Hi Guys,

So my 2009 c6 has the worst stereo in it. Its terrible (not Bose) and the front left speaker sounds like it has a loose wire or something, so i went to a professional audio system installer and asked him for some help.

Unfortunately, i dont know much about sound systems, so i dont know if he was trying to work one over on me or not. Here is what he quoted me for $3000 complete (after tax)

Kenwood DNX6980 Head Unit
GM Dash Kit
GM Radio Replacement Module
Universal Steering Control
JL Audio XD400/4 4-channel mini style (amp) with next tech 400watts
Hertz ECX130 2 way energy level 5.25" Coaxials
Hertz ECX100 4" Energy level coaxial
JL Audio ZR800-CW 8" High End Mid Bass/Full range woofer

He also said he would dynamat the front doors and behind the rear speakers. The amp will go in the back left cubby hole in the trunk, and he will run all the wires.

What do you guys think? Is this a good price and good setup?

 

I just installed a very similar system for my 2004 C5. Same Kenwood NAV system, etc. Where is this installer located?

 

Junior car stereo
37246 Fremont Blvd
Fremont, CA 94536

 

Nope, different installer, I'm on the east coast.

$3000 sounds fair based on the work and components you listed. You might be able to trim off $200 or so if you shop around, however if this is a trusted shop with solid references, it might be worth the extra $$$.

 

Ok, Cool.

Gonna wait for my savings to go up a bit then i'll get it done

 

Coaxials exist for those on an extremely tight time/$$ budget. They compromise far too much for the sake of a simple installation and should usually be avoided.

One set of 6.5" or 6.75" component speakers would be a far better choice for the kind of money you are budgeting to spend. A component set separates the woofer and tweeter and allows separate amplification of each, known as an active crossover or bi-amp setup. For really good imaging, have the tweeters installed mid-way up on the A-pillar. A good installation shop can blend them in and make them look like a factory option. The sound quality difference of a properly tuned bi-amp setup compared to what is proposed here will be night and day. Also, forget about the rear speakers (the ones right behind your head). Have whatever is there removed and then seal the hole with a baffle plate after some Dynamat or equivalent sound deadener is applied.

A bi-amp setup requires a 4-channel amp to run though so you'll either need switch to a 5-channel amp or a separate sub amp (preferable) to run the 8" woofer. A single 8" is a good compromise for maximizing cargo space but a 10" woofer will give you a more complete frequency range since it can reproduce lower notes better than the 8". I'm not a fan of installing the amp in the rear cubby for many reasons, mostly because it severely limits your hardware choices. Cooling air is going to be an issue if it is going to be covered and a cover will not sit flush anyways because of all the cables. Better would be a vertical amp rack that sits against the rear wall or elsewhere.

 

I'm thinking the setup is different than you're envisioning. It sounds like they're going to install two 8" woofers (1 in each door). The 4" coax is then a good way to bring the midrange staging up higher and blend with the 8" woofer better.

I have a similar setup, using German made MB Quart drivers. It sounds great, and maintains a nice stealthy look. But I'm also using a 10" subwoofer, rolling off at 80hz. I'd worry that without a sub, the sound might be lean on the bottom end.

Having the tweeters up in the pillars is great, but definitely adds cost and visibility of the system.

I've never used the hertz speakers, but from the specs it looks like these might be pretty peaky in the 10k - 20k range. That might be an issue in the small corvette cabin. Lots of reflections to worry about, so if the tweeter's not smooth, they can sound pretty bad. Anyone ever used these?

 

how much is just the labor?

How about

KEnwood 6980
Focal 165KR 6.5 components
Focal PC130 5.25 rear coax
ARC 10 in a driver side corner sub box
ARC KS 125.4
ARC KS 500.1
harness
dash kit
antenna adapter
amp kit rca cables speaker wire sw controls ect
speaker baffles
shipped
2499.99

I would think this would sound much better than what you have listed as well.

 

^ I would do this install over the OP's suggested one.

 

As would I, better combination of components for sure. And unless you really want rear speakers, you could lose those,save some cash and offset part of the installation costs and end up with a net upgrade in system.

I am actually local to you as well, I might be able to provide some local insight on where to go and help with what your goals are

Fej

 

I purchased my equipment from Double D Mods Pioneer Avic Z130Bt, Arc amps and Arc separates, coaxial and subs for a lot less than you are going to pay for inferior equipment.

 

+1

 

WOW ! Thats alot of responses.

Thanks guys


Now i have some thinking to do. The main thing im concerned about is the install. I dont want my baby damaged by some half-assed job.

 

I wouldnt worry so much about the interior. Any respected shop who does installs can easily do it. Its not brain surgery and its not that hard to do. When its done you wont be able to tell by looking inside the car.

 

you could try to do the install your self.

your original install did include sound deadener and Dennis' package does not appear to include any. you could contact Rick @ RaamAudio to get sound deadener. you really don't need the rear speakers.

 

which manufacturer's box?

 

Double "D"'s set-up is much nicer and the actual install may not be too bad. There are a lot of how to's in the Audio section that can help you.

You could also post up on the local section and get someone to come over and help for a few bucks and food.

 

I would take Double Ds advice. He knows a lot, and his prices are really good.

 

Vettenuts is supplying them to me for my packages for the side boxes
I simply dont have time to think about making them and MArk is a reall good guy. Mark is also one of my installers for packages for people local. Watch for more options coming with both of us teaming up on things

we can also toss in two door kit packs of Dynamat as well like mentioned from original thread

 

Thanks!