BA System Upgrade Advice

[Vykaris]

Brand new Camaro owner here and my first post to C5 as well!

I just bought a 2011 1LT convertible with the BA premium system. I upgraded from a 2008 Equinox with a Pioneer premium system that had a blown 6.5 in the door and a fully disappointing 6" "subwoofer". So, with that being my most recent reference, the BA system in my vert is significantly better. But my problem is, for one thing its a convertible so when I have the top down on the highway, the sound eats shit. And secondly, even though the volume goes to 45, anything above 30-32 starts to roll off the bass and everything distorts. Now I'm not the kind of guy who wants to be heard coming from a mile away and I also don't want to be so loud that I'm rattling YOUR windows when I pull up next to you at a stoplight. But I do enjoy loud, crisp and clean high-def sound. For reference, I mostly listen to alt-rock, metal and electronic (Deadmau5, Knife Party, Kaskade, etc).

So I went to a local shop a few days ago and spent almost two hours with a tech discussing my needs and we ended up with the following:

- I'm not going to upgrade my head unit.
- I will keep my existing speakers and only replace them if they blow.
- JL Audio XD700/5 to run the components in the doors and the sub. ($600)
- Center channel and rear 3.5s will run on head unit power.
- AudioControl DQ-61 signal processor to clean up and equalize the sound. ($400)
- Estimated cost including wiring, install, etc. = $1,400.

So here's my question to you guys...

For $1,400 I can do a lot. And that's not necessarily out of my price range, but I was hoping to stay closer to $1,000 if possible. All I'm really trying to get is higher definition (and better equalized) sound and the ability to retain clean sound at higher volume levels. Clearly I will need a higher power amp, but I wonder if a 700w is more than necessary. 500w is double the power I currently have. So is this the best way to spend my money to improve my current sound system and achieve my goals with this project? Its a little irritating that I have a $80 Logitech surround sound system connected to my computer that sounds cleaner than the BA system in my Camaro LOL! I'm open to any and all suggestions from audiophile Camaro owners!

Thanks in advance for any feedback! Happy to be part of C5!

[OHIOSS]

Did you try disconnecting the center speaker? I know some guys swear it changes the whole sound system but I didn't think it made much of a difference so I connected it back up.

To get better equalized sound I change the balance & fade to soften the sound coming out of the speakers that are nearest to you. It's a very slight change but it allows me to distinctly hear the sound coming out of the speakers that are farthest away from where you are sitting.

Just a thought........

[2014CamaroZL1]

I recently installed the following while retaining the stock speakers:
- JL Audio 700/5 amp
- JL Audio 10W3v3-2 sub
- JL Audio amp remote
- ******** wiring harnesses (you lose the center channel speaker, but don't miss it)
- ******** Stealth sub box

The sound is now much better than with the stock BA amp.
I have the input sensitivity set very low because it also affects the loudness of the car's various warning noises.
I may experiment and increase the sensitivities later.
With the current settings, the amp power is definitely not too much.

My understanding is that a signal processor is not necessary when installing a new amp.
Rather, it is used to condition amplified signals, such as those from an integrated head/amp unit.
I do not think that there is head unit power available for your center speaker.

[JimE]

I could be wrong ( don't keep up with the convertible systems), however, the headunit should be the same (ie: same BA headunit in all models).

In which case, this "- Center channel and rear 3.5s will run on head unit power." is wrong. The BA headunit uses an external amp. If you have the non-BA system, then the headunit contains an amp.

[Vykaris]

Hmm, well I believe that the HU doesn't put out power. After a ton of research, I'm figuring out quickly that I can do much more for my money. I spoke to a few other folks with some experience and they've all said I can outfit the system WITH replacement speakers for $1000 and still get what Im trying to achieve.

I appreciate all the feedback!

[JimE]

Amp first, and then speakers (or both together).

An amp upgrade will make a noticeable difference. If you want better sound after that, then upgrade the speakers.

I wouldn't do speakers first. The factory amp is underpowered. And aftermarket speakers perform better with more power.

[ARod221]

I added an amp HD900/5 JL Audio and it sounds great but i still have the lack of equalization that i desire so I'm going to pick up a DQ-61

[romeorn]

No more than an hour ago, past the midnight hour... I installed in my two week old 2014 Camaro 2SS/RS a Rockford Fosgate Punch P300 12 inch powered sub ($168.95), Rockford Fosgate Amplifier R400-4D ($109.99), using the ******** FARK (factory amp replacement kit) ($129.00, plus shipping) and a 4 gauge AMP Kit ($16.00), plus misc connectors, etc. ($25.00). Total cost: $448.94 (plus the shipping cost).
I kept the factory BA MyLink, BA speakers and simply upgraded the factory BA amp and added the powered subwoofer... GREAT IMPROVEMENT. You might want to consider this option.

[layjar12]

Where did you find that amp for that price?

[richard200593]

I just recently installed the Jl xd400 for my highs with every intention to replace all speakers, but just the amp made such an amazing difference in sound quality that I am keeping oem speakers. I have a 600 watt Memphis amp with a fosgate 12 and it's way more than necessary. You could get away with the xd400, fark harness, 300 watt sub amp and sub with stealth enclosure and stay a bit under 1,000

[Snidely Whiplash]

Originally Posted by Vykaris

Brand new Camaro owner here and my first post to C5 as well!

I just bought a 2011 1LT convertible with the BA premium system. I upgraded from a 2008 Equinox with a Pioneer premium system that had a blown 6.5 in the door and a fully disappointing 6" "subwoofer". So, with that being my most recent reference, the BA system in my vert is significantly better. But my problem is, for one thing its a convertible so when I have the top down on the highway, the sound eats shit. And secondly, even though the volume goes to 45, anything above 30-32 starts to roll off the bass and everything distorts. Now I'm not the kind of guy who wants to be heard coming from a mile away and I also don't want to be so loud that I'm rattling YOUR windows when I pull up next to you at a stoplight. But I do enjoy loud, crisp and clean high-def sound. For reference, I mostly listen to alt-rock, metal and electronic (Deadmau5, Knife Party, Kaskade, etc).

So I went to a local shop a few days ago and spent almost two hours with a tech discussing my needs and we ended up with the following:

- I'm not going to upgrade my head unit.
- I will keep my existing speakers and only replace them if they blow.
- JL Audio XD700/5 to run the components in the doors and the sub. ($600)
- Center channel and rear 3.5s will run on head unit power.
- AudioControl DQ-61 signal processor to clean up and equalize the sound. ($400)
- Estimated cost including wiring, install, etc. = $1,400.

So here's my question to you guys...

For $1,400 I can do a lot. And that's not necessarily out of my price range, but I was hoping to stay closer to $1,000 if possible. All I'm really trying to get is higher definition (and better equalized) sound and the ability to retain clean sound at higher volume levels. Clearly I will need a higher power amp, but I wonder if a 700w is more than necessary. 500w is double the power I currently have. So is this the best way to spend my money to improve my current sound system and achieve my goals with this project? Its a little irritating that I have a $80 Logitech surround sound system connected to my computer that sounds cleaner than the BA system in my Camaro LOL! I'm open to any and all suggestions from audiophile Camaro owners!

Thanks in advance for any feedback! Happy to be part of C5!

That kind of power is room size - not car size.

[gofastwclass]

Originally Posted by Snidely Whiplash

That kind of power is room size - not car size.

I agree, unless you want to wear a hearing aid when you're 40. The surround sound in my house barely makes that kind of power and we never have it past 50%.

I would love to upgrade the speakers in my Camaro from a sound quality angle, but the volume is plenty.