-:|:- The Grond Chronicles: Stereo Upgrade to the Next Level [Dialup Death] -:|:-
10-28-2005, 08:02 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
-:|:- The Grond Chronicles: Stereo Upgrade to the Next Level [Dialup Death] -:|:-
Those that have been following my escapades, mods, trials and follies over the past year, will remember that I did a "green field" stereo installation just a few short months ago. I ripped my entire interior out, tossed out all things Blose (even the wiring) and started afresh.
Details of those many adventures in sub zero (centigrade) conditions can be found here - http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show..._id=103&arch=1
Well, since you all know I'm totally crazy, somewhat deranged (and probably dangerous), I decided to mod my mods (yet again) and upgrade my stereo to the Next Level.
So I bought a pair of new Infinity 6.5inch mid/highs to replace the Rockford Fosgate 6.5 mids, a new California 4ch main amp to supplement the existing Clarion 4ch amp, a new Pioneer iPod interface and a new Pioneer AVIC-N2 DVD/GPS/MP3 head unit to replace the existing Sony MP3 head unit and Sony MP3 10disc CD Changer.
I will also be adding a couple of strategically placed wireless cameras for the next release of the Grond Video Chronicles
Here are some pics. I will document the install, as always.
Details of those many adventures in sub zero (centigrade) conditions can be found here - http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show..._id=103&arch=1
Well, since you all know I'm totally crazy, somewhat deranged (and probably dangerous), I decided to mod my mods (yet again) and upgrade my stereo to the Next Level.
So I bought a pair of new Infinity 6.5inch mid/highs to replace the Rockford Fosgate 6.5 mids, a new California 4ch main amp to supplement the existing Clarion 4ch amp, a new Pioneer iPod interface and a new Pioneer AVIC-N2 DVD/GPS/MP3 head unit to replace the existing Sony MP3 head unit and Sony MP3 10disc CD Changer.
I will also be adding a couple of strategically placed wireless cameras for the next release of the Grond Video Chronicles
Here are some pics. I will document the install, as always.
10-28-2005, 08:02 PM
#2
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10-28-2005, 08:09 PM
#5
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Wow!!!!, and I thought your previous set-up sounded great! 
This looks like it's going to be one kick-azzzzzzz system!
I'm anxious to see what you're doing with the cameras.
Hope I get to hear/see it at the next cruise-in.
This looks like it's going to be one kick-azzzzzzz system!
I'm anxious to see what you're doing with the cameras.
Hope I get to hear/see it at the next cruise-in.
10-28-2005, 08:12 PM
#7
Melting Slicks
Originally Posted by vetterlatethannever
You... are insane!!!!!! :
I am sure it will come out great! I think this install will be a whole lot easier than the last one. Keep us updated (like I really need to say that!
10-28-2005, 08:14 PM
#8
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Originally Posted by vetterlatethannever
You... are insane!!!!!! Love the AVIC by the way
I freely admit it
10-28-2005, 08:17 PM
#9
Supporting Tuner
Thread Starter
This is the current system - http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1055340
and below is what I had to say back then on things I would have done differently.
and below is what I had to say back then on things I would have done differently.
Originally Posted by YBNORML
It looks AWESOME!!!!!!
What would you have done differently?
What would you have done differently?
Originally Posted by EnglandGreen
Several things.
1> Different head unit and music library access : I abhor the Alpine head units (long story) but they have an excellent interface to my 60gb iPod. If could do it all over again, I would buy a head unit that had Front/Rear/Sub 5v pre outs and an iPod interface instead of the Sony MP3 unit with Front/Rear/Sub 2.5v pre outs and Sony 10 disc MP3 changer. Or a head unit that played DVD MP3s (a few new ones do). My music library is quite extensive and 11 MP3 discs, ripped at 320kbps is not enough variety. So I would change that. Still might in the future as other companies release FULL and INTEGRATED iPod interfaces.
2> Different Sub enclosure. The ProBox is awesome - very large volume considering the space limitations of the C5 "storage bin". But the box is actually too shallow for anything bigger than a Rockford Fosgate Stage1 12 inch sub. I have a RF Stage2 and I had to modify the box to make it fit and to increase the internal volume of the box.
3> Used 2 layers of FatMat ( http://www.fatmat.com ) instead of the combination of 2 layers of Frost King/Reflectix/Dynamat Extreme that I used throughout the car. I'm toying with the notion of ripping out the Frost King this coming winter and laying FatMat down in it's place. But I probably will not do it because it's w-a-y too much effort. Once was enough!!!
