Any consensus on the best CD/Radio solution is for a C3? I want to maintain the stock look if possible. thanks.

Tim

 

I plan on having my stock radio upgraded to 44 watts per channel. Cost is about $400 but you have the original radio with modern sound.
Gary

 

Well my solution was to use a simple Pioneer stereo from Custom Auto that had a decent set of RCA out jacks. I hid an amp in the rear compartment.

Its close to impossible to get a reasonable sound out of a stock head unit with convertible top down.

 

As usual I chose the expensive PITA route for this project.

I bought a modified 44 watt per channel factory HU to replace the crappy Custom Autosound HU that was already in my car.

MY system was to be as follows:

New Factory modified HU into a line out converter into a DQX digital EQ and Crossover into a 500watt amp into CDT component speakers in front and a 10" edesign sub in the back.

The HU has a line in that would recieve an XM tuner and MP3 player.

The HU would act as an am/fm tuner and an volume ****.

Well It sounded like CRAP!! ther was a ton of alternator noise and it was very low fidelity.

My current solution is to use the HU only as a 12v remote power switch. I added a remote volume control between the DQX and the AMP. So it is now set up like this:
MP3 and XM into remote A/B switch
A/B into DQX
DQX into PVC volume control
Volume control into Amp
Amp to speakers.

The MP3 and XM remotes are are hidden in the center console. I don't have the stock console, I instead have the convience console that has a storage compartment. I can post pictures tonight.

The result is awesome! The single 10" sub has a hard time competing with the Flowmasters, but I'm having a new exhaust system instaled as I write this so that problem may be solved.... or made worse! But overall top down 75mph the system is loud and clear. I calibrated it to have a flat responce with the engine off. I think If I significantly increase the bass it will sound better. Most people like too much bass anyway;)


The Dash is stock, and the center console looks stock to most non-corvette people.

I am happy with the way it turned out, but it cost almost $3000. If I had it to do over again, I would do without music, or use some isolated ear buds such as the Shure E2. I think they would sound just as good and they only cost $99.

~Jay

 

I wrestled with this question, to the point of actually buying an old stock radio. Then, I ditched the idea, and went with an in-dash DIN JVC MP3 unit. It sounds great, looks good (but not stock), and was only $200 installed.

I also tried the whole amp thing, but the noise issues were awful.

Another idea, is to take an orginal head unit. You can send it off (I can't remember to whom, but they have a website :rolleyes: ). They'll rebuild the innards and upgrade everything. They'll give it more power, inputs, and outputs. You'll be able to run speakers, amps, and auxillary sources. Seemed pretty cool. My only fear, is will they be able to make clean power, with no noise? :confused:

Good luck with it. :cheers:

 

buy a repo bezel from TLD for $79 and cut it.

Put any DIN radio in you want and you will be money ahead and sound better.

Just my opinion.



Terry

 

TRW, what is TLD? and they have site..i'd like to order one of those..thanks.

 

Here's my solution:



No radio!!! :D

 

500 + HP... HOOKER SIDEPIPES / NO MUFFLERS. Only ONE station, but it's ALWAYS playing a good beat. :D

 

Sorry I lied they are $88 at the web site. $79 on ebay from same place.

http://www.tld-corvette.com/catalog.htm



Terry


[Modified by trw, 7:43 PM 3/9/2004]

 

Eckler's carries a "stock" looking radio that's an upgrade.

I decided to cut into the radio dash area and install a sony with amp and speakers, I enjoy cruising my vette too much and having good sound!

 

I'd go with a nice modern HU myself. Better sound and if you put a black mounting ring around it, with the facaplate off, it won't scream "2004." Pioneer stuff is the best bang for the buck, imo. (At least Heads and Speakers. Never heard a Pioneer sub).