How much imprvement with head unit only?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2010
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How much improvement with head unit only?
I am considering a C6 convertible that currently has the Bose Nav system. I am amazed at how bad the system sounds, and don't want to spend $2000 to upgrade it. My current idea is to begin by replacing the head unit with a $400-$500 Kenwood or Pioneer CD/DVD unit with Apple Carplay, and then gradually upgrading the amp, speakers, etc. later. I would disconnect the center speaker in the dash. How much improvement can I expect if I continue to use the Bose amp and speakers?
Last edited by SRQ Vette; Oct 10, 2019 at 11:58 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2017
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From: Billings Montana. Out in the wild west
You'll for sure notice a difference in sound quality, stock stereo systems have always been restrictive on just how much you can adjust the sound at different frequencies, with aftermarket systems you loose those restrictions. Although the difference is not earth shaking, many have been satisfied with just the sound improvement from a head unit change and their stock amp and speakers. Of course changing the amp and speakers however will improve things even more if done correctly.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
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From: Morris County New Jersey
Changing the head unit only, makes for a decent improvement in sound quality over the stock head unit. Basically it will get the most possible out of the cheap Bose speakers.
Thread Starter
Instructor
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Another question: I am planning to buy a receiver that has at least 4 volts pre-amp output. Is there likely to be a noticeable difference with 5 volts?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
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From: Morris County New Jersey
Bose is just a name really. The stuff they put in cars are basically limited to certain specs specified by the car manufacturer. Basically weight, size, and cost. When I removed the Bose speakers, you can see they are relatively low quality. I would suggest swapping the head unit first and then see if it is enough of an improvement for you.
As far as 4v vs 5v, if you are keeping the Bose system it probably won't make a difference. If you are going full aftermarket, then 5v is better but is still only one piece of a big puzzle. I wouldn't worry about 4v vs 5v too much as you may never notice the difference.
As far as 4v vs 5v, if you are keeping the Bose system it probably won't make a difference. If you are going full aftermarket, then 5v is better but is still only one piece of a big puzzle. I wouldn't worry about 4v vs 5v too much as you may never notice the difference.
Thread Starter
Instructor
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And, yes, it is amazing how bad the C6 Bose systems sound. How did GM get suckered into this, and why did they stay with it for so long? Thousands of amateurs across the country could have designed a better system that is better than what Bose came up with.
Last edited by SRQ Vette; Oct 11, 2019 at 10:29 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 765
Likes: 182
Got everything from Crutchfield..
alpine head unit for 300
alpine micro amp that plugs into the head unit for 180
rear speakers are jl c2 5.25 for 170
front component Focal 165s for 550
they were very worth it
vett nuts sub corner box with jl woofer for 600
jl mono amp for 250
wiring and other stuff another 200
only thing now i might change will be a 6 channel amp to replace the micro amp
alpine head unit for 300
alpine micro amp that plugs into the head unit for 180
rear speakers are jl c2 5.25 for 170
front component Focal 165s for 550
they were very worth it
vett nuts sub corner box with jl woofer for 600
jl mono amp for 250
wiring and other stuff another 200
only thing now i might change will be a 6 channel amp to replace the micro amp
Last edited by mfi2000; Oct 12, 2019 at 12:15 PM.
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Replacing the head unit makes a big different. I added an amp+sub to get things closer to what I wanted. I found the bass a bit muddy both with the stock and replacement head units.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2016
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From: Oxford Maryland
I am considering a C6 convertible that currently has the Bose Nav system. I am amazed at how bad the system sounds, and don't want to spend $2000 to upgrade it. My current idea is to begin by replacing the head unit with a $400-$500 Kenwood or Pioneer CD/DVD unit with Apple Carplay, and then gradually upgrading the amp, speakers, etc. later. I would disconnect the center speaker in the dash. How much improvement can I expect if I continue to use the Bose amp and speakers?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,400
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From: Atlanta Georgia
I am considering a C6 convertible that currently has the Bose Nav system. I am amazed at how bad the system sounds, and don't want to spend $2000 to upgrade it. My current idea is to begin by replacing the head unit with a $400-$500 Kenwood or Pioneer CD/DVD unit with Apple Carplay, and then gradually upgrading the amp, speakers, etc. later. I would disconnect the center speaker in the dash. How much improvement can I expect if I continue to use the Bose amp and speakers?
Focal Integration ISS65 6-3/4" Components, only $140 on sale now on Crutchfield
I don't use rear speakers, not necessary for a car. It's a car stereo, not a home theatre surround sound system.
I have older Rockford Fosgate amps, but i highly recommend 2 separate amps, 1 for the tweeters and 1 for the mids. I recommend 100 watts per channel for each 2 channel amp.
Pioneer NEX 2440 DVD head unit that was clearanced out on Crutchfield for $300.
Sub is an Image Dynamics IDQ 12, I think it was $200 or so can't remember, bought from Sonic Electronix. Made my own custom sealed box, with the sub pointed up flat, in the right rear corner. I power it with 550 watts from another old Rockford Fosgate amp.
So overall, with wiring, sound deadening, etc. I'd say you can have a full system for $1,500 or so, depending on the amps you buy.
If you want to keep costs down, just get a good head unit and the Focal ISS 65 components, and you will have a decent sounding system. You can add the bass later, and separate amps for the components.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 960
Likes: 118
From: Panama City, Florida
I just put the Kenwood Excelon DDX6906s from Crutchfield in my C5.On sale now for $399. And a Sound Ordanance Sub in the back (like $140) Can't beat it for the money. With the stock bose speakers it made a big difference.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 960
Likes: 118
From: Panama City, Florida
mfi2000, you are correct. As I stated in an above post I just added the Kenwood DD with Sub-woofer and kept the bose speakers. It was better than the stock unit but I still was not happy. Just 30 minutes ago I finished replacing the 3 1/2 twiddlers in the door and the 6 1/2's in the rear with Rockford Fosgate Punch speakers and WOW what a difference. I left the 8 1/2 bose in the door for now. I'll change them at a later date (maybe).