Will this be a difficult job?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,901
Likes: 204
From: Kern County CA
Will this be a difficult job?
Having extremely limited experience in installing car audio stuff, should I tackle this job?
Pioneer x930bt head unit
Focal 165 kr front components
Focal 130cvx rear coax
Arc Audio XDi805 5 channel amp
Metra 95-3304 dash kit
GM Antenna Adapter
Pac Audio harness
4 gauge amp kit
2 pair rca cables
30ft speaker wire
front speaker plate
I've looked at the back side of a few head units (not as "high end" as the 930 bt), and those numerous connectors confuse me.
It's pretty difficult to find an shop you can trust with your car, for them to not mess it up, when all I see are teen agers working there. If the job is too complex (which wires go where, many different colors, harness, connectors,...) I'll have to keep on searching for the right shop.
Pioneer x930bt head unit
Focal 165 kr front components
Focal 130cvx rear coax
Arc Audio XDi805 5 channel amp
Metra 95-3304 dash kit
GM Antenna Adapter
Pac Audio harness
4 gauge amp kit
2 pair rca cables
30ft speaker wire
front speaker plate
I've looked at the back side of a few head units (not as "high end" as the 930 bt), and those numerous connectors confuse me.
It's pretty difficult to find an shop you can trust with your car, for them to not mess it up, when all I see are teen agers working there. If the job is too complex (which wires go where, many different colors, harness, connectors,...) I'll have to keep on searching for the right shop.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 18
From: Chicago Illinois
St. Jude Donor '12
You are fully capable of tackling this project on your own. There is nothing overly difficult about the task other than overcoming the fear of tearing into your car. Read the forums, think through your project, acquire all of the necessary parts, devote sufficient time to the task, and have at it. If you approach this as a hobby then you will find it very rewarding when you complete the install.
The benefit of hiring a shop to do the install is that your installer will (hopefully) have more experience installing your system than you. There is something to be said for experience.
The benefit of hiring a shop to do the install is that your installer will (hopefully) have more experience installing your system than you. There is something to be said for experience.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,901
Likes: 204
From: Kern County CA
Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 10,954
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From: Greensboro NC
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
Correct.
Stereo is meant to be reproduced by 2 channels.
Add that to the fact that any additional sources of sound will introduce more acoustic problems in your car and having rear speakers is basically a bad idea if you are truly trying to get great sound quality and imaging.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13,262
Likes: 3,150
From: SW Florida
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I will say that my system is in a fairly large listening area with vaulted cielings, but at least in my case, switching to AB instead of just A does "open" the whole thing up quite a bit.
And again ... This system is used for music only, and not a 'home theater' TV system.
Ron,
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,901
Likes: 204
From: Kern County CA
Correct.
Stereo is meant to be reproduced by 2 channels.
Add that to the fact that any additional sources of sound will introduce more acoustic problems in your car and having rear speakers is basically a bad idea if you are truly trying to get great sound quality and imaging.
Stereo is meant to be reproduced by 2 channels.
Add that to the fact that any additional sources of sound will introduce more acoustic problems in your car and having rear speakers is basically a bad idea if you are truly trying to get great sound quality and imaging.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 79
From: West Coast
It is due to trying to reproduce a true sound stage, you can do this project.
I have been doing mine in stages, completed HU Harness swap, RCAs and Subs and Amp, replaced Twiddlers in doors for Polk db351's and now working my way to replace HU and install high end Components, all of this is half the fun!
Just be careful with door panels, the clips break very easily, ask me how I know!
Good luck and have fun!
I have been doing mine in stages, completed HU Harness swap, RCAs and Subs and Amp, replaced Twiddlers in doors for Polk db351's and now working my way to replace HU and install high end Components, all of this is half the fun!
Just be careful with door panels, the clips break very easily, ask me how I know!
Good luck and have fun!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,901
Likes: 204
From: Kern County CA
Thanks for all the encouragement, maybe I will do it myself. From where I live, have to drive 2 hours+ to LA for any decent shop, and counting on nothing going wrong so I can drive back home. I've done several "performance" mods in the engine bay and under the car, but never have I touched the interior. Is there a manual/tutorial somewhere showing how to remove door panels, console, where the clips are so I can minimize the chance of breaking them? Will also have to figure out where to place the amp. BTW, if I don't do the rear speakers, I don't need that 5-channel amp, right?
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,293
Likes: 137
From: Hazel Green, Wi www.doubledmods.com
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Thanks for all the encouragement, maybe I will do it myself. From where I live, have to drive 2 hours+ to LA for any decent shop, and counting on nothing going wrong so I can drive back home. I've done several "performance" mods in the engine bay and under the car, but never have I touched the interior. Is there a manual/tutorial somewhere showing how to remove door panels, console, where the clips are so I can minimize the chance of breaking them? Will also have to figure out where to place the amp. BTW, if I don't do the rear speakers, I don't need that 5-channel amp, right?
if we skip the rears
you will want to bridge the 5 channel and send more power to the 165 kr focals
as far as install goes
I am a phone call away too.
Also
I just got a deal on the 930 units for the month of October so they will be 599.99 in this package for price
Racer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 373
Likes: 75
From: Iron Station, NC
You could bridge the two channels thus making it a 3 channel amp and in doing so you would be doubling the power to your components.
I am definitely a novice so if anyone has another option please chime in.
I am definitely a novice so if anyone has another option please chime in.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 373
Likes: 75
From: Iron Station, NC
I spoke to you on the phone today while you were in your car.
Rich
Last edited by Rbohno; Sep 29, 2011 at 11:49 PM. Reason: Brain Fart the 930's are the H/U's
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 18
From: Chicago Illinois
St. Jude Donor '12
in all seriousness, you really can do it! to add to my prior post and to further respond to your questions, yes the audio upgrade is a lot of work. with that said, it is possible for you to install everything yourself.
if you ditch the rear speakers you can go with a three channel amp or bridge some channels on a five channel amp (if bridgeable).
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
