boston acoustic worth replacing ? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

mitsu7807 · 08-03-2015, 05:44 PM

I am very un impressed with my 2010 ss with boston acoustic stereo .....would it be worth upgrading the door 6.5 speakers and or the 6x9 ? and still keep stock boston amp head unit and wiring .....just upgrade speakers ? would that even work and if so would it sound better .......I don't really like subwoofers

blakjak55 · 08-03-2015, 06:06 PM

Best thing I found was unplugging the center speaker in the top of the dash and I threw an amp and a 10" sub in a box in the trunk (had both from a previous setup). Bought the wiring kit from a vendor on here and it plugged into the factory amp and works great.

I know that doesn't go along with what you're looking to do but it's my experience.

Not sure what kind of music you listen to but IMO my setup can make any kind sound good. I listen to rock and old country.

JimE · 08-03-2015, 07:41 PM

First thing to replace is the amp. The stock system is underpowered.

Second, add a sub. Then you can reduce the bass to the main speakers which will further diminish distortion.

Then, consider replacing the speakers. And even then, you likely only need to replace the door speakers. The rear are just fill.

Imdyinhere · 08-04-2015, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimE

First thing to replace is the amp. The stock system is underpowered.

Second, add a sub. Then you can reduce the bass to the main speakers which will further diminish distortion.

Then, consider replacing the speakers. And even then, you likely only need to replace the door speakers. The rear are just fill.

This is a spot on recommendation. The BA amp is extremely under powered and when you turn up the stock head unit the distortion goes way up which is bad for everyone. There are a lot of options available that will fit into the stock location and the FARK harness from Sub Thump makes swapping it out a breeze. That way you can keep the head unit volume lower (thereby lowering the THD) and still listen to your tunes at ear bleeding levels. Add a quality sub (powered by the new amp if you go 5ch or separate mono amp) and youre in business. The difference will SHOCK you.

mitsu7807 · 08-04-2015, 09:47 AM

So I can use one amp to power the speakers and a sub? ...I plug that harness in and then what disconnect the stock amp or will it just get taken over by the new one .....and can one amp do both ?

Snoman · 08-04-2015, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimE

First thing to replace is the amp. The stock system is underpowered.

Second, add a sub. Then you can reduce the bass to the main speakers which will further diminish distortion.

Then, consider replacing the speakers. And even then, you likely only need to replace the door speakers. The rear are just fill.

Ditto. If you cannot do an entire system upgrade at once, this is the correct order you do them in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Imdyinhere

This is a spot on recommendation. The BA amp is extremely under powered and when you turn up the stock head unit the distortion goes way up which is bad for everyone. There are a lot of options available that will fit into the stock location and the FARK harness from Sub Thump makes swapping it out a breeze. That way you can keep the head unit volume lower (thereby lowering the THD) and still listen to your tunes at ear bleeding levels. Add a quality sub (powered by the new amp if you go 5ch or separate mono amp) and youre in business. The difference will SHOCK you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitsu7807

So I can use one amp to power the speakers and a sub? ...I plug that harness in and then what disconnect the stock amp or will it just get taken over by the new one .....and can one amp do both ?

- The one amp method is preferred for "easiest plug and play"
- Yes, you will perform an 'amp delete mod'

I would start with an Alpine PDX-v9, is the current "stock amp replacement favorite in quality" http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=416081. I do not suggest the MRV-500 because, while it's 25% cheaper, you lose HALF the power and quality.
You'll need the full FARK kit (~130) and the "stock amp rack" kit thingy.
You'll also need a basic power kit for amplifiers, Knukoncepts is the preferred quality wiring source; KnuKoncepts 4 gauge kit

mitsu7807 · 08-04-2015, 02:39 PM

You have been a great help ...how do u do amp delete ......and Iis the basic mission to get a 5 channel amp 4 channels for car and one sub ? ...thanks again

JimE · 08-04-2015, 08:34 PM

This was all covered above, I'm not sure what you don't understand.

All you are doing is replacing the factory amp with an aftermarket amp.

Get a 4ch amp as a standard amp replacement.

