Do I have a defect in my stock radio system?

[Capt Curt]

Need some help here. I am not satisfied with the sound of my stock BA system but have read where many on the forum like theirs so I am wondering if I might have a defect in the system somewhere. I'm not looking to upgrade here, generally I am quite happy with a good stock radio but feel like something is missing in mine and want to be sure to rule out a defect before I resort to more radical solutions.

Here is my problem: I have the Boston Acoustics system but the radio output and sound quality is not even as good as my stock '03 Impala. First, it seems the output is rather low. For just casual listening, not head banging mind you, I usually turn it up to about 20 or so and can still comfortably hold a conversation. Even at 45 it isn't what I would call too loud just too distorted to enjoy. For perspective, normally I wouldn't go above about 1/2 scale on my radios even when I want to turn it up loud. Also, I am not getting any bass thump even with the bass settings turned up. Lastly, I had to adjust my fader to 6 to the rear before I can sense any sound balance from my rear speakers. Does this sound typical? If not, any idea what might be wrong?

[oldfriend]

In my opinion the best way to check on that will be to put two CAMAROS side by side and settings at the same levels with the same source of music [ IPOD ] or radio station , windows up or down doors open or closed etc, then you will be certain if there is something to worry about it , here in my case i am good with it ,good luck

[mbrusco103]

something doesn't sound right.. the loudest i usually put my volume up to is 35 and its pretty damn loud

[its a syn]

check your EQ settings on all your settings e.g.radio,cd,aux

[Capt Curt]

Thanks for the ideas! So far I haven't been able to park next to another Camaro with the BA system to compare to but I think I can arrange that this Friday finally.

[Darkone]

35! I find 19-20 loud enough. Anything more is too damn loud.

[racelvr24]

I keep my around 20 and my friends say it's loud plus I get the vibration from rear speakers. Sounds like you have something wrong with your system. Take it to the dealer and have them check the connections.

[Mr.Bowtie]

You may want to look in your trunk behind the carpet on the sidewall at the factory amp. I read somewhere that someone had the same problem as you, he removed the carpet and took a look at the amp. A connection on the amp had come lose. It was a simple fix. I'm trying to find that post, if I do find it, I'll post the link.

[Capt Curt]

Awesome, that would help! I was wondering if anyone had run into this and/or if the amp might be part of the problem. I did take it to the dealer because I am also having a problem with my PDIM but since the radio works, it is really hard to explain to someone that it 'doesn't sound right' and in the end they weren't any help.

[Mr.Bowtie]

Well, evidently I didn't read it in this forum. But I did find a link on where exactly the amp is located. I'll look else where.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132229

[Baldman]

Originally Posted by Capt Curt

Awesome, that would help! I was wondering if anyone had run into this and/or if the amp might be part of the problem. I did take it to the dealer because I am also having a problem with my PDIM but since the radio works, it is really hard to explain to someone that it 'doesn't sound right' and in the end they weren't any help.

Does your dealer have any Camaros on the lot? You could go out to the ones he has and try theirs.

[kmcd]

Originally Posted by Capt Curt

...Even at 45 it isn't what I would call too loud just too distorted to enjoy...

Man! My ears would be bleeding at that level, and I've been flying airplanes and helicopters for 34 years.

[Capt Curt]

Tried playing with the amp connection like you suggested Mr. Bowtie. Unplugged and replugged the three connectors and while I don't think it sounds any louder or have the fader where it should be, it does seem like it has that bass thump I thought it should have so that is something. I just hope this isn't all in my head too though. LOL

Good suggestion Baldman. We have a Camaro club meeting this Friday so I can try doing a side by side like Oldfriend suggests. If I can sort out that something is wrong here I'm probably going to have to bring the tech out to one on the lot in order to show them something is actually wrong.

I appreciate all the suggestions!

[oldfriend]

Originally Posted by Darkone

35! I find 19-20 loud enough. Anything more is too damn loud.

Can you say it again please !!!!!