2012 Stock stereo still OK in my book - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Theloots · 11-29-2017, 07:32 PM

As a stereo junkie and someone who always upgraded my stuff, I'm ok with the stock stereo. Even though it doesn't have the touch screen and fancy display, I easily connect my Android and can move through songs using the stereo controls. I just noticed today that I can access my address book fro the stereo to make calls, etc. Just noticed today because I was too bus playing with all the other gizmo's like the heads-up display and the Gopro tracking my speeds ; ). shhhh don't tell.

The fact that I'm 50 years old and lost about 30% of my hearing already my have something to do with me settling on the stock unit. LOL ... but all in all it sounds good too. I always liked Boston Acoustics speakers so that helps. Now it doesn't have the pounce of aftermarket systems so I know it can sound better .... but sounds ok enough not to mess with it.

OK, one question though ... should it automatically connect to my phone? What I've been doing is hitting the aux then connecting manually before I start driving.

SquawkVFR · 11-29-2017, 09:13 PM

My iPhone auto connects, but I’ve gotten in the habit of using the USB simply because it charges while it plays...I’ve been on too many road trips that killed my phone.

I agree with you on the sound system....I added a bass speaker to fill in that gap but otherwise it kicks ass.

Cheap Guy · 11-29-2017, 10:27 PM

I’m an older guy and not really into tech stuff that much but I really can’t wait to get rid of my stock unit and install the Pioneer i bought last week. I guess I really got used to the touchscreen HU in my Grand Cherokee and the Kenwood aftermarket unit in my 1999 Z28. It’s a bit of a pain getting my two iPhones to work via USB and Bluetooth sometimes and frankly, the stock unit looks pretty crappy.

hrpiii · 11-30-2017, 05:54 AM

I am happy with my stock 2010 unit. I plug my iPhone in, select my playlist and I'm good. I have upgraded my speakers and added some bass. Don't really need a touchscreen, new head unit or anything..... put my playlist on, and enjoy the ride. And if I start feeling the need to upgrade, all I have to do is go read some threads in the Audio/Video section about the issues and problems. Then that feeling goes away quickly. lol

Arogg · 11-30-2017, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrpiii

I am happy with my stock 2010 unit. I plug my iPhone in, select my playlist and I'm good. I have upgraded my speakers and added some bass. Don't really need a touchscreen, new head unit or anything..... put my playlist on, and enjoy the ride. And if I start feeling the need to upgrade, all I have to do is go read some threads in the Audio/Video section about the issues and problems. Then that feeling goes away quickly. lol

Hahaha I feel the same way. I upgraded speakers and 2 12's in the trunk but every time I get the itch to upgrade the HU I look at the issues and realize my stock one is working just fine.

spyderbuddy · 11-30-2017, 07:55 AM

That's Why when my HU died, I got the Mylink with Nav, it was basically Plug and play. If I've got to replace it I might as well get Nav.

Next thing is Speakers but not ill they give problems

lbls1 · 11-30-2017, 08:04 AM

The stereo is good; To me it lacks wattage to produce some of my albums with great bass but low volume. You will improve significantly with a subwoofer or more power from an amp.

Kopterman · 11-30-2017, 09:05 AM

One very good improvement you can make easily is to disconnect the center speaker. It shouldn’t be there since you want good right and left separation. Plus, it takes a little wattage to power it. I found after disconnecting it that not only does it sound better but I am able to turn it up a little louder with better bass and still no distortion!

WoodBoss · 11-30-2017, 09:28 AM

I'm fine with the factory stereo, I think it sounds great and I don't want a touch screen.

Gossamer · 11-30-2017, 03:08 PM

I'm ok with the stock headunit.

I'd go to aftermarket but it looks like a real PITA to do even with the PAC kit.

