Sticker Shock.....
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 11,003
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From: Why I oughtta....
St. Jude Donor '17-'18
I have to respectfully disagree with some on the quality of the stock Bose speakers. Yes, the head unit pretty much sucked, the cd player sounded just ok and the radio sounded awful. But since I've replaced with a Pioneer, with its expanded equalization capability and more powerful amp, I think it sounds pretty darn good. Good enough for me anyway. And having Bluetooth, nav, backup cam and USB port is great too. You might as well go aftermarket, I'm glad I did.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 462
From: Southern Utah
There are lots of companies that will repair an oem car radio. Usually there are weaknesses that these shops know about so repair is not that difficult. Remember that like most of the car, GM does not manufacture the audio system. Parts and repair are available.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 565
From: Mesquite NV
Had mine professionally installed as well a few years back. There is a special harness that cost an additional couple dollars (under $50 if I remember correctly) that basically allowed for plug-n-play with the Bose amp/speakers) 
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,022
Likes: 2,714
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Any aftermarket unit will not give nav distance/turn arrow info on the HUD like the factory unit does.
Some people don't care, others consider it a deal breaker.
It's important to me but I'm probably in the minority.
Some people don't care, others consider it a deal breaker.
It's important to me but I'm probably in the minority.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14,475
Likes: 785
From: Las Vegas NV
I have to respectfully disagree with some on the quality of the stock Bose speakers. Yes, the head unit pretty much sucked, the cd player sounded just ok and the radio sounded awful. But since I've replaced with a Pioneer, with its expanded equalization capability and more powerful amp, I think it sounds pretty darn good. Good enough for me anyway. And having Bluetooth, nav, backup cam and USB port is great too. You might as well go aftermarket, I'm glad I did.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 193
Likes: 16
From: Orange Tex
Thanks for all the great advice everyone. I'm going to a local sound shop and replace the Head Unit first. If that doesn't do it then i will replace the speakers and add a sub... Thanks.
Iv'e got another horror story from the dealership or should i say x dealership about a check engine light they checked out for me i will share later. I'm glad i have found a good local vette mechanic to keep my car running in top shape......
Iv'e got another horror story from the dealership or should i say x dealership about a check engine light they checked out for me i will share later. I'm glad i have found a good local vette mechanic to keep my car running in top shape......
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 109
Likes: 5
From: Chula Vista, CA
BUT, I got a unit with Bluetooth and Android Auto. So it does everything the stock unit did but 1000x better.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,984
Likes: 380
From: Edmond Oklahoma
The cones aren't cracked. They look like they are staying together. They appear well made and good quality. I have a base car and can't comment on the Bose sound but I see nothing wrong in the picture.
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,768
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From: Phoenix area, AZ
They have paper cones. Good speakers have polypropylene cones that provide a much cleaner sound and don't lose clarity of tone when they get older. They also have the benefit of lasting many times longer than paper cones ever will.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: North Texas
I was wondering about that. I really like the information in the HUD. Does using an aftermarket head unit kill any other HUD functionality or just the Nav related information?
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
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From: Phoenix area, AZ
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,022
Likes: 2,714
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Yes, you only lose the HUD nav info.
Here's a comparison of the advantages/disadvantages of the various systems. Think about how you use the car and make the choice that's right for you.
Here's a comparison of the advantages/disadvantages of the various systems. Think about how you use the car and make the choice that's right for you.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14,475
Likes: 785
From: Las Vegas NV
are you saying these are poor quality? I see nothing wrong with them.
The cones aren't cracked. They look like they are staying together. They appear well made and good quality. I have a base car and can't comment on the Bose sound but I see nothing wrong in the picture.
The cones aren't cracked. They look like they are staying together. They appear well made and good quality. I have a base car and can't comment on the Bose sound but I see nothing wrong in the picture.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 11,003
Likes: 64
From: Why I oughtta....
St. Jude Donor '17-'18
[QUOTE=EVRose;1593667655]They are poor quality and cheaply made. If you held a good quality speaker in one hand and one of those in the other you'd know right away they are inferior. This video shows the difference between a cheap, factory speaker and a quality aftermarket one.
You do have a valid point, there are certainly better quality speakers out there to be had. I'm just going with the old adage that if it aint broke don't fix it. Once I had the new Pioneer installed the overall sound quality with the Bose speakers improved dramatically, particularly while playing the radio. And the quality of sound while playing a CD is, in my opinion, excellent. And even at the higher volumes they seem to respond rather well with the Pioneer unit I chose. To be sure, there are others with more discerning ears who demand even more, but for me, the difference just wouldn't justify the expense. So, if and when I get to a point where I decide that they're broken, then I'll just fix them. I would however, be interested in your opinion on what brand of speakers there are which are reasonably priced and give the most bang for the bucks.
You do have a valid point, there are certainly better quality speakers out there to be had. I'm just going with the old adage that if it aint broke don't fix it. Once I had the new Pioneer installed the overall sound quality with the Bose speakers improved dramatically, particularly while playing the radio. And the quality of sound while playing a CD is, in my opinion, excellent. And even at the higher volumes they seem to respond rather well with the Pioneer unit I chose. To be sure, there are others with more discerning ears who demand even more, but for me, the difference just wouldn't justify the expense. So, if and when I get to a point where I decide that they're broken, then I'll just fix them. I would however, be interested in your opinion on what brand of speakers there are which are reasonably priced and give the most bang for the bucks.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14,475
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From: Las Vegas NV
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 984
Likes: 32
From: Atlanta GA
Depending on your phone..... The Android and Apple play stuff is where it's all heading..... And your phone will mirror the GPS to the dash..... No way I would spend a dime on a outdated factory unit......
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,022
Likes: 2,714
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Each type of system has it's own advantages and disadvantages, you may not want to spend a dime for the factory system but for some people it's a better choice. It all depends on how you use the car and your preferences.
I happen to like red Corvettes with Z51 suspensions, but I don't think every owner should have one just because I like 'em.
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
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From: Phoenix area, AZ