#1
Hey all, I'm relatively new to the forum, so please bear with me. I just bought a 2007 C6 Coupe with the base model head unit (no Bose, steering wheel controls, or Onstar). I'm looking to put a decent sound system in it and have ordered most of what I need. A couple years ago, I did a full system install in my 08 Duramax and all went well, so I have a decent idea of what I'm talking about, but I'm no expert. Ideally, I'd like to continue using the factory amplifier while replacing the speakers, head unit, and adding subs. The 8" subs and 3-1/2" tweeters in the doors and dash are going to be removed. For the doors I have ordered a kit from Infinity that puts mid-range speakers and tweeters in the doors instead. Essentially, I'm just wondering if anyone has done a setup like this and run into any issues or should I be alright with what I've ordered so far, provided that I install it correctly? Also, should I use the factory amplifier for the front and rear speakers or use the head unit's RCA outputs directly to the speakers? (head unit speaker outputs --> GMOS-04 --> factory amplifier --> speakers) or (head unit RCA outputs --> speakers)

What I have purchased so far:
Kenwood DNX-891HD
GM VT-GMOS-04 interface box
Antenna adapter
SiriusXM SXV200V1
DD head unit dash kit
Relay for second power wire
Sub box for 2x10"
SKAR SK-AMP4 wiring kit
Power Acoustik PCX-5F cap
Kicker 10CVR102 subs
Infinity Reference 5032cf (rears)
Infinity Kappa 60.9cs kit (doors)
Dynamat kit for the doors

 

I would use an interface adapter that uses HU RCA outs instead of one that converts speaker level signals back down. C2R-GM24 is perfect for you, and you wouldn't need the relay.

Cap isn't needed.

You'll need adapter plates for the door speakers. Can be purchased for about $20, or 1/4" MDF is easy to DIY.

I don't see an amp on your list. At a minimum you'll need at least a single channel amp to power the subs.

However, neither the new HU nor the oem C6 amp have enough power to make the new door speakers sound the way they should.

IMO, your choices are:

1 - single channel amp for sub, HU or oem amp for all others - this will not sound great and sub will easily overpower everything else

2 - get bridgeable 4 channel amp for doors and sub, power rears from HU

3 - 5 channel amp

 

I completely forgot to include the amplifier in the list. It's a Kicker CX600.1. Would it be best to bypass the GMOS-04 and the factory amplifier with the head unit's RCA outputs and go directly to the speakers or just replace the factory amp altogether?

 

Also just ordered the adapter plates for the doors and the PAC C2R-GM24. Essentially the same as the GMOS-04 except for the addition of the RCA inputs and second power wire, correct?

 

RCA outputs go to amp input, then amp puts out speaker level power. RCA's straight to a speaker wouldn't put out any more power than a headphone jack.

BEST answer for components in doors is a new aftermarket amp. HU itself and oem amp just don't have the power needed. Either would still work, but the speakers will be begging for more, and you'll prob be able to tell.

If space is a premium, you could get one of the super tiny 2-channel amps for the doors that you can mount where the stock amp is now, then use the HU internal amp for the rears. That would work well.

Easiest, best sounding, and most common would be to get a 4-channel amp for the doors and rears.

 

Markcz's advice is right on target. He helped me when I was upgrading my system. I have a C6 Stealthbox sub, Focal 165KR fronts, Focal 130KRC rears. I have a Kenwood amp powering those speakers and I mounted the amp behind the passenger seat.

Good luck.

 

MarkCZ is tops on here for all audio advise, I think we all have benefited from his advise...I would recommend the Arc Audio KS mini 125.4 amp for your fronts...Not sure of the capability of your HU, but you could run the rears off of that, (which don't contribute much IMO) and use the Arc for your Infinity speakers...Remove the stock amp and the Arc amp fits in the stock location...Not pricey either...They also have a KS 500.1 for sub and fits also in the stock location...They work great and the fact that they are completely hidden and take up no more room in the car...
http://www.arcaudio.com/c/amplifiers_ks-mini
You can search for a lower price too...Just a thought....

 

I decided to bite the bullet, so to speak, and pick up another amp and wiring kit. Ended up getting a Kicker DX 400.4 to push the door and rear speakers. No sense to half-*** a sound system in a Corvette. That's the equivalent of putting an eBay "twin turbo" kit on it. haha Thank Y'all very much for the advice. Only a few days left before it's installation time. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions.

 

You won't regret it