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Most of the info here on this subject is dated. Seems like one of the recommended replacements matching the original stereo head are the JBL GX series, but they are discontinued.
I noticed that the existing front speakers are not too bad--they could be better--but the rear speakers are totally flat/awful. I found some of the JBL GX rear speakers(yes discontinued, but a few still on the shelf), but the 3 1/2" for the front are bye bye.
I AM NOT INTERESTED IN HIGH END SPEAKERS OR A NEW HEAD...But I want to "improve" the sound. Should I grab those JBL GX 6 1/2 rear speakers now, or go with the JBL GTO series, or another brand like Alpine, etc?
I responded elsewhere, but I'm currently modifying the stereo in my C5. I needed/wanted full bluetooth compatibility with my iphone. new stereo receiver, of course.
I discovered my Kenwood "didn't play well" with the Bose system. Clear, but almost zero bass even after finding/adjusting the EQ in the receiver among the dozens of menu rabbit holes.
I returned to Car Toys, who installed the Kenwood. Thought I'd replace all the speakers, prob need to add an amplifier. $2500 was the estimate. WHOA. I'm already $500 into the single-DIN radio/install.
So ... for only $1100 more ... I'm having 'em wire an amp and JL 8" subwoofer in a smaller cabinet to place in the tray behind the driver seat because I need that tub in the trunk for luggage. Hopefully the JL sub will be sufficient. I had no idea this was gonna become such an ordeal.
Last edited by shaark92; Mar 21, 2021 at 08:00 PM.
I just installed some Focal Access 6.5 inch speakers lately replacing the jbl 628s. Omg what a difference! They can handle midbass much better and voices and lyrics in general are much clearer! Get some for your vette!
Thanks @Energy CC ... Car Toys has those. I'll keep that in mind. Install the sub/amp later this week. I think they'll have to rewire the door???
IDK. but I'm getting the amp wired to power the entire system if I so decide later. Thanks for the reference. I'd never heard of this brand before I got into Car Toys a couple weeks ago.
Thanks @Energy CC ... Car Toys has those. I'll keep that in mind. Install the sub/amp later this week. I think they'll have to rewire the door???
IDK. but I'm getting the amp wired to power the entire system if I so decide later. Thanks for the reference. I'd never heard of this brand before I got into Car Toys a couple weeks ago.
I got a rockford fosgate 5 channel amp that's sufficiently loud for me. I think it's rated at 1500 watts. It was about 400 bucks. Also got a 12 inch rockford fosgate sub. This setup sounds great, imo.
Also-- on the head unit, I know you don't want to do one now, but I highly recommend this for when you do -- it's thin, cheap, AND, you can get an add-on app that adds 450watts to the amp, and straps on to the back of the head unit, so all the wiring is done right at the console. The headunit ~$500 with the amp included, or I think around $300 without the amp (runs great without the amp too, delivers 25 watts per channel) consider this DD headunit if you're doing an upgrade... - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion
Did you make the mounting panels for your front speakers?
mounting panels? I didn't need to make any internal modifications to the doors, the speakers fit sock. The door panels are stock, with leather wrapping from apsis.
I just finished my Joying install (still have to take final pics) factory direct Dayton Audio speakers on the cheap, made my own mounts to do 3-way components in the doors 8" - 4" - 1" (extremely tight, making these work was the hardest part by far), passive Dayton crossovers, JL audio 5 channel amp, Alpine rears (I keep them really low in the mix but I came this far). Only thing I'm not really happy with are the exposed board crossovers that I pretty much had to mount behind the seats (I might replace them with automotive crossovers). The sound is great though, a huge improvement over the Bose, rivals if not exceeds my studio monitors (Adam Audios with ribbon tweeters). If I had gone with a cheaper/smaller 2 channel amp and just tied the rears directly to the head unit you could consider it as a budget build.
I just finished my Joying install (still have to take final pics) factory direct Dayton Audio speakers on the cheap, made my own mounts to do 3-way components in the doors 8" - 4" - 1" (extremely tight, making these work was the hardest part by far), passive Dayton crossovers, JL audio 5 channel amp, Alpine rears (I keep them really low in the mix but I came this far). Only thing I'm not really happy with are the exposed board crossovers that I pretty much had to mount behind the seats (I might replace them with automotive crossovers). The sound is great though, a huge improvement over the Bose, rivals if not exceeds my studio monitors (Adam Audios with ribbon tweeters). If I had gone with a cheaper/smaller 2 channel amp and just tied the rears directly to the head unit you could consider it as a budget build.
Long time ago, I also was wondering where to put my four crossovers. I mounted them behind the seats and made them look like they are supposed to be there and not hidden. I still have to paint those little screw covers though