As I wandered around Carlisle on Friday, I observed something that I have noticed at other shows/gatherings of C5s - the overwhelming majority still have the OEM head units. I wonder what the actual numbers/percents are of C5s that have kept the OEM versus those that have taken the plunge and upgraded.

Why have so many not made a change? Biggest reason would be the odd size issue - either have to spend the bucks and trouble to get a bezel redone to fit a double din or have to go with a single din with an adapter (which doesn't look great but was what I chose to do as I really wanted to be able to play/control an iPod from the head unit and I wanted Bluetooth phone connection). Also, there is the difficulty of getting a new head unit to work with the Bose speakers (I never could get it to work so just bit the bullet and went with new speakers). But all of this can be solved with enough bucks and most of the C5s I see at the shows have a lot of other mods that cost big bucks, so clearly, these owners are not averse to spending.

Is it that for most/many of the typical C5 owner (i.e., "older" and which includes me at age 50) CD technology is high-tech enough? My 76-year-old father just bought a 2007 BMW 650i and is incredulous that it does not have a CD changer (although it can be easily added - the magazine fits into a space behind the glove box). I pointed out that he could just get an adapter for an iPod and connect it via the CD changer outlet/wiring that I am sure is there and should be able to control the iPod with the stereo controller, which is a wheel that BMW calls the iController (or just use the aux input jack hidden in the console). That seemed to make little impression - he keeps coming back to incredulity that such a technologically advanced luxury car doesn't have a cd changer.

I know there are a lot of younger C5 owners on this forum and I suspect that you are a greater percentage of the participants on this forum than you are of actual C5 owners, so any sort of informal survey on the forum about this would be skewed.

Just some thoughts as I listen to Irene pelt rain on my roof. Catnaps only tonight as I need to check the basement every hour or so for leaks/flooding. Should be okay unless (or until) we lose power and I lose the sump pump.

 

I know a lot still have the factory CD, But a lot have an ipod hookup in the car.
Me I installed a Pioneer 920 and glad I did.

 

Did you upgrade the stock speakers and maybe add an amp too ? or just replaced the head unit?

 

I kept the factory speakers and just installed the DD head unit.

 

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 added an Ipod to car via my Cd changer hookup in the back so yes I still have the OEM deck.

 

I upgraded the headunit to add Nav and Bluetooth for the phone. Really glad I did it.

 

As a vert owner, I have often debated whether or not to upgrade my OEM stereo. I too, agree that the sound of my Corsa exhaust sounds better than any CD, however when driving on the interstate with the top up for lengthier crusies/trips, I enjoy a good audio system.

I took the plundge a few months ago and I'm currently in the process of upgrading my entire interior and audio system. I purchased a Kewood DVD/NAV head unit and will be installed a customer double din radio bezel supplied by Dennis @ DD Mods. I like the fact of hooking up my complete audio library via my IPOD and I like the idea of the bluetooth connectivity as well.

I love the design of the C5 interior, however always felt the fit and finish could be improved. I hate the look of the OEM head unit and my desire to remove it was based not only on performance and features, but also on cosmetics.

 

I replaced my 12 CD changer for an ipod adaptor but left everything else. With the ambient noise I get with a vert I'm never going to get concert hall quality so I'll keep what I have and put the $ elsewhere.

 

I've got a Delphi My Fi and listen to XM all of the time.

 

for listening i have a nice home system. i even upgraded my work truck system since i am in there 60+ hours a week. the vette, i like to listen to the exhaust and engine. I had a 70 GTO with the original am only radio. to me these type of cars are about the drive, handling and the fun of whipping around town. If my radio died in my car i dont think i really care. i thought i was going to upgrade the speakers only due to a good deal on some. the deal didnt happen and i really dont care. now if i was driving a 7 series beamer then the audio system would be audiophile quality

 

I love the design of the C5 interior, however always felt the fit and finish could be improved. I hate the look of the OEM head unit and my desire to remove it was based not only on performance and features, but also on cosmetics. [/QUOTE]

it is an ugly head unit!!

 

bluetooth and ipod ready

 

I'm part of the "younger" crowd, and every other car I've owned has had an aftermarket head unit, door speakers, subs and amps. However, I bought my 'Vette because everything (looks, performance, etc.) was already great STOCK and that included the sound system, compared to most (if not all) of the econobox imports I used to be so fond of modifying. I like the look of the interior as is, and the powered Bose speakers are more than sufficient for the mids/highs, so I just ordered an MP3 adapter kit from DDMods and had all my tunes at hand. The only other thing really missing was a decent subwoofer, so I also ordered a box from DDMods and installed a 12" JL w3 sub in the trunk with a 1000w x2 amp. People are pretty impressed with the sound, and are surprised to see the factory head unit still in place. Now granted, factory navigation would be nice, but the one on my phone is sufficient.

Don't get me wrong; I really like Dennis' work and if I really wanted an aftermarket head unit, I'd definitely get his double-din console...but the way I see it, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

it is an ugly head unit!![/QUOTE]

I always felt it looked better in a Silverado than a C5!

 

In the Audio/Electronics section (my playground ) you'll find a bunch of people who have upgraded to an aftermarket head unit.

 

I have always liked the OEM unit. The sound is excellent especially since I dumped my runflats and replaced them with regular Hankooks. Now that I can actually hear the radio while driving,
I appreciate it even more.

 

LOL, I'm still equipped with the OEM Cassette Deck and the OEM CD Changer in the trunk.

 

Just for fun, I should install an 8-track head unit and hit a few shows...

I think I have my old ELO "A New World Record" 8-track somewhere in a box.

 

The stock system is fine for me, but I did install an MP3 adaptor where my CD changer had been installed. So, no, I don't listen to CDs, but to Pandora on my phone, or sometimes my MP3 collection.