Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

Stereo Upgrade 2016 *Need ideas*

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 8, 2016 | 02:05 AM
  #1  
My Vette Life's Avatar
My Vette Life
Thread Starter
Safety Car
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 3,638
Likes: 245
Default Stereo Upgrade 2016 *Need ideas*

WHAT CAN FIT IN THE C5??

I don't use Apple products

I looked all over this forum and others for double din Stereo's and all post are 3+ years old.

I'm looking for a true double din but don't know what will fit in the c5. I only come across 1 corvette site that sells a double din but it's an old model from 2008.

Minimum features: Bluetooth, AUX & touchscreen.


This can't be true!: I checked all the big named sites and apparently there's only less than 5 stereo's that come up on these sites to fit the C5. I see tons of double din's online but don't know what dimensions I need for a snug fit. I will trim the plastic console bezel to retro fit if needed.

Is it just plug & play with the harness?

Spending Cost: $0-$300
Cheaper is better

This is my first time replacing a stereo. I've swapped motors before but never a stereo and I don't know what I need.

Now I'm not looking for a discussion about speakers or any other mods. Stereo receiver is first.



Thanks everyone!

Last edited by My Vette Life; Aug 8, 2016 at 02:49 AM.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2016 | 02:35 AM
  #2  
JETZ's Avatar
JETZ
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,080
Likes: 151
From: Toronto
Default

You get what you pay for, $300 is not going to cut it.

frank

http://www.doubledmods.com/
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2016 | 02:51 AM
  #3  
My Vette Life's Avatar
My Vette Life
Thread Starter
Safety Car
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 3,638
Likes: 245
Default

Originally Posted by JETZ
You get what you pay for, $300 is not going to cut it.

frank

http://www.doubledmods.com/
Double D Mods is well overpriced.

I do look for the best prices, meaning I do search the web with for the same model's that Double D Mods sell & find better deals. 50%-60% cheaper, That's just the radio I don't care for the bezel.

Radio and harness is all i want.

LOL bezels are $600, more than some stereo's they sell.

Last edited by My Vette Life; Aug 8, 2016 at 03:04 AM.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2016 | 05:23 AM
  #4  
Evil-Twin's Avatar
Evil-Twin
Team Owner
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Default

You are absolutely clueless when it comes to this issue.
You are just a cheap disrespectful uninformed person seaking help in an area that you seem to know it all.

First off...the reason you don't find much that fit a C5 is because a C5 is a din and a half not a double din.

Then you ask about the size and what will fit...the " din" IS THE size.

Then you trash one of the best vendors on the forum best pricing and support when you get a radio from Dennis it will be true plug and play
Then you are so ignorant that you seem to have it all figured out.
You don't have a clue about an upgrade for a C5 and how you need an adaptor to run the speakers, and a completely separate harness that you can not buy generically but have to adapt for the C5
Dennis...does all that work for you.
If you want a double din radio, you need a double din bezel. I won't recommend anything for you because I know ecactly who you , are a cheap clueless cry baby trashing the only guy who could provide you with the right set up and support you would need.without pulling your hair out.
The C5 audio system is very unique...you can't put a double din radio in a C5 off the shelf
300 dollars will cover a double din bezel and put 100 dollars toward a double din radio. AND Nothing Is PLUG AND Play OFF THE shelf.

Last edited by Evil-Twin; Aug 8, 2016 at 05:27 AM.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2016 | 05:32 AM
  #5  
Evil-Twin's Avatar
Evil-Twin
Team Owner
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Default If all you want to spend on a radio is 300 dollars

It won't be a double din
It will be a single din with a face plate to cover the hole. And it will just be a single function low end radio. NO NAVIGATION, BLUE TOOTH, USB connectivity.no multi function touch screen or Hans free phone or texting, no e mail .
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2016 | 07:32 AM
  #6  
TheProsecutor's Avatar
TheProsecutor
Racer
 
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 321
Likes: 28
Default

Kenwood DDX372BT Double DIN Bluetooth In-Dash DVD/AM/FM Receiver



https://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-DDX37.../dp/B00PV45GXQ
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2016 | 08:00 AM
  #7  
o2bnkc's Avatar
o2bnkc
Melting Slicks
Veteran: Navy
20 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 352
From: Carson City Nevada
Default

Any good auto stereo shop can fix you up. They will have to cut and customize your console for a DD radio. It's no biggie for the good shops. You can do it yourself, but $300 for a DD stereo with all the features is stretching it a bit.

