First off, I'm totally new to car audio. I'm looking to put a new system into my 2001 vette. I'm looking at a budget in the ballpark of $1000. I have never done a complete install myself, but I am willing to learn, and attempt it. I've just started researching audio products, install information etc, so my ideas might be wrong, please give any and all constructive criticism.

My ideas and estimated budget

• Single din will be most cost effective, ipod connectivity a must, preferably rear so I can hide a cord and run it into center console Maybe this Clarion ~180
• Corvette filler plate ~$65
• Speakers for doors - unsure, but i mostly listen to rock music
• sub - unsure, but i want solid sound
• amp - whatever will be appropriate for the speakers/sub - hopefully a single 4 channel will work.
• sub box located in the middle cubby ~ 100

IF my receiver is good, and the $100 sub box will work, that should leave me with about $650 for an amp/sub/speakers. I am fine leaving the rear speakers factory as I probably won't hear them anyway. I'm not sure how to 'match up' speakers and sub with an amp, and find the right balance where it will all be powered correctly. I know I will need an amp kit (no idea what one), and probably some speaker wire. I would like to stay in the ballpark for budget, but can spend a few extra bucks if it will really make a difference.

What would you recommend?

 

I been out of the loop on Audio Equipment for some time now, but what you may do is take it a few steps at a time to get what you really want, without sacrificing the end goal.

Is this a possibility to do, or are you dead set on $1000 budget, got to have it now?

I would suggest get the head unit you really want for future growth, a speaker set with crossovers, and a 5-channel amplifer that will power your front and rear speakers with crisp, clear, and undistorted sound, all while sending some juice to power the sub.

The sub is an easy add on at a later date. What size are you looking for? 8", 10", 12"? I wouldn't recommend a 12" $100 subwoofer. You do get what you pay for.....And then you may need a separate amplifier to bump the sub separately from the door speakers, unless you get that 5 channel amp with a sub output built in. if you want extra thump, a separate amp for the sub is recommended.

Of course, your search can be easily remedied by visiting a local and reputable Audio Shop. Pitch your budget and see what they say.....You may find a good deal out there on a package.

After I did my shopping around for what I wanted, I took a "cheap" route and bought everything off of Ebay and had teh Audio Shop install it.


Old Set up from 5 years ago:

Pioneer DEH-9800 Single Din Deck $200
MTX 1500d Amplfier $300
2 x Audiobahn AWP 310 Pro Compression Subwoofers $200 Each
Custom Box $150
Installation and wiring $150
Bose Adapter GM-CRV1 $95

Of course, you can save if you do the install yourself.

I wasn't looking for all-out audiophile sound quality. I was looking for some happy medium that was acceptable for me. Maybe a little overboard with the subs; but they do add some killer depth.

These are just ideas/suggestions. Don't rush it. Take your time, gather some facts and do research on the Head Unit, speakers, and sub you are interested in.

Good luck in your quest, and I hope it comes together for you.

 

Thanks for the advice, I'm trying to go slow and be sure I cover all my bases. If i have to break it into steps and save a little more I will. I am not looking to put anything low quality into this system. At the same time I don't need top of the line gear. I just need good solid quality mid-range gear that offers great sound.

As far as the sub, it seems that the c5 boxes I've found that fit down into the middle cubby are all for 10' subs, so I would imagine I will need to good quality sub if I want decent sound out of the 10.

 

You can save yourself a little money if you build your own enclosure. It's probably not worth the effort after you buy all of the materials and time but I wanted you to know your options.
http://www.fasthotrod.mypldi.net/images/vettebox.pdf

You should also budget in.
Adapter HU to OEM
RCA Cables x3 (Front, rear & Sub) Rear optional
Speaker wire
Amplifier wiring & accessories (Depending on power requirements)
Speaker Adapter Plates
Misc hardware & installation materials

I never like recommending speakers, this is something you should go listen to yourself.