4> Different main amplifier : The Clarion 4 channel is fine and very configurable, but in hindsight, 2 x 2 channel amplifiers would have given me far more flexibility but cost 3 times as much. Not to mention consumed too much space. So I will not be changing that.
5> Routed wires a little differently. Not much, but just so that it wouldn't bug me. It's my OCD rearing it's ugly head. No one will ever see my wiring - but it bugs me.
6> Tweeters and mids that could handle higher peak power. The Rockford Fosgate component system I have is excellent for me but.....
So yes, if I had an extra 2 or 3 grand and I could do it all over again, I would. But I much prefer what I have and to spend that 2 or 3 grand on other mods.
Because what I have right now kicks serious posterior
1> Different head unit and music library access : I abhor the Alpine head units (long story) but they have an excellent interface to my 60gb iPod. If could do it all over again, I would buy a head unit that had Front/Rear/Sub 5v pre outs and an iPod interface instead of the Sony MP3 unit with Front/Rear/Sub 2.5v pre outs and Sony 10 disc MP3 changer. Or a head unit that played DVD MP3s (a few new ones do). My music library is quite extensive and 11 MP3 discs, ripped at 320kbps is not enough variety. So I would change that. Still might in the future as other companies release FULL and INTEGRATED iPod interfaces.
2> Different Sub enclosure. The ProBox is awesome - very large volume considering the space limitations of the C5 "storage bin". But the box is actually too shallow for anything bigger than a Rockford Fosgate Stage1 12 inch sub. I have a RF Stage2 and I had to modify the box to make it fit and to increase the internal volume of the box.
3> Used 2 layers of FatMat ( http://www.fatmat.com ) instead of the combination of 2 layers of Frost King/Reflectix/Dynamat Extreme that I used throughout the car. I'm toying with the notion of ripping out the Frost King this coming winter and laying FatMat down in it's place. But I probably will not do it because it's w-a-y too much effort. Once was enough!!!
4> Different main amplifier : The Clarion 4 channel is fine and very configurable, but in hindsight, 2 x 2 channel amplifiers would have given me far more flexibility but cost 3 times as much. Not to mention consumed too much space. So I will not be changing that.
5> Routed wires a little differently. Not much, but just so that it wouldn't bug me. It's my OCD rearing it's ugly head. No one will ever see my wiring - but it bugs me.
6> Tweeters and mids that could handle higher peak power. The Rockford Fosgate component system I have is excellent for me but.....
So yes, if I had an extra 2 or 3 grand and I could do it all over again, I would. But I much prefer what I have and to spend that 2 or 3 grand on other mods.
Because what I have right now kicks serious posterior
10-28-2005, 08:20 PM
#10
Supporting Tuner
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Z06-JIM
Wow!!!!, and I thought your previous set-up sounded great!
This looks like it's going to be one kick-azzzzzzz system!
I'm anxious to see what you're doing with the cameras.
Hope I get to hear/see it at the next cruise-in.
This looks like it's going to be one kick-azzzzzzz system!
I'm anxious to see what you're doing with the cameras.
Hope I get to hear/see it at the next cruise-in.
10-28-2005, 08:28 PM
#12
Supporting Tuner
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Jays Z06
I guess if I want a NICE system, I can contact you 
Man o man, that car is NEVER going to be done eh? I know how that goes
Man o man, that car is NEVER going to be done eh? I know how that goes
10-28-2005, 08:36 PM
#14
Supporting Tuner
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by connecticut
ahhhhh!!! wireless video, i'll still get the side of the road fly-bys, now I can be on camera
The next video will be with the "other" mods installed
10-28-2005, 09:26 PM
#17
Team Owner
And you see boys and girls what can happen when THE SICKNESS hits? 
It's very expensive and always terminal.
Looks good Stephen. Have fun.
It's very expensive and always terminal. Looks good Stephen. Have fun.
10-28-2005, 09:34 PM
#18
Race Director
i want to know more about the wierless cameras, i want to do the same thing, one foward facing low to the ground and one rearward facing? at least, what about night vision?
10-28-2005, 09:42 PM
#20
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St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Atta boy Stephen... 
You're doing it the right was Grasshopper!
You're doing it the right was Grasshopper!