Aftermarket stereo questions
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,969
Likes: 202
From: Lyons Il
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Aftermarket stereo questions
Had an aftermarket stereo installed. Doesn't sound like it is using the existing speaker amps. Although it sounds better and has features like USB and phone hook up it doesn't have the power of the stock radio. Is there a relatively simple solution outside of replacing everything else or returning to the stock head unit? Thoughts? Help please. I lack somewhat in car stereo knowledge. I can however do simple R&R or replace the stock radio. I did watch the installation and remember seeing that I could return to stock simply by plug and play per se.
Thanks
Dyver
Thanks
Dyver
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
As mentioned above, it may be the way it was wired.To properly replace just the head unit leaving the rest of the system in place you will need an adapter (not just a harness) to provide the required interface. This is due to the way the factory system was designed.
The 2 most common adapters are:
1) Metra XSVI-2004
2) Pac Audio ROEM-VET1
Replacing the head unit should be just plug-and-play by using either one. Both have setup adjustments to customize sound/levels. After tweaking them to your liking, they shouldn't require further touching.
Do you know if one of these was used?
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,189
From: Buffalo Texas
I put in a aftermarket single din and with the Bose system (I have) it could not use the tweeters and I could tell the difference. Now installing new 2 Din system from DD Mods, after I hear I will decide if I need to update speakers also ?????
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 33
From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
New speakers are a must. My car had the Bose setup replaced with Alpine speakers all around and crossovers in the doors for the bass and tweeter separation. i have a single DIN JVC with all the bell and whistles and am really enjoying it. My next change when I get the big bucks is a double DIN with the console mod. But that will be a while. Some of these guys will drop a $K on their car without blinking but I have to scrimp and save.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,189
From: Buffalo Texas
New speakers are a must. My car had the Bose setup replaced with Alpine speakers all around and crossovers in the doors for the bass and tweeter separation. i have a single DIN JVC with all the bell and whistles and am really enjoying it. My next change when I get the big bucks is a double DIN with the console mod. But that will be a while. Some of these guys will drop a $K on their car without blinking but I have to scrimp and save.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,969
Likes: 202
From: Lyons Il
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
harness adapter
I do not know if one of the above mentioned adapters was used. I do know that something was used. I remember him wiring the aftermarket stereo with a adapter and plugging that directly into the harness coming off the car. I wanted to be sure that a return to stock was easy and it looked like it. The other thing I recall is the tech looking for a hot so it would power up key on but power down once key was off, just like stock.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 169
From: SE VA VA
I do not know if one of the above mentioned adapters was used. I do know that something was used. I remember him wiring the aftermarket stereo with a adapter and plugging that directly into the harness coming off the car. I wanted to be sure that a return to stock was easy and it looked like it. The other thing I recall is the tech looking for a hot so it would power up key on but power down once key was off, just like stock.
Door buzzers, chimes, onstar functions, to include phone, et al are routed through the radio and played back on the vehicle speakers. If the user wishes to retain those features with a non-OEM radio, then the appropriate bose/non-bose adapter needed to be installed.
IIRC, bose also uses a lower ohm speaker than most other companies, so the adapter may also adjust for that if the OEM speakers are still in play.
Last edited by aj98; Apr 25, 2016 at 04:25 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Dyer IN
Cruise-In IX Veteran
I do not know if one of the above mentioned adapters was used. I do know that something was used. I remember him wiring the aftermarket stereo with a adapter and plugging that directly into the harness coming off the car. I wanted to be sure that a return to stock was easy and it looked like it. The other thing I recall is the tech looking for a hot so it would power up key on but power down once key was off, just like stock.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 169
From: SE VA VA
the adapter I reference required no wire cutting/splicing on the car side required.
The OEM harness plugged in one side, the wires from the non OEM radio connected to the other.
Don't think I can post the link, so the radio came from crutchfield; the adapter was shown as a required item.
The OEM harness plugged in one side, the wires from the non OEM radio connected to the other.
Don't think I can post the link, so the radio came from crutchfield; the adapter was shown as a required item.
Le Mans Master
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From: OK
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Miami FL
Check these links for more info
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: OK
