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C3 Stereo / Speaker Questions...HELP!

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Old Oct 26, 2003 | 09:48 PM
  #1  
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Default C3 Stereo / Speaker Questions...HELP!

Okay, I'd like to upgrade my stereo (crappy Custom Autosound) and speakers (2 older 6x9 Pioneers in rear and 2 semi-new 4x6 Pioneers in front) in my '70 vert, but I have to admit I don't really know anything about this stuff. After searching through the CorvetteForum, I think I have more questions than before I started searching (there are soooo many options). Well, here are some of my questions:

1) I've seen a lot of different speaker enclosures built for the rear. Each one seems to have a different setup (e.g. 2 - 6x9s, subwoofers with tweeters, midranges, AMPs, etc.). What is the "ideal" setup for optimal sound...some combination of tweeters, midrange and subs? Is it realistic to get the rear speaker components for this "ideal" setup for under $500?

1a) What are your suggestions for rear speakers (size and manufacturer)?

2) Any suggestions on a good MP3 player for $300 or under?

3) What do I need to look for in an AMP? If I buy a decent stereo, will I have a need for an AMP?

4) Does anyone have a template for a speaker enclosure for a 68 - 72 convertible? What type of material should the speaker enclosure be made of?

I appreciate the help!

Thanks.
:steering:
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Old Oct 26, 2003 | 10:50 PM
  #2  
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Default Re: C3 Stereo / Speaker Questions...HELP! (Motor City Vette)

1. I would concentrate on building nice sealed speaker pods for 5.25" or 6.5" mid bases in the kick panels, and mount a pair of $400 boston acoustics components in them. then I put a simple $100 6x9 bostons in the back.
1a. but if you go with just rear speakers and stock front positions I bought a nice pair of mid line boston 6x9's for $200 I just wish my enclosure were sealed better(next summers project)
2. If it's not an alpine it's not worth talking about. I use an a CDA-7894, there isn't anything this deck can't do. Very powerful, clean, and full featured.
3. depending on how loud you play a good deck should be adle to push 4 speakers pretty well, but leave room for a sub and amp someday

just my .02
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Old Oct 27, 2003 | 01:26 AM
  #3  
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Default Re: C3 Stereo / Speaker Questions...HELP! (cutlass44)

i just installed two pioneer 4x6 2 way speakers in the dash, a pioneer deh-35 cd player and two pioneer 6x9s in a box in the back,,,,i think they sound real clear with decent bass, i didnt use an amp for the rear speakers because the stereo has a built in option to take tthe treble out of the rear (i like that) . i had a cheap amp with some good 10s, and it had lots of bass but took up too much room, so i made a small box for some 6x9s without the amp, which is a third of the room. If i had the $$$$$$ i would get an alpine deck or a sony explode with some nice bose speakers but im poor so this is what i settled for. i made my box out of 5/8 plywood




[Modified by Titanium Rat, 12:29 AM 10/27/2003]
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Old Oct 27, 2003 | 01:33 AM
  #4  
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Default Re: C3 Stereo / Speaker Questions...HELP! (Motor City Vette)

Okay, I'd like to upgrade my stereo (crappy Custom Autosound) and speakers (2 older 6x9 Pioneers in rear and 2 semi-new 4x6 Pioneers in front) in my '70 vert, but I have to admit I don't really know anything about this stuff. After searching through the CorvetteForum, I think I have more questions than before I started searching (there are soooo many options). Well, here are some of my questions:

1) I've seen a lot of different speaker enclosures built for the rear. Each one seems to have a different setup (e.g. 2 - 6x9s, subwoofers with tweeters, midranges, AMPs, etc.). What is the "ideal" setup for optimal sound...some combination of tweeters, midrange and subs? Is it realistic to get the rear speaker components for this "ideal" setup for under $500?

1a) What are your suggestions for rear speakers (size and manufacturer)?

2) Any suggestions on a good MP3 player for $300 or under?

3) What do I need to look for in an AMP? If I buy a decent stereo, will I have a need for an AMP?

4) Does anyone have a template for a speaker enclosure for a 68 - 72 convertible? What type of material should the speaker enclosure be made of?

I appreciate the help!

Thanks.
:steering:
You might get more exposure by posting this in the Audio forum, but here is what I have planned for my system:

Alpine 7995 ($300 right now at Crutchfield)
CDT Audio HD62-ef for custom enclosures for the door panels
2 8" subs for the rear, no full range speakers
US Acoustics 4085 and 2150 amps

Good luck with your setup!

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Old Nov 7, 2003 | 10:18 AM
  #5  
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Default Re: C3 Stereo / Speaker Questions...HELP! (Motor City Vette)

I also installed the Alpine CDA-7894 in my '74. Love it. Especially like the ability to load up a bunch of songs on an MP3 disk. I chose to go this route instead of buying a separate CD changer, but the 7894 will control a CD changer if I decide to buy one later.

In addition, I installed two 8" subs with 300W amp in the storage compartment. I wasn't willing to give up any storage space, so I made some enclosures that are molded into the areas above each rear wheel hump. Quite a bit of work but worth the effort. I'll send pics if anyone is interested. :flag
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Old Nov 7, 2003 | 10:24 AM
  #6  
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Default Re: C3 Stereo / Speaker Questions...HELP! (Titanium Rat)


[Modified by Titanium Rat, 12:29 AM 10/27/2003]
I was wondering what that toggle switch with the safety cover does??? :reddevil
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Old Nov 7, 2003 | 10:54 AM
  #7  
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Default Re: C3 Stereo / Speaker Questions...HELP! (Motor City Vette)

Simple answer is a decent deck with good 4x6 speakers upfront and 6x9 in the back with boxes. I tried running components in the front kick panels but the floorboard is so small I kept kicking the tweeter and broke it off the panel. Opted for simple config and added an amp behind the storage compartments between the 6x9. Not the fanciest but I can hear it over the sidepipes which is a major accomplishment. :yesnod:
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Old Nov 10, 2003 | 04:22 PM
  #8  
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Default Re: C3 Stereo / Speaker Questions...HELP! (Titanium Rat)

I don't mean to repost, but I am very curious to find out what the toggle switch with the safety cover does?? Is there any chance of it being nitrous??

Dan
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Old Nov 10, 2003 | 11:13 PM
  #9  
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Default Re: C3 Stereo / Speaker Questions...HELP! (Titanium Rat)

Not jump off topic. But is your frame as straight as this picture?


Terry
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Old Nov 10, 2003 | 11:33 PM
  #10  
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Default Re: C3 Stereo / Speaker Questions...HELP! (danboback)

I don't mean to repost, but I am very curious to find out what the toggle switch with the safety cover does?? Is there any chance of it being nitrous??
Dan
Read his sig. He has the "little blue bottle". I'm merely drawing to conclusions, but I doubt that red covered toggle switch is for his windshield wipers, if you know what I mean. There also seems to be some sort of triggering mechanism hanging off of the gear selector.

:D :cheers:
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Old Nov 11, 2003 | 12:43 AM
  #11  
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Default Re: C3 Stereo / Speaker Questions...HELP! (ared74)

I'll send pics if anyone is interested. :flag
yeah:cam.grant@shaw.ca
:cheers:
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Old Nov 11, 2003 | 01:04 AM
  #12  
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Default Re: C3 Stereo / Speaker Questions...HELP! (Turbo-Jet)

Hey I have one here. Will work for a coupe. too much sound for me but might work for you.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=689066

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Old Nov 11, 2003 | 04:07 AM
  #13  
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Default Re: C3 Stereo / Speaker Questions...HELP! (ared74)

I'll send pics if anyone is interested. :flag
Yes please. Brutus72@hotmail.com
Thanks.
Bob
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Old Nov 11, 2003 | 07:21 PM
  #14  
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Default Re: C3 Stereo / Speaker Questions...HELP! (Motor City Vette)

Sorry folks. I promised pics, then got swamped at work. I still have to scan my pics, then I'll post them. Just got a digital cam, so no more scanning on future projects!

:smash:
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