Just need some basic stereo advice from you C5 guys.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,332
Likes: 7
From: Dayton, Ohio
Senior Member
CI 5-6-7-8 Veteran
Just need some basic stereo advice from you C5 guys.
I've got a 2004 C5 Convertible. I'm looking to do a stereo upgrade but I'm definitely not wanting to go overboard so I need some basic advice from you guys who have already gone through this.
My main desire is to install a new head unit with a 6.5"-7.0" flip up type screen. I'm looking at a few different Pioneer models with 50 watts x 4. My basic goal as far as sound is to get some decent bass and a slight increase in overall volume. Again, I'm not wanting to go overboard at all. I honestly am as interested in appearance as I am with performance. This car is mainly a "show car" and I definitely dont want to clutter it up with components and dont want to do much/any cutting anywhere.
Ok..after all that...my main question is.......
What can I expect if I add a new head unit, 1 amp and something similar to the JL Stealthbox? Will the stock Bose speakers sound better with a better head unit and amp or should I go ahead and plan on replacing those too? I've heard that the Bose speakers sound decent with some more power behind them but I have never actually heard them in person. If I replace the Bose speakers will I also have to have all the wiring replaced?
Sorry this is kind of a "generic" question but if you guys could give me some basic advice on my best route that would be cool. I dont mind spending some money to put good stuff in the car but I dont want to add more pieces than necessary.
Thanks
My main desire is to install a new head unit with a 6.5"-7.0" flip up type screen. I'm looking at a few different Pioneer models with 50 watts x 4. My basic goal as far as sound is to get some decent bass and a slight increase in overall volume. Again, I'm not wanting to go overboard at all. I honestly am as interested in appearance as I am with performance. This car is mainly a "show car" and I definitely dont want to clutter it up with components and dont want to do much/any cutting anywhere.
Ok..after all that...my main question is.......
What can I expect if I add a new head unit, 1 amp and something similar to the JL Stealthbox? Will the stock Bose speakers sound better with a better head unit and amp or should I go ahead and plan on replacing those too? I've heard that the Bose speakers sound decent with some more power behind them but I have never actually heard them in person. If I replace the Bose speakers will I also have to have all the wiring replaced?
Sorry this is kind of a "generic" question but if you guys could give me some basic advice on my best route that would be cool. I dont mind spending some money to put good stuff in the car but I dont want to add more pieces than necessary.
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14,137
Likes: 2,984
From: Iowa
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Re: Just need some basic stereo advice from you C5 guys. (2k1 Vette)
IMO you should replace everything otherwise you have to buy adaptors that can induse noise in the system. The good adaptors cost as much as a new set of aftermarket speakers that will sound better than the Blose 
If I was in you shoes with what you discribed, I would get the JL stealth box or a box from Mike on the forum's audio section. I would then get a 4-channel amp. I would use two channels bridged for the sub and the front two channels for 6 1/2" componets up in the doors. I think Mike sells baffles for this too. To keep things simple and for show, I would use JL for the sub, Jl for the amp, and JL for the front speakers. Buy the box and baffes from Mike.
Good luck and keep us posted.
PS You do NOT near rear speaker but if you really want them just hook you HU up the the stock Bose.
PSS see my sig
If I was in you shoes with what you discribed, I would get the JL stealth box or a box from Mike on the forum's audio section. I would then get a 4-channel amp. I would use two channels bridged for the sub and the front two channels for 6 1/2" componets up in the doors. I think Mike sells baffles for this too. To keep things simple and for show, I would use JL for the sub, Jl for the amp, and JL for the front speakers. Buy the box and baffes from Mike.
Good luck and keep us posted.
PS You do NOT near rear speaker but if you really want them just hook you HU up the the stock Bose.
PSS see my sig