I'm too lazy to do it myself and too cheap to pay someone but I'd love a nav/touch screen setup in '12

Vaninash · 11-30-2017, 03:57 PM

+1 on the stock system..I do plan on upgrading amp in the future though..

c0r3yr0s3 · 11-30-2017, 04:08 PM

I have been considering upgrading the stereo system in my 2012. I want a touchscreen that I can Bluetooth my music to without the cord and I'm thinking about changing out tha BA speakers for some kickers and a stealth box with 2 12" subs in the trunk. I like bass

Centauri · 11-30-2017, 04:34 PM

I bought my 2012 about a month ago, leaving a 2013 Grand Cherokee. Perhaps it is only because the Jeep touchscreen sucks out loud, but I really like the speed of the 2012 stock radio - quick plug and play from the phone and the controls are really easy. That said, the system in the 6th gen camaros is pretty sweet. That was the hardest thing to give up when I settled on a 5th gen instead.

Theloots · 11-30-2017, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheap Guy

I’m an older guy and not really into tech stuff that much but I really can’t wait to get rid of my stock unit and install the Pioneer i bought last week. I guess I really got used to the touchscreen HU in my Grand Cherokee and the Kenwood aftermarket unit in my 1999 Z28. It’s a bit of a pain getting my two iPhones to work via USB and Bluetooth sometimes and frankly, the stock unit looks pretty crappy.

I'm with you on aesthetics ... not the prettiest .... but functional enough for me. : )

11-29-2017, 07:32 PM	#1
Theloots Drives: 2012 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Palmetto, FL Posts: 99	2012 Stock stereo still OK in my book As a stereo junkie and someone who always upgraded my stuff, I'm ok with the stock stereo. Even though it doesn't have the touch screen and fancy display, I easily connect my Android and can move through songs using the stereo controls. I just noticed today that I can access my address book fro the stereo to make calls, etc. Just noticed today because I was too bus playing with all the other gizmo's like the heads-up display and the Gopro tracking my speeds ; ). shhhh don't tell. The fact that I'm 50 years old and lost about 30% of my hearing already my have something to do with me settling on the stock unit. LOL ... but all in all it sounds good too. I always liked Boston Acoustics speakers so that helps. Now it doesn't have the pounce of aftermarket systems so I know it can sound better .... but sounds ok enough not to mess with it. OK, one question though ... should it automatically connect to my phone? What I've been doing is hitting the aux then connecting manually before I start driving.

11-29-2017, 10:27 PM	#3
Cheap Guy Drives: 2011 Camaro SS Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Southeast Michigan Posts: 682	I’m an older guy and not really into tech stuff that much but I really can’t wait to get rid of my stock unit and install the Pioneer i bought last week. I guess I really got used to the touchscreen HU in my Grand Cherokee and the Kenwood aftermarket unit in my 1999 Z28. It’s a bit of a pain getting my two iPhones to work via USB and Bluetooth sometimes and frankly, the stock unit looks pretty crappy. __________________ My Little Mid-Life Crisis Cure! First - 1997 Camaro 3800 Y87, M5, Green - Gone \| Second - 1997 LT1 Z28, M6, Silver - Sold \| Third - 1999 LS1 Z28, M6, Pewter, Almost Stock! - Sold Current - 2011 Camaro SS, M6, black, 1LE suspension parts - Current

11-30-2017, 07:55 AM	#6
spyderbuddy Drives: 2010 RS Inferno Orange Metallic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Albany, Ga. Posts: 3,419 View My Garage	That's Why when my HU died, I got the Mylink with Nav, it was basically Plug and play. If I've got to replace it I might as well get Nav. Next thing is Speakers but not ill they give problems __________________ Hot Wheels Emblems and Floor Mats, Morimoto Fog Lights, PCP Hideaway Headlight Covers, BBK Headers & High Flow Cats, ZL1 Add-ons Wicker Bill, TL1/ZL1 Hood Insert, Gen5 DIY Frameless Mirror, ABL Dash Lighting & My link Navigation, Blacked out Rear Bowtie, all Sylvania led Turn Signals, Ceramic Window Tint By Nicks, MBRP Exhaust tips, GEN5 DIY Virginia Legal DRL Harness, Painted Brake Calipers, Vittesse Throttle Controller & Paddle Shifter Heritage Grill, Manual Shifter Boot, CNC Throttle Body, Trifecta Tune, Trunk Black out and Side Grills, Hot Wheels door Sills.

