Audio system upgrade thread
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2012
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From: The Villages, FL
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (stock)
C6 of Year Winner (stock) 2019
Audio system upgrade thread
I'm working on putting together the things I need to upgrade my system. Thought I'd start a thread to get questions answered and maybe help someone else down the road trying to do the same. I currently have the factory touch screen unit with bose, nav, and xm radio. Must haves for me are to keep my xm radio and use the factory antennas, add a backup camera, and maintain steering wheel controls. I'm giving up the on-board nav with the turn directions and radio info to the HUD, and the CD player in exchange for Apple CarPlay to use streaming and phone based nav (I rarely need/use nav anyway).
Over the years I've used Crutchfield many times and have always been happy with the results. I intend to do the same this time and will even take advantage of the ReadyHarness service they offer. I'm planning to go with the Kenwood DMX9706S head unit, the PAC RP5-GM11 Wiring interface, the Metra 95-3304 dash kit, the SiriusXM SXV300V1 tuner, and I picked an Audiovox camera that has the ability to mount to the license plate. To use the factory XM antennas, I'm planning to go with the following items from Amazon:
I'll leave the start of this thread here and post my first question as a reply to this post.
Over the years I've used Crutchfield many times and have always been happy with the results. I intend to do the same this time and will even take advantage of the ReadyHarness service they offer. I'm planning to go with the Kenwood DMX9706S head unit, the PAC RP5-GM11 Wiring interface, the Metra 95-3304 dash kit, the SiriusXM SXV300V1 tuner, and I picked an Audiovox camera that has the ability to mount to the license plate. To use the factory XM antennas, I'm planning to go with the following items from Amazon:
I'll leave the start of this thread here and post my first question as a reply to this post.
Last edited by C5forGreg; Apr 14, 2020 at 02:23 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2012
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From: The Villages, FL
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (stock)
C6 of Year Winner (stock) 2019
My first question, now that I've come up with the list of components, is regarding the PAC wiring interface. I'm posting an image of what is stated on the Crutchfield website about it. Highlighted in grey, you see where it states that it retains factory bluetooth if equipped. Does anyone know if that's the case with our cars and/or to what extent? I would assume the unit has it's own bluetooth interface that has nothing to do with the factory system and that I'll probably even have to run another mic for phone calls as opposed to being able to use the factory mic.
Melting Slicks
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From: Phoenix, AZ to Quakertown, PA.
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I just received my Kenwood the other day, I’m waiting for my trans and ebrake covers to arrive so I only have to remove the console once. After talking to Travis at Crutchfield he said I would just need the head unit as I have an aftermarket head unit installed now, he thinks I should have the needed harnesses for steering wheel controls, mic, etc. We shall see once I start install. Good luck with your install and questions, which there are many answered under the audio/tech section.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 641
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From: The Villages, FL
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (stock)
C6 of Year Winner (stock) 2019
I just received my Kenwood the other day, I’m waiting for my trans and ebrake covers to arrive so I only have to remove the console once. After talking to Travis at Crutchfield he said I would just need the head unit as I have an aftermarket head unit installed now, he thinks I should have the needed harnesses for steering wheel controls, mic, etc. We shall see once I start install. Good luck with your install and questions, which there are many answered under the audio/tech section.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
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From: Morris County New Jersey
The highlighted part above does not pertain to the C6. You can splice into the factory mic if you choose or you can run the mic that comes with the head unit to your desired location. I ran the mic and installed it right next to the factory mic. You would never really notice that it is there.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 641
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From: The Villages, FL
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (stock)
C6 of Year Winner (stock) 2019
Okay, makes sense that a new mic will need to be positioned. I'm not even sure what they are referring to about keeping factory bluetooth, unless they are referring the the mic anyway.
I've seen a couple of videos on removing the console, but both appeared to be on manual trans cars. Anyone have any tips or links on removing the console on a 2012 A6 and any other parts I'll need to remove to gain access, such as in the rear to get to the sat antenna hookups, or the pillar where the mic is, or anywhere in between in order to run wires?