If you are going to install a sub, you can use a 5ch amp or a 4ch amp (speakers) and a 1ch amp (sub).

jshaf · 08-05-2015, 09:57 PM

I have upgraded the stereo in two fifth gen camaros, a 2010 1LT non boston system and a 2011 2SS BA system. had to run wires in the non BA and replaced the door speakers, added a 5 ch amp and 10 inch Sub. loved the way it sounded even though the total watts was in the 750 or so range. in the SS I replaced the door speakers with some nice Polk Components, upgraded with a FARK to an alpine PDR F50 mounted in the stock location, Sub~thump side fire box with built in shelf, 10 inch Alpine Sub and an alpine mono amp. it sounds great and probably louder than I need. total watts of the system is about 1000, center speaker disconnected(don't miss it). play it as loud as I want and no distortion! crisp and clear at any volume!!

flyer08 · 08-08-2015, 09:52 PM

It is def worth it. Replaced everything with hertz speakers and jl amp and sub and its night/day difference. Just amp alone before new speakers was a big upgrade

Hertz HSK fronts
Hertz ECX 690 rear
Jl 12w3 sub
Jl 900/5 amp

jwhutton52 · 08-16-2015, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyer08

It is def worth it. Replaced everything with hertz speakers and jl amp and sub and its night/day difference. Just amp alone before new speakers was a big upgrade

Hertz HSK fronts
Hertz ECX 690 rear
Jl 12w3 sub
Jl 900/5 amp

Did you have an EMI problems with the HD amp?. FM radio interference? I've heard those amps generate a lot of RF noise.

jeffa · 08-16-2015, 03:43 PM

I just finished an upgrade to the BA system in my '14 2LT. I used a FARK amp replacement kit along with a sub thump 10" driver's side box and thier amp rack...worked great.

I used DLS Audio 6.5" Ultimate Series component set for the front stage, and left the factory 6x9's for a tiny bit of rear fill. I also used DLS Audio amps, all are audiophile grade class AB, including the amp used to drive the DLS Audio SQ cast basket 10" subwoofer, so no class D amps and no system noise at all, the system has about 700 watts RMS.

DLS Audio is a European company that has been making audiophile quality and competition speaker product for over 30 years, very big in the European competition circuit and have done some IASCA here in the US.

I am also using an Audio Control DQDX for digital time alignment, crossover, EQ and line driver, really helps the front sound stage and also moves the woofer output into the interior of the car, makes it appear to come from the front kick panels.

All in all, this is by far the best sounding system I have ever had, very close to Focal in sound quality.

GSE_Anthony · 08-27-2015, 10:32 AM

Great thread, I haven't been thrilled with the BA system since day 1 and hope to make some changes so this is good info for me!

Jasper · 09-16-2015, 07:05 PM

I've always like the BA setup in my car. It will never sound as good as aftermarket but anything louder just covers up the sound of the LS3. Do the coupes come with the subwoofer? I know my Vert has one and think it's amazing how good it sounds even with the top down. Would have thought I would lose a lot to the free air.

J

08-03-2015, 05:44 PM	#1
mitsu7807 Drives: 2010 ss rs Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: charlotte nc Posts: 44	boston acoustic worth replacing ? I am very un impressed with my 2010 ss with boston acoustic stereo .....would it be worth upgrading the door 6.5 speakers and or the 6x9 ? and still keep stock boston amp head unit and wiring .....just upgrade speakers ? would that even work and if so would it sound better .......I don't really like subwoofers

08-03-2015, 06:06 PM	#2
blakjak55 drinks virgil's Drives: 2010 2SS M6 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Missouri Posts: 448	Best thing I found was unplugging the center speaker in the top of the dash and I threw an amp and a 10" sub in a box in the trunk (had both from a previous setup). Bought the wiring kit from a vendor on here and it plugged into the factory amp and works great. I know that doesn't go along with what you're looking to do but it's my experience. Not sure what kind of music you listen to but IMO my setup can make any kind sound good. I listen to rock and old country. __________________ 2010 2SS/RS M6 - CAI Intake - Borla Stinger - VTC - 3.91's Eibach Sways - LG ZR28's - BMR Springs - 285/35 Squared

