AV8TOR536

I have a 2005 with a Bose radio,I want to install a later model Corvette radio that has a touch screen with bluetooth,the reason I'm sticking with a Corvette radio and not an Android,Kenwood or Pioneer is,I don't want to mess with buying different harnesses,splicing wires and buying other things to make it work,I want to just plug and play,with that said,what year Corvette radio should I look for that's the best bang for the buck?

K-Spaz

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...head-unit.html

c6crazy

Aftermarket radios can be plug and play...just order from Crutchfields and have them preinstall harness and all you have to do is hook up. OEM radio most like will have to be mated to new car it is being installed in so that would entail a trip to dealer. So why not get aftermarket with lots more features for less money and less hassle.

AV8TOR536

Oh,I didnt know I could get the radio pre wired,I will check into that,thanks!

Lee Cromwell

I replaced mine few months ago and was no way going to cut a single wire on the Vette. Now a days like others have said, there's adapters that make like so easy, not a single wire gets cut. Much easier than going to dealership to get other radio unlocked and there's a fee associated with that too.

AV8TOR536

I'mthinking about this one $449 @ Crutchfeild.
https://youtu.be/xXjFj4ATJNs

gliderdriver

Nice looking unit ... I'm just going up the learning curve ... I never knew there were so many options ... which is a good thing - I think.

TorchRedFred

I agree with this. Don't be intimidated by going with an aftermarket head unit. It's much easier than you think. Also adding a backup camera is pretty simple also.

TorchRedFred

I would suggest finding one with a capacitive touch screen vs resistive. Capacitive touch screen is very similar to your smart phone with a glass screen and great graphics. Besides better graphics and response, it also holds up to sun glare better that resistive. Google resistive vs capacitive touch screens for more detailed info. Check out the Kenwood DDX9904s for a similar price on Crutchfield.

vara411

I'd like to put in a good word for the new Sony head units. They are excellent and are one of the very few brands offering a matte finish (instead of that glossy black) which most closely approximates the stock look. I just installed the Sony XAV-AX200 this weekend using Crutchfield's ready harness ($25 well spent) and I LOVE this head unit. I also was looking at their XAV-AX5000 which has an even bigger capacitive screen and is actually CHEAPER.

Any way you choose, you'll get way more enjoyment out of your Vette day to day. This is probably the best upgrade I've done in five years... second only to installation of my NPP exhaust, of course.

​​​​EDIT: Crutchfield will tell you the XAV-AX200 does not fit in the C6 dash (by 0.04"). I did the install myself and it absolutely fits with no issues. Others have done the same. So no worries there.

TorchRedFred

I believe all the Sony's have a resistive touch screen. Resistive screens basically have 2 thin plastic layers covering the actual screen. A capacitive screen is far superior, basically similar to what I have on my iPhone, but is also comes with an added cost.

ben z

I've got BOSE in my 911 and it's not enough to change out the head unit, I need to either buy a MOST-HUR adapter ($500 for a good one, $125 for a Chinese knockoff from the Bay) or change out all the speakers. The non-BOSE OEM is the only one that only needs a harness. Not sure if it's the same or not with the Corvette BOSE. Mine came with a JVC head unit but the car never had BOSE.

gliderdriver

I have Bose in my C6 3LT ... do I have to change speakers if I go with a new aftermarket head unit.
I do recall some posts where people did this ... thought it was only to upgrade sound quality though.
Thanks - Ken 2008 Vert LS3/3LT

gliderdriver

OK ... I just talked to a tech advisor at crutchfield ... I can keep the old speakers as the new head plugs into the existing amp ... plus their harness retains the steering wheel controls. Look pretty straight forward ... I'm looking at the Kenwood Excelon DDX9904S ... thanks to all for input.

mophead

I have an 05 and removed the Bose and put in a JVC 7" screen, Focal components in front, Polks in rear, JL 5 channel amp, and JL sub box in left rear cubby. So much nicer than stock and now can watch DVD's going down the highway. At least the passenger can.

If you get all the hookups it is really easy to do. If you get a later Vette head unit then you have to deal with a dealer somewhere who is probably not very versed in a swap. You will also lose steering wheel controls because the 05 doesn't do that. To retain steering wheel controls you will have to get a later model steering wheel, change the clockspring, probably add a harness to the steering wheel, and who knows what else. It could be done but me thinks going aftermarket would be more simple and less expensive. You can go as fancy or simple as you please. I did an upgrade in a C5 I once owned and four Polk db speakers, a Kenwood 5 channel amp and sub box made all the difference over the Bose for very little money and did it in an afternoon.
No highs no lows, it must be Bose.

Stormyweather

Is that JL sub the pre loaded unit?

gliderdriver

Great thread for those looking at upgrades ... I have been reading all old and new posts - and understand the procedure and options a lot more - thanks to the forum.

I have been looking at crutchfield options for my 2008 3LT BOSE ... and all seem to say the steering wheel controls are not supported - even when I select the high end harness option ... am I missing something.

TorchRedFred

I would say you are missing something. I just went to Crutchfield, I chose the head unit I want and then typed in the info for your car. It then tells me it fits and gives me two options for installation gear. The more expensive $80 option come with the Pac RP5-GM11 and shows that it retains steering wheel controls.

mittens

I am debating a cheap new head unit, but want apple car play for nav and stuff, and XM radio..

vara411

I just installed my Sony XAV-AX200 ($499) through Crutchfield on my 2008 3LT Bose and can confirm that steering wheel controls totally work. If you get that $80 PAC RP5-GM11 harness along with Crutchfield's pre-wired harness, installation is a breeze. Looking back I probably could have done it without the Crutchfield ready harness but it certainly made my job a whole lot quicker. Would be happy to answer any questions.

BTW I just checked and Crutchfield is offering price breaks on both their XAV-AX100 ($349) and XAV-AX5000 ($399) ... I highly recommend these units as well (no, I don't own Sony stock).