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Corvette: Speaker Upgrade Modifications

There are multiple ways to upgrade your Corvette's speakers. Keep reading to find out about the most popular options.

By Jerry Perez - February 9, 2015

This article applies to the C5, C6 and C7 Corvette (1997-current).

So you want to upgrade your Corvette's sound system. If you want to tweak your Corvette's stock sound system to scream in people's ears at every stop light, there are several options to achieve this effect. For the C5, C6 and C7, there are three common components that make up the sound: speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers. This guide breaks down the most popular components used to upgrade sound systems and how to make sense of the information available online.

Figure 1. A wildly customized and upgraded Corvette sound system.

Speakers

DIY Cost – $175

Pro Cost – $225-$300

Skill Level – Moderate; there may be some wire cutting involved, and you will need to look at your car's wiring diagram.

Speakers are the easiest and cheapest way to improve your stock sound system. Because they are mostly plug-and-play, they are the most popular choice among Corvette owners. The highest trusted brands for the Corvette are JL Audio, Polk, and Pioneer. They will vary in price, but you can always find a model that fits your budget. Speakers will bring new life to your sound system and have you turning up the volume in no time.

Subwoofers

DIY Cost – $200+

Pro Cost – $250+

Skill Level – Moderate; it requires different tools to remove multiple body panels and you will need wiring and electrical knowledge.

A subwoofer is a low-range speaker that emits bass. It is also a great way to upgrade your sound system as it will add a loud thump that will definitely turn some heads. Although replacing the subwoofer yourself can be tedious, it could be accomplished with enough patience and preparation. Most Corvette enthusiasts lean toward the build quality and high fidelity of the JL Audio subwoofers.

Amplifiers

DIY Cost – $100-400

Pro Cost – $450-$550

Skill Level – Hard; requires extensive wiring and electrical knowledge to be installed properly. You will also need to drill into the vehicle's firewall to run wiring.

An amplifier does exactly what it implies—it amplifies the sound. One benefit of an upgraded amplifier is that it will provide adequate power to components such as speakers and subwoofers for them to run properly and produce better sound. When shopping for an aftermarket amplifier, be sure to research the wattage requirements for your speakers and subwoofer to determine if it's adequate. Pioneer and JL Audio are once again the top recommended brands among Corvette enthusiasts.

Pro Tips

  • Make sure to always disconnect the negative (black) terminal of your car battery. Any time you perform any mechanical or electrical work in which wiring is involved, double check that your battery terminal is disconnected to avoid an injury by electrical shock.
  • It's always a good idea to purchase or download a wiring diagram for your Corvette. This will take the guess work out of any electrical work you perform.

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