Audio install on 2LT RS convertible

CyberGuyPR · 09-24-2017, 10:15 PM

After an extremely busy summer my audio install is 90% done. I started this little by little back in May but life keep getting in the way. My goals for this project were to keep everything stock looking and make the install 100% reversible in case I get rid of the car. Everything was installed without splicing a single OEM cable. The only thing pending is tuning a bit better and making the harness look pretty.

I want to thank those who posted their installs including:
- Lethal Camaro and his YouTube videos. Those saved me a lot of time removing panels and stuff
- 2006Moy
- matt713
- camaro104 (harness)
- JoeAyalaM
- and everyone else I'm forgetting

Equipment list
- NVX JAD900.5 amp
- JL Audio MicroSub 10"
- Infinity Kappa 60.11 6.5 components in front
- Infinity Kappa 62.11 in rear
- Audison Bit 10 DSP
- Noico sound deadener
- Fast Ring foam baffle kit

Temporary setup: DIY harness, NVX amp, and Audison bit 10

Door before

Door after

Front door Kappa midbass

Infinity Kappa tweeters in stock location

Rear speakers replaced with Infinity Kappa 62.11i

JL Audio MicroSub 10" - top down doesn't even touch it

SS_Malibu · 09-30-2017, 12:03 AM

Very nice. Roughly how much did the setup cost and how big a difference do you feel it made?

CyberGuyPR · 09-30-2017, 03:52 PM

I had the amp and DSP from a previous car but pricing is more or less as follows: Amp $230, Audison $350, Kappas: $235, Wires/harness/Connector $100, JL 10" $250. Total of $1,165.

The biggest difference is that now I can crank this up to a nice level without distortion. This is essential with the top down. Of course the bass doesn't feel massive, but the midbass is solid and the highs are super clear. The biggest gain has been the ability to EQ to my preferences.

cengell · 10-22-2017, 08:30 PM

Nice setup CyberGuyPR, after all, I am going thru I should have done what you did.

Yeah my 2017 BOSE audio is not only poor but to get a flat signal so you can work with is costly.

So I have a 2017 2LT and want a sub and 2 rear 6.5" speakers and 2 6x9" front door speakers with 1 center speaker and 2 hi/mids in the dash. So I decided to add the M650-GM KIT838 NavTv unit, that will provide a true flat signal and outputs all of the Camaro sounds (turn signals, backup camera ect) costly at $850. To add to that I am using a JL TWKD8 and whats cool is the 80 band eq and inputs a Tosh fiber cable from the M650-GM so no noise or concerns with interference.

Last important is the power amp and I choose PDXF6 - Alpine 4 channel amp, 150 watts per speaker no matter the ohm 2 or 4 or 8, this will power the Audisons AVK6 for front door and dash Highs/Mids and Audison AVX5 for rear side panels, and for the sub a JBL 12 low profile Sub with Rockford Fosgate R500X1D amp a 600+ mono sub amp with a Remote PLC (Punch Level Control) included. So hoping for an awesome sound.

So fast forward to Oct 14, for the life of me I could not get to the correct BOSE plugs to attach the T harness for the M650-GM KIT838, so with that was the point to take it to a pro installer to finish the install, so last week was asked to come by to hear what they have done so far and I was shocked how poor it sounded. I expected so much more, lots of bass and door thumping bass as both doors are lined with door skins and other enhancements. This install is about $2500 plus the the eq cost. I am thinking it just needs to be tuned... Christopher

Latest, tonight I just ordered the AudioControl SA-4140i SPL mic and hope to better understand my audio setup. I am not sure if the pro shop I am using will improve the audio sound for my liking. Christopher

cengell · 11-07-2017, 05:02 PM

Well an update. The place I had the upgrade did something wrong and I went back and it sounds better, and after getting some HQ music sounds very good! I mean my wife in her car 5 feet away can feel the bass. I am going to install 2 JL Subs as when the top is down I expect much less bass.

With FM radio is the worst and the XM is better some what, but a HQ mp3 is really impressive for me!

Christopher

drfeelgood · 11-08-2017, 05:27 PM

Nice! My ZL1 A10 vert is in the shop getting a stereo overhaul as we speak.

Front stage:
Hybrid Audio technologies L1V2 tweeters
Hybrid Audio technologies L6V2 midbass/midrange
Hybrid Audio technologies L2x crossover

Processors:
NAV-TV’s M650-GM processor
Hertz H8 processor

Rear fill:
Hybrid Audio technologies Imagine 6.5' coaxial

Amplifer:
Hybrid Audio technologies Unity U5A 5 channel amplifier

Subwoofer:
JL Audio W6V3 in custom fiberglass box

Misc:
Batcap 400

Will post pics on saturday

cengell · 11-09-2017, 05:19 PM

FYI if they use the Fiber Tosh out from the M650-GM unit as I did you will not have front and left to right fader control, only the RCA outputs from the M650-GM provide that feature, as the Tosh is only 2 channel so just a FYI! Also have them leave the USB firmware cable connected as it will make it faster to do updates. Also maybe have it installed where you can get to it if you need to send it back for service, the place put mine up in the dash and no way that I can get to it to remove so when I return the car to them they will put it where I can get to it. I think you will like it!
Christopher

drfeelgood · 11-09-2017, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cengell

FYI if they use the Fiber Tosh out from the M650-GM unit as I did you will not have front and left to right fader control, only the RCA outputs from the M650-GM provide that feature, as the Tosh is only 2 channel so just a FYI! Also have them leave the USB firmware cable connected as it will make it faster to do updates. Also maybe have it installed where you can get to it if you need to send it back for service, the place put mine up in the dash and no way that I can get to it to remove so when I return the car to them they will put it where I can get to it. I think you will like it!
Christopher

Thanks! But to be honest, I have never used fader on a unit since all of my vehicles are set up and tuned using DSP's. The entire goal is to get a perfect front sound stage, so fader controls are kind of a no no. It would only hurt all of the hard work that went into tuning.

In this setup with the vert, I won't get nearly the SQ that I achieved in my CTSv. I'm going easy on the dynamat, and not doing any mass loaded vinyl, other than the one from factory. The acoustics of the vert won't allow for perfect SQ anyway, so why weight the car down with vibration deadeners and sound absorbers ?

cengell · 11-10-2017, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drfeelgood

Thanks! But to be honest, I have never used fader on a unit since all of my vehicles are set up and tuned using DSP's. The entire goal is to get a perfect front sound stage, so fader controls are kind of a no no. It would only hurt all of the hard work that went into tuning.

In this setup with the vert, I won't get nearly the SQ that I achieved in my CTSv. I'm going easy on the dynamat, and not doing any mass loaded vinyl, other than the one from factory. The acoustics of the vert won't allow for perfect SQ anyway, so why weight the car down with vibration deadeners and sound absorbers ?

Makes sense but I will say that the shop that did my installation they put Dynamat on the inside skin and SoundSkin on the outside door panel and when my 6.5 hits that bass it does help projecting the sound also they added FAST rings that may help?

Are you saying that the SQ won't be perfect? I did have it tuned white an Audison Tune and helped and have my own Audiocontrol mic and software to fine tune in my convertible. I am hoping with my TwkD8 I can have a top down and top open, hoping that work?

Christopher

drfeelgood · 11-12-2017, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cengell

Makes sense but I will say that the shop that did my installation they put Dynamat on the inside skin and SoundSkin on the outside door panel and when my 6.5 hits that bass it does help projecting the sound also they added FAST rings that may help?

Are you saying that the SQ won't be perfect? I did have it tuned white an Audison Tune and helped and have my own Audiocontrol mic and software to fine tune in my convertible. I am hoping with my TwkD8 I can have a top down and top open, hoping that work?

Christopher

Yes, we are using a bittune wth mic also, and it will work with the top up, but the acoustics will be off with the top down. It will never be perfect

c4racer · 10-02-2018, 12:31 AM

What are the options to connect to the factory head unit ? And where is the connector to plug into ? Non bose here.

c4racer · 10-02-2018, 12:31 AM

One more question. The top will go down with something in the back under it?