Last edited by o2bnkc; Aug 8, 2016 at 08:01 AM.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2016 | 10:43 AM
  #8  
RoninC5's Avatar
RoninC5
Racer
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 479
Likes: 44
From: Northern Colorado
Default

Originally Posted by o2bnkc
Any good auto stereo shop can fix you up. They will have to cut and customize your console for a DD radio. It's no biggie for the good shops. You can do it yourself, but $300 for a DD stereo with all the features is stretching it a bit.
Agreed. There is a shop near me that has done many and they look great. The installs I have seen on the forum using DD have gone well too. Personally, I don't want to DIY a project like that but I can pick any double DIN and the local shop can connect to the Bose or do whatever work I need. Not cheap here either but you can skin this cat a few ways. the Kenwood I looked at was not their high end unit but was still about 550-600 bucks (no nav). The install was not far below that number. I did see a recent thread on a vendor selling the double din "bezel" replacement. Decent price too.. Good luck.

Last edited by RoninC5; Aug 8, 2016 at 10:44 AM.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 8, 2016 | 11:44 AM
  #9  
1bdvet's Avatar
1bdvet
Team Owner
Veteran: Air Force
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 53,804
Likes: 5,634
From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

Here is what I say.
You are replacing the unit once, so do it right the first time, you might want bluetooth for your phone or iPod or perhaps camera.
Don't spend money on something you are going to replace down the road cause I now want extra's.
Spend little more, and be happy.

Last edited by 1bdvet; Aug 8, 2016 at 11:44 AM.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2016 | 12:04 PM
  #10  
My Vette Life's Avatar
My Vette Life
Thread Starter
Safety Car
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 3,638
Likes: 245
Default

Originally Posted by TheProsecutor
Kenwood DDX372BT Double DIN Bluetooth In-Dash DVD/AM/FM Receiver



https://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-DDX37.../dp/B00PV45GXQ
Originally Posted by o2bnkc
Any good auto stereo shop can fix you up. They will have to cut and customize your console for a DD radio. It's no biggie for the good shops. You can do it yourself, but $300 for a DD stereo with all the features is stretching it a bit.
Originally Posted by 1bdvet
Here is what I say.
You are replacing the unit once, so do it right the first time, you might want bluetooth for your phone or iPod or perhaps camera.
Don't spend money on something you are going to replace down the road cause I now want extra's.
Spend little more, and be happy.
Thank you all for the idea's and reply's

This is definitely the first radio swap for me in any vehicle, but that Kenwood looks promising.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2016 | 12:15 PM
  #11  
My Vette Life's Avatar
My Vette Life
Thread Starter
Safety Car
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 3,638
Likes: 245
Default

Originally Posted by Evil-Twin
You are absolutely clueless when it comes to this issue.
You are just a cheap disrespectful uninformed person seaking help in an area that you seem to know it all.

First off...the reason you don't find much that fit a C5 is because a C5 is a din and a half not a double din.

Then you ask about the size and what will fit...the " din" IS THE size.

Then you trash one of the best vendors on the forum best pricing and support when you get a radio from Dennis it will be true plug and play
Then you are so ignorant that you seem to have it all figured out.
You don't have a clue about an upgrade for a C5 and how you need an adaptor to run the speakers, and a completely separate harness that you can not buy generically but have to adapt for the C5
Dennis...does all that work for you.
If you want a double din radio, you need a double din bezel. I won't recommend anything for you because I know ecactly who you , are a cheap clueless cry baby trashing the only guy who could provide you with the right set up and support you would need.without pulling your hair out.
The C5 audio system is very unique...you can't put a double din radio in a C5 off the shelf
300 dollars will cover a double din bezel and put 100 dollars toward a double din radio. AND Nothing Is PLUG AND Play OFF THE shelf.
Thanks for the reply, No way am I trying to bash any vendor and I don't know how you even see it that way.

I'm a DIY guy: Yes I am clueless on car stereo's as I had mentioned in the initial post & yes I'm cheap that's why I'm a DIY guy. I did metioned that I don't mind trimming the bezel for a retro fit.

Not the only store: There's absolutely nothing wrong on finding the best price and Double D mods is not the only store to buy from.

100% Respect: Again not bashing anyone on the forum or any vendors. I'm just asking for input from this "AWESOME forum.
"
If you took anything I said personal, thats your business.

