) you'll find a bunch of people who have upgraded to an aftermarket head unit.
C5 Audio - CD High-tech enough?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 472
From: Newark Delaware
I had put a JVC double din unit into my Subaru Baja a couple of years ago and like it well enough but I find the iPod connection via a USB cable to the back of the unit with the iPod in the glove box to be kind of makeshift. Then I saw that Sony has come out with a unit (158DSX300B) with a built-in tray for the iPod, hidden behind the faceplate. Although single DIN, the "Tune Tray" is a great idea and I went all in.
Color in these photos is kind of off - should have taken them in the daylight.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: cleveland texas
I like hands free cell phone operation and really hi-fi stereo equipment, so I upgraded mine. I like having access to Nav and hundreds of CDs (USB flashdrive), without CDs flopping around and a big suction cup Tom Tom on my windshield. 
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 206
Likes: 9
From: Springfield, MO
I have had my 97 since January 2006 and I just ordered the Clarion FZ501 to get the bluetooth and digital receiver capabilities. Keep in mind that you need the Metra adapter (see Crutchfield or Sonic Electronix for more on this) to make it work with the Bose powered subwoofers. I got that 1/2-price with the Clarion head unit.
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,293
Likes: 137
From: Hazel Green, Wi www.doubledmods.com
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
I have had my 97 since January 2006 and I just ordered the Clarion FZ501 to get the bluetooth and digital receiver capabilities. Keep in mind that you need the Metra adapter (see Crutchfield or Sonic Electronix for more on this) to make it work with the Bose powered subwoofers. I got that 1/2-price with the Clarion head unit.
you should really cancel the metra harness and use the PAC
The MEtra harness is not very good with the C5
dont be surprised some morning if you have a dead battery
I am sure Crutchfield and Sonic know to tell you this too
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 15
From: Seattle WA
I would bet that more of them have adaptors of some sort, iPod or MP3, than you seem to think. Most of us keep the evidence hidden in the console, and I hope for your safety you aren't rummaging thru people's consoles at car shows...
Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 505
Likes: 6
From: Dover De
I bought my 00 Coupe, on the way home I had a CD in the stock head unit, 10 hours later, I had the whole interior ripped out and everything stereo was replaced. I have since changed a few things and I think I got the stereo sounding how I like it.
I have a Eclipse CD5030 headunit Blu/ipod/flash/sirius, with image dynamics components up front, no rears, two 10 JLW3's in the center cubby, alpine 1.1000, and image dyn 4500 powering my highs and mids.
I love the sounds.
Now I just installed LT headers and I find myself turning down my stereo to listen to the sweet sound of the headers.
But I have to agree that the stock headunit is in a lot of vette that I see, 90% of my club members still have them.
I have a Eclipse CD5030 headunit Blu/ipod/flash/sirius, with image dynamics components up front, no rears, two 10 JLW3's in the center cubby, alpine 1.1000, and image dyn 4500 powering my highs and mids.
I love the sounds.
Now I just installed LT headers and I find myself turning down my stereo to listen to the sweet sound of the headers.
But I have to agree that the stock headunit is in a lot of vette that I see, 90% of my club members still have them.
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 508
Likes: 3
From: Tallahassee, FL
Just added an iPod/iPhone adapter. I'd rather spend the $$$ on performance upgrades, and save for repairs 
.
Besides, the car is a rolling noisemaker with headers and such, so the audio can never be what I would like to hear like in my media room. The i adapter gives me a good catalog of music to choose from on longer rides.
.Besides, the car is a rolling noisemaker with headers and such, so the audio can never be what I would like to hear like in my media room. The i adapter gives me a good catalog of music to choose from on longer rides.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Yorktown Virginia
I'm using factory everything regarding the audio.
I have not changed because I don't care. I never even turn the thing on in the first place. You could probably take it out of the car completely and I wouldn't know the difference. My audio is my exhaust.
That said...I've been wanting to get a NAV unit installed so I'll probably upgrade anyway. I've had the car over 2 years. Never upgraded my 99 FRC I had before this too, had that one 3 years. Audio was completely stock, rarely turned it on.
I have not changed because I don't care. I never even turn the thing on in the first place. You could probably take it out of the car completely and I wouldn't know the difference. My audio is my exhaust.
That said...I've been wanting to get a NAV unit installed so I'll probably upgrade anyway. I've had the car over 2 years. Never upgraded my 99 FRC I had before this too, had that one 3 years. Audio was completely stock, rarely turned it on.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Tell me something please, when you all are altering the head units to get the enhanced capabilities and so on, how are you handling the onboard amplifier and the onboard speakers which have their own electronics as in the Bose systems?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 472
From: Newark Delaware
It was the Metra unit I had no luck with. Even had Crutchfield send me a second one but never could get it to work with the OEM Bose powered speakers. Replaced the door speakers and used the wiring for the tweeters - works okay. I should add an amplifier and will eventually if I can find one small enough and simple enough. Not interested in giving up the space a sub would require.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,320
Likes: 4
From: Kyle TX (Because Mojo Made me fill it in)
Im in the process of a minor (budget friendly) upgrade.
My new HU, 6.5" components for the doors, amp, and 10" sub should get here this week. After A LOT of price shopping, I ended up getting it all from Dennis.
The new HU has A2DP bluetooth streaming and handsfree calling.
My new HU, 6.5" components for the doors, amp, and 10" sub should get here this week. After A LOT of price shopping, I ended up getting it all from Dennis.
The new HU has A2DP bluetooth streaming and handsfree calling.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 206
Likes: 9
From: Springfield, MO
Metra?
I ordered the Metra unit because the Crutchfield website said it was required to support the Bose powered speakers. The reviews for the Metra (on the Crutchfield website and here apparently) are mixed. I think the crux of the criticisms are that the documentation is poor. I plan on reading and rereading all of the installation instructions and threads before I get started.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Amherst NY
If you want to be able to use I pod with stock radio .There is a Ipod adapter you can buy that connects to back of base radio .Contact Dennis at Double D Mods I just got mine in the mail Saturday. pxdp & pxhgm4 is adapter I bought.It will use controls of radio and charges I Pod also just put I Pod in glove box out of sight and listen to your music. I think I paid around 89.00 A lot less than new radio.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NC
It comes down to these cars being a pain to go aftermarket. Din and half is an oddball size so if you go single din or double you have to modify. Then you get to the Bose speakers and you either gotta buy adapters or replace them.
Best bang for you buck is the $6 ipod/MP3 player mod for a stock H/U. Takes about an hour to do but it's pretty simple.
Best bang for you buck is the $6 ipod/MP3 player mod for a stock H/U. Takes about an hour to do but it's pretty simple.
i guess i never noticed over the sound of my exhaust! 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 37
From: South Central PA
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
joking aside, when in the vette, i'd rather listen to the exhaust and enjoy the car. however, when going on long trips, ijust take my xm radio and mount it in the car for the trip.
