Upgrading base stereo - within reason

[ctandc72]

I've searched and read plenty of threads here. Thing is I don't want a super high end system - I just want a decent sounding system. Mainly rock / country and some rap. Since I have the base stereo, all research is leading me to believe that I do NOT have a factory amp.

With that in mind, I'm considering a decent set of 6.5" components (With tweeter and crossover) for the front and a decent set of 6.5" coaxial for the rear. I plan on building a box to house a 10" sub for the trunk. I will build it to fit in the general area where the JL Audio stealth box fits.

For simplicity sake I'd really like to get away with running a 5 channel amp to power it all. I'm hoping I can use a line out converter (from the rear speakers) for the amp.

Again not looking for ground shaking bass.

Looking at this amp:
https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-GM-D..._n_feature_keywords_six_browse-bin:7933268011

These for components:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IFAX38S/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I3HU9LZ0ZOLVA8&colid=2TB16763PKPU5

These for the rear deck:
https://www.amazon.com/Infinity-REF...-8&refinements=p_n_size_browse-bin:1293701011

Of course I'd have to pick a 10" sub that's designed for the shallow box I will build.

Any input / guidance on this would be greatly appreciated.

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[Racemaster]

I upgraded to a Helix Psix,so I have a used (maybe 6 months) JL audio xd600/6v2 up for grabs.I would take $300 for it if you are interested.PM me

 

[Turbong]

Following

 

[ctandc72]

Haven't gotten any response and searching doesn't turn up much - since I'm not an audiophile and not looking to rattle windows. I'll likely start this upgrade once I figure out a plan for building a box that fits in the side 'wing' of the trunk so I don't lose a ton of space.

 

[Turbong]

Haven't gotten any response and searching doesn't turn up much - since I'm not an audiophile and not looking to rattle windows. I'll likely start this upgrade once I figure out a plan for building a box that fits in the side 'wing' of the trunk so I don't lose a ton of space.

same here, I too just want something decent and simple in appose to measuring decibels on a full moon to see if my pubic hair vibrates at a certain velocity aligned with the San Andreas fault.

 

[ctandc72]

same here, I too just want something decent and simple in appose to measuring decibels on a full moon to see if my pubic hair vibrates at a certain velocity aligned with the San Andreas fault.

I really want the JL Audio "stealth" sub - but it's like $700....:rant:

Probably one cold night soon, I'll pull the car in the garage, start taking measurements and use cardboard etc to mock up a small box to hold a 10" sub and build a box. I don't want to lose the ability to fold down the seats etc.

I'll add a line out converter to power a 5 channel sub and replace the speakers, add the sub and be done.

 

[HextallS550]

You don't need a LOC in these cars. You just need to change the ACM to premium line level output (via FORScan) and use an ACM-RCA adapter harness.

Also the gear you selected in those links isn't really going to improve anything. It will sound different, for sure, but it's not going to be any better than factory for a number of reasons. the biggest thing you will notice is a lack of midbass.

 

[Snook66]

I just got a delivery of speakers, an amp and powered sub to replace the factory stuff in my base GT, after seeing all of this FORscan business and whatnot, I think you have to be an engineer to do anything with a factory stereo.

I think Ill send it all back and just live with the crappy sound.

Or just pay to have it all installed.

 

[HextallS550]

It’s actually ridiculously easy. I’ve walked over 40 people through Sync 3 swaps and there is a lot more that needs to be changed in that situation than in the OPs

 

[blakedanatural]

I sucked it up and got that jl audio stealthbox and the jL audio jx500 monoblock amp. I have the gt premium 9 speaker set up and I changed the center speaker and front woofer and mid to polkdb speakers. I totally love it but I will get another amp to run the fronts later. Yes the stealthbox is very pricey but it sounds very good.

 

[ctandc72]

You don't need a LOC in these cars. You just need to change the ACM to premium line level output (via FORScan) and use an ACM-RCA adapter harness.

Also the gear you selected in those links isn't really going to improve anything. It will sound different, for sure, but it's not going to be any better than factory for a number of reasons. the biggest thing you will notice is a lack of midbass.

I'm no audiophile or guru - but every factory system I've messed with benefited from aftermarket speakers being driven by an appropriate amp. Are you saying the speakers I linked aren't better than the factory stuff?

As for dealing with FORScan and reprogramming - nope - my day job involves processes way too close to that to make me want to go down that road.

So are you saying I can't use a LOC to install an amp or are you saying I don't have to, I can reprogram the factory head unit and get an adapter harness?

I'm not looking for competition quality sound. After all those years in the Army, I doubt my ears would know the difference. But driving a decent set of components up front , a decent pair of mids in the rear and small sub in the trunk has to sound much better than the base stereo as it sits now.

Comments? Feedback? Recommendations on speakers / components without spending $1000?

 

[mumbles]

I'm no audiophile or guru - but every factory system I've messed with benefited from aftermarket speakers being driven by an appropriate amp. Are you saying the speakers I linked aren't better than the factory stuff?

As for dealing with FORScan and reprogramming - nope - my day job involves processes way too close to that to make me want to go down that road.

So are you saying I can't use a LOC to install an amp or are you saying I don't have to, I can reprogram the factory head unit and get an adapter harness?

I'm not looking for competition quality sound. After all those years in the Army, I doubt my ears would know the difference. But driving a decent set of components up front , a decent pair of mids in the rear and small sub in the trunk has to sound much better than the base stereo as it sits now.

Comments? Feedback? Recommendations on speakers / components without spending $1000?

The amp you linked to will accept speaker level inputs, so in this case, you would not need an additional LOC...

 

[ctandc72]

The amp you linked to will accept speaker level inputs, so in this case, you would not need an additional LOC...

Thanks.

 

[ctandc72]

You don't need a LOC in these cars. You just need to change the ACM to premium line level output (via FORScan) and use an ACM-RCA adapter harness.

Also the gear you selected in those links isn't really going to improve anything. It will sound different, for sure, but it's not going to be any better than factory for a number of reasons. the biggest thing you will notice is a lack of midbass.

Okay...THANKS FOR NOTHING :headbonk:

I just got done scanning through half the FORScan page. Dammit - now that I know I can disable that stupid double-honk when I leave the car running with the key in my pocket - I'll be falling down the rabbit hole.

 

[H@mmer]

Okay...THANKS FOR NOTHING :headbonk:

I just got done scanning through half the FORScan page. Dammit - now that I know I can disable that stupid double-honk when I leave the car running with the key in my pocket - I'll be falling down the rabbit hole.

I'm telling you right now, there's absolutely NOTHING to FORScan.
I just did stuff to 4 vehicles over the weekend. My Raptor and Mustang, my fiance's Focus, and my dad's F150.
On each vehicle, it takes maybe 5 minutes to backup all the current ABD, then 2-3 minutes to make all the changes to the vehicle, then another 5-10 minutes playing with all the new stuff I just changed.

Seriously, if anyone can figure out how to post on a forum, they can follow FORScan instructions.

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