upgrade head unit only
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 20
Likes: 2
From: St Louis Mo
upgrade head unit only
I am looking at only replacing my stock head unit. I have the none navigation unit in my 05 vette and I just want some of the modern feature of a new head unit. I have the bose set up and think the speakers are decent. Looking for opinions from folks who have just changed out the head unit. is the sound adequate with just replacing the head unit?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,092
Likes: 1,957
From: Morris County New Jersey
That depends on what exactly you are looking for. But you will get a slight bump in overall sound quality, plus all the additional features of a modern head unit. Definitely a win win. Put in a new head unit, you will be happy you did. It is almost a must-do mod if you have a C6 Corvette, IMO.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 63
Likes: 8
From: New Jersey
Couldn't agree with Torch more. I just recently replaced mine and it was the best decision I made. The sound improved a little, but it's still pretty muddy for my taste. The door woofers aren't as good as a sub would be and the highs aren't bright enough. However, getting a radio that supports Apply CarPlay/Android Auto, a reverse cam and bluetooth for calls is a quantum leap from that garbage radio that comes with the car.
Here's the parts list from my build:
Kenwood DDX9704S
Metra 95-3304
PAC RP5-GM11
2 Port USB extender to replace cigarette lighter
Overall, the install is pretty straight forward and the wiring for the harness isn't bad if you've done them before. All the wires match up color for color, unless you want to ground the parking brake wire to have video play without the parking brake engaged. It's just plug and play from there and plenty of materials on this forum for the DIY steps.
My advice would be to absolutely replace the headunit and then see what you want to do from there.
Here's the parts list from my build:
Kenwood DDX9704S
Metra 95-3304
PAC RP5-GM11
2 Port USB extender to replace cigarette lighter
Overall, the install is pretty straight forward and the wiring for the harness isn't bad if you've done them before. All the wires match up color for color, unless you want to ground the parking brake wire to have video play without the parking brake engaged. It's just plug and play from there and plenty of materials on this forum for the DIY steps.
My advice would be to absolutely replace the headunit and then see what you want to do from there.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,092
Likes: 1,957
From: Morris County New Jersey
If you want to take it one step further without going all out aftermarket system, you can replace the factory 3.5" door speakers and the 5.25" rears with some aftermarket 4ohm speakers and still keep your factory amp and wiring. It will help clear up the sound and muddiness by improving the highs and clarity. I have gone completely aftermarket but for those looking for some simple upgrades, upgrading those speakers will give you an additional bump in sound quality. Also, using the Metra 72-4568 speaker harness adapter makes the new speakers plug and play with no cutting of any wires.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Did you replace the lower door speakers? Some sites are recommending 6.5” component speakers and others say you could fit a shallow 8” sub in there. Just curious what you put in there? What brand speakers did you replace behind the seats? Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,412
Likes: 2,297
From: Billings Montana. Out in the wild west
Yep, replacing the head unit is a good place to start, that’s what I did in my car keeping the stock amp and speakers, but I felt it needed more bass, so I added a sub amp and subwoofer which added the bass that was missing from the stock speakers. Right now I’m pretty happy with the way it sounds. The sub really livened up everything. Just make sure you buy a quality brand name system i.e. Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine etc. and stay away from the cheap Chinese systems. I also suggest while you’re at it you consider adding a back up camera, and even a front camera which can help avoid damage to your front end when pulling up to parking blocks. Let us know when you’re ready to get everything and we can give you our opinions on the equipment you chose, and give you some tips, and tricks on the install.
Speedy
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,097
Likes: 927
From: Tn
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I am looking at only replacing my stock head unit. I have the none navigation unit in my 05 vette and I just want some of the modern feature of a new head unit. I have the bose set up and think the speakers are decent. Looking for opinions from folks who have just changed out the head unit. is the sound adequate with just replacing the head unit?
I thought I got a sound improvement back in 2014 when I upgraded my non bose to a appradio2 head unit. Just finished installing installing a Pioneer DMH3000, it was 399 on crutchfield. Honestly they gave a great experience getting all the needed parts. I wired it myself. The metra dash needed some adjustment to fit better. Went with pioneer because of the good experience with the previous unit, many like kenwood as well
Newer radios have wireless android auto and carplay, you can make adjustments to individual speaker volume and the EQ
Thread link
Message me if you need help with the install or picking a headunit.
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