upgrading interior speakers
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 5,401
Likes: 52
From: Norman OK
To me the quality of sound is subjective, I get better "quality" if I like the way it sounds better. Be that because it has more volume or cleaner sound does not matter to me, if I like the sound better, no matter what a RTA says, then I will say and believe I have improved the quality of the sound in my Corvette.
I am sure Chevy put in what they thought was the best sound system given the constraints of price, location, weight, etc. I improved the quality of my experience in my car with a new head unit, speakers, and amp. No sub for me as I get plenty of bass out of the system with out one.
Everyone hears differently so there would not be one system or setup that is perfect for everyone.
Keep driving and make you Bette unique to you, to me that's what it is all about.
I am sure Chevy put in what they thought was the best sound system given the constraints of price, location, weight, etc. I improved the quality of my experience in my car with a new head unit, speakers, and amp. No sub for me as I get plenty of bass out of the system with out one.
Everyone hears differently so there would not be one system or setup that is perfect for everyone.
Keep driving and make you Bette unique to you, to me that's what it is all about.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
I'm sure there is another reason you won't post in the audio forum. You'd end up on the wrong side of all kinds of lopsided battles like this one.
I do have one last request before I stop posting in this thread. Would you please share with us your current system in your C6? An expert like you MUST have something we all should behold and envy.
I do have one last request before I stop posting in this thread. Would you please share with us your current system in your C6? An expert like you MUST have something we all should behold and envy.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14,475
Likes: 785
From: Las Vegas NV
I'm sure he wishes this thread will die. If I were him I guess I would too. However with all his proclaimed knowledge I find it hard to believe he settles for a factory system in his ride. After all his ranting you'd think he would show off something spectacular to prove that everything us mortals have tried is futile. Nevertheless, I've heard before and after Bose in not only vett but my previpus GM car and after sound quality to my ears is far superior. Sound stage and placement not withstanding.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,182
Likes: 209
From: Orlando FL
I would not do it. Upgrading speakers in the same locations amounts to downgrade as a matter of fact because you will not be able to use the center channel and even if you use it by some miracle, you will not be able to match the signal processing and tonality. What typically happens with these "upgrades" is you end up with smaller speakers in the doors and people swearing the sound is better.
Unless you come up with a better soundstage layout and followup with capable fabrication and installation, you will join others who literally dump the money down the toilet.
And no, a different amplifier will not improve your car sound quality, all amplifiers sound exactly the same as a matter of fact. The only reason why you would be needing higher output amps would be due to the loss of sensitivity in the typical aftermarket drivers due to less compliant suspension and smaller diameter drivers.
Also, throwing a sub or two in the back of your car will not improve the sound QUALITY, it will merely give you more output while creating a real sonic mess due to little details like directional cues resulting from the expected high low pass crossover points set up for your subwoofers.
Take it or leave it but in reality, you end up making your system louder while discarding the sound quality completely-this is the real outcome of those audio upgrades in corvettes I keep seeing, nothing but bragging rights about amount spent, high end brands purchased, sound dampener installed and still not a single clue about the sound quality itself.
As a matter of fact, you can improve the sound quality in your car for about fifty bucks total in a way more effective way than what you think about doing. Corvette audio upgrade is an oxymoron, at least those I keep seeing around here or on so called sound quality forums.
Unless you come up with a better soundstage layout and followup with capable fabrication and installation, you will join others who literally dump the money down the toilet.
And no, a different amplifier will not improve your car sound quality, all amplifiers sound exactly the same as a matter of fact. The only reason why you would be needing higher output amps would be due to the loss of sensitivity in the typical aftermarket drivers due to less compliant suspension and smaller diameter drivers.
Also, throwing a sub or two in the back of your car will not improve the sound QUALITY, it will merely give you more output while creating a real sonic mess due to little details like directional cues resulting from the expected high low pass crossover points set up for your subwoofers.
Take it or leave it but in reality, you end up making your system louder while discarding the sound quality completely-this is the real outcome of those audio upgrades in corvettes I keep seeing, nothing but bragging rights about amount spent, high end brands purchased, sound dampener installed and still not a single clue about the sound quality itself.
As a matter of fact, you can improve the sound quality in your car for about fifty bucks total in a way more effective way than what you think about doing. Corvette audio upgrade is an oxymoron, at least those I keep seeing around here or on so called sound quality forums.
Can't wait to save up the money I need to upgrade my Vette's stereo.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,182
Likes: 209
From: Orlando FL
To me the quality of sound is subjective, I get better "quality" if I like the way it sounds better. Be that because it has more volume or cleaner sound does not matter to me, if I like the sound better, no matter what a RTA says, then I will say and believe I have improved the quality of the sound in my Corvette.
I am sure Chevy put in what they thought was the best sound system given the constraints of price, location, weight, etc. I improved the quality of my experience in my car with a new head unit, speakers, and amp. No sub for me as I get plenty of bass out of the system with out one.
Everyone hears differently so there would not be one system or setup that is perfect for everyone.
Keep driving and make you Bette unique to you, to me that's what it is all about.
I am sure Chevy put in what they thought was the best sound system given the constraints of price, location, weight, etc. I improved the quality of my experience in my car with a new head unit, speakers, and amp. No sub for me as I get plenty of bass out of the system with out one.
Everyone hears differently so there would not be one system or setup that is perfect for everyone.
Keep driving and make you Bette unique to you, to me that's what it is all about.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 597
Likes: 257
From: Michigan
I was actually pretty happy with the Bose system in a parked car. But it can't keep up with a Vette cruising at 70mph, or really at any speed with the windows down, much less with the top off. That's the real weak point in the system for me, outside of the fact that it is also missing the outer two or three octaves to start with it can't keep up with the noise floor of this car. At 70mph it's like listening to an old boombox.
And to those that keep saying GM and Bose know more about this audio stuff than the average enthusiast or aftermarket specialist are missing one huge, really big point. The Bose system was designed to a price, and perhaps more importantly, a mass and power envelope with technology and market constraints from ~2004 at best.
You may well have a had hard time developing a better OVERALL system in 2004 if you were constrained by the exact same set of cost, mass, packaging, and power usage parameters that the General put on Bose.
But we're not, and that is also kind of a big deal.
I will give peter one thing, he is fairly good at sticking with specific arguments that have at least some merit and completely disregarding all of the other variables. A lot of you guys need to learn to pick up on that before making with all the arguing.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
I'm sure he wishes this thread will die. If I were him I guess I would too. However with all his proclaimed knowledge I find it hard to believe he settles for a factory system in his ride. After all his ranting you'd think he would show off something spectacular to prove that everything us mortals have tried is futile. Nevertheless, I've heard before and after Bose in not only vett but my previpus GM car and after sound quality to my ears is far superior. Sound stage and placement not withstanding.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,504
Likes: 2
From: Sacramento California
I'm sure there is another reason you won't post in the audio forum. You'd end up on the wrong side of all kinds of lopsided battles like this one.
I do have one last request before I stop posting in this thread. Would you please share with us your current system in your C6? An expert like you MUST have something we all should behold and envy.
I do have one last request before I stop posting in this thread. Would you please share with us your current system in your C6? An expert like you MUST have something we all should behold and envy.
These days, I am busy fiberglassing custom exterior parts for my vettes, not the interior.
My great audio systems are OEM 1LT basic system in my 09 daily driver and I think Bose with Nav in my 09 Z06, or whatever comes with 3LZ trim level. To do a real install, I would have to make my own door panels and pillars and then add a lot of weight to the car, this defies the purpose of corvette and its weightsaving measures. I do have a pile of pretty nice equipment sitting around but no motivation to add weight to my car. Vett is a flimsy car and good sound requires decent mass, especially in the bass department. I do not relish the idea of hauling around a 5 cu ft enclosure or adding more weight to the flimsy doors. Now, you can go back to your kiddie stuff and keep me entertained.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,504
Likes: 2
From: Sacramento California
I'm sure he wishes this thread will die. If I were him I guess I would too. However with all his proclaimed knowledge I find it hard to believe he settles for a factory system in his ride. After all his ranting you'd think he would show off something spectacular to prove that everything us mortals have tried is futile. Nevertheless, I've heard before and after Bose in not only vett but my previpus GM car and after sound quality to my ears is far superior. Sound stage and placement not withstanding.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,504
Likes: 2
From: Sacramento California
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14,475
Likes: 785
From: Las Vegas NV
You should really get over it and move on. And yeah, I am really running scared seeing all these great minds putting me in the right place, LOL.
These days, I am busy fiberglassing custom exterior parts for my vettes, not the interior.
My great audio systems are OEM 1LT basic system in my 09 daily driver and I think Bose with Nav in my 09 Z06, or whatever comes with 3LZ trim level. To do a real install, I would have to make my own door panels and pillars and then add a lot of weight to the car, this defies the purpose of corvette and its weightsaving measures. I do have a pile of pretty nice equipment sitting around but no motivation to add weight to my car. Vett is a flimsy car and good sound requires decent mass, especially in the bass department. I do not relish the idea of hauling around a 5 cu ft enclosure or adding more weight to the flimsy doors. Now, you can go back to your kiddie stuff and keep me entertained.
These days, I am busy fiberglassing custom exterior parts for my vettes, not the interior.
My great audio systems are OEM 1LT basic system in my 09 daily driver and I think Bose with Nav in my 09 Z06, or whatever comes with 3LZ trim level. To do a real install, I would have to make my own door panels and pillars and then add a lot of weight to the car, this defies the purpose of corvette and its weightsaving measures. I do have a pile of pretty nice equipment sitting around but no motivation to add weight to my car. Vett is a flimsy car and good sound requires decent mass, especially in the bass department. I do not relish the idea of hauling around a 5 cu ft enclosure or adding more weight to the flimsy doors. Now, you can go back to your kiddie stuff and keep me entertained.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Well young grasshopper, you better run back to your DIYMA mentors, there may be one or two there who can set you straight on this subject, unless you listen to your system at the knee level managing somehow to sit in the middle of your car. Step one for you would be to asses the extent of the failure with your newest design. Knowledge is free and readily accessible these days, beats being stucki in that mental box you live in right now.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,504
Likes: 2
From: Sacramento California
Do this same test while driving down the road at 60mph and the result will be very different. You point, while quite valid, doesn't include that critical variable.
I was actually pretty happy with the Bose system in a parked car. But it can't keep up with a Vette cruising at 70mph, or really at any speed with the windows down, much less with the top off. That's the real weak point in the system for me, outside of the fact that it is also missing the outer two or three octaves to start with it can't keep up with the noise floor of this car. At 70mph it's like listening to an old boombox.
And to those that keep saying GM and Bose know more about this audio stuff than the average enthusiast or aftermarket specialist are missing one huge, really big point. The Bose system was designed to a price, and perhaps more importantly, a mass and power envelope with technology and market constraints from ~2004 at best.
You may well have a had hard time developing a better OVERALL system in 2004 if you were constrained by the exact same set of cost, mass, packaging, and power usage parameters that the General put on Bose.
But we're not, and that is also kind of a big deal.
I will give peter one thing, he is fairly good at sticking with specific arguments that have at least some merit and completely disregarding all of the other variables. A lot of you guys need to learn to pick up on that before making with all the arguing.
I was actually pretty happy with the Bose system in a parked car. But it can't keep up with a Vette cruising at 70mph, or really at any speed with the windows down, much less with the top off. That's the real weak point in the system for me, outside of the fact that it is also missing the outer two or three octaves to start with it can't keep up with the noise floor of this car. At 70mph it's like listening to an old boombox.
And to those that keep saying GM and Bose know more about this audio stuff than the average enthusiast or aftermarket specialist are missing one huge, really big point. The Bose system was designed to a price, and perhaps more importantly, a mass and power envelope with technology and market constraints from ~2004 at best.
You may well have a had hard time developing a better OVERALL system in 2004 if you were constrained by the exact same set of cost, mass, packaging, and power usage parameters that the General put on Bose.
But we're not, and that is also kind of a big deal.
I will give peter one thing, he is fairly good at sticking with specific arguments that have at least some merit and completely disregarding all of the other variables. A lot of you guys need to learn to pick up on that before making with all the arguing.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,504
Likes: 2
From: Sacramento California
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Ounces? I have a 15 inch Adire Brahma in a ported 3.5 cu ft enclosure and this thing weighs close to hundred pounds alone. I have to use a custom 240 A alternator and boat battery to at least try to keep up with the current drain. No my friend, we are not talking ounces, we are talking minimum couple hundred pounds and more drag on the engine. I leave the kiddie stuff for people like you
Alcoholic....and he hates Christmas... :-) I think "the odd Peter" needs a hug....we care "odd Peter"....we care about you. :-)
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14,475
Likes: 785
From: Las Vegas NV
Ounces? I have a 15 inch Adire Brahma in a ported 3.5 cu ft enclosure and this thing weighs close to hundred pounds alone. I have to use a custom 240 A alternator and boat battery to at least try to keep up with the current drain. No my friend, we are not talking ounces, we are talking minimum couple hundred pounds and more drag on the engine. I leave the kiddie stuff for people like you
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,504
Likes: 2
From: Sacramento California
I tell you what, you first prove my statements regarding the audio upgrades wrong and then you will see the picture. And you better back up your statements with more than just your ears for a change or wisecracks from other audio enthusiasts who continue to dump their money down the toilet. Until then, you and others keep on playing in this car audio sandbox and I'll enjoy the sideshow. You and others are free to call on those so called experts. All you have to do is prove me wrong. If you succeed, I may show you more than just Brahma, I have a few other subwoofers and variety of other drivers. Go for it sport