Sound System Upgrade...Wow! What a difference.

[Hib Halverson]

My '95 has the U1F/UXO "Delco-Bose Gold" sound system. It's true that the Amplifier/Speaker assemblies have problems, mostly with capacitors on the amp PC boards going out, but sound wise, it's hard to beat them considering their 25-year old technology still makes pretty good sound and installing an aftermarket speaker arrangement that is as good or better is a lot of work.

What I've always disliked about the Bose, is the radio control head, mainly because it lacked a balance control. After nearly 20 years, the unit in my 95 had a crackling volume control and a CD player that was often displaying "err". Plus, it had no way to directly connect my iPod. To listen to stuff on it, I had to use an FM adapter which was a pain in the butt.

To address all these issues, installed a Zip Products "Pioneer Conversion Kit" (PN XR183). The Pioneer is made with 25-year newer technology, supports direct connection of an iPod or other USB device and allows adjustment of the speaker balance. In addition it supports the adding a subwoofer, if you want it, along with an external power amp, if you're inclined to go to an aftermarket amp and speakers.

As I was sticking with stock speakers, I replaced all four Bose amplifier Speaker assemblies because I had one with a bad speaker and another with an amplifier problem. I decided to swap the other two on GP. Now, there are no replacements for the left front speaker assembly so I had to "rebuild" one by using my existing speaker enclosure and new Zip speakers.

The result was a significant improvement in the sound quality along with no more crackling volume control, a CD play which worked right and simple connection of an iPod. In fact, I am so happy with the results I posted a couple of articles at Corvette Magazine.com (http://www.corvettemagazine.com) covering what I did.

Check it out!

[Jagdpanzer]

Hib,
Excellent work and write up!
Having done a Pioneer AVIC-Z120BT navigation system install I fully appreciate the effort you went through.
The only thing missing in the write up is the final “glamour shot” of the new Pioneer head unit setting in place of the old Bose unit.

[WVZR-1]

Hib,
Excellent work and write up!
Having done a Pioneer AVIC-Z120BT navigation system install I fully appreciate the effort you went through.
The only thing missing in the write up is the final “glamour shot” of the new Pioneer head unit setting in place of the old Bose unit.

Phil,

I don't believe there is a "glamor" shot of this install. I believe it some sort of an adapter and a single DIN "head unit". I couldn't find anything that I felt unusual about it aside of the fact it was from a Corvette "store" with the appropriate hardware (hopefully) to complete an install. Seemed a bit expensive also. If I overlooked something I'd like it to be "pointed out".

http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductDetails/StyleMasterDetails.aspx?pid=%7B9D349AF1-3B9D-4F48-88B7-34A6AACE12ED%7D&gid=%7B5A280147-8107-4797-8115-F63A71B92017%7D&pname=84-96+Pioneer+DEHX-3500U+AM%2fFM-CD+Stereo+%26+Conversion+Kit&Referer=&Alias=&ptct=SGR-SR&CTitle=&

[Schrade]

Doesn't the factory system play ambient noise in its' acoustic inverse?

Is anything better than that?

Any replacement in my vehicles will have to have an SD / MMC card input...

[Hib Halverson]

Hib,
Excellent work and write up!
Having done a Pioneer AVIC-Z120BT navigation system install I fully appreciate the effort you went through.
The only thing missing in the write up is the final “glamour shot” of the new Pioneer head unit setting in place of the old Bose unit.

I gave the folks at Corvette Magazine an image just like you describe, but they chose to use it in a manner that wasn't so attractive...look at the lead image for Part 1.

If you email me at finspeed@netmotive.net, I'll email you back some images.

[Hib Halverson]

Doesn't the factory system play ambient noise in its' acoustic inverse?

Sorry, "Schrade", I'm not an engineer in acoustics or electronics so I don't understand the term "acoustic inverse".Is anything better than that?No doubt there are a ton of higher-end aftermarket receivers you could install but, so far, the only ones available with Zip Products' "plug-and-play" adapter hardware are the Pioneer I used and a Kenwood unit.

[Schrade]

No need to apologize at all!

Depending on what the cost is of servicing the factory unit, i just wonder if that wouldn't be better...

[scottfab]

Hib, what was the overall cost and per unit costs?
What are the spec (or a link) to the Zip amps?

A wildly detailed set of articles for sure.
Well done.

[mike100]

I could see myself going the same route since I have 4 good Bose speaker amps running along just fine.

To recap- the Zip Pioneer conversion jumpers out the factory receiver with an included wire harness?
A little harder to access on a 91, but I already had replaced my receiver previously so the nearly-impossible-to-remove underdash bracket was modified to install with velcro, so I could get mine out in 15 minutes now.

[Hog]

[QUOTE=Schrade;162061]Doesn't the factory system play ambient noise in its' acoustic inverse?

QUOTE]
Are you referring to "Sound Cancellation Technology"?

I dont think that technology was included in the C4 Corvette.
There was SCV or "Speed Compensated Volume", the faster you drive, the higher the volume becomes. My 1997 GMC pickup has this. The stereo head unit receives a speed signal from the PCM. If I'm on ice and nail the throttle and spin teh tires really fast, all of a sudden the volume of the stereo spikes momentarily. Kinda shocked me the 1st time this happened.

