I just did a stereo install. For a while I have had just an aftermarket head unit with keeping the stock speakers in. I just added a new amp, new wiring to the speakers, new JL audio speakers, and am about to hook up another amp with a sub. My question is. What wire harness is needed to run all new everything? I currently have the access harness I believe it is called... need to double check. But I disconnected the box with the 4 adjustments for the 4 speakers since I am no longer using the factory wiring harness or speakers. Just left the main plug from the stock harness to the adapter for the aftermarket plug in....

My thing is this. Now that everything has been replaced it should sound awesome right? Well it doesn't. And im not an audio newbie. I have installed a few stereos but this one gets me. It doesn't sound clear at all. has a muffled sound. Not much better if any than the stock stereo. And this amp in pushing 150wattts to 4 channels. Also the front drivers side speaker seems to crackle at anything over 15 on the volume ****. Im not sure what is going on. I have double checked my wiring to the speakers and the amp. Everything is right.

My only question is, maybe it is that harness at the headunit causing issues? I am running 4 rca's from the new head unit to the amp btw..

any ideas on this??

 

In a C5 if you replace everything you don't need any adapters, all you need from the car is power/ground/switched trigger. If you want to retain R.A.P. you can get a GMRAP (if you can find one) or an Accessory Valet to control the trigger.

RCA's should be run from HU straight to amp, then speaker wires from amp straight to speakers, but I'm assuming that's what you did. Make sure all EQ and HPF/LPF filters are off at both HU and amp, set gains a 50% and see how it sounds. Like that it should sound OK but just need EQ tweaks and proper gain adjustments.

 

I adjusted the eq and it made a tad bit of difference. Did away with that cut out sound it was making on the top end.... I heard that having the wires reverses on the speakers can make them sound bad and out of phase.... so I switched them the other way which is out of phase and it made no difference in sound... so is something wrong with my head unit??


edit: Head unit is a JVC arsenal KD725 btw.

 

Is it the same crappy sound on all sources?

 

yes

 

What harness do you still have connected? You don't need one.

Did you connect it like this?

 

I changed out the headunit to a new Kenwood with 4v pre amp outputs. The sound is much better. though I just realized I hooked up the tweeters in the front wrong. I forgot to add in that resistor wire harness that came with them. the front tweeters wont even working and with the harness they wouldnt work either. I am sure they are bad now. Just ordered a new set and I will put those in the see if they work and it makes a difference.

As far as the harness. I just kept in place the Axxess. I used that becuase it keeps the radio on while the door is closed but once the key is off and door open it cuts it off. I just simply spliced into the power, ground, and switch wire.

It sounds a lot better with this head unit. My only problem now is that the front right speaker likes to cut in and out sometimes. Not sure if it is related to the tweeter that is hooked up wrong but I will find out tomorrow once I replace them with new ones and the harness with the resistor in them.