Audio system upgrade
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Audio system upgrade
Now that I finally have my Vette, I need to upgrade the audio system pronto.
The Bose speakers are fine, but the radio has to go.
Any one upgrade their system to something that is mp3 compatible?
What did you get,where did you get it,did you install it yourself, and how is the quality?
Thanks in advance.
Bob.
The Bose speakers are fine, but the radio has to go.
Any one upgrade their system to something that is mp3 compatible?
What did you get,where did you get it,did you install it yourself, and how is the quality?
Thanks in advance.
Bob.
#3
Race Director
easy to make the factory head unit sound better with an amplifier and better speakers
the speakers are your issue, the deck obviously can be improved but then you wind up with a gaudy aftermarket deck that doesn't flow with the interior
the speakers are your issue, the deck obviously can be improved but then you wind up with a gaudy aftermarket deck that doesn't flow with the interior
#4
Le Mans Master
Pro Mechanic
No doubt you can buy a head unit that is better/more capable than the factory unit, but you lose the OE look. Some folks don't care...but I do.
A very inexpensive way to upgrade sound is to do what I did and install the Kicker speaker upgrade from DoubleD. Under $100 and a big improvement in mids and highs.
Thinking about a small sub/amp next that will help with the bass and still use the factory HU.
No matter what direction you want to go, Dennis at DoubleD is a great place to start.
#5
Administrator
Member Since: Mar 2001
Location: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
Posts: 342,880
Received 19,282 Likes
on
13,960 Posts
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-
'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
#7
#9
Melting Slicks
http://maptechenterprises.com/storef...&products_id=4
if you are interested.
I have changed all my spkrs, amps and HU but I agree with those above who advise starting with spkrs, then amp, then headunit. The stock headunit does flow with the interior better if that matters a lot to you. Personally, the photo of the single din above I think flows ok also. The double dins look super cool in one way but the do stick out a little bit in the interior. Good if you want it to be the focal point but not so good if you don't.
if you are interested.
I have changed all my spkrs, amps and HU but I agree with those above who advise starting with spkrs, then amp, then headunit. The stock headunit does flow with the interior better if that matters a lot to you. Personally, the photo of the single din above I think flows ok also. The double dins look super cool in one way but the do stick out a little bit in the interior. Good if you want it to be the focal point but not so good if you don't.
#10
Drifting
Just installed Kenwood DNN770HD - Nav, XM, bluetooth, phone, backup mirror, CD and DVD, MP3 and iPhone connectivity. I had it installed at Freeman's in Charlotte. I chose not to mess with the speakers when replacing the head unit. My mistake. Now looking to replace speaker system.
#11
Race Director
Just installed Kenwood DNN770HD - Nav, XM, bluetooth, phone, backup mirror, CD and DVD, MP3 and iPhone connectivity. I had it installed at Freeman's in Charlotte. I chose not to mess with the speakers when replacing the head unit. My mistake. Now looking to replace speaker system.
can you live with just a speaker replacement? it's cheaper yes
but
an amp, sub and good components will sound a lot better
#12
Pro
I put in the Kenwood KDC-BT758HD I got from Dennis. He is great to work with and will definitely take care of you. I wanted Bluetooth and iPhone connectivity and this is perfect. I think it fits in well with the other parts of the dash and makes a nice installation.
#13
Drifting
Thread Starter
#14
Melting Slicks
IMHO, the Bose speakers are the weaker link - not the head unit. My first upgrade was an amp and stealth sub box with a 10" sub (from Dennis) and then an aux jack for music (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...p-for-3-a.html). That alone has been a huge improvement. Next will be to change out the speakers. The HU will be last.
#15
Le Mans Master
The whole stock system is all sub par for today's standard. Bluetooth, iPod and a small sub are my requirements. I have a single din Kenwood with Pioneer speakers and one of the new small powered subs and it sounds great. I still have GM RAP and love my music, I'm happy.
#18
Melting Slicks
Loose the Bose. I did that 9 yrs ago with a single DIN Alpine and JL Audio speakers and amp in my coupe. Just running the speakers in the doors. No rear speakers. It sounds awesome.
Just picked up a C6 Vert and will be doing something similar over the next 6 months or so.
I am in Brea if you want to listen to what the C5 can sound like.
Gary
Just picked up a C6 Vert and will be doing something similar over the next 6 months or so.
I am in Brea if you want to listen to what the C5 can sound like.
Gary
#20
Pro
Member Since: Feb 2014
Location: Kansas City Missouri
Posts: 697
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
4 Posts
SilverC54me
I was thinking of putting in a new system and going "old school" and changing everything out sounds like the ticket.
It's been years since I messed around with car radios.
I'm going to need some help.
I was thinking of putting in a new system and going "old school" and changing everything out sounds like the ticket.
It's been years since I messed around with car radios.
I'm going to need some help.