I've seen a couple of videos on removing the console, but both appeared to be on manual trans cars. Anyone have any tips or links on removing the console on a 2012 A6 and any other parts I'll need to remove to gain access, such as in the rear to get to the sat antenna hookups, or the pillar where the mic is, or anywhere in between in order to run wires?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
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From: Morris County New Jersey
Check the how-to section of the forum also. They have a write up on removing the center console and installing an aftermarket head unit. With an automatic, no need to remove the shifter.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/how-to...igation-368176
Also, with running wires, in some cases it's possible to push the wire behind trim pieces without having to remove the trim piece. I always attempt this first when possible, and in my case I never removed the A pillar trim when I ran the wire for the mic. Same thing when running the cable for the XM antenna and/or video cable for reverse camera. Either feed it under the carpet through the center or push it under the trim pieces when needed.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/how-to...igation-368176
Also, with running wires, in some cases it's possible to push the wire behind trim pieces without having to remove the trim piece. I always attempt this first when possible, and in my case I never removed the A pillar trim when I ran the wire for the mic. Same thing when running the cable for the XM antenna and/or video cable for reverse camera. Either feed it under the carpet through the center or push it under the trim pieces when needed.
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Le Mans Master
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From: Billings Montana. Out in the wild west
Okay, makes sense that a new mic will need to be positioned. I'm not even sure what they are referring to about keeping factory bluetooth, unless they are referring the the mic anyway.
I've seen a couple of videos on removing the console, but both appeared to be on manual trans cars. Anyone have any tips or links on removing the console on a 2012 A6 and any other parts I'll need to remove to gain access, such as in the rear to get to the sat antenna hookups, or the pillar where the mic is, or anywhere in between in order to run wires?
I've seen a couple of videos on removing the console, but both appeared to be on manual trans cars. Anyone have any tips or links on removing the console on a 2012 A6 and any other parts I'll need to remove to gain access, such as in the rear to get to the sat antenna hookups, or the pillar where the mic is, or anywhere in between in order to run wires?
Last edited by madsonp; Apr 15, 2020 at 02:50 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2012
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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (stock)
C6 of Year Winner (stock) 2019
What a difference a day makes. I left all my items in my Crutchfield "cart" but didn't pull the trigger yesterday. Now, it's saying the head unit I had selected is discontinued. I'm ordering Kenwood DDX8706S instead. It's a CD/DVD unit and I really don't care about anything disc related, but oh well.
Thanks for the info on removing the console - good stuff.
I'm taking advantage of the Crutchfield service to pre-wire my interface harness for me. The PAC adapter description states the below with respect to the parking brake. However, I've read something somewhere about a wire needing to be run to the parking brake. Does this adapter take care of that? I realize I could somehow just ground that wire and fake the system out, but I don't care about being able to do things while moving that it doesn't want me to do. On the other hand, I almost never set my parking brake and having to do so just to access something on the radio (not sure what that would be) would be a pain. Or is this all a non-issue since I am not adding on-board NAV and doubt I'll be playing videos.
provides Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS), parking brake, and reverse connections for installing a navigation receiver
Thanks for the info on removing the console - good stuff.
I'm taking advantage of the Crutchfield service to pre-wire my interface harness for me. The PAC adapter description states the below with respect to the parking brake. However, I've read something somewhere about a wire needing to be run to the parking brake. Does this adapter take care of that? I realize I could somehow just ground that wire and fake the system out, but I don't care about being able to do things while moving that it doesn't want me to do. On the other hand, I almost never set my parking brake and having to do so just to access something on the radio (not sure what that would be) would be a pain. Or is this all a non-issue since I am not adding on-board NAV and doubt I'll be playing videos.
provides Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS), parking brake, and reverse connections for installing a navigation receiver
Last edited by C5forGreg; Apr 15, 2020 at 04:45 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,427
Likes: 2,309
From: Billings Montana. Out in the wild west
What a difference a day makes. I left all my items in my Crutchfield "cart" but didn't pull the trigger yesterday. Now, it's saying the head unit I had selected is discontinued. I'm ordering Kenwood DDX8706S instead. It's a CD/DVD unit and I really don't care about anything disc related, but oh well.
