Upgraded the stereo finally ( 2003 C4 Cab)

E. coli · 01-25-2009, 09:05 PM #1

After almost a year of ownership, I decided I really needed to upgrade the Factory Bose system. The challenge was to upgrade without sacrificing the precious cargo area under the hood and the back seats. I felt this was manageable after checking what others have done by using the search function. In addition to a more modern head unit (Navi, Bluetooth, IPod) I really wanted to add a little low end to the overall sound I was hearing ( the mids/highs at this point are acceptable). Please note unlike most of you, I'm not good with tools and putting things together and besides I work enough during the week so I left it the "dirty work" for a great shop in Irvine, CA.

So this is what I ended up it with:

1. Pioneer AVIC-F90BT ( 2.0 Software)
2. Soundstream D100II ala Early 90's
3. JL Audio 8W1
4. Double Din Glossy Black Trim ( Ebay)

As I am not mobile audiophile, I found the upgrade to be a nice improvment I really wanted a 10" but it was not going to happen ( simply too much cu. ft. need to sound good). Still I am happy with the SQ of the 8" and the overall sound- mission accomplished. It also got the WAF except when I turn it up she doesn't really appreciate the lower leg massage-

!

Here are some pics, if I'm anal enough I may try and track down some matching carpet.

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GT3 Chuck · 01-25-2009, 09:13 PM #2

[quote=Here are some pics, if I'm anal enough I may try and track down some matching carpet.]quote]

anyone that chooses E. coli as their user name is bound to be anal enough

kidding aside..looks like a nice install...hope it sounds good too...

EB847 · 01-25-2009, 11:01 PM #3

very nice..

Doc_Porsche · 01-26-2009, 03:05 AM #4

nice job....

TMAC · 01-26-2009, 08:32 AM #5

I really like the look of the headunit installed.

E. coli · 01-26-2009, 03:48 PM #6

[quote=VSE Chuck;2230379]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Here are some pics, if I'm anal enough I may try and track down some matching carpet.

quote]

anyone that chooses E. coli as their user name is bound to be anal enough

kidding aside..looks like a nice install...hope it sounds good too...

LOL! Thanks! Any lead on a carpet source that is OEMish?

GT3 Chuck · 01-26-2009, 04:12 PM #7

yeah, I would go to a local carpet/upholstery shop and go through their books and find a close color/weave match and buy what you need...that would really fine tune your install..

Dlack66 · 01-27-2009, 10:53 AM #8

Nice. I just blew a speaker so i am upgrading soon too.

E. coli · 01-27-2009, 05:02 PM #9

For the audio buffs out there, looking for some insight as I just came into my possession a Linear Power 1502IQ that I am thinking about swapping out the Soundstream D100II for. What kind of sound differences will I hear if any? As mentioned above (bridged mono- driving a JL Audio 8W1).

Soundstream :

2 x 50W @ 4 ohms (<0.1% THD)
2 x 50W @ 2 ohms
1 x 120W @ 4 ohms bridged

Linear Power:

75 X2 @ 4 Ohm 12.5V (0.050% THD)

142.5 X 2 @ 2 Ohm 12.5

285 X 1 @ 4 Ohm 12.5V

550 Watt Max OutPut

Thanks!

stevo996tt · 01-27-2009, 06:22 PM #10

how much u paid for the head unit?

FLY996 · 01-27-2009, 06:28 PM #11

Quote:

Originally Posted by E. coli

For the audio buffs out there, looking for some insight as I just came into my possession a Linear Power 1502IQ that I am thinking about swapping out the Soundstream D100II for. What kind of sound differences will I hear if any? As mentioned above (bridged mono- driving a JL Audio 8W1).

Soundstream :

2 x 50W @ 4 ohms (<0.1% THD)
2 x 50W @ 2 ohms
1 x 120W @ 4 ohms bridged

Linear Power:

75 X2 @ 4 Ohm 12.5V (0.050% THD)

142.5 X 2 @ 2 Ohm 12.5

285 X 1 @ 4 Ohm 12.5V

550 Watt Max OutPut

Thanks!

According to the JL web site, the 8W1 is rated at 100 watts
continuous thermal power handling. The Linear at 285 would be WAY too much juice...

911C4S · 01-27-2009, 08:57 PM #12

P.S. are you using the OEM speakers with the new Unit? Since the OEM runs fiber optic how did they do this? I've been looking to upgrade my system but I was told I would have to change out my AMP, Speakers, and rewire the entire system to accomodate the new system. I just want the NAVI system and ipod integration. I was quoted nearly $4K for the entire job. Any help would be appreciated. Can I get the name of the shop in Irvine. Thanks..