11-30-2017, 08:04 AM	#7
lbls1 Drives: 2002 Camaro SS SOM; 2015 Malibu LTZ Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 4,050	The stereo is good; To me it lacks wattage to produce some of my albums with great bass but low volume. You will improve significantly with a subwoofer or more power from an amp. __________________ '02 CAMARO SS SOM; 5.7L LS1/FLS6B '08 TBSS AWD Black Granite Metallic '15 Malibu LTZ 2LZ Turbo *'14 CAMARO ZL1 Blue Ray Metallic*

11-29-2017, 09:13 PM	#2
SquawkVFR Account Suspended Drives: 2010 Camaro Join Date: May 2014 Location: Alabama Posts: 1,971	My iPhone auto connects, but I’ve gotten in the habit of using the USB simply because it charges while it plays...I’ve been on too many road trips that killed my phone. I agree with you on the sound system....I added a bass speaker to fill in that gap but otherwise it kicks ass.

11-30-2017, 05:54 AM	#4
hrpiii AKA "Beefcake" Drives: 2023 ZL1 Sharkskin Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Indy Posts: 8,541	I am happy with my stock 2010 unit. I plug my iPhone in, select my playlist and I'm good. I have upgraded my speakers and added some bass. Don't really need a touchscreen, new head unit or anything..... put my playlist on, and enjoy the ride. And if I start feeling the need to upgrade, all I have to do is go read some threads in the Audio/Video section about the issues and problems. Then that feeling goes away quickly. lol

11-30-2017, 09:05 AM	#8
Kopterman Drives: 2014 Bright Yellow 2SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: NH Posts: 794 View My Garage	One very good improvement you can make easily is to disconnect the center speaker. It shouldn’t be there since you want good right and left separation. Plus, it takes a little wattage to power it. I found after disconnecting it that not only does it sound better but I am able to turn it up a little louder with better bass and still no distortion!

11-30-2017, 09:28 AM	#9
WoodBoss "Old School" Drives: 2010 2SS L99 Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Sherrills Ford, NC Posts: 1,294	I'm fine with the factory stereo, I think it sounds great and I don't want a touch screen.

11-30-2017, 03:08 PM	#10
Gossamer Drives: 2012 Camaro Convertible Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 100	I'm ok with the stock headunit. I'd go to aftermarket but it looks like a real PITA to do even with the PAC kit. I'm too lazy to do it myself and too cheap to pay someone but I'd love a nav/touch screen setup in '12

11-30-2017, 03:57 PM	#11
Vaninash Drives: 2012. 45th 2SS VERT Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Orlando Posts: 50	+1 on the stock system..I do plan on upgrading amp in the future though..

11-30-2017, 04:08 PM	#12
c0r3yr0s3 Drives: 2012 camaro 2ss Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: US Posts: 378	I have been considering upgrading the stereo system in my 2012. I want a touchscreen that I can Bluetooth my music to without the cord and I'm thinking about changing out tha BA speakers for some kickers and a stealth box with 2 12" subs in the trunk. I like bass

11-30-2017, 04:34 PM	#13
Centauri Drives: 2012 Camaro SS Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 58	I bought my 2012 about a month ago, leaving a 2013 Grand Cherokee. Perhaps it is only because the Jeep touchscreen sucks out loud, but I really like the speed of the 2012 stock radio - quick plug and play from the phone and the controls are really easy. That said, the system in the 6th gen camaros is pretty sweet. That was the hardest thing to give up when I settled on a 5th gen instead.