Thanks for the info on removing the console - good stuff.
I'm taking advantage of the Crutchfield service to pre-wire my interface harness for me. The PAC adapter description states the below with respect to the parking brake. However, I've read something somewhere about a wire needing to be run to the parking brake. Does this adapter take care of that? I realize I could somehow just ground that wire and fake the system out, but I don't care about being able to do things while moving that it doesn't want me to do. On the other hand, I almost never set my parking brake and having to do so just to access something on the radio (not sure what that would be) would be a pain. Or is this all a non-issue since
provides Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS), parking brake, and reverse connections for installing a navigation receiver
Thanks for the info on removing the console - good stuff.
I'm taking advantage of the Crutchfield service to pre-wire my interface harness for me. The PAC adapter description states the below with respect to the parking brake. However, I've read something somewhere about a wire needing to be run to the parking brake. Does this adapter take care of that? I realize I could somehow just ground that wire and fake the system out, but I don't care about being able to do things while moving that it doesn't want me to do. On the other hand, I almost never set my parking brake and having to do so just to access something on the radio (not sure what that would be) would be a pain. Or is this all a non-issue since
provides Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS), parking brake, and reverse connections for installing a navigation receiver
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,139
Likes: 1,962
From: Morris County New Jersey
Yes the Pac wiring harness takes care of all of that. I would suggest grounding the parking brake wire so that you don't get locked out of certain features while the car is in motion. Here is a vid.
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Joined: Jan 2012
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From: The Villages, FL
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (stock)
C6 of Year Winner (stock) 2019
madsonp, I'm having Crutchfield wire my harness to the PAC adapter. According to them, that should take care of the park brake circuit. However, I'm not getting on-board nav. If/when I need nav, I'll just use an app over CarPlay - would this circuit come into play when doing that?
Also, while I have you - the 10' cable for the sat antenna is out of stock on Amazon. They had a 6.5' one or a 16.5' one. I'm thinking/hoping the 6.5' will be long enough because I ordered one.
Also, while I have you - the 10' cable for the sat antenna is out of stock on Amazon. They had a 6.5' one or a 16.5' one. I'm thinking/hoping the 6.5' will be long enough because I ordered one.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,139
Likes: 1,962
From: Morris County New Jersey
madsonp, I'm having Crutchfield wire my harness to the PAC adapter. According to them, that should take care of the park brake circuit. However, I'm not getting on-board nav. If/when I need nav, I'll just use an app over CarPlay - would this circuit come into play when doing that?
Also, while I have you - the 10' cable for the sat antenna is out of stock on Amazon. They had a 6.5' one or a 16.5' one. I'm thinking/hoping the 6.5' will be long enough because I ordered one.
Also, while I have you - the 10' cable for the sat antenna is out of stock on Amazon. They had a 6.5' one or a 16.5' one. I'm thinking/hoping the 6.5' will be long enough because I ordered one.
I just checked and found the 10ft cable on Amazon. I don't think the 6.5' will be enough.
Last edited by TorchRedFred; Apr 15, 2020 at 05:00 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,427
Likes: 2,309
From: Billings Montana. Out in the wild west
I just checked and found the 10ft cable on Amazon. I don't think the 6.5" will be enough.
https://www.amazon.com/Sirius-Radio-...6983504&sr=8-4
https://www.amazon.com/Sirius-Radio-...6983504&sr=8-4
I believe also that a 6.5' wouldn't be long enough, but Fred would certainly know better then me as he has a coupe, and mines a convertible. As far as your other question concerning what all the parking brake affects, I can't really say for sure concerning your Kenwood, my experience is mostly with Pioneer systems, here's the owners manual for your system, perhaps you can find more info in there. https://pdf.crutchfieldonline.com/Im...113DDX9906.PDF The cable Fred mentioned I believe is the one he used in his car and will work, I myself prefer locking connections wherever possible which is why I prefer the Fakra cables personally.