Last edited by My Vette Life; Aug 8, 2016 at 12:31 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2016 | 01:04 PM
  #12  
Evil-Twin's Avatar
Evil-Twin
Team Owner
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Default

There is nothing wrong with being cheap... to a point... If you adopt my slogan.. ( Ive had it for 40 years... IM 71 years old and it took me 30 years to understand that " Cheap " can sometimes be very expensive My sloga : I can't afford to buy anything too cheap " it cost too much in the end.

You buy something cheap because you think you know it all, then after spending your money and becoming disappointed in it outcome after the newness wears off, you buy what you should have bought in the first place... adding the cost of the cheap product on top of the cost of the right product.

I consider myself to be a fairly smart street wise guy with gifted hands and an engineering degree ( actually two ) who has worked in the automotive arena for decades.

When doing the best possible job, the smart move is to go to an expert in the field for guidance. The C5 audio system is very unique in it's wiring . It requires specialized adapters , Sure you can pay a shop to install a double din with a plate to cover the hole, or have the existing bezel modified to look factory.

But Dennis does all that work for you and also wires the unit so that it is just plug and play, you wont find a radio or unit that comes off the shelf and plug and play.

I apologize for coming on strong about you saying DD mods is way over priced. I'm an old guy with a lot of health issues and take a lot of meds, most are poisons, and while they keep my cancer at bay, for the moment, they do effect my mood.

There is only one way to do a project like this, and that is the right way.

My Kenwood unit, using Dennis` double din mod exchange and my plug and play Kenwood unit.







Reply
Old Aug 8, 2016 | 05:52 PM
  #13  
Pounder's Avatar
Pounder
1/4 mile/AutoX
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,187
From: Buffalo Texas
Default

I tried the single din approach with unhappy results. I also did not want to spend the amount to go with DD Mods, but in my heart I knew it was the best setup to go with modern technology. Last Jan. Dennis from DD had a group buy deal I could not pass up. (he has these deals from time to time) I am very happy with my new setup !!!!! Less than 600 Dollars.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2016 | 06:19 PM
  #14  
wvufan1965's Avatar
wvufan1965
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 290
Likes: 5
From: St. Petersburg Florida
Default

Originally Posted by Evil-Twin

I apologize for coming on strong about you saying DD mods is way over priced. I'm an old guy with a lot of health issues and take a lot of meds, most are poisons, and while they keep my cancer at bay, for the moment, they do effect my mood.

There is only one way to do a project like this, and that is the right way.
We still love you brother. Your message has good intentions.

Reply
Old Aug 8, 2016 | 06:32 PM
  #15  
Vetteman Jack's Avatar
Vetteman Jack
Administrator
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,405
Likes: 24,797
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Default

I'll agree with the above - if you want a system tailored to the C5, Double D Mods can set you up.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2016 | 06:33 PM
  #16  
sloopdawg's Avatar
sloopdawg
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 914
Likes: 182
From: Reidsville North Carolina
Default

Don't know what model will work
But maybe something here might do
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2016 | 06:47 PM
  #17  
Jeff T.'s Avatar
Jeff T.
Race Director
15 Year Member
St. Jude 10 Year Donor
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 17,755
Likes: 1,211
From: Aiken, SC
St. Jude Donor '13 thru '26
Default

Just had Dennis do a Kenwood DNX773 for me.



Name:  FBED97FF-3B77-4D1B-8236-E5A64ED0B1A6.jpg
Views: 655
Size:  126.4 KB

You get what you pay for.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Stereo Upgrade 2016 *Need ideas*

Old Aug 8, 2016 | 06:50 PM
  #18  
Evil-Twin's Avatar
Evil-Twin
Team Owner
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Default

Reply
Old Aug 8, 2016 | 07:23 PM
  #19  
alcoed's Avatar
alcoed
Racer
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 452
Likes: 159
From: Port Charlotte Florida
Default

I installed a double din pioneer audio unit in my '89 C4. This was a AVH 5700BHS. I was very happy with its performance and features. Hands free, camera inputs, sirius, optional nav, varible eq, 6 rca inputs, etc, etc, etc. I now have a 03 C5 in which I will be installing another of the same unit. There is though, an over a 2 month wait for Dennis to make and send me the correct face plate. Like I said I really like the operation of the Pioneer unit, and they are available on Ebay for a little under 300.00.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2016 | 09:31 PM
  #20  
My Vette Life's Avatar
My Vette Life
Thread Starter
Safety Car
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 3,638
Likes: 245
Default

Double d mods are limited in terms of stereo's, they only have maybe less than 15 radios to choose from and I'd like to have more options with the design.

They don't float my boat.

Double d mods is out of the question, and I will just mod my own bezel.

My main question is fitment.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:43 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE