Sound System Upgrade...Wow! What a difference. - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

Hib Halverson · 01-30-2013

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 covering what I did.

Check it out!

Jagdpanzer · 01-30-2013

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 · 01-30-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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/ProductD...GR-SR&CTitle=&

Schrade · 01-30-2013

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 · 01-31-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schrade

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".

Quote:

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 · 01-31-2013

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...

Hog · 01-31-2013

[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

secondchance · 01-31-2013

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.

POWERBRAKEBOB · 05-28-2013

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.

Hib Halverson · 01-31-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

01-30-2013	#1
Hib Halverson Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: CenCoast California Posts: 899	Sound System Upgrade...Wow! What a difference. 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 covering what I did. Check it out! __________________ Hib Halverson Technical Writer former owner 95 VIN 0140 current owner 19 VIN 1878

01-30-2013	#2
Jagdpanzer Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,661	Re: Sound System Upgrade...Wow! What a difference. 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 Wasinger 1994 Torch Red ZR-1 WAZOO Member George Braml Intake

01-30-2013	#4
Schrade Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: NC Posts: 1,786	Re: Sound System Upgrade...Wow! What a difference. 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...

01-31-2013	#6
Schrade Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: NC Posts: 1,786	Re: Sound System Upgrade...Wow! What a difference. 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...

01-31-2013	#7
Hog Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,275	Re: Sound System Upgrade...Wow! What a difference. [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

01-31-2013	#8
secondchance Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: McLean, VA Posts: 3,723	Re: Sound System Upgrade...Wow! What a difference. 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.

05-28-2013	#9
POWERBRAKEBOB Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF. Posts: 38	Re: Sound System Upgrade...Wow! What a difference. 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.