Not an audio nut
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 4,077
Likes: 240
From: Houston TX
Not an audio nut
But the stereo in the girlfriends Explorer sounds way better than the Bose in my C6 ZO6.....looking here for suggestions to improve this. I don't want to break the bank on this so here's what I'm looking for.
1. No navigation, I have that covered.
2. No need for another bass speaker.
3. Is the problem with this Bose stereo the head unit, the speakers or both?
4. I would like Blue Tooth, USB port and the ability to connect my iPhone. I also have Satellite radio.
4. Can I get this done for $600.00 or less?
Thanks for any info you guys can give me.
1. No navigation, I have that covered.
2. No need for another bass speaker.
3. Is the problem with this Bose stereo the head unit, the speakers or both?
4. I would like Blue Tooth, USB port and the ability to connect my iPhone. I also have Satellite radio.
4. Can I get this done for $600.00 or less?
Thanks for any info you guys can give me.
Last edited by meanjoe; Sep 14, 2018 at 05:32 PM. Reason: Spelling
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 229
Likes: 3
I am in the EXACT situation.. have had a C6 forever, but never bothered to upgrade. The Sony system in my '17 Explorer is light years better, and now we have strict hands-free laws here, so I want bluetooth/Android auto/etc.
I plan to swap the head unit, replace the bose amp, put components in the doors (disable the center and rears) and get a stealthbox type sub.
Still working out the exact build.
I plan to swap the head unit, replace the bose amp, put components in the doors (disable the center and rears) and get a stealthbox type sub.
Still working out the exact build.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,158
Likes: 1,962
From: Morris County New Jersey
But the stereo in the girlfriends Explorer sound way better than the Bose in my C6 ZO6.....looking here for suggestions to improve this. I don't want to break the bank on this so here's what I'm looking for.
1. No navigation, I have that covered.
2. No need for another bass speaker.
3. Is the problem with this Bose stereo the head unit, the speakers or both?
4. I would like Blue Tooth, USB port and the ability to connect my iPhone. I also have Satellite radio.
4. Can I get this done for $600.00 or less?
Thanks for any info you guys can give me.
1. No navigation, I have that covered.
2. No need for another bass speaker.
3. Is the problem with this Bose stereo the head unit, the speakers or both?
4. I would like Blue Tooth, USB port and the ability to connect my iPhone. I also have Satellite radio.
4. Can I get this done for $600.00 or less?
Thanks for any info you guys can give me.
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 478
Likes: 105
From: Diamond Bar Ca.
As Fred said, simply upgrading the head unit will do wonders for the sound. That's all I did was replace the factory HU with a Pioneer HU, kept the stock speakers and amp and it's a world of difference. You can take it further with speaker and amp upgrades but for me it wasn't necessary. I really wanted better Bluetooth performance and connectivity and that was my main reason for the change out but the improvement in sound was more than I expected. Modern head units have some wonderful sound shaping capabilities and in a small sound environment such as the Corvette cockpit they can work wonders. A decent HU can be had for $300-$400 (even with satellite radio control) and you can get the installation kit and steering wheel control adapters for a hundred bucks more so it can easily be done within budget (assuming you're doing the install.)
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 4,077
Likes: 240
From: Houston TX
As Fred said, simply upgrading the head unit will do wonders for the sound. That's all I did was replace the factory HU with a Pioneer HU, kept the stock speakers and amp and it's a world of difference. You can take it further with speaker and amp upgrades but for me it wasn't necessary. I really wanted better Bluetooth performance and connectivity and that was my main reason for the change out but the improvement in sound was more than I expected. Modern head units have some wonderful sound shaping capabilities and in a small sound environment such as the Corvette cockpit they can work wonders. A decent HU can be had for $300-$400 (even with satellite radio control) and you can get the installation kit and steering wheel control adapters for a hundred bucks more so it can easily be done within budget (assuming you're doing the install.)
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Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 229
Likes: 3
Not installed yet, so I'll let you know.. but it seems to be pretty well liked.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,158
Likes: 1,962
From: Morris County New Jersey
I agree with Biggator, one of last years Kenwoods might be the right move for you. I would recommend something with a capacitive touch screen and of course Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto. Take a look at the DDX9904s or DDX9704s. You can get the DDX9904s form Crutchfield.com for $500 plus discounted installation gear for $80 with the purchase of the head unit. It will bring you close to your max budget but it would be a nice head unit. Only other thing would be backup camera, which you can get from Amazon for about $17 and a SiriusXM tuner (sxv300v1) which attaches to the back of the head unit for $32 on Amazon or free from Crutchfield with ($70) mail-in-rebate.