Sound Quality Head Unit or Speakers C5
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 213
Likes: 58
Sound Quality Head Unit or Speakers C5
Hi everyone. My factory radio was broken when I bought my C5. No CD, radio only and I had a little RF blue tooth transmitter. I wanted a more permanent and better sounding solution that wasent going to break the bank and I bought an ATOTO F7 WE. Here are the sound specs:
Max. 4*45W, RMS 4*24W built-in amp:(Vcc=14.4v, THD=10%, drives 4-8 ohm speakers); 10-band EQ with 7 presets
im not super happy with the sound quality especially for instrumental music. Rock and metal kind of sounds muddy. The instruments kind of blend together and the lower end seems lacking.
is this due to my cheap headunit or does the C5 need better speakers for what I’m after?
im using an axxess harness to connect to the stock system.
I’m trying to figure out if the headunit or speakers are me weak link.
when I get into my 4Runner with the stock JBL system it is remarkably better.
I also tested different inputs. Both wireless CarPlay and the on board Microsd with 320kbps mp3 sound the same.
Max. 4*45W, RMS 4*24W built-in amp:(Vcc=14.4v, THD=10%, drives 4-8 ohm speakers); 10-band EQ with 7 presets
im not super happy with the sound quality especially for instrumental music. Rock and metal kind of sounds muddy. The instruments kind of blend together and the lower end seems lacking.
is this due to my cheap headunit or does the C5 need better speakers for what I’m after?
im using an axxess harness to connect to the stock system.
I’m trying to figure out if the headunit or speakers are me weak link.
when I get into my 4Runner with the stock JBL system it is remarkably better.
I also tested different inputs. Both wireless CarPlay and the on board Microsd with 320kbps mp3 sound the same.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 439
From: Spring Texas
THD=10%
that's part of the problem. I'm torn over what to recommend, but if you want sound quality, both have to go and you have to start with a good head unit, good amp, and good speakers. You could probably try adding an amp and speakers. That should improve the quality. By how much is the question here.
that's part of the problem. I'm torn over what to recommend, but if you want sound quality, both have to go and you have to start with a good head unit, good amp, and good speakers. You could probably try adding an amp and speakers. That should improve the quality. By how much is the question here.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 213
Likes: 58
THD=10%
that's part of the problem. I'm torn over what to recommend, but if you want sound quality, both have to go and you have to start with a good head unit, good amp, and good speakers. You could probably try adding an amp and speakers. That should improve the quality. By how much is the question here.
that's part of the problem. I'm torn over what to recommend, but if you want sound quality, both have to go and you have to start with a good head unit, good amp, and good speakers. You could probably try adding an amp and speakers. That should improve the quality. By how much is the question here.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 439
From: Spring Texas
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,428
Likes: 2,309
From: Billings Montana. Out in the wild west
I highly suggest staying away from the cheap no name systems, and bite the bullet and spend the money to buy a quality system from a well known brand name manufacturer such as Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine etc. they are made using much higher quality parts, and have much better sound and functionality than the cheap systems do, you'll be much happier in the long run. Just remember, it's a Corvette, why would you want anything cheap in it. So personally, I'd take it in steps, and start out with a new head unit, and see how you like the sound of it, and take it from there.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 213
Likes: 58
Ahh I didn't realize the that onboard AMP stuff was for speaker wires only. If I use the RCA jacks, I'm guessing I will need an aftermarket amp and speakers, correct?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 439
From: Spring Texas
yes. Build on what you have. Get a good quality Amp and speakers. You can always go back and replace the head unit. Unless you can still return it for a full refund....
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 213
Likes: 58
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 439
From: Spring Texas
you will need a new speaker setup. It's not an inexpensive endeavor, but very rewarding in the end if you really enjoy listening to music the way it should sound.
Night Owl for life
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here
