Stereo speaker and amp questions
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 914
Likes: 43
From: Franklin Wisconsin
Stereo speaker and amp questions
So I would like to improve my music in my car. I don't want to spend too much money and get too carried away but would like it to sound better..... and have a few questions:
I have a 2010 GS convertible. I bought it from the original owner last spring. He replaced the head unit with a Kenwood DNX9960 is this a good head unit? can I still get away with using it?
What are good speaker upgrade choices?
What is a good amp choice? and can I sneak one under the dash?
Thanks
I have a 2010 GS convertible. I bought it from the original owner last spring. He replaced the head unit with a Kenwood DNX9960 is this a good head unit? can I still get away with using it?
What are good speaker upgrade choices?
What is a good amp choice? and can I sneak one under the dash?
Thanks
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 914
Likes: 43
From: Franklin Wisconsin
Model numbers?
glad to hear the head unit will work
thanks
rom
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 439
From: Spring Texas
what does "better" mean to you? What are you missing? Bass? Vocals? What kind of budget? Plan on door speaker upgrade, amp, and some kind of subwoofer. What you want to make better will get you better recommendations.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,428
Likes: 2,309
From: Billings Montana. Out in the wild west
Simply adding a good subwoofer alone makes a big difference.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 914
Likes: 43
From: Franklin Wisconsin
Well what am I looking for..... I realize that is a very open ended and question and answer. Honestly I don't want to spend too much. I hope I can still make use of the Kenwood DNX9960 head unit and add amps and speaker to get some punch for rock that I like and some boom for the Post Malone music my kids like (lol).
I know I wont have amazing sound.... but I would like to have much better than the stock set up. I just don't want it to fall on its face in rock and bass type music.
I would say a budget around 500.00-800.00 or is that unreasonable?
Thanks
I know I wont have amazing sound.... but I would like to have much better than the stock set up. I just don't want it to fall on its face in rock and bass type music.
I would say a budget around 500.00-800.00 or is that unreasonable?
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 411
From: Somewhere in the middle of Kansas
For that kind of money and since you already have a good head unit, you can make that GS rock. Here would be a reasonable example that would have you sounding great on a budget:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575R16...e-R1675-S.html
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575R15...X2.html?tp=105
And have this guy build you this box for your vert and put a couple 8's in it:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...subwoofer.html
You would come in around $700 (estimated) and it would sound really really good for that money.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575R16...e-R1675-S.html
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575R15...X2.html?tp=105
And have this guy build you this box for your vert and put a couple 8's in it:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...subwoofer.html
You would come in around $700 (estimated) and it would sound really really good for that money.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 914
Likes: 43
From: Franklin Wisconsin
very interesting......
For that kind of money and since you already have a good head unit, you can make that GS rock. Here would be a reasonable example that would have you sounding great on a budget:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575R16...e-R1675-S.html
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575R15...X2.html?tp=105
https://www.amazon.com/Rockford-Fosg.../dp/B07XCYG2FX
And have this guy build you this box for your vert and put a couple 8's in it:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...subwoofer.html
You would come in around $700 (estimated) and it would sound really really good for that money.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575R16...e-R1675-S.html
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575R15...X2.html?tp=105
https://www.amazon.com/Rockford-Fosg.../dp/B07XCYG2FX
And have this guy build you this box for your vert and put a couple 8's in it:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...subwoofer.html
You would come in around $700 (estimated) and it would sound really really good for that money.
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 411
From: Somewhere in the middle of Kansas
There are usually multiple options on amp mounting. You would just look at the dimensions of the amp and it could possibly fit behind one of your seats or somewhere in the back. I am not sure on cabin layout of a C6 vert so someone could probably chime in on amp location, but man this would super elevate your sound system for not big money. I put a system very similar to this in my sons Rav4 and could not believe how good it sounded for the money. The Prime series components from RF are such a good value and Kenwood is good up front choice to feed that beast.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 411
From: Somewhere in the middle of Kansas
I actually linked you to just a sub amp which would work but if you really want to elevate the system, get this amp:
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-QHEkS8...-R2-750X5.html
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-QHEkS8...-R2-750X5.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,141
Likes: 1,962
From: Morris County New Jersey
I responded in your other thread in C6 general. But I will copy and paste my response here. Although, my recommendation for a new head unit will blow your speaker and amp budget.
This head unit came out in 2011 or 2012. My advice would be to replace it with a newer one if you plan to upgrade your sound system. I'm not sure what the Kenwood's sounded like in 2012, but the newer ones from the last couple years, sound great, have a newer operating system, respond faster and load faster, and are full of newer features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also, most newer mid level and up Kenwood models come with a capacitive touch screen. Much nicer than the old resistive touch screen.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 914
Likes: 43
From: Franklin Wisconsin
I was afraid of this
I responded in your other thread in C6 general. But I will copy and paste my response here. Although, my recommendation for a new head unit will blow your speaker and amp budget.