Later Cadillac cars came with a technology that sensed when a window was rolled down, and increased volume to compensate. But I dont know if "Sound Cancellation Tech" was included.

peace
Hog

[Hib Halverson]

Hib, what was the overall cost and per unit costs Oh s&$t...you had to ask. I can't find my paperwork as I did the work last Fall and misplaced it, but you can look on Zip's web site and get the prices. There, obviously, was no labor charge as I did it all myself.
What are the spec (or a link) to the Zip amps?
http://www.zip-corvette.com/GroupDetails/SubGroupResults.aspx?gid={10a79a28-ff51-4b0e-a0bf-6a8fd51c2d4f}&SearchType=_GROUP_SEARCH&GroupName=Speaker+Amplifiers&

A wildly detailed set of articles for sure.
Well done.

Thanks

[secondchance]

I don't think there was any sound cancellation built into the system. Despite all the negatives reagding Bose amp/speaker set up, considering the size and weight, quality and quantity of sound is hard to beat due to carefully sized and tuned boxed enclosure Bose designed to work with their speakers. However, if you want to hear the low frequency a subwoofer addition is necessary.
When I replaced the head unit with a Pioneer AVIC Z140 I was amazed at quality of sound in HD FM, CD and ability to use IPOD/IPHONE, DVD and run navigation. Head unit quality and quality of HD FM improvements made in the last 20 years is phenomenal despite my hearing being not as sharp as it use to be.

[Hib Halverson]

During the installation on my 95, I tried a sub...a Bazooka driven by a Rockford 300W amp.

It made little difference. I decided the new Bose speaker assemblies were all I needed so I returned the Bazooka and the amp for a refund.

[secondchance]

Bazookas don't really do much. So, I built this enclosure about 3 years ago and hooked up an old Alpine I had. New "low profile" sub allowed me to keep the sub box relatively small.

http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu303/byongyun/IMG_0611.jpg
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu303/byongyun/IMG_0614.jpg

[scottfab]

Bazookas don't really do much. So, I built this enclosure about 3 years ago and hooked up an old Alpine I had. New "low profile" sub allowed me to keep the sub box relatively small.


This will be a nice hijacking of this tread....... Your enclosure
blends in nicely and looks to have plenty of clearance for the top to fit in. Did you check the cabinet for resonance? The reason I ask is the small size usually leads to problems like that. If so you can tune it out with a "port".
A port is a 2in (or so) diameter hole with a tube (ABS plastic will do) into the hole. The depth of the inserted tube will tune out the resonance.
In this case the resonance would be up close to the top of the low range because of the small box size.
To find resonance you can use a leveled tone audio source then sweep through down to 20Hz or so. Where ever the tone seems to get louder is your box resonance. Then use the tube to tune it out.
Alternatively...... using a graphic equalizer (in the tuner) you could put a notch at the resonance location.

But then if it sounds good to you as it.... it's all good.

The last box I built was for an Explorer. It was large enough where the resonance was down low so I didn't care.

Trivia: next time in the shower find the resonance of the shower booth by creating a tone and slowly lower it until you hit it. Almost all showers will have a resonance. My kids use to day "Dad you have a problem". I'd say " oh well". :-D

[FU]

Nice enclosure !!!

[secondchance]

This will be a nice hijacking of this tread....... You enclosure
blends in nicely and looks to have plenty of clearance for the top to fit in. Did you check the cabinet for resonance? The reason I ask is the small size usually leads to problems like that. If so you can tune it out with a "port".
A port is a 2in (or so) diameter hole with a tube (ABS plastic will do) into the hole. The depth of the inserted tube will tune out the resonance.
In this case the resonance would be up close to the top of the low range because of the small box size.
To find resonance you can use a leveled tone audio source then sweep through down to 20Hz or so. Where ever the tone seems to get louder is your box resonance. Then use the tube to tune it out.
Alternatively...... using a graphic equalizer (in the tuner) you could put a notch at the resonance location.

But then if it sounds good to you as it.... it's all good.

The last box I built was for an Explorer. It was large enough where the resonance was down low so I didn't care.

Trivia: next time in the shower find the resonance of the shower booth by creating a tone and slowly lower it until you hit it. Almost all showers will have a resonance. My kids use to day "Dad you have a problem". I'd say " oh well". :-D

It sounds good but I will run a test CD and see. Pioneer recommends .35 to .85 cu ft of sealed enclosure for these low profile 10" sub and mine came in at around .8 if I remember correct.

[POWERBRAKEBOB]

I installed a Pioneer 3300 DVH with DVD screen. It is a Double Din unit. It fit right in the original bezel. I had to nibble out a plastic locating pin that support the original Bose unit. Pioneer is a fantastic unit. I pulled the seats to clean the carpet, and ran new wiring to all new speakers. It has back up camera, computer inputs and outputs, IPOD compatible. Unit costs $325.00 plus the speakers. I bought many Bose amps, and drove the car for years with NO radio, as there appeared to be nothing that would fit. Professionals had no idea what would fit either.

[Bob Eyres]

Hib - Thanks for your efforts, and the write-up.
The original system has been a thorn in the a** of ZR-1'ers for decades.

[Starman]

Like Bob, I have the Pioneer DVD 3300 BT unit, but I chose to stick with the Bose speakers that I had recently sent through Bose's refurbishment service. (note it was the absolute trail of tears to install the adapter wiring harness)

A little file work on the new radio head made it fit the console bezel perfectly, the colors are adjustable to match the orange factory lighting and the sound is fantastic.

One thing to look for on new head units is the 4V output on the preamp, many units are now only 2V.