Upgrade just the speakers (base system)

[stoopid]

Let me first say, the stock stereo is okay. Have had better/worse.

My primary complaint: The tweeters are a little harsh, but I also don't know if it isn't just the signal sent by the head unit (tried EQ'ing it away, and it sounds like a spike/coloration around 10khz so it's unavoidable at louder volumes unless I strip all the treble).

Assuming it's not the signal coming out of the head unit, what are my easier upgrade options? Just get new front components and 6.5" rears? Skip the rears and just get components?

Hypothetically, if I went to a custom car stereo shop and gutted everything, got a new head, sub, amps, speakers, etc -- what functionality do I lose with th new head unit that the current one provides? [most of my climate controls, for example, show on the display on the stereo]

Just looking to bounce around ideas. I plan on having this car for a while and upgrading the stereo is one thing I'm not shy about since I'm a musician and enjoy my tunes.

[Dexman1349]

You can keep the stock HU if you install something like this:
http://www.pacificstereo.com/audiocontrol-lc7i.html

It may help with the stock speakers too.

Just my $0.02

[jiannotto9492]

You're looking at voiding a warranty and possibly losing climate control. Your best bet would be to have the dealer upgrade your sound system to the BA one. I honestly just tapped into the rear deck speakers and tossed a set of 10" subwoofers in my trunk and the sound sounds so much better.

[Texzen]

Originally Posted by Dexman1349

You can keep the stock HU if you install something like this:
http://www.pacificstereo.com/audiocontrol-lc7i.html

It may help with the stock speakers too.

Just my $0.02

Not sure this will help with stock speakers, but my understanding is that in the non boston acoustic systems, the signal coming out of the the head unit is pre-equalized for the speakers/car in general. Adding different speakers will have, at best, unpredictable and probably unpleasant results.

You'll definitely want to either get a line out converter & amp combo that does signal summing so you have a flat/unequalized signal to work with or go the full head unit (and speaker) replacement route. Scosche (http://www.scosche.com/2010-up-chevr...stallation-kit) and Metra (http://www.metraonline.com/part/99-3010S-LC++++) make kits that retain the AC functionality, etc... I'm pretty sure if you buy the replacement head unit from Crutchfield they'll give you 1/2 off of either of these kits.

Good luck w/the search/project!

[lscamaro]

Originally Posted by Texzen

Not sure this will help with stock speakers, but my understanding is that in the non boston acoustic systems, the signal coming out of the the head unit is pre-equalized for the speakers/car in general. Adding different speakers will have, at best, unpredictable and probably unpleasant results.

You'll definitely want to either get a line out converter & amp combo that does signal summing so you have a flat/unequalized signal to work with or go the full head unit (and speaker) replacement route. Scosche (http://www.scosche.com/2010-up-chevr...stallation-kit) and Metra (http://www.metraonline.com/part/99-3010S-LC++++) make kits that retain the AC functionality, etc... I'm pretty sure if you buy the replacement head unit from Crutchfield they'll give you 1/2 off of either of these kits.

Good luck w/the search/project!

I've read this quite a few times but from reading people's install reviews and asking around, it seems not very many people dislike the results. Any opinions why that is? What amplifiers flatten out the signal?

[Dexman1349]

Originally Posted by Texzen

Not sure this will help with stock speakers, but my understanding is that in the non boston acoustic systems, the signal coming out of the the head unit is pre-equalized for the speakers/car in general. Adding different speakers will have, at best, unpredictable and probably unpleasant results.

You'll definitely want to either get a line out converter & amp combo that does signal summing so you have a flat/unequalized signal to work with or go the full head unit (and speaker) replacement route. Scosche (http://www.scosche.com/2010-up-chevr...stallation-kit) and Metra (http://www.metraonline.com/part/99-3010S-LC++++) make kits that retain the AC functionality, etc... I'm pretty sure if you buy the replacement head unit from Crutchfield they'll give you 1/2 off of either of these kits.

Good luck w/the search/project!

I don't understand this post. Tex says the LC7i won't help, but then says the OP needs a signal summer. The LC7i is a signal summing device. It's designed specifically for this to "clean up" the signal from the factory HU before sending it off to either the speakers or amplifier(s). The LC7i also has controls to adjust the outputs for channels 1&2 (fronts), 3&4 (rears), and 5&6 (subs).

You will definitely need one if you go with aftermarket speakers.

[Texzen]

For the record, it was not my intent to say the LC7i wouldn't help. If it sums the signals and provides a flat(er) curve to deal with you should be good to go.

[Dexman1349]

No worries, just confused.

[Texzen]

Originally Posted by Dexman1349

No worries, just confused.

I seem to walk around in a state of perpetual confusion.

As an fyi, I lived in Colorado Springs from 2003-2006. I spent quite a bit of time in & around Castle Rock & Castle Pines. Love it up there.

[darkrider01]

Originally Posted by Texzen

For the record, it was not my intent to say the LC7i wouldn't help. If it sums the signals and provides a flat(er) curve to deal with you should be good to go.

It does NOT provide a flatter curve. All the LC7i does is summing and a powered LOC.

I believe that the cheapest option would be something like a JL Audio Cleansweep. Then you have the Alpine IMPRINT system, the JBL MS8, Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty.3, and the list goes on. If you have the Boston system, the EQ in the stock head unit should be flat, in which case the best start would be replacing the factory amplifier.

That make sense?

[stoopid]

Originally Posted by darkrider01

If you have the Boston system, the EQ in the stock head unit should be flat, in which case the best start would be replacing the factory amplifier.

That make sense?

I believe it does!

Thanks all for the replies. I'm going to look into some of the options mentioned and see what fits the budget, etc.

[stoopid]

Originally Posted by jiannotto9492

I honestly just tapped into the rear deck speakers and tossed a set of 10" subwoofers in my trunk and the sound sounds so much better.

So after thinking about it, checking out the pricing for a full upgrade, this appears to be the most cost effective option. Getting the BA system from the dealer would be second best (would likely be sufficient for me).

[lscamaro]

Originally Posted by stoopid

So after thinking about it, checking out the pricing for a full upgrade, this appears to be the most cost effective option. Getting the BA system from the dealer would be second best (would likely be sufficient for me).

Don't get the ba system. It won't work. The wiring and everything is completely different so when it would all be said and done, it'd be the most expensive option

[stoopid]

Any suggestions/caution regarding sub box designs? I use my trunk so taking up the least amount of space as possible is best. Might go to a local audio shop to see what they offer. They may have even done a Camaro recently (it's a popular car around here).

I see the ******** is popular and it looks like a good design (how does it stay in place?):

http://********.com/product_info.php...&products_id=7

Is there anywhere in the back of the car (maybe under the rear seats) a sub could fit? I don't even care if it's just an 8", just looking for more low end. Don't need to rattle windows.