Last edited by madsonp; Apr 15, 2020 at 05:19 PM. Reason: correction, and added language
Racer
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 427
Likes: 142
From: Kingman AZ
Check the how-to section of the forum also. They have a write up on removing the center console and installing an aftermarket head unit. With an automatic, no need to remove the shifter.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/how-to...igation-368176
Also, with running wires, in some cases it's possible to push the wire behind trim pieces without having to remove the trim piece. I always attempt this first when possible, and in my case I never removed the A pillar trim when I ran the wire for the mic. Same thing when running the cable for the XM antenna and/or video cable for reverse camera. Either feed it under the carpet through the center or push it under the trim pieces when needed.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/how-to...igation-368176
Also, with running wires, in some cases it's possible to push the wire behind trim pieces without having to remove the trim piece. I always attempt this first when possible, and in my case I never removed the A pillar trim when I ran the wire for the mic. Same thing when running the cable for the XM antenna and/or video cable for reverse camera. Either feed it under the carpet through the center or push it under the trim pieces when needed.
What a difference a day makes. I left all my items in my Crutchfield "cart" but didn't pull the trigger yesterday. Now, it's saying the head unit I had selected is discontinued. I'm ordering Kenwood DDX8706S instead. It's a CD/DVD unit and I really don't care about anything disc related, but oh well.
Thanks for the info on removing the console - good stuff.
I'm taking advantage of the Crutchfield service to pre-wire my interface harness for me. The PAC adapter description states the below with respect to the parking brake. However, I've read something somewhere about a wire needing to be run to the parking brake. Does this adapter take care of that? I realize I could somehow just ground that wire and fake the system out, but I don't care about being able to do things while moving that it doesn't want me to do. On the other hand, I almost never set my parking brake and having to do so just to access something on the radio (not sure what that would be) would be a pain. Or is this all a non-issue since I am not adding on-board NAV and doubt I'll be playing videos.
provides Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS), parking brake, and reverse connections for installing a navigation receiver
Thanks for the info on removing the console - good stuff.
I'm taking advantage of the Crutchfield service to pre-wire my interface harness for me. The PAC adapter description states the below with respect to the parking brake. However, I've read something somewhere about a wire needing to be run to the parking brake. Does this adapter take care of that? I realize I could somehow just ground that wire and fake the system out, but I don't care about being able to do things while moving that it doesn't want me to do. On the other hand, I almost never set my parking brake and having to do so just to access something on the radio (not sure what that would be) would be a pain. Or is this all a non-issue since I am not adding on-board NAV and doubt I'll be playing videos.
provides Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS), parking brake, and reverse connections for installing a navigation receiver
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 641
Likes: 215
From: The Villages, FL
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (stock)
C6 of Year Winner (stock) 2019
Madsonp or Fred, would you order the 16.5’ fakra cable with the locking connectors or would you just get the 10’ coax in this situation? I was able to cancel the 6.5’ cable. Just not sure how long the antenna cable can be before the signal degrades too much. On the other hand, the cables on the magnetic antennas that come with xm tuners tend to be pretty doggone long. Or, I could order 2 of the 6.5’ and at least get it a few feet shorter than 16’.
Also, any tips on routing wiring from backup camera into the rear of the car? My camera will attach to a bracket that will mount behind my license plate which will center the camera just below the hatch button, etc.
Also, any tips on routing wiring from backup camera into the rear of the car? My camera will attach to a bracket that will mount behind my license plate which will center the camera just below the hatch button, etc.
Last edited by C5forGreg; Apr 15, 2020 at 05:39 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 398
From: ARKANSAS
Just a note about the Kenwood head unit. The Kenwood units have a known issue with Apple carplay. I've researched it on the Kenwood Blogs. I have had problems for a while with connectivity. I updated firmware, software, new cables to no avail. It works but has problems. Sometimes a black screen. Sometimes an error message that USB device cannot connect. Otherwise a fantastic head unit. When it works it is awesome.