Hey guys, picked up my 2003 AE convertible earlier in the summer. Gonna be putting it away fairly soon (Chicago winters are not nice). One of the things I found was that with the top down, the stereo just doesn't do it for me. Listening to tunes with the top down is my idea of heaven. So with that said, is it possible to get good sound with the top down?
I'm hoping to be able to upgrade the system while it's in hibernation. Double din seems to be in the future. Looking for ideas from vert owners who have upgraded.

Thanks,

Les

 

You are in the right section for research. I have a vert and had the same problem. I solved it with a new DD head unit, Nav., BT, I-pod Rear camera in my first go around 2 years ago but last winter I installed a amp, sub and new door speakers and the problem is fixed.

I kept it a stealth install, with a reasonable budget and am very happy with the sound quality and level. Mark

 

Maybe you could pm me some of the specifics on your install. Any pics?

 

Do components up front, sub in back and a 4 channel amp with some sound deadner and it will be a whole new system. I helped Mark layout his system in his c5 vert and it sounds awesome

 

So realistically, what should I be looking to spend? I know that the range can be huge, but what would be an average.

Les

You also have a pm.

 

Check out my profile. I think I spent around $800.

 

PM sent. There are several pics, just do a search. I try to keep as many responses as possible on the from, as it may help others. Mark

 

I was one of the lucky ones to have Greg so close to me. Couldn't of done without him. A great sound, stealth install, and didn't break the bank.

Now I get to move on to the real power of Corvettes. Can you say "Twin Turbo's!!

 

Since none of the DD units have great audio, decent, not great, unless you want the NAV part of one I would stay single din, spend less, better sound.

If you want a DD NAV unit then pick one with the best interface and at least some decent EQ ability to help tune the system right.

--------

As mentioned on other posts, into car audio for 42 years now, prior competitor that has beaten a world champion, twice, judge, know the best installers, 12 years specializing in deadening and I own Corvettes

I have a great line of audio upgrades for these cars, deadening is paramount, low weight speakers, amps, speaker baffles, and other install materials designed for properly built system worthy of being put into our super cars but not overly priced.

I am OEM licensed for the audio products I sell, including Image Dynamics and others, full warranties apply and my systems package prices are the best, period

I own the deadening and install materials, it all helps me offer such great package deals, so great I do not post them online

If interested give me a call or send a PM, thanks, Rick

801-829-4997
rick@raamaudio.com

 

Im sorry there is no reason a double din wont work great. Will he win an sq competition with one prly not but they all offer plenty of eq and processing power for a killer upgrade. Hell I could go to walmart and spend 100 dollars on speakers and it would sound better then stock

 

I definitely want to go double din for the navi. I personally don't like the screens that slide out and up on the single din units.
I have an Pioneer Avic-D3 in my FJ Cruiser and just swapping out the head units made an incredible difference. With my vert, because of the conditions of top down driving, I want more than just a new head unit.
Les

 

I have to differ buddy, they do not have great audio processors, no matter what one you get or how much you pay.

Of course it is easy to get better than stock even at Walmart

For the regular Joe, not building a competition system, a DD unit will be more than fine and for what most do to these cars, fine as well, even with my audio packages and a car you drive not just sit and listen to, they work pretty well.

BUT, they are not great, I have had conversations with product planners about this, why they do not put in a quality DAC and output stage is beyond me.

If I was to get a DD unit, which I might, it would be the JVC NT3 as it as digital output so I can run a good outboard processor.

There are processors you can buy to make things a bit better for a DD unit but it is not going to be the same if taking a less than stellar analog output, taking it back to digital, modifying it, back to analog, way to much loss in the process, to many layers of band aids.

THEN we have the real bottom line, if what you do makes you happy, that is all that matters or ever will

Rick

 

I not know if any of the pop out single din NAV units have a good processor, I doubt it but still better than stock in many ways.

BUT, another BUT, at least on some stock HU's there is a pretty clean RCA level out (pre amp out) that can be taped into, I am doing so on the stock 6 Disk CD in my 06 Vert but I did install a 7 band EQ and I have a pretty darn good sounding system. Not my last upgrade, just testing for those that want to keep the OEM look.

My next level is to see if I can find a usable digital signal in any of the OEM units, some do, some don't, if so I will modified one of my old super sounding Eclipse HU processor boards to use for a bit, just because I like the challenge but the sound quality would be very very good.

I do have a pretty good idea of what makes for a great sounding system, take a look at the 7 page mag article on my old Tacoma for instance. I beat a world champion in it with a totally different install, 2 mouths later he came out with his new truck built to go to world finals he built in his high end shop. I came out in my old Taco rebuilt, again, in my back yard as usual and beat him again so he quit. The system review was done between good tunes, it was far better that the reviewer heard but he was still quite impressed

http://http://www.raamaudio.com/inde...&id=2&Itemid=5

Rick

 

After the season I pulled out that $20k system, sold most, put in a simple system and could still beat most competitors with it, it is all about the right mix and gear and install then properly tuned.

Rick

 

That's what I'm looking for. A simple, proven system that won't break the bank, sound great with the top down (as much as possible) and won't need to be added to or replaced down the road.
Les

 

Lots of options based on price, how much bass you want, weight gain or lack of, etc.......call me if you want to go over anything, glad to help

Rick
801-829-4997

 

Les -

I have an 07 vert, and like you, was very unhappy with the stock system.

Had my system make-over this week. I went with the following:

Alpine INA-W900BT
Alpine Type R 6.5 component fronts
JL Audio XD 700/5 amp
JL Audio Stealthbox dual 8" subs

It's absolutely fantastic now. If you'd like to have a listen sometime, feel free to shoot me a note.

Jeff