rear speakers for Onstar, do I need to do anything special to the harness? I believe adapter plays the Onstar voices through the front speakers, which won't be connected to the factory amp ... so I don't think I'll hear it.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
You can just connect the center speaker to the interface for onstar, this thread has a bit of info about that.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara California
The OS-2CBose converter's documentation isn't particularly clear on what outputs to use for Onstar like Nomad did in his build. Is anybody familiar with the OS-SCBose and how you could wire the center channel directly?
Last edited by mmakay; Nov 20, 2010 at 07:55 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
Use the "standard bose" version of the instructions (NOT the premium). The RCA line-level plugs from the HU connect directly to the amp inputs. The interface should have a speaker level output coming out of it that only plays when onstar is activated, that's what you need to connect to the center channel speaker. If the instructions don't clearly show which wires to use I'd call the manufacturer (unless someone who's used that exact interface offers up more info).