This head unit came out in 2011 or 2012. My advice would be to replace it with a newer one if you plan to upgrade your sound system. I'm not sure what the Kenwood's sounded like in 2012, but the newer ones from the last couple years, sound great, have a newer operating system, respond faster and load faster, and are full of newer features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also, most newer mid level and up Kenwood models come with a capacitive touch screen. Much nicer than the old resistive touch screen.
This head unit came out in 2011 or 2012. My advice would be to replace it with a newer one if you plan to upgrade your sound system. I'm not sure what the Kenwood's sounded like in 2012, but the newer ones from the last couple years, sound great, have a newer operating system, respond faster and load faster, and are full of newer features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also, most newer mid level and up Kenwood models come with a capacitive touch screen. Much nicer than the old resistive touch screen.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,141
Likes: 1,962
From: Morris County New Jersey
As far as budget, if you take it to a shop, be prepared to spend a lot more money. The Corvette is easy to work on if you want to attempt it yourself. And the forum is always here to offer help if you need it. But even if you do it yourself, all in, you will probably have to double your budget to do it right, imo.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 439
From: Spring Texas
You should be able to find a good 3 channel amp, some components, and a sub in your budget.
- Door components: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_091ISS...65.html?tp=106 ON SALE!!!
- Sub/Box (from other thread) https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item...-P3S-1X10.html
- Amp: any multi channel amp that is this or smaller so it can fit in the waterfall Dimensions: 7.0"L x 7.2"W x 2.0"H; If you mount it anywhere else, amp choices are a lot broader, like this one https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113X30....html?tp=35782
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 914
Likes: 43
From: Franklin Wisconsin
I like this path best i think...
would you need any of the new features or are you just simple a radio/USB type of person. You have a good head unit and if you are looking for sound improvement, leave that option for another budget
You should be able to find a good 3 channel amp, some components, and a sub in your budget.
You should be able to find a good 3 channel amp, some components, and a sub in your budget.
- Door components: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_091ISS...65.html?tp=106 ON SALE!!!
- Sub/Box (from other thread) https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item...-P3S-1X10.html
- Amp: any multi channel amp that is this or smaller so it can fit in the waterfall Dimensions: 7.0"L x 7.2"W x 2.0"H; If you mount it anywhere else, amp choices are a lot broader, like this one https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113X30....html?tp=35782
I live in wisconsin and I have 4 kids so I don't really use the car all that much maybe 1500 miles a year. just a pure pleasure car for me. So I don't need or want to dump too much into the stereo. BUT..... I do like good sounding music
...... i know I'm asking for alot here hey..... I also know you get what you pay for and the more money you spend the better it all is. So that being all said. what would you do if you were me?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,141
Likes: 1,962
From: Morris County New Jersey
I actually linked you to just a sub amp which would work but if you really want to elevate the system, get this amp:
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-QHEkS8...-R2-750X5.html
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-QHEkS8...-R2-750X5.html
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575P1K...h-P1000X5.html
To the OP, a 5 channel amp will power your whole system. Front and rear speakers and a channel for sub. Only limitation may be where you plan to put it.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 411
From: Somewhere in the middle of Kansas
I am going to one up you 02. Crutchfield has the Rockford Fosgate Punch P1000x5 on sale right now for less than the P750x5. Expected in stock 6/3.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575P1K...h-P1000X5.html
To the OP, a 5 channel amp will power your whole system. Front and rear speakers and a channel for sub. Only limitation may be where you plan to put it.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575P1K...h-P1000X5.html
To the OP, a 5 channel amp will power your whole system. Front and rear speakers and a channel for sub. Only limitation may be where you plan to put it.
Here is the head unit I bought my son if you decide to go new. It is the entry level Kenwood Excelon and for $250 you are getting a beast of a head unit for sound quality:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DDX...6.html?tp=5684
Now if you can afford more, I would just buy an Excelon higher up the food chain. Just my .02.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 439
From: Spring Texas
1500 miles a year.... I would just put the top down and listen to that beast of a V8....
Daily driver like mine, I would upgrade as much as possible.. in that budget.. I would stick to what I posted already. perhaps a better amp 75 - 100 watts x 2; plus 300 or so for the sub. Leave the factory rear speakers playing off the factory amp.
Daily driver like mine, I would upgrade as much as possible.. in that budget.. I would stick to what I posted already. perhaps a better amp 75 - 100 watts x 2; plus 300 or so for the sub. Leave the factory rear speakers playing off the factory amp.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 517
Likes: 163
From: Oxford Maryland
I did several extensive posts about replacing the entire system as well as front and rear cameras about two years ago that should be very helpful to you. Not sure how to give a direct link but should not be to hard to find. Same car, 2010 GS vert. I mounted the amp behind the waterfall, quite a bit of room there. This is where the satellite radio antenna is located. I received a lot of great help on this forum. If you have any questions send me a message.