After market stereo installed
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
After market stereo installed
Help!! I had an aftermark stereo installed in my 2001 C5. Sounded bad. I was told I needed a module. Added the module now sounds even worse. Speakers crackle. Horrible sound. Anyone else had this problem?
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 411
From: Somewhere in the middle of Kansas
As was earlier stated, more details would help, but in general, you will always struggle to get good sound by using any parts of the original factory system. It is so reasonable anymore to buy an aftermarket entry level sound system (if cost is a concern) that sounds incredibly better than the junk factory bose crap. A double din head unit that adds hands free capability and possibly gps navigation and bluetooth with your phone brings your ride into the 21st century and is also safer. Not knowing the details I can't comment further on your problem other than this. Consider full replacement of entire audio system. Invest in a double din head unit, new speakers front and rear, a capable 5 channel amp and a subwoofer in the sump hole in the back. This could be done for around $1000 to $1500 and is worth it ten times over.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
The two modules that I'm aware of are only used to make the Bose woofers work with aftermarket head units.
There is a separate Bose processor in the drivers side foot well that is incomparable with anything but the factory stereo.
The processor acts as a crossover separating highs from bass. The door woofers have small class A amps built into each one.
Bottom line; If an aftermarket sound system doesn't sound better than the factory one, either the installer didn't wire it correctly or something in the head unit settings is incorrect.
I'm going to assume that your complaint is that aren't getting any bass. If you are it is being fed to a speaker that is too small to carry it (the 3" speaker in the doors). You would have to look in settings for crossover points. What ever it is, I would need more information. I don't know what the installer did or how reputable the shop is.
I'm going to agree with the above poster about the entire Bose system.
There is a separate Bose processor in the drivers side foot well that is incomparable with anything but the factory stereo.
The processor acts as a crossover separating highs from bass. The door woofers have small class A amps built into each one.
Bottom line; If an aftermarket sound system doesn't sound better than the factory one, either the installer didn't wire it correctly or something in the head unit settings is incorrect.
I'm going to assume that your complaint is that aren't getting any bass. If you are it is being fed to a speaker that is too small to carry it (the 3" speaker in the doors). You would have to look in settings for crossover points. What ever it is, I would need more information. I don't know what the installer did or how reputable the shop is.
I'm going to agree with the above poster about the entire Bose system.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 799
Likes: 160
From: Landenberg PA
Op make sure the wire to power the antenna is still connected. Do you have a power antenna, if so it should come up when you turn the unit on, if not that could be your problem. That same circuit powers the Bose Amps.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 765
Likes: 182
If its an axxess adaptor it has a LOC which is a line level converter..small black box with 4 little screws that adjust the gain. If they arent set right they will overdrive the speakers and that crackle you hear is the head unit amp clipping..not a good thing.
It should not have even worked without this unless they did some weird wiring.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 765
Likes: 182
If it wasn't for a blown #1 gain control....replacing module today..I had it sounding pretty good..just have to set the gains carefully..I'm doing it with an SPL meter.
But yes..the next step is to rip it all out and do it right.
But yes..the next step is to rip it all out and do it right.