Oh Boy

When I put the Kenwood in my Caddy in post #11 they said it would not fit, too deep. It fit perfect!

Callaway DrDon

Matthewstorm

RayCE

That looks nice..

Ken's 05 in Troy

Thanks DrDon I guess I will have to increase the budget but I'm trying to narrow down the choices and keep cost around $500 if possible. The Kenwood model you have is really nice & looks
good . I am open to any thoughts/suggestions from any CF members. Thanks

EVRose

I kept the factory nav and upgraded the speakers and added a 12" sub and 2 amps from my previous vehicle bypassing the factory amp. Huge improvement in sound!

humvet

silverbullet132

How did you keep the door chimes if you bypassed the factory amp?

EVRose

The head unit generates the chimes, not the amp. The chimes are now going from the head unit through the aftermarket amp.

TorchRedFred

Changing just the head unit will, IMO, give you a slight improvement in sound quality. An aftermarket unit will have better sound processing and more tuning (EQ) options. Before going all out with my system, I changed only the head unit and kept the Bose system in place and noticed an improvement in sound.

As far as making a factory head unit sound better. You can always add a digital sound processor (DSP) to any system to improve the sound and keep your factory head unit. I don't recommend it in regards to the C6 just because the head unit is so dated as far as graphics, functionality, and features. My car is a 2012, and the head unit was dated even by 2012 standards so replacing it is almost a must-do mod in my opinion.

phileaglesfan

Since the head unit is based on 2004 technology it is pretty much outdated no matter what year you have. Will I replace my stock NAV someday? Probably! No real rush though. Heck if I wait long enough the current offerings will be outdated.

TorchRedFred

True, but it gets progressively more outdated towards the end of the C6 run as the head unit looks more and more out of place compared to other cars of the same model year. Changing the head unit was my favorite mod by far, and if this one gets outdated down the road, it will be an easy swap to upgrade again if I felt inclined to.

silverbullet132

Are you sure about this? The stereo shops I called + metra said it is done through the stock amp & that the stock amp also does the keyless ignition

EVRose

Yes, I am sure about this since I have done it. Anyone telling you that an audio amplifier controls the keyless entry is clueless.

Callaway DrDon

Crutchfield always has scratch and dent, returns, or slightly outdated electronics on sale. Their customer service and return policies are extremely good, so no worries. That should help you out with your budget.

Callaway DrDon

The key to your success was adding the amps. bet that does sound good!

EVRose

Absolutely! Try finding the specs for the factory amp anywhere. You can't!

Northshore3lt

Replaced my factory navigation unit in my 12 GS with a Kenwood DDX9705S couple weeks ago
Love having Google Maps,HD radio,WAZE,Pandora,and Android Auto.Plus unit is more updated and attractive looking
As an added bonus,sound quality improved slightly(kept stock Bose amp and speakers for now)

Couple issues with install,going back to Best Buy Monday-
Microphone not working,installer used stock Onstar unit in A piller,maybe not compatible?
When I press phone button on steering wheel,unit loses power,and "old" voice menu plays over speakers
(I'll post these issues in audio forum)

TorchRedFred

For the C6 you can not re-use the factory mic. Also, not sure how he wired the steering wheel controls but my guess is he screwed something up. This is a very simple install with the correct wiring interface (Pac Audio RP5-GM11). If you use OnStar, it is suppose to mute the radio, not turn it off.

rossi190