C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Sub,amp install

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 13, 2012 | 08:33 AM
  #1  
steveovette's Avatar
steveovette
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa Ontario
Default Sub,amp install

Need help with Bose stereo. I replaced all the speakers with some JBL GTO and the sound is much improved. I also installed a mono 1200 watt Rockford with a 10 inch Kicker in the rear well.
My question is how come my sub has very little power/sound coming from it? I assume I have not wired the speaker input from the radio properly? Should I just replace the Delco with a/m head unit and be done with it. I hate the look of a/m radios by the way.
Reply
Old May 13, 2012 | 08:52 AM
  #2  
_r2h's Avatar
_r2h
Racer
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 302
Likes: 2
From: Baton Rouge LA
Default

Gain on the amp may just need to be turned up. But it is hard to justify not installing a newer headunit. They have a lot of filter adjustment that really helps you dial in the sound you want.
Reply
Old May 13, 2012 | 09:01 AM
  #3  
Corvette_Ed's Avatar
Corvette_Ed
Race Director
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,731
Likes: 3,254
From: Phoenix area, AZ
Default

Did you include a signal modulator between the incoming signal and the amp? Without a pre-amp connector on the stereo you have to create one. Also, did you remove the Bose amp that the factory radio is connected to?

I toyed with the idea of keeping the stock radio in my Vette, but the thing with Bose is that if you replace one part of the system, the whole thing needs to be replaced because Bose systems do not work like standard systems. You can make the stock radio work, but it sounds like you're missing a key piece.
Reply
Old May 13, 2012 | 11:05 AM
  #4  
knewblewkorvette's Avatar
knewblewkorvette
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Air Force
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14,134
Likes: 2,979
From: Iowa
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Default

I suggest posting in the audio forum, http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audio-electronics-20/ There are some knowledgable guys who would be glad to help you out.
Reply
Old May 13, 2012 | 12:40 PM
  #5  
steveovette's Avatar
steveovette
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa Ontario
Default

Originally Posted by knewblewkorvette
I suggest posting in the audio forum, http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audio-electronics-20/ There are some knowledgable guys who would be glad to help you out.
Ha ha thanks, I forgot about the audio section. Should have scrolled down and I would have seen it.
Reply
Old May 13, 2012 | 12:46 PM
  #6  
steveovette's Avatar
steveovette
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa Ontario
Default

Originally Posted by Corvette_Ed
Did you include a signal modulator between the incoming signal and the amp? Without a pre-amp connector on the stereo you have to create one. Also, did you remove the Bose amp that the factory radio is connected to?

I toyed with the idea of keeping the stock radio in my Vette, but the thing with Bose is that if you replace one part of the system, the whole thing needs to be replaced because Bose systems do not work like standard systems. You can make the stock radio work, but it sounds like you're missing a key piece.
Thanks, I understand what you are saying. No I just tapped the rear speaker feed at the radio as the source for the sub amp.
Reply
Old May 13, 2012 | 12:51 PM
  #7  
Corvette_Ed's Avatar
Corvette_Ed
Race Director
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,731
Likes: 3,254
From: Phoenix area, AZ
Default

Originally Posted by steveovette
Thanks, I understand what you are saying. No I just tapped the rear speaker feed at the radio as the source for the sub amp.
I might be wrong, but I believe you still need the modulator. The system I had CarToys install in my daughter's 2003 Monte Carlo also tapped into the rear speaker output, and it required one between the line and the amp.
Reply
Old May 13, 2012 | 03:02 PM
  #8  
tblu92's Avatar
tblu92
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 326
From: CA.
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
Default

Been there --- You will NEVER get a BOSE stereo to work at full power with an added amp period---No matter which adapter or interface you try--Not an elecronic wizard but after months of seeking out advice and speding countless hours and spending bukko bucks--I was unable to get it to work---Finally got a new aftermarket stereo and now it pounds !!
The aftermarket head units fit very well into a C5 and appear almost stock--
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

 Joe Kucinski
Old May 13, 2012 | 10:05 PM
  #9  
Roc87's Avatar
Roc87
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque NM
Default

Originally Posted by steveovette
Thanks, I understand what you are saying. No I just tapped the rear speaker feed at the radio as the source for the sub amp.
IIRC the rear wiring to the speakers goes through some sort of high pass x-over before getting to the speakers. I used some sort of PAC adapter that provided RCA outputs behind the bose headunit and seems to work finefor the amplified bazooka tube in mine.
Reply
Old May 14, 2012 | 05:30 AM
  #10  
steveovette's Avatar
steveovette
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa Ontario
Default

Thanks guys. I found my problem with the help of forum member markcz. You require a speaker pre amp signal from the head unit. If you check the schematic for the speaker system these wires can be found going to the front woofers at location C4. You could also buy a PAC adaptor from Dennis if you do not want to cut and splice. Not sure thou if going this route you can keep the front woofers.
Steve
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Sub,amp install





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:19 AM.

story-0
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-20 17:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-7
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE