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 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]

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]

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]

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.

[Hib Halverson]

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".

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