Aftermarket audio upgrade
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
Aftermarket audio upgrade
I want to upgrade my speakers and subs in my vette but want to keep factory head unit, have done a little research and wondering what setups others have done, I used to have Hertz high energy 3 way components in my last vehicle and loved them so am leaning to getting those and jl stealth box but am curious as to what other people have done, also not sure about what amp to go with and other things I need...
Advanced
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 55
Likes: 33
From: Toronto
In order to get the best sound possible while using your factory radio you will need to go with a DSP (Digital Sound Processor) The speaker outputs coming out of the factory Bose systems are time aligned, EQ'd and crossed over. A DSP will strip those settings into a clean flat signal and then you apply your own settings to the outputs to your new amplifiers. A 3-way component set and a centre channel with a sub would sound really good. As for amplifiers, it all comes down to how much power you want to make.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 2,055
From: Margate, FL
The real challenge is how to tap into the factory radio output, there seems to be two options but one is DOUBLE the cost:
https://navtv.com/products/NTV-KIT838/m650-gm.html ($850)
https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item...DSP-MOST1.html ($415)
Last edited by JMII; Aug 9, 2018 at 06:32 PM.
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 495
Likes: 51
From: Woodlands Texas
It can be a lot of work to do it right.
I'm running an LC8i. I replaced all the speakers (doors included). In a nutshell I had to splice into the factory amplifier outputs and run those to the input side to my LC8i and re solder the wires. From there the LC8 converts and sums the signal for all channels and sends the converted low voltage signal via (RCA) to the input side of my amps. The output then goes back to where i made my initial splice and it reconnects to the out going speaker wires.
There is no comparison in sound.
Also a problem you might run into depending on the level of work done is interference from the mic that picks up signal for sound cancellation. You have to disable it..
I'm running an LC8i. I replaced all the speakers (doors included). In a nutshell I had to splice into the factory amplifier outputs and run those to the input side to my LC8i and re solder the wires. From there the LC8 converts and sums the signal for all channels and sends the converted low voltage signal via (RCA) to the input side of my amps. The output then goes back to where i made my initial splice and it reconnects to the out going speaker wires.
There is no comparison in sound.
Also a problem you might run into depending on the level of work done is interference from the mic that picks up signal for sound cancellation. You have to disable it..
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 2,055
From: Margate, FL
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 254
The Bose equalization/signal manipulation is volume dependent. Any DSP or devices like the Fix82 are at set up/tuned one volume making what they do a compromise. The only way to fully get rid of the Bose stuff is to get the NAVTV M650-GM, Axxess AX-DSP-MOST1, or PAC ap4-gm61. The AX-DSP-MOST1 has a built in DSP which can be a plus (DSP included) or a negative (cannot totally defeated to use your preferred DSP). The PAC AP4-GM61 is new to the market and hasn't been proved yet. The M650-GM and reportedly the AP4-GM61 are the only devices currently available that will produce a pure unadulterated output from the OEM sound system.
That's not to say you cannot get a better than stock results without the M650-GM/AP4-GM61/AX-DSP-MOST1. However to take it to the top level of sound you will need one of them.
That's not to say you cannot get a better than stock results without the M650-GM/AP4-GM61/AX-DSP-MOST1. However to take it to the top level of sound you will need one of them.
Advanced
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 55
Likes: 33
From: Toronto
For sure. Based on my experience that AudioPilot feature is pretty much worthless once you go aftermarket since its compensation is based on the factory speaker frequency response. Glad to know the LC8i works, that make things pretty straight forward. However if you using the BOSE amp signal then you've still got all the factory EQ / DSP stuff applied messing up the signal. Instead I would go with a JL Audio Fix: http://www.jlaudio.com/fix-82-car-au...egration-98100
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Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 2,055
From: Margate, FL
The Bose equalization/signal manipulation is volume dependent. Any DSP or devices like the Fix82 are at set up/tuned one volume making what they do a compromise. The only way to fully get rid of the Bose stuff is to get the NAVTV M650-GM, Axxess AX-DSP-MOST1, or PAC ap4-gm61. The AX-DSP-MOST1 has a built in DSP which can be a plus (DSP included) or a negative (cannot totally defeated to use your preferred DSP). The PAC AP4-GM61 is new to the market and hasn't been proved yet. The M650-GM and reportedly the AP4-GM61 are the only devices currently available that will produce a pure unadulterated output from the OEM sound system.
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
Aftermart audio upgrade
Hello all,
This is my first time posting and I’d like to share what I’ve done audio wise in my C7. First off I’ll run down a list of my equiptment.
JL Audio HD 900/5
JL Audio TWK-88
JL Audio Fix-86
2 Sets of JL Audio C5 Components
JL Audio 8W7ae
This is my first time posting and I’d like to share what I’ve done audio wise in my C7. First off I’ll run down a list of my equiptment.
JL Audio HD 900/5
JL Audio TWK-88
JL Audio Fix-86
2 Sets of JL Audio C5 Components
JL Audio 8W7ae
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 180
Likes: 15
From: Memphis tn
I tried the LC8i first but it just didn't sound right to me. I tried everything but the bass just sounded muddy and uncontrolled on low volume. I went the Audison Bit One route and it made a huge difference in sound. Very clean and nice tight bass. The JL Audio Fix will work as well.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 442
Likes: 157
From: Sayre PA
Do a full insulation kit (not just the carpet mat) in your car and you'll be happy with the Bose audio system. Makes a huge difference. It will take a full day to take everything apart including removing the seats but still way cheaper than any of the options above.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 2,055
From: Margate, FL
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
Finished and sounds great!
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 362
Likes: 222
From: Fate, TX
Can you provide additional info on "full insulation kit" for an '18 GS? This sounds more attractive than re-doing the sound system. It seems like a good idea to reduce ambient noise before doing anything to the sound system.
Last edited by Tin-can; Aug 20, 2018 at 04:51 PM. Reason: Added the word "good"
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 246
Likes: 66
From: Daytona Beach, Florida
I've done this on two other Vettes with good results. I have started on the third... Vettenuts.net or Crazy Cowboy are sources for insulation kits that are pre-cut for the car. Not an easy task. The removal of the interior is required but the results are worth the effort.
Last edited by 427C62013A; Nov 8, 2018 at 01:35 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 144
Likes: 27
From: Kingwood TX
St. Jude Donor '17
Based on my research and past experience with BOSE the statement above is accurate. You have to replace everything because its a system. So the radio stays (it must since it controls other vehicle features), then add a DSP for EQ (equalization) and TA (time alignment), from there add whatever amps you need to power the aftermarket speakers as needed. I would ditch the factory sub for sure. I had an Alpine DSP in my two other vehicles and it sounded amazing!
The real challenge is how to tap into the factory radio output, there seems to be two options but one is DOUBLE the cost:
https://navtv.com/products/NTV-KIT838/m650-gm.html ($850)
https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item...DSP-MOST1.html ($415)
The real challenge is how to tap into the factory radio output, there seems to be two options but one is DOUBLE the cost:
https://navtv.com/products/NTV-KIT838/m650-gm.html ($850)
https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item...DSP-MOST1.html ($415)
Just wanted to point out that the 650-gm is now only $499.
I'm shopping for C7's, while simultaneously searching for ways to upgrade the sound system once I have it and came across this thread. This has been a big help. Seemed easier in the C6, but then again, the head unit was easily replaced.