 

$1,000 for a complete system is going to be tight, particularly if you haven't done it yourself before and end up breaking something or having to do things twice. If you want a decent middle-of-the-road complete system, you're probably looking at closer to $1,500-$2,000. You might consider doing this in phases as well so you can get higher quality hardware. You don't HAVE to swap the head-unit to get iPod, they make adapters that plug into your changer port. You could focus your $ on an amp and some good quality component speakers now and then add a sub and box later.
A couple hints for your lower-budget build if you decide to stick with the $1k complete:
- Try a 5-channel amplifier or get a 4-channel and run the subs by bridging the rear channel. It will save you $/effort/time on the amp kit and wiring. I'm a big fan of the JL XD-series amps because of their compact size and the fact that you can get them into the right-side cubby-hole. I think you can get your hands on one for $300-$400, so that may or may not fit your budget.
- Don't over-do on the sub if you are going with a pre-fabbed box to fit in the center cubby-hole. You need to consider the installation depth on the sub and the available clearance in the box. Also, the box you put the link to has a 0.88 cu. ft. capacity - no matter what you put in there, it won't move much air. Look at the recommended capacity for whatever sub you buy and make sure that it matches well with the box. I like the JL stealthbox for lower-budget DIY builds because they include the sub, the parts are matched, and it's an easy install. That said, the stealthbox is good but isn't going to blow you away on bass and again, going with the higher-quality JL may start to create problems with your $1,000 overall goal.
- Don't take anyone else's advice on speakers, you need to hear them yourself IN A CAR (preferrably another C5). Don't just go to BestBuy or your local car audio shop and listen to them in the demo sound wall - it's not the same. Taste in speakers is a bit like people's taste in wine, what is amazing to some people is annoying to others.
- To save $$$, skip the rear speakers for now. They're important for filling out sound in the car, but aren't critical and you can save a bit on hardware costs. At some point later on when you can save up a few more $$$, move the front speakers you get now to the back and get yourself some higher quality fronts with the separate tweeter and mount the tweeter higher on the door or a-pillar.

 

Powerbass 5 channel amp
Vibe Black Air 6.5 inch components
Vibe SLick 5 or 6 rear coax
Kicker CVT 10 or 12 inch sub box combo
amp kit/wiring
antenna adapter
1.0 din dash kit
gm harness
front speaker plates
shipping 649.99
add radio of choice which we can help with as well.
Just limited on posting price of each item due to MAP

this is a nice sounding budget system for you

 

Incoming pm bearsfan

 

1000 bucks is more then enough. I recommend a nice 4 channel amp, 10 in a stealth box, 6.5 components, and a single din hu. Dennis will take good care of you

 

 

What Penta said, 10-12 in a box, solid quality 4 channel amp, single din deck with the features you want (IE ipod, USB, HD radio etc) and the best components that you can both afford, and that YOUR ears like.

I think 1000-1200 for that with wiring and misc. install stuff is completely doable.

G'luck
Fej

 

Just a few weeks ago I did an install for a local guy who I worked with dennis to build a package for. Did the powerbass 4 ch amp, pioneer components, and the kicker i believe 10 but may be it was a 12 in one of dennis box's and it sounds great. A budget level install is very doable, also plan on adding some sound deadner in the doors. While you will have people tell you that you need 500 dollar jl components and a 500 dollar jl sub etc etc the truth is you dont. I have installed tons of systems in vettes from bargain basement to full out highend focal installs. It all depends on what you want and what you are comfortable spending.

The package dennis has laid out would work really good. Personally i would do the 4 channel amp and ditch the rear speakers but thats just me. PM me if you want I can help with suggestions etc. As far as the work for install do a search for threads started by me I used to always post install pics i dont as much anymore but some of the earlier threads are helpful

 

 

It was a 12 inch kicker in the stealth box. Between Pentavolvo and Dennis, they put together a killer system that didn't bust the bank. You can't go wrong taking their advice.

If I didn't get the double din (which necessitates a different bezel), this install would have been right around $1000.

Greg is right about the rear speakers, especially with a Vert, I didn't realize I had rear speakers . Soundstage is excellent and bass is tight.

Les