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How good is the stereo in the C5s?

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Old May 8, 2003 | 07:44 AM
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Default How good is the stereo in the C5s?

I'm curious as to the performance of the stereo that comes in the C5, does it sound any good? How many speakers does it have and are any of them subwoofers, and if so, what size?

Has the system changed at all between 97-03 or is it identical?
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Old May 8, 2003 | 09:50 AM
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Default Re: How good is the stereo in the C5s?

It pretty much sucks. I think it is the same from 97-03. Probably the same since 85 for all I know. Just four speakers.....no sub.... and crappy sound. Some people call it "blows" instead of Bose.
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Old May 8, 2003 | 10:10 AM
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Default Re: How good is the stereo in the C5s?

It's not that good. The main problem is the lack of tweeters and the real crappy sound from the rear speakers.

I now have 4 tweeters, Alpine rear speakers, subwoofer as well as two amplifiers. I still have the stock head unit. Oh yeah, I also have a manual Clarion sound equalizer and this probably has made the most effect.
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Old May 8, 2003 | 11:55 AM
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Default Re: How good is the stereo in the C5s?

How easy is it to put aftermarket stuff in there? Is there room for 6.5" subwoofers in the rear area?

That's one thing I like about the f-body, you can fit a pair of 6.5 subs in the stock location beside the rear passenger seats, and you can fit a nice 6.0 to 6.5 components set up front very easily too.

I guess I shouldn't be worried anyways, the only way I can afford a C5 right now is if I win the lottery, and then I'd be spending quite a lot on aftermarket stuff anyways.
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Old May 9, 2003 | 04:30 AM
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Default Re: How good is the stereo in the C5s?

How easy is it to put aftermarket stuff in there? Is there room for 6.5" subwoofers in the rear area?

I have a single 12" subwoofer. I had the CD changer box moved from the center compartment to the right smaller compartment next to it. That was the only way I could fit a 12" subwoofer in the center.

You should be able to squeeze 6.5" subwoofers in place of the rear speakers which are crappy anyway. I was actually going to do that, but I couldn't find any 6.5" subwoofers available locally
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Old May 9, 2003 | 08:23 AM
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Default Re: How good is the stereo in the C5s?

6.5" subwoofers are pretty hard to find, but Kicker makes them, and I managed to get a great deal on a brand new pair of 6.5" Kenwoods from a local shop, for just $88 a pair (which is only $63 US!) It constantly amazes me how good these small subs sound. They won't reproduce super low bass, but the tight bass from most songs sounds real good and punches nicely. I've got an Orion 222SX amp driving those subs, which is a 22x2 watt amp, but it's set up 2ohms mono so it's pushing out closer to 200 watts. For sure I'm going to keep this amp when the time comes to sell this car. I bought it used for just $100. Up front I have a Kenwood 6" components set (which I got for $150 CDN new) being driven by a PPI Sedona 25x2 watt amp (which I bought from a friend for $50!)

I guess I was kind of hoping that the stock C5 stereo would sound equal to or better than the simple aftermarket setup I have in my Formula right now, but by the sounds of it, that's not the case.

Does anyone know if there are any plans for the 2004 Vettes getting a different stereo?
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Old May 16, 2003 | 05:29 PM
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Default Re: How good is the stereo in the C5s?

hey Patman....

i agree with the others, the stock sound system is not the greatest.

Those BOSE front door speakers tend to rattle when pushed a bit. Had heard someone say that it was the grill causing that rattling noise....

either way, not the greatest.

also noticing that the markings/lettering on the buttons are fading or getting rubbed off

i just bought a stock CD changer (last yr), since mine never came with a 12 disc changer, from a 02 vette owner that hardly used it and who eventually upgraded his system/components... i am in the process of getting the proper wiring harness to eventually do the install sometime this summer.

when i first got the car, my first reaction was to redo the sound system (aside from the perf mods), cause it sounded cheesy.

but, because funds were tight, I just opted to stay stock, with the addition of the changer.

u r more than welcome to test mine out and give it a listen. should be no sweat to hook up being that u r local.
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Old May 17, 2003 | 03:51 AM
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Default Re: How good is the stereo in the C5s?

Cool Johnny! Are you gonna come to St.Thomas on May 31st? If so I'll listen then.
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Old May 18, 2003 | 07:10 PM
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Default Re: How good is the stereo in the C5s?

St. Thomas May 31st?

just curious, but anything in particualr happening then?

i will definitely try !
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Old May 19, 2003 | 04:04 AM
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Default Re: How good is the stereo in the C5s?

May 31st is the first of 4 Toronto f-body events there, so there will be about 40-50 of us guys there. Traction should be pretty awesome.
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