Thinking of stereo upgrade

[MB ZR1]

I've started hearing some cracking out of my front passenger speaker in my 1990 ZR-1.I've thought long and hard about what to do about this. First off I listen to alot of music while driving. Well I don't need a loud bass pounding system, I'd like a solid system. As good as the stereo was in 1990, aftermarket systems have come a long way.
So, I'm wondering what different systems guys have tried. Have you gone away from the bose speakers? I'd apprieciate any pics of systems put in just for some ideas. Really not too crazy about modifying things too much.

[White Bullet]

Originally Posted by MB ZR1

I've started hearing some cracking out of my front passenger speaker in my 1990 ZR-1.I've thought long and hard about what to do about this. First off I listen to alot of music while driving. Well I don't need a loud bass pounding system, I'd like a solid system. As good as the stereo was in 1990, aftermarket systems have come a long way.
So, I'm wondering what different systems guys have tried. Have you gone away from the bose speakers? I'd apprieciate any pics of systems put in just for some ideas. Really not too crazy about modifying things too much.

I have run the full cycle as far as system replacement/original setup goes. So I will qualify my statements with first my listening requirements are based on casual listening only and I find the stock system sound quality to be satisfactory for my needs. Now with that out of the way I have replaced the whole system (head unit and speakers), partial replacement (head unit only) and repaired the stock system. From a dollars stand point only you can repair the stock system for less than a aftermarket system of equal sound quality. You can spend less for an aftermarket system (think Wal-Mart and you install) and there is a chance you will not be satisfied with the sound produced. This is not a negitave comment about Wal-Mart. For me the complete replacement did not meet my needs or equal the stock system. I installed a Kenwood KDC-X990 and six disk changer with Infinity reference speakers front and back (6X9 in back; 6" in the front). The sound was clean and clear the bottom needed help. So a sub woofer would have been needed some place. I did not go there. So next up was to keep the Kenwood units and replace the Infinity speakers with the Bose speakers. This provided better overall sound however it was just a notch below the stock system for overall sound reproduction. So I have repaired the Delco head unit and reinstalled it. To me this provides the best sound. So to sum it up. If you are willing to spend a good amount of money on a aftermarket system you can achieve a equal or better sounding system then the stock setup but keep in mind that there maybe a need to modify mounting locations and boxes added for woofers. You will also get the newer play back options that the stock system does not (mp3, ipod, nav, etc.). If you want the play back options of the newer technology without a great deal of cost and are satisfied with the stock sound. Then replace the head unit and leave the Bose speakers in place. If you are happy with the stock system and do not want all the optional playback formats then fix what you have and rock on.

[Bell Curve]

I am going to get my Bose fixed instead of getting aftermarket

[MB ZR1]

Thanks for all the info White Bullet. I'm thinking the way I'm going to end up going is an aftermarket head unit and keep the Bose speaker system. I really don't want to fill hatch area with extra equiptment. (There really isn't a whole lot of room to begin with). I'd like a head unit that an ipod can be plugged into to avoid using FM transmitter.

[MB ZR1]

An update from my last post. I decided today to go completely aftermarket. The entire system will be pulled out and rewired which definitly is the biggest cost. I've decided to make sure I'm using best cables possible. If you are going to do it no use cutting corners.The factory bose system wasn't good enough. With the headers and flowmaster exhaust my stereo needs to be cranked right up for me to hear anything. With the blown front speaker it sounds terrible. I have decided to install an Alpine receiver unit and an Alpine amp. The deck lets me control my ipod without going through FM. The speakers are Focal 5" in the front and 61/2 in the rear. These are the best speakers without cutting or modifying much.
Pictures will follow.

[Z Factor]

I just ran into a guy who changed the head unit out, but used a switchover to be able to keep the Bose speakers. He obviously did not have any amp issues.
Make sure to keep and properly store your original system in case you sell it someday, and the buyer wants it.

[GOLDCYLON]

Originally Posted by MB ZR1

An update from my last post. I decided today to go completely aftermarket. The entire system will be pulled out and rewired which definitly is the biggest cost. I've decided to make sure I'm using best cables possible. If you are going to do it no use cutting corners.The factory bose system wasn't good enough. With the headers and flowmaster exhaust my stereo needs to be cranked right up for me to hear anything. With the blown front speaker it sounds terrible. I have decided to install an Alpine receiver unit and an Alpine amp. The deck lets me control my ipod without going through FM. The speakers are Focal 5" in the front and 61/2 in the rear. These are the best speakers without cutting or modifying much.
Pictures will follow.

I went with an AVIC Z2 I love it. Original equipment is in a garage cabinet.

[MB ZR1]

The system is all in and sounding amazing. Well worth the cost of rewiring the car (in my opinion anyway). The only thing that looks different from stock is the deck. I did loose some space in the storage area with the amp install.

[White Bullet]

Congrats on a great setup. I believe that the best option if quality and quantity of sound are desired, then the complete replacement of the sound system is in order. When I in the past replaced my system I could never seem to overcome the fact the the new head unit did not blend in well with the rest of the dash for looks or back lighting. It's just me being to picky about the appearance of it. Enjoy the tunes.

[GOLDCYLON]

Ah the Metra Pocket install kit I know it well.

I went with the Pioneer Avic Nav Series