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I have a 2012 3lt with the factory Nav, and i hate it! Also, the radio gives me a low static sound, whether its in AM, FM, Satelite or whatever. Idk whats wrong with it but it drives me insane. Music and all come though, but i hear that very low static. Doesnt seem right.
So my question is, when you upgraded the OEM GM infotainment system to a better touch screen unit with nav, was everything plug and play? I want to keep the bose speakers and sound, just hate the screen, nav maps, and static. Also, I want the best sound quality while maintaining physical volume *****.
No, it won't be plug and play. Dennis at DD can guide you or you can go on the Crutchfield website and plug in your car and it will tell you the needed accessories.
I have a 2012 3lt with the factory Nav, and i hate it! Also, the radio gives me a low static sound, whether its in AM, FM, Satelite or whatever. Idk whats wrong with it but it drives me insane. Music and all come though, but i hear that very low static. Doesnt seem right.
So my question is, when you upgraded the OEM GM infotainment system to a better touch screen unit with nav, was everything plug and play? I want to keep the bose speakers and sound, just hate the screen, nav maps, and static. Also, I want the best sound quality while maintaining physical volume *****.
Everything is plug and play once you buy the right wiring harness and connect it to your new radio. You also need a Metra faceplate. Check out this thread in the audio section. In one of my posts you will see all the installation gear you will need to do it yourself.
I went with the Kenwood DDX9903S about 6 months ago. The new HU alone, in my 2013 1LT, vastly improved the sound. I haven't upgraded the exhaust yet so the stock speakers are fine for now.
I just installed the Sony XAV-AX100 this past week, with the rp5-gm11 harness and a backup camera. Total cost was $500 for the HU, $90 for the harness, $10 for the metra mounting kit, and $15 for the camera. I did the install myself which was a breeze. Steering wheel controls still work and Android Auto is fantastic.
I went with the Sony because it had the most factory appearance, had a physical volume **** (I don't like buttons for volume adjustment), the USB input provides 1.5V+ so my LG V10 phone (which is a battery drainer) actually charges while android auto is being used, and is the most affordable AA/Carplay headunit out there that had the features I wanted.
If I can remember I will take a pic later (and it too can have a corvette background loaded like the above examples).
I'd like to see a pic if you can post one. Seriously considering this.
Not to hijack the thread but I have never had an aftermarket stereo installed - is the difference slightly noticeable in sound quality or is it a night-and-day difference?
Not to hijack the thread but I have never had an aftermarket stereo installed - is the difference slightly noticeable in sound quality or is it a night-and-day difference?
I don't want to over sell it, so I wouldn't say night/day difference. If you change only the head unit, you are still limited by the rest of the factory system. I would describe the difference as the new head unit is getting the most possible out of the stock speakers and/or amp. Mostly, it will clear up the sound, making it more pleasing and the whole system less muddy, which also makes the sound more enjoyable than stock at all volume levels, while also offering you more adjustability to tune the sound to your liking. I wasn't happy with the stock radio/nav or the sound. For me, it brought the quality of the sound to acceptable levels plus I got all the perks and usability associated with the new head unit.
I appreciate the response - so what I gather is that I will definitely get some "crispiness" (if that is a word) in the sound - I find the factory stereos having a tinny sound
Originally Posted by TorchRedFred
I don't want to over sell it, so I wouldn't say night/day difference. If you change only the head unit, you are still limited by the rest of the factory system. I would describe the difference as the new head unit is getting the most possible out of the stock speakers and/or amp. Mostly, it will clear up the sound, making it more pleasing and the whole system less muddy, which also makes the sound more enjoyable than stock at all volume levels, while also offering you more adjustability to tune the sound to your liking. I wasn't happy with the stock radio/nav or the sound. For me, it brought the quality of the sound to acceptable levels plus I got all the perks and usability associated with the new head unit.
Another vote to call Dennis at Double D Mods. He can even pre-wire the unit for you to retain your factory steering wheel controls. A big reason why I went with a 1LT vette is didn't want to waste money on GM garbage Bose that will be ripped out.
) in the sound - I find the factory stereos having a tinny sound
