Here's a question for all of you out there. Browsing through the old forums, It sounds to me that the Bose system is not worth paying the extra money for. Instead, I was thinking of getting the regular pacakage and then upgrading all of the speakers (especially w/ 4080s sub box!).

What I want to know is, is it REALLY worth getting an aftermarket HU to go with the new speakers? I'm not looking to win any sound competitions by any means, rather, I'm just looking for something that will play my music and not sound like crap. I would PREFER to not get an aftermarket HU as installing one puts a sign on your car saying "Break into me!".

I'm thinking that I want to go with a setup like the DigitalWheelz screen setup and installing a CarPuter or hooking up my iPod photo. This way I can have nice easy access to all of my music, and still keep a relatively low profile.

Any complaints with Factory HU and aftermarket speaker setups?

 

the stock Clarion HU is decent. But most people will eventually upgrade their stock HU with an aftermarket HU. Its the curse of mod addiction.

If you have a chance to hear someone's sound system with a stock HU and one with an aftermarket HU both with aftermarket amps and speakers, you'll definitely appreciate the differences. Then you'll succumb to the tractor beam pull to do DD swap. IMO, those who say they have no intention of swapping out HU either 1. have no money left to upgrade HU due to other performance mod addiction (LOL) or 2. are just in denial...... :-)

doc

 

I have been doing some measurements with a car pc driven RTA system (using a calibration mic from my yamaha rxv2400 I have in my home theater) and I see a noticeable dip (around 6 dB) in my system at 2 kHz and at 200 Hz - but this is regardless if I play the pink noise through the HU (via CD) or generate it using a SB Extigy directly to the AMP.

I have heard another post indicating a huge dip at 5 kHz but I don't see that at all.

I am still learning how to use all of the RTA software, proper calibration, etc. But from everything I can tell thus far, the Clarion HU hooked up via the AOEM-NIS2 RCA output adapter puts out a really clean signal. Almost as good as my digitally generated signal... I wish I could have done the test with the stock speakers also but I didn't have the RTA software till a few weeks ago. I have all Diamond Audio speakers installed now (s600a + D361i). Anyway, just 2 cents in favor of the stock HU. Will post more when I know more.

 

I am definitely in denial , I've done D/D swap before, so I can say that its really up to you, I use stock HU right now and it sound just fine to me and NO, I have no plane to swap it out, but if I ever did? its becaue I want Navi or DVDs and not because i want better sounding system. If you arent sure? just swap out the amp and speakers first and if you are not satisfied with what you heard, you can always do D/D conversion. But if you after superior sound quality? def. do D/D conversions.

 

Yeah - what Doc said!

 

Yah, more than likely that's what I'll end up doing. It'd just be nice to only have to rip apart the car 1x. Haven't really done the research yet, but do we need any sort of converter to hook up the Stock HU to an Aftermarket amp? I know in my old car you needed to buy a converter if you wanted to use either the OEM HU or Amp.

 

1. You'll have to rip your dash apart *SEVERAL* times....just accept that proven time and time again fact. IT would be nice to do it just once but pretty unrealistic...lol.

2. You'll need an LOC (line output conveter) to use with stock HU and aftermarket amp. Use the search function on "LOC" and you'll find several hundred threads on this subject.

3. Save your money and do your audio upgrade all at one time. Most people end up spending more than they really have to b/c they upgrade their speakers and amp(s) while keeping the stock HU initially. Later, they upgrade their HU and do DD conversion and waste money on installation costs and LOCs which could have been avoided if you upgrade all at once.

doc

 

After installing a system piecemeal in my SVT, I would have to agree with the doctor.

Going back over everything, I think I spent roughly $300 more in time and materials because I didn't plan ahead appropriately and do the install at once.

Currently I am in acquisition mode. I've got the power portion complete, now comes speakers and HU/Processor.... and wiring/install accessories... and Valentine One... and Mac Mini... and Digital Wheelz kit... and screen... and DC/DC PS.. and DD conversion kit.... and... and... and...

*ugh*

What were we talking about again... something about mod addictions?

*ugh*

 

Aftermarket! Especially if you want GPS. It's cheaper, sounds better, gives more options for upgrading with quality, etc. Here are pics of my setup I just installed yesterday. And you save money if you just install it yourself! Plus its more fun!

 

Very nice install inno.

 

Well you have to know what your getting yourself into if u want an aftermarket. This isn't your standard HU swap. Since the average buyer gets the premium package avoiding getting the bose is not fun at the dealer and you will end up getting hassled and special ordering a car that will take months. Not mention you have to give up basic things like auto lamps and homelink that are very nice to have. With the exception of the install above I have seen a few DD installs in person and they look like crap, even though it sounds better. Personally I would get the car with navi and bose and just upgrade the speakers if you’re hung up on it, the bose amp is not bad.

 

fwiw, when i was doing my install, i switched my head unit from stock to the alpine 9835. with that change alone the system sounded very, very good. a lot improved... it was very noticeable to everyone that heard it. they described it as crisper, clearer, and of course it was louder.

i continued on to complete the install, but im sure many could stop there and be very pleased. the speakers in the car aren't that bad at all.