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Still considering getting a nice C5. Just for cruising. Not interested in any performance enhancements, but ABSOLUTELY want a more modern audio system. Would like Bluetooth or at least an aux line input for my iPod or iPhone music. Apple Car Play would be nice but not a must have. The possibility of a backup camera would also be nice. Don’t care about Nav or even talking hands free on a phone. Music is my main objective. Any recommendations on how to proceed? What system to buy? Any difficulties with the install? Pictures of your installed unit would also be appreciated. Thanks.
Purchased my 2003 coupe about a month ago, and the audio system was the stock OEM Bose system.
Replaced the head unit with an Alpine iLX-507, which took about 3 total hours (including wiring the module you need to connect to the Bose system's amps). You'll need to drill out a few rivets to remove a couple of metal braces in the dash, and you'll need a module and a new trim bezel for the double-DIN install, but it's all fairly straight forward. Crutchfield will supply you with the detailed instructions for each step (and hook you up with the module and trim you'll need). You can either hook the radio up to the parking brake per the instructions, or just grab a small switch from a local Autozone to mimick the engagement of the parking brake (which is what I did- start up the car, click it off and on, and you can access any of the functions on the radio).
The result with just the new head unit was pretty good, but I wanted a bit more bass. For that I installed a SoundOrdnance 8" powered sub. That install took maybe 90 minutes to 2 hours and was very straight forward. The feed to the sub is a simple RCA connection to the aftermarket head unit, and there's an easy pass through the firewall using a rubber grommet that is right behind the battery. The sub is small enough to sit right behind the seat and not interfere with roof panel storage, and the interior volume is pretty small, so even a relatively small sub makes a decent impact.
The stock speakers sound great to me, and I'm pretty content with the system at this point. I have wireless AndroidAuto (works for Apple stuff too). I did not bother with a backup camera, but Alpine sells one which is an easy install (and I'm sure every other manufacturer does as well).
What kind of system are you trying to build? Sound Quality, or output? What kind of budget are you working with? Doing the install yourself, or paying a shop? Interested in adding subwoofer(s)?
What kind of system are you trying to build? Sound Quality, or output? What kind of budget are you working with? Doing the install yourself, or paying a shop? Interested in adding subwoofer(s)?
Just a basic system using OEM speakers and amp, etc will be fine. I find FM radio to be annoying with today’s music and all the ads, and I’m tired of playing CD’s. Have over a thousand favorite tunes on my phone and iPod, if I can just get them to play. Budget is not much of a factor, although I won’t consider anything that is outrageous. Would probably seek a shop to do the install. Not interested in a subwoofer.
Just a basic system using OEM speakers and amp, etc will be fine. I find FM radio to be annoying with today’s music and all the ads, and I’m tired of playing CD’s. Have over a thousand favorite tunes on my phone and iPod, if I can just get them to play. Budget is not much of a factor, although I won’t consider anything that is outrageous. Would probably seek a shop to do the install. Not interested in a subwoofer.
My own simple and inexpensive install is shown here.
So, it sounds like you want an iPod adapter, not an entire system. Those are available all over.
What’s that? You talking about one of those FM xmitter things? If so, I’ve never been terribly impressed with them (lots of interference), although I guess one would serve the purpose. Would kind of like a double DIN touchscreen display that would allow a camera input. Would look a bit more modern, though admittedly I probably wouldn’t need or use all it’s capabilities.
That’s neat. I wasn’t familiar with that, but it looks like a good alternative. When the time comes, I still think I’d prefer a double DIN unit, but will keep it under consideration. Thanks!
Does your car have a CD changer? There are different iPod adapters available if so.
Otherwise, I'd look at some of the JVC double dins. JVC and Kenwood are the same company, but the JVCs are usually less money. Almost anything these days will have carplay and bluetooth. CD is not on all of them, but if you need it, typically it adds $75-100 to the cost. I've had a JVC unit for 5 years (in 3 different cars, lol).
Honestly, I had Best Buy install my double din, pioneer 7 inch screen. They do free installs as long as you buy the head unit from the store. They did an awesome job. Looks the same as the picture above. Just go there, and they should be able to order everything for you, no hassle. I have Apple car play, phone, Bluetooth, transforms the car into something more modern. I’ve even seen a post where someone did a c6 steering wheel in a c5 and wired all the steering wheel controls, but I didn’t go that far, just the head unit and double din bezel. Best Buy will install anything you want, speakers, amps, cameras, wires, USB ports, sound deadening material, etc…
Honestly, I had Best Buy install my double din, pioneer 7 inch screen. They do free installs as long as you buy the head unit from the store. They did an awesome job. Looks the same as the picture above. Just go there, and they should be able to order everything for you, no hassle. I have Apple car play, phone, Bluetooth, transforms the car into something more modern. I’ve even seen a post where someone did a c6 steering wheel in a c5 and wired all the steering wheel controls, but I didn’t go that far, just the head unit and double din bezel. Best Buy will install anything you want, speakers, amps, cameras, wires, USB ports, sound deadening material, etc…
That’s great news. Sounds like the process shouldn’t be to daunting a task. Will most likely have someone like that do the install. Do you know the model # of the unit you bought? Will it accept a camera input? If so, sounds exactly like what I’ll want.
Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions. Now just need to find the right C5. Nice well kept examples are getting increasingly more difficult to find. Wish I still had one of the several I let go of years ago. I moved on to the C6 and C7. All great cars, with gains in performance and refinement, but in retrospect, none were any more enjoyable for our type of driving than C5. (with the exception of the infotainment system). Glad that can now be updated a bit.
^ yes you can put quite a few modern goodies in these cars. Some have even started to put c6 steering wheels with audio controls in them. That one's a daunting task so I stuck with just a head unit swap and use the touch controls
I am in the same boat. Recently purchased an 02 and doing about the same thing.
I bought a Pioneer 2770NEX, the newest out with the wireless Android auto. (I have the 2660 which is not wireless in another car and I like the radio) $ 430.00 on Amazon.
Still waiting on some bits and pieces to complete install, but I am going to keep it simple.
I have so far the Axxess harness and the antenna adapter as well as the antenna adaptor and the radio itself.
Waiting on the Metra Bezel that's on the way and the Pioneer brake wire bypass (Ebay find). the brake bypass on a pioneer is a bit more than just an on /off switch. Other parameters are involved, but the bypass harness is not expensive.
Still debating the camera. not sure a Vette needs a backup camera but I may do it while I am in there. Wiring through the crevices of a C5 is not hard. Also debating the optional Sirius XM module that is an option on this radio.
With Wireless android auto, I can use the XM app instead.
This radio does not have navigation but you will not need it. You can use either Google maps or Waze. They are always updated and more accurate. They also warn you where the cops are.
highly recommend alpine ilx 650--- mechless DD unit, super thin, easy to install (though you need a new bezel). the ILX is an awesome unit, with android auto and carplay (I added wireless android auto using a dongle, works great). Alpine also sells 450watt amp that straps onto the back of the unit -- that can easily be used to power door and rear speakers. ( even with the amp, the unit is still thinner than most units with a cd player). has connectors for two cameras, bluetooth , etc. etc. here's a write up I did on it when I installed it:
Purchased my 2003 coupe about a month ago, and the audio system was the stock OEM Bose system.
Replaced the head unit with an Alpine iLX-507, which took about 3 total hours (including wiring the module you need to connect to the Bose system's amps). You'll need to drill out a few rivets to remove a couple of metal braces in the dash, and you'll need a module and a new trim bezel for the double-DIN install, but it's all fairly straight forward. Crutchfield will supply you with the detailed instructions for each step (and hook you up with the module and trim you'll need). You can either hook the radio up to the parking brake per the instructions, or just grab a small switch from a local Autozone to mimick the engagement of the parking brake (which is what I did- start up the car, click it off and on, and you can access any of the functions on the radio).
The result with just the new head unit was pretty good, but I wanted a bit more bass. For that I installed a SoundOrdnance 8" powered sub. That install took maybe 90 minutes to 2 hours and was very straight forward. The feed to the sub is a simple RCA connection to the aftermarket head unit, and there's an easy pass through the firewall using a rubber grommet that is right behind the battery. The sub is small enough to sit right behind the seat and not interfere with roof panel storage, and the interior volume is pretty small, so even a relatively small sub makes a decent impact.
The stock speakers sound great to me, and I'm pretty content with the system at this point. I have wireless AndroidAuto (works for Apple stuff too). I did not bother with a backup camera, but Alpine sells one which is an easy install (and I'm sure every other manufacturer does as well).
This is great - I'd like to add a sub like this. How hard do you need to push the sub - is it maxed out or still a lot of headroom to turn it up more if you wish?
This is great - I'd like to add a sub like this. How hard do you need to push the sub - is it maxed out or still a lot of headroom to turn it up more if you wish?
The cerwin vega is a nice unit -- gives some thump, a lot of low end imaging. Not going to rattle the doors off, but a really nice unit, and I have the gain at reasonable level.
the rocville is ok-- it will round out the low range, but really won't give you that crisp thump, if that's what you're looking for -- but in fairness, that's not what it's for, especially with the 10" driver.
I just installed a pioneer mid-range double dim radio. It can be proving it can be done, But any project on your car that requires a Sawzall will not be as easy as advertised.
(Not to mention fragile 20 year old plastic).
Overall it's definitely worth the upgrade for just your reasons alone but like most first time adventures, It may (will) take a little extra time to complete the installation.
Last thought, I really miss the volume ****!!
A display that can't be seen in the daytime makes the operation of the radio impossible, a volume **** would help.
Just my two cents (adjusted for inflation)
Audio Upgrade Questions
