I have an 03 C5 convertible and have been disappointed in the stereo since I picked it up late last year. Now that the weather is good, with the top down, I'm even more disappointed. My biggest complaint is the sound volume. With the top down at highway speeds, the volume can barely overcome the wind noise.

I've searched through the forum a lot and have seen some really cool installs but am still looking for a little advice / direction.

Basically I'd like to keep the stock head unit (I like the whole go faster / more volume thing and don't need a whole lot of gizmo's in the head unit) and just replace the speakers and perhaps add an amp.

I'm looking to spend up to about $700 for the components.

How much difference would I hear by just replacing the stock speakers without touching anything else? What speakers would you recommend with a stock head unit for the rears? I've seen a couple of you have gone with Kappa 52.5I's. Any other suggestions for speakers?

The fronts seem to be more of a problem with the whole Bose amp thing. Is there a good solution by just plugging in new speakers or do I need to remove the Bose amps and add my own? What speakers for the front?

If I go with an amp as well, how is something like this? U.S. acoustics USB-4085 85W x 4 Car Amplifier

I'm not a big bass head so adding a sub is not a priority. I just need to boost the volume a bunch.

Thanks.

 

You can replace the stock speakers but you will have the same problem before as not having enough power. The Bose system runs diff. ohm than most so you will have to get a converter.
For $700, you could replace the whole system including HU.

 

:iagree:

You really need to gut the front speakers and the rears. If you are set on not replacing the headunit, you can simply add four channel amp and four interior speakers. I would recommend the USX-4085 and CDT CL-61 http://www.thezeb.com for the deals. I have both this amp and the speakers and they will be solve all your problems.

As for the headunit, it will be much easier install to get a new one but you don't ahve to. The stock CD player is worth about $200 and you can pick up a decent aftermarket unit for that. The aftermarket unit will sound better, but the stock unit will work fine.

 

I can tell you right now that good bass in a vert is a challenge. I am running a 12W7 off a 1000/1 and it thumps. I listened to a stealth box on a bd.1000 and it doesn't even come close.

With the top down you will loose 10-15db of bass and sub-bass.

Tuning is a bitch.

Brian

 

A vert is a whole lot different than a coupe. I wouldn't even bother with a sub. And I think that rear fill is a must in this situation. If it were me, I'd find a set of component speakers with a stong mid bass punch that will also play very loudly. The stock HU puts out a muddy signal IMO, so you will need components to over come that. I'd consider JL Audio XR650-CSi components in the front and VR525-CXi speakers in the rear. Run it all off a JL Audio 300/4.

Or if you want a little brighter sound I'd suggest MB Quart PSD216 components in the front and DKE113 in the rear. Run them off the same JL Audio 300/4.

If you shop around, you should be able to get this stuff for around $600.

Almost everyone else is going to recommend CDT components, I have never heard them, so I can't recommend them.

 

Yep, it is tough to hear bass from a vert when top down but if there is no bass at all when top down, it will be even worst :D
I am the guy that give you bass at a great price :D
Go with Diamond Audio M3 12" sub and this sub will out performing the JL 12W3v2 and it is only 110$ shipped.
For a vert, forget about rear speakers since when you put the top down, it will block all the sound.
1. Clarion HU DXZ835MP for 220$ and use this to run front after market speakers and rear bose
2. A mono amp JBL 600.1 180$
3. A good set of front speakers: 200$
4. A sub with my box :D 230$ or build the box yourself 110$
============================
Total = 730$ or 610$ if you build the box yourself.
:cheers:


[Modified by mike76002, 11:29 AM 6/24/2003]

 

you can get decent bass with a vert, just need to be willing to give up some trunk space. Stealth box is silent in a vert.

 

:iagree: with a bigger sub and bigger box. However, stealth box still give you really good bass. I am personally have used stealth box with Diamond Audio 12" and Mike, MTWallet, is actually the one that using the same system right now and he is really happy with it. He also got a beautiful red vert with Ifog wheels.
:cheers:

 

Interesting, might have to give a stealth box another shot. Thanks.

 

Thanks for all of the input. I think I'm getting pretty close to putting everything together but just wanted to see if someone would "bless" my selections before I buy anything.

First of all, will I need the PD-4 converter (http://www.linkmeup.com/pd4.htm ) since I'm going to keep the stock headunit? If so, where is a good spot to mount it?

Here’s what I’m thinking

PD-4 converter – $149.95

U.S. acoustics USB-4085 amp (85x4) - $ 179.99

Infinity Kappa 52.5i – Rear Speakers - $ 99.99

Infinity Kappa 60.5CS – Front Speakers - 189.99

Total - $619.92

Will I have to make a custom mount for the front speakers and crossover or will the Kappa 60.5CS fit in the stock location?

Will the 85x4 amp be enough to power this setup?

Thanks again.

 

If you wanna keep the stock HU for the look then do this otherwise, selling your stock HU for 150-200$ and then add 150$ from PD-4, you get a really good after market HU with all pre-outs.
Just my 0.02$.
:cheers:

 

get the $150 cdt speakers from http://www.thezeb.com

they stomp on infiniti kappa in every way.

The CL61 are so much more realistic, powerful, smooth, that it isn't even funny. Plus you save a little dough.



[Modified by Kale, 5:32 PM 6/26/2003]

 

Odd... I had quite a bit of bass when I had a single 10w3v2 back there. The 10w6v2 I have back there thumps QUITE nicely.

 

Thanks for all the help. I’ve finally made some purchases based on the recommendations here but just have a couple of last questions.

CL-61a – Front Speakers
Infinity Kappa 52.5i – Rear Speakers
U.S. acoustics USX-4085 - Amp

Is this device the only way to go to keep the stock head unit?

(http://www.linkmeup.com/pd4.htm )

If so, where should it be mounted? Is there room behind the head unit or does it have to be mounted somewhere else?

What about something like this?

http://www.tlelectronics.com/webstor...roducts_id=196

My plan is to mount the amp in the rear storage space next to the CD changer. Fabricate a mount for the front speakers out of mdf board and mount in the doors.
Bolt in the rear speakers in the stock locations.

Basically my only question is about the converter to plug an amp into the stock bose head unit.

Thanks again.