[jim10587]

I was looking around the internet to find a way to improve the quality of the sound from my radio, without replacing it and found a bunch of different sound processors and was wondering do any of you have any specific ones that you prefer? I was looking at the audiocontrol lc6i, but I don't know much about processors. Also, as far as amps go, if i was to get a 5 channel amp, do i need to get one with a crossover, or does the factory stereo have 5 outputs? Sorry that I know so little about car audio and are probably asking stupid questions.

 

[geewhiz]

We have a audio guy on the site (he'll prob reply to your post) but as far as I know, which isn't too much, I would ask a professional about that.

 

[mjgonegm]

Ok what are your speciefic goals? Are you dead set on keeping the factory unit?

Also thanks Whiz, if you were refering to me...

 

[geewhiz]

Ok what are your speciefic goals? Are you dead set on keeping the factory unit?

Also thanks Whiz, if you were refering to me...

YUP

 

[jim10587]

well im trying to improve the sound quality in a cheaper manner. isnt it difficult to replace the factory radio because of all the information that goes to it? i figured it would be easier and cheaper to get a processor, so that the sound quality improves, but the information is still in the stereo. if i change the radio, dont i need to buy something that keeps the information, and then a new radio also? my entire plan, as of now, is to buy new speakers, a processor, an amp, and a sub. thats why i was asking about the five channel amps.

 

[mjgonegm]

Also, as far as amps go, if i was to get a 5 channel amp, do i need to get one with a crossover, or does the factory stereo have 5 outputs? Sorry that I know so little about car audio and are probably asking stupid questions.

The outputs would come from your processor

well I'm trying to improve the sound quality in a cheaper manner. isn't it difficult to replace the factory radio because of all the information that goes to it? i figured it would be easier and cheaper to get a processor, so that the sound quality improves, but the information is still in the stereo. if i change the radio, don't i need to buy something that keeps the information, and then a new radio also? my entire plan, as of now, is to buy new speakers, a processor, an amp, and a sub. thats why i was asking about the five channel amps.

If you just want a sub woofer all u need is an L.O.C. and toss the factory 6x9's


Please note I'm assuming you have The monsoon systems and on star.
Aw yes I see,

Well not really, you can replace the factory head unit with the following items.
Metra 99-3303 Dash Kit $180(will keep info display)

PAC 0S-311B radio replacement interface Kit $190 (This will retain On star,Chimes,and patches to the factory HU and amp) You can go without out this if you plan to gut the entire monsoon system

New radio $150+

Total damage $520


OK if you wanted to keep the factory HU and gut the rest of the monsoon system.

Rockford Fosgate 3SIXTY.2 Equalizer / crossover $400-600($400 @ buy.com)
New Door speakers
100.00+ (I suggest Dayton RS180's)
New Tweets
100+ (I suggest HYBRID AUDIO TECHNOLOGIES LEGATIA L1v2 ($200) )
Rear speakers... I wouldn't
Sub's
1 15'' $150+ (I suggest Dayton RSS390HO)
Amps...
4.Ch For interior speakers $250+ (I suggest ARC Audio KAR 400.4 ($270))
Sub amp $250+ (I suggest Arc Audio FD 600.1 ($270) )

Total damage $1390

Gutting the Entire Factory system
Metra 99-3303 Dash Kit $180 (will keep info display)
PAC 0S-311B radio replacement interface Kit $190(Only needed if you want on star and chimes)
New Radio $250+(I suggest Alpine CDA-9886($300))
New Door speakers
100.00+ (I suggest Dayton RS180's)
New Tweets
100+ (I suggest HYBRID AUDIO TECHNOLOGIES LEGATIA L1v2 ($200) )Rear speakers... I wouldn't
Sub's
1 15'' $150+ (I suggest Dayton RSS390HO)Amps...
4.Ch For interior speakers $250+ (I suggest ARC Audio KAR 400.4 ($270))
Sub amp $250+ (I suggest Arc Audio FD 600.1 ($270) )

Total damage $1470

Is this at all has been helpful please donate lol

 

[Devriesd]

hardly a cheap solution though...

Personally, I would just replace the speakers and see if that helps. That's my plan anyways. I have a power amp(LPF) but no idea how to hook it up, plus I don't have any subs so... maybe soon!

Good luck Jim!

 

[mjgonegm]

hardly a cheap solution though...

Personally, I would just replace the speakers and see if that helps. That's my plan anyways. I have a power amp(LPF) but no idea how to hook it up, plus I don't have any subs so... maybe soon!

Good luck Jim!

Power amp for the speakers?, That would be PITA espically if you don't have a HIGH pass input on your amp. Also u have to be careful selecting the speakers you use if you have the monsoon... watch the Ohm ratings.

 

[Devriesd]

ya it was a power amp that I think just boosted the lows for some old bazooka speakers a friend used to have. like I said I don't know how it hooks up its been sitting in my basement for a few years so...

ya I think the 6.5" door speakers are 4 ohms don't know bout the back though.

 

[mjgonegm]

ya it was a power amp that I think just boosted the lows for some old bazooka speakers a friend used to have. like I said I don't know how it hooks up its been sitting in my basement for a few years so...

ya I think the 6.5" door speakers are 4 ohms don't know bout the back though.

Yup, don't go higher or lowere 6x9's are the same, Leave that power amp alone.

 

[jim10587]

i do not have the monsoon system, or onstar. im fairly sure i have the bottom end version of the car. so for me its not gutting, but rather adding haha. i will start with the speakers, but i would like to add an amp and subs. but if im going to spend the money on those i figure i might as well improve the information being sent to the amp. in this case, should i replace the stereo, or put in a sound processor? Also, does anyone have any suggestions on any of the products there? i'm not looking to spend too much money if i dont have to.

 

[mjgonegm]

OK damn....

You need the following to replace your factory radio.

PAC C2R-GM11B GM Radio Integration Adapter.(MSRP $120.00)(This will retain door chimes,turn signal noise and car notifications if you don't care about that you don't need it.)

Metra 99-3303 Radio dash kit. $MSRP180

Radio (I suggest Clarion CZ309 ($150))

Now this is $450(you can save up to 120$ if you don't want door chimes & etc) before amps and speakers. The Rockford Fosgate 3sixty.2 sound processor is $400+, My only thing is that with a SP you're still getting your source for the crappy stock radio and the the sp process it to be better and it can only do so much.

This is where you have to come to the decision it is totally up to you. If you want to remain stock looking on the inside go with the sp. If you don't mind an aftermarket look and a bit more upgrade ability go for the other route.

Also the Audio Control LC6i is NOT a sound processor, it is a Very good L.O.C. All it does is convert that High voltage signal coming from the stock radio to a low voltage one and gives you RCA's out, There is no actual processing going on. It does NOT make up for what the factory system lacks. For actual processing you will need there add on units (EQS and 6XS). But in the end you're still using the shitty factory radio as the source and with out even processing it(with out the add on units that is).

With that being said if you just want to the way of an L.O.C just use a Scosche SLC4 L.O.C. there $23.00 from amazon.com and do pretty damn good. You will need two of these if you will be running a four channel amp and a subwoofer.

Legend*
SP= Sound Processor
L.O.C.= Line out converter
And if you need any help getting certain item's PM ME I can help you out and likely under MSRP too