CyberGuyPR · 10-02-2018, 08:08 AM

Yes. The only sensor that interferes with the top is the one in the partition divider. You could stash a small body back there and top would still go down.

c4racer · 10-02-2018, 04:12 PM

What are people doing for the Center speaker?
Can you run that off the stock HU on a non bose and use the NavTV unit to drive the 4 channels plus 1 sub via analog and amps ?

I noticed today there is a good amount of volume coming out of center speaker with music.
Is that adjustable ?
My main reason for keeping center speaker is for phone calls.

09-24-2017, 10:15 PM	#1
CyberGuyPR Drives: '16 vert 2LT RS NPP Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 344	Audio install on 2LT RS convertible After an extremely busy summer my audio install is 90% done. I started this little by little back in May but life keep getting in the way. My goals for this project were to keep everything stock looking and make the install 100% reversible in case I get rid of the car. Everything was installed without splicing a single OEM cable. The only thing pending is tuning a bit better and making the harness look pretty. I want to thank those who posted their installs including: - Lethal Camaro and his YouTube videos. Those saved me a lot of time removing panels and stuff - 2006Moy - matt713 - camaro104 (harness) - JoeAyalaM - and everyone else I'm forgetting Equipment list - NVX JAD900.5 amp - JL Audio MicroSub 10" - Infinity Kappa 60.11 6.5 components in front - Infinity Kappa 62.11 in rear - Audison Bit 10 DSP - Noico sound deadener - Fast Ring foam baffle kit Temporary setup: DIY harness, NVX amp, and Audison bit 10 Door before Door after Front door Kappa midbass Infinity Kappa tweeters in stock location Rear speakers replaced with Infinity Kappa 62.11i JL Audio MicroSub 10" - top down doesn't even touch it Last edited by CyberGuyPR; 09-30-2017 at 03:45 PM.

10-22-2017, 08:30 PM	#4
cengell Drives: 2017 2LT Garnet Red Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Midwest Posts: 143	Nice setup CyberGuyPR, after all, I am going thru I should have done what you did. Yeah my 2017 BOSE audio is not only poor but to get a flat signal so you can work with is costly. So I have a 2017 2LT and want a sub and 2 rear 6.5" speakers and 2 6x9" front door speakers with 1 center speaker and 2 hi/mids in the dash. So I decided to add the M650-GM KIT838 NavTv unit, that will provide a true flat signal and outputs all of the Camaro sounds (turn signals, backup camera ect) costly at $850. To add to that I am using a JL TWKD8 and whats cool is the 80 band eq and inputs a Tosh fiber cable from the M650-GM so no noise or concerns with interference. Last important is the power amp and I choose PDXF6 - Alpine 4 channel amp, 150 watts per speaker no matter the ohm 2 or 4 or 8, this will power the Audisons AVK6 for front door and dash Highs/Mids and Audison AVX5 for rear side panels, and for the sub a JBL 12 low profile Sub with Rockford Fosgate R500X1D amp a 600+ mono sub amp with a Remote PLC (Punch Level Control) included. So hoping for an awesome sound. So fast forward to Oct 14, for the life of me I could not get to the correct BOSE plugs to attach the T harness for the M650-GM KIT838, so with that was the point to take it to a pro installer to finish the install, so last week was asked to come by to hear what they have done so far and I was shocked how poor it sounded. I expected so much more, lots of bass and door thumping bass as both doors are lined with door skins and other enhancements. This install is about $2500 plus the the eq cost. I am thinking it just needs to be tuned... Christopher Latest, tonight I just ordered the AudioControl SA-4140i SPL mic and hope to better understand my audio setup. I am not sure if the pro shop I am using will improve the audio sound for my liking. Christopher Last edited by cengell; 10-22-2017 at 08:45 PM.

11-08-2017, 05:27 PM	#6
drfeelgood Drives: 2017 ZL1 Convertible A10 Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: San Gabriel, CA Posts: 993	Nice! My ZL1 A10 vert is in the shop getting a stereo overhaul as we speak. Front stage: Hybrid Audio technologies L1V2 tweeters Hybrid Audio technologies L6V2 midbass/midrange Hybrid Audio technologies L2x crossover Processors: NAV-TV’s M650-GM processor Hertz H8 processor Rear fill: Hybrid Audio technologies Imagine 6.5' coaxial Amplifer: Hybrid Audio technologies Unity U5A 5 channel amplifier Subwoofer: JL Audio W6V3 in custom fiberglass box Misc: Batcap 400 Will post pics on saturday __________________ '17 White ZL1 A10 Convertible - TM ported TB - RotoFab CAI - 2.3" griptech upper pulley - Kooks 1 7/8" Headers with High Flow Cats - Borla S-type Catback - Audio Overhaul - NavTV M650-GM - 20" BlackDiForza- Michelin Pilot Sport4S - Tuned at BRC Raceworks (606rwhp/675trq) '14 CTS-V Coupe - ZL1 lid - Ported TB - Ported Snout - AirRad CAI - 8.66" lower - 2.55" upper- Greenbelt - SW Headers - SW Catback - Varimax Intercooler Pump - Track Attack Intercooler-Tuned at BRC Raceworks (551rwhp/516trq) '17 Maserati Levante- STOCK

09-30-2017, 12:03 AM	#2
SS_Malibu Drives: 2017 Artic Blue Metallic RS Vert Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Arkansas Posts: 33	Very nice. Roughly how much did the setup cost and how big a difference do you feel it made?

09-30-2017, 03:52 PM	#3
CyberGuyPR Drives: '16 vert 2LT RS NPP Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 344	I had the amp and DSP from a previous car but pricing is more or less as follows: Amp $230, Audison $350, Kappas: $235, Wires/harness/Connector $100, JL 10" $250. Total of $1,165. The biggest difference is that now I can crank this up to a nice level without distortion. This is essential with the top down. Of course the bass doesn't feel massive, but the midbass is solid and the highs are super clear. The biggest gain has been the ability to EQ to my preferences.

11-07-2017, 05:02 PM	#5
cengell Drives: 2017 2LT Garnet Red Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Midwest Posts: 143	Well an update. The place I had the upgrade did something wrong and I went back and it sounds better, and after getting some HQ music sounds very good! I mean my wife in her car 5 feet away can feel the bass. I am going to install 2 JL Subs as when the top is down I expect much less bass. With FM radio is the worst and the XM is better some what, but a HQ mp3 is really impressive for me! Christopher

11-09-2017, 05:19 PM	#7
cengell Drives: 2017 2LT Garnet Red Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Midwest Posts: 143	FYI if they use the Fiber Tosh out from the M650-GM unit as I did you will not have front and left to right fader control, only the RCA outputs from the M650-GM provide that feature, as the Tosh is only 2 channel so just a FYI! Also have them leave the USB firmware cable connected as it will make it faster to do updates. Also maybe have it installed where you can get to it if you need to send it back for service, the place put mine up in the dash and no way that I can get to it to remove so when I return the car to them they will put it where I can get to it. I think you will like it! Christopher

10-02-2018, 12:31 AM	#11
c4racer Drives: 2016 SS Convertible Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: California Posts: 1,108	What are the options to connect to the factory head unit ? And where is the connector to plug into ? Non bose here.

10-02-2018, 08:08 AM	#13
CyberGuyPR Drives: '16 vert 2LT RS NPP Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 344	Yes. The only sensor that interferes with the top is the one in the partition divider. You could stash a small body back there and top would still go down.

10-02-2018, 04:12 PM	#14
c4racer Drives: 2016 SS Convertible Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: California Posts: 1,108	What are people doing for the Center speaker? Can you run that off the stock HU on a non bose and use the NavTV unit to drive the 4 channels plus 1 sub via analog and amps ? I noticed today there is a good amount of volume coming out of center speaker with music. Is that adjustable ? My main reason for keeping center speaker is for phone calls.

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