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Old 08-15-2018, 07:39 AM
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farmington
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Default New head unit?

My car has the factory NAV radio with the upgraded Bose system, which I think sounds great. Thinking about replacing the head unit with something that has Apple Car Play. Want to go with a backup cam too. Any ideas-suggestions as to what to look for. I'm definitely not an audio guy. Thanks
Old 08-15-2018, 08:26 AM
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Jgreg0912
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Originally Posted by farmington
My car has the factory NAV radio with the upgraded Bose system, which I think sounds great. Thinking about replacing the head unit with something that has Apple Car Play. Want to go with a backup cam too. Any ideas-suggestions as to what to look for. I'm definitely not an audio guy. Thanks
There are so many choices that’s it’s impossible to advise what suits you. A good start is to call Crutchfield and speak with a product specialist. First give the your vehicle information. They will ask you what your goals are in a HU and will match that to you. I was very pleased with Crutchfield. They did not try to up sell me on anything. My primary goal was Apple CarPlay and front and rear cameras. However I did up sell myself. I went with the Kenwood DDX9905s and am very pleased with. There are lots of YouTube videos on self installations.
Old 08-15-2018, 10:16 AM
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TorchRedFred
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Kenwood DDX9904s is last years model and is selling for $500 on Crutchfield. The Kenwoods have a nice combination of sound quality and features right now.
Old 08-15-2018, 10:35 AM
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mrk1957
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The options are seemingly endless. I've got the 9 speaker Bose in my '13 GS. I went with a KENWOOD DDX795 and happy with it.
I used the PAC interface, although the installer said the iDatalink interface would've been a better interface. I'd already bought the PAC so we used that. The interface may be worth more research for you.
Otherwise, other than the rear speaker output which is minimal, I'm happy with the setup for now.
Old 08-15-2018, 11:00 AM
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Archangel06
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[QUOTE=fAny ideas-suggestions as to what to look for.[/QUOTE]

Local as well

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...2294118154097/

Old 08-15-2018, 11:16 AM
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TorchRedFred
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Originally Posted by Archangel06
A used Kenwood 9903 for $450 that was swapped out for warranty issues? The 9903 is a 2016 model and I can find new ones selling for under $450. Why would someone want a used one with possible issues for that price?
Old 08-15-2018, 11:21 AM
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Archangel06
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Originally Posted by TorchRedFred
A used Kenwood 9903 for $450 that was swapped out for warranty issues? The 9903 is a 2016 model and I can find new ones selling for under $450. Why would someone want a used one with possible issues for that price?
Saw it out there a day or 2 ago, looks to be a new replacement for one that had gone bad. It could be negotiated I'm sure. It's not mine nor is there any affiliation, just fight figured I'd throw it up there as an option.
Old 08-15-2018, 11:23 AM
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TorchRedFred
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Originally Posted by mrk1957
The options are seemingly endless. I've got the 9 speaker Bose in my '13 GS. I went with a KENWOOD DDX795 and happy with it.
I used the PAC interface, although the installer said the iDatalink interface would've been a better interface. I'd already bought the PAC so we used that. The interface may be worth more research for you.
Otherwise, other than the rear speaker output which is minimal, I'm happy with the setup for now.
I'm not sure your installer knows what he is talking about. When I go to iDatalink's website they don't even list an interface that is compatible with the 2005-13 Corvette. They only offer steering wheel controls for the C6. The Pac Audio RP5-GM11 is the best option for a C6.

Last edited by TorchRedFred; 08-15-2018 at 11:25 AM.
Old 08-15-2018, 11:39 AM
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mrk1957
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Originally Posted by TorchRedFred
I'm not sure your installer knows what he is talking about. When I go to iDatalink's website they don't even list an interface that is compatible with the 2005-13 Corvette. They only offer steering wheel controls for the C6. The Pac Audio RP5-GM11 is the best option for a C6.
Well, that's good since that's what I used. Glad you research that out.
Old 08-15-2018, 11:57 AM
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Elijah71
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If you are going to spend the money on a unit then I would first suggest going to a few radio shops to first hand see what features are on the units.
Get a list of a few units that you like and search on reviews for them.
AND
Being that you'll already have the console taken apart for the radio and backup camera installation you might as well put in the wiring for an amp to be mounted behind the passenger seat. You don't have to put it in now if you are looking to not spend so much as once but at least the cables will be in place.
You can always get speakers later, amp installed later but save on the breaking down of the console again and them pulling out the radio.

You only think it sounds good because you've not heard good
Old 08-15-2018, 03:12 PM
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TorchRedFred
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Originally Posted by mrk1957
Well, that's good since that's what I used. Glad you research that out.
I did my whole system and used the PAC Audio RP5, but I spend a lot of time in the audio section of the forum and I never hear about the iData harness when discussing the C6.
Old 08-15-2018, 03:35 PM
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I am throwing a Sony double DIN with car play into mine. Anyone ever use it? AX5000 I think it is.
Old 08-15-2018, 03:45 PM
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NeverAgain
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Also, what are your options if you have a Sirus/XM radio with an active subscription and want to replace the factory radio?
Old 08-15-2018, 04:23 PM
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TorchRedFred
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Originally Posted by NeverAgain
Also, what are your options if you have a Sirus/XM radio with an active subscription and want to replace the factory radio?
You have to add Sirius/xm tuner sxv300v1 to your head unit. Then just call SiriusXM to switch over service.
Old 08-15-2018, 06:37 PM
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CrystalRedTed
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I’ve been happy with the Pioneer 8201NEX. Backup cam included in the package.
Old 08-15-2018, 08:48 PM
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Probably already mentioned but if you actually go to the Crutchfield site you can load in your car and compare different models. Four years ago I went with the Kenwood DNX890HD with a back up camera. Love it. Sound with my Bose system got much better.
Old 08-15-2018, 09:33 PM
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rrmdeuce
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I agree with the Chrutchfield suggestion, you can find better pricing but their customer support is second to none. As far as head units go everyone has their favorites. Give Chritchfield a call and let them know what features you want and they’ll give you some choices, also for about $20 they can hook you up with a Bose interface. Installation is pretty straight forward and plug & play, worth doing yourself. My 2 $ I went with a volume **** because I thought it would help as I rowed through the gears and I happy I did, give me a **** I can grab as opposed to touch screen.
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Old 08-15-2018, 10:40 PM
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TorchRedFred
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Do it yourself thread with pictures, done by former forum audio vendor,

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...is-to-diy.html
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Old 08-15-2018, 11:08 PM
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JockamoIPA
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Originally Posted by CrystalRedTed
I’ve been happy with the Pioneer 8201NEX. Backup cam included in the package.


Same here.
Old 08-16-2018, 05:14 PM
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Caveman74
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I just purchased the Pioneer AVH-4201NEX. It will be here tomorrow


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