OK, so my 79 L48 is still rocking the stock speakers. I want to upgrade it since the speakers just do not sound good at all. It definately sounds like a stock 70s-80s system. It currently already has an upgraded head unit. I am not looking for base thumping, trunk rattling sound, but I would like a little bit of beat to it. Something on par with the high end stock systems found in modern cars.

So I am seaking advice from those that have upgraded their audio. I am currently thinking of upgrading the 4x6's and 6x9's with the Pioneer speakers you can pick up at Best Buy for about $80-100 a set. I am also concidering the Ecklers sound bar, but I want to make sure I can still fit the t-tops back there. Audio is not really an area I know much about. But do you guys think replacing the speakers will give it better sound, or should I look into something more expensive to get what I want?

 

And just so you guys know, I did a search, and really did not find any info in comparison to what it sounds like compared to modern cars, ect. My dad has a Bose system from the factory in his 04 GMC 2500, and that sounded pretty good. Looking for something like that or maybe a little better.

 

So... for my 72 (NCRS flighted), I have one of the aftermarket Corvette Knock off radios in the dash with cassette that sounds .. ehh. Two dash speakers, two kicks and two what-the-heck are those things mounted in the back. Prior owner did this. The sound is marginal at best.

I just sent the original radio to Mike Hagen Radio Restorations. For $400.00, they keep the appearance 100% original and put a board inside that gives you 180 watts... 45 watts a channel. Plus you get an iPod hook-up for your earphone connector on your phone or iPod.

This is due back to me in NOV. 3 month lead time.

Just ordered via Ecklers (price match for $118 plus shipping) a set of undercover II speakers made by Custom Autosound. These have an 8" woofer in each and a bs little tweeter. They are rated to handle the sound from the radio.

Speakers less than 4x6 in size not rated for at least 40RMS will sound terrible. Polk makes some better speakers that fit the car. A lot of these aftermarket speakers max out at 40 and the cone is too small.
The 6x9 or larger (i.e.: 8 inch) speakers should do the trick.

I did look at the speaker bar offered by CAS (same company that makes the undercover II) and then called and spoke to their engineering dept. he steered me away from the speaker bar to the Undercover II.

Will install them next week with existing radio and post an update and perhaps a video with sound as a reference point for everyone.

I'm looking to be able to play some good music.. not looking to rattle the fiberglass.. but want to be able to hear bass and treble.. rather than the squawky sounded set-up that's in there now.

Keep you posted.

 

I already have an aftermarket head unit. I think its a Kenwood. (I am 9 hours away from the car right now, so I can't "just go check") Its a 4 channel 180 or 200 watt stereo. 180 watt I believe though. It has a plug in for a USB so I can put my music on a flash drive and just play that.

Keep me posted. I am curious to know how your system turns out. Are you simply not using the dash speakers at all? Kinda how it sounds. I am gonna go look up that undercover II now, sounds interesting. Thanks for the info!

 

I have 4 pioneer 4"*6" in my car, two in the kick panels and two in the dash and the sound is pretty good.
If you are into big bass you might want to add a sub in the back but for me they are really good enough.

These are the ones i have:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...Size/TS-A4674R

I like the fact that they fit everywhere without having to cut up the kickpanels or modify anything.

 

The dash and kicks currently work. Kicks sound better than dash. I think they are the typical custom or retro audio speakers. Probably will replace the kicks with Polk. Step by step...

 

Kenwood head unit, upgraded speakers in both the kick and dash area and a 10" kicker solo baric where the jack and lift out tray were. Amps on a wooden frame in the back for both sets, one for the front and one for the sub. Best sound is when I crank up the motor and drive with the tops off.

 

a 5 channel amplifier, 2 component (front) & 2 Coaxial speakers (rear) and (1) 8" or 10" sub and you'll be set.