08-05-2015, 09:57 PM	#9
jshaf Montani Semper Liberi Drives: 2011 Black 2SS/RS w/ IOM stripes Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Masontown, WV Posts: 4,841	I have upgraded the stereo in two fifth gen camaros, a 2010 1LT non boston system and a 2011 2SS BA system. had to run wires in the non BA and replaced the door speakers, added a 5 ch amp and 10 inch Sub. loved the way it sounded even though the total watts was in the 750 or so range. in the SS I replaced the door speakers with some nice Polk Components, upgraded with a FARK to an alpine PDR F50 mounted in the stock location, Sub~thump side fire box with built in shelf, 10 inch Alpine Sub and an alpine mono amp. it sounds great and probably louder than I need. total watts of the system is about 1000, center speaker disconnected(don't miss it). play it as loud as I want and no distortion! crisp and clear at any volume!! __________________ Stainless Works 1 7/8 Long Tude Headers, Stainless Works High Flow Cats, Stainless Works Retro Chambered Catback, Z/28 Air Intake, RDP Tuned, FR41 Chrome Rims, 1100W stereo, 35% Tint

08-16-2015, 03:43 PM	#12
jeffa Drives: 2014 2LT/RS Ashen Gray Metallic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 585	I just finished an upgrade to the BA system in my '14 2LT. I used a FARK amp replacement kit along with a sub thump 10" driver's side box and thier amp rack...worked great. I used DLS Audio 6.5" Ultimate Series component set for the front stage, and left the factory 6x9's for a tiny bit of rear fill. I also used DLS Audio amps, all are audiophile grade class AB, including the amp used to drive the DLS Audio SQ cast basket 10" subwoofer, so no class D amps and no system noise at all, the system has about 700 watts RMS. DLS Audio is a European company that has been making audiophile quality and competition speaker product for over 30 years, very big in the European competition circuit and have done some IASCA here in the US. I am also using an Audio Control DQDX for digital time alignment, crossover, EQ and line driver, really helps the front sound stage and also moves the woofer output into the interior of the car, makes it appear to come from the front kick panels. All in all, this is by far the best sounding system I have ever had, very close to Focal in sound quality. Last edited by jeffa; 08-16-2015 at 07:14 PM.

08-03-2015, 07:41 PM	#3
JimE Drives: 2013 2SS/RS/1LE Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: St Louis, MO Posts: 3,087	First thing to replace is the amp. The stock system is underpowered. Second, add a sub. Then you can reduce the bass to the main speakers which will further diminish distortion. Then, consider replacing the speakers. And even then, you likely only need to replace the door speakers. The rear are just fill.

08-04-2015, 09:47 AM	#5
mitsu7807 Drives: 2010 ss rs Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: charlotte nc Posts: 44	So I can use one amp to power the speakers and a sub? ...I plug that harness in and then what disconnect the stock amp or will it just get taken over by the new one .....and can one amp do both ?

08-04-2015, 02:39 PM	#7
mitsu7807 Drives: 2010 ss rs Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: charlotte nc Posts: 44	You have been a great help ...how do u do amp delete ......and Iis the basic mission to get a 5 channel amp 4 channels for car and one sub ? ...thanks again

08-04-2015, 08:34 PM	#8
JimE Drives: 2013 2SS/RS/1LE Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: St Louis, MO Posts: 3,087	This was all covered above, I'm not sure what you don't understand. All you are doing is replacing the factory amp with an aftermarket amp. Get a 4ch amp as a standard amp replacement. If you are going to install a sub, you can use a 5ch amp or a 4ch amp (speakers) and a 1ch amp (sub).

08-08-2015, 09:52 PM	#10
flyer08 Account Suspended Drives: 2010 2SS/RS Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 3,418	It is def worth it. Replaced everything with hertz speakers and jl amp and sub and its night/day difference. Just amp alone before new speakers was a big upgrade Hertz HSK fronts Hertz ECX 690 rear Jl 12w3 sub Jl 900/5 amp

08-27-2015, 10:32 AM	#13
GSE_Anthony Drives: 2012 Camaro SS 45th Ann Edition Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Landenberg, PA Posts: 21	Great thread, I haven't been thrilled with the BA system since day 1 and hope to make some changes so this is good info for me!

09-16-2015, 07:05 PM	#14
Jasper Drives: 2011 Summit White Camaro SS (LS3) Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Welland, Ontario Canada Posts: 547	I've always like the BA setup in my car. It will never sound as good as aftermarket but anything louder just covers up the sound of the LS3. Do the coupes come with the subwoofer? I know my Vert has one and think it's amazing how good it sounds even with the top down. Would have thought I would lose a lot to the free air. J