New Audio System for C5

[Louie Detroit]

An upgrade was made to this system March 2009. The Alpine head unit was upgraded from the DVA-9860 to the DVA-9861 due to problems with the iPod control. The newer head unit features DVD-A playback which sounds great!

Year: 2001
Model: Mag Red Coupe

Head Unit: Alpine DVA-9861 (Upgrade from previous DVA-9860)
Processor: N/A
Front Speakers: Alpine SPX-17REF 6 1/2" component, mounted with MadVette door plates

Rear Speakers: JL Audio VR650-CXi 6 1/2" coaxial
Sub (s): JL Audio 12W3v3-4 12" 4 ohm sub
Amplifier (s): JL Audio 250/1v2 monoblock sub amp, Alpine MRA-F350 5.1 theater amp
Car PC: N/A
Sound deadening: Hushmat in doors
Wires: JL Audio XB-PCS2-2 Amp Kit, Alpine KCE-422i Full Speed iPod cable
Other: JL Audio XB-PDBU-2 Power Distribution Block, Amp cover box
Box: Subthump 12" stealth w/ custom made deck lid
System Cost: $2136
Install Cost: $440

I provided the HU, HT amp, front speakers, iPod cable and door plates used in the install. All other components purchased from Car Tunes.




This system isn't Double DIN or NAV so may be boring to some but it does have some pretty good audio sound, including DTS & DVD-A.

I wasn't able to get install pics so sorry no really technical install images available.


Alpine Head Unit - DVA-9861 upgraded from DVA-9860.



Amps mounted on a board under carpet - Please ignore the AINET cable running from the amp forward over the hump - it has been removed with the install of the new head unit.



Amps turned on



Theater amp shown processing Pink Floyd - WYWH DTS CD from 1970's QUAD mix. 5.1 DTS DVD discs sound great also, even without a center channel speaker.



JL Audio Sub - 12"



Custom made deck cover to eliminate vibration noise the stock cover made.



Stealth mode activated - The amp cover blocks part of the rear speakers, but can quickly be removed if desired. I intend to have another amp cover made which sits lower and exposes the important stuff.



Battery with JL Audio Wires/Dist Block. Battery has been upgraded from Delco to Optima Yellow Top 34/78.



Mike and Trey from Car Tunes in Allen Park, MI. They provided a friendly, easy going and professional install. I also wish to thank Chad and Osama who assisted with the install.

For the upgrade to my system I also wish to thank Tony, Tom, Brendan and John for their assistance. Car Tunes is truly a first class business!

[Fasthotrod]

Looks good!

More important: how does it sound? Have you stopped grinning from ear to ear yet?

Mark

[Louie Detroit]

Thanks Fasthotrod - it sounds great and yes I'm grinning alot

The bass is a little more than I can handle right now, but I'm hoping to grow into it. I haven't even come near to cranking it out yet, after listening to the Blose I need to slowly build up my tolerence to high quality sound.


Louie

[pentavolvo]

looks awesome

[Louie Detroit]

Thanks pentavolvo