Gainesville Client Gets Corvette Z06 Audio Upgrades

A repeat client recently brought his 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 to Sound Depot and Performance in Gainesville, Florida, for an audio system upgrade. He knew what kind of improvement we could make with the right aftermarket car audio gear. We spent some time going over different product options in our showroom, then developed a quote to install and tune everything. With his approval, we booked an appointment to do the work.

CarPlay Radio From Kenwood

The Kenwood eXcelon radio gives the client smartphone control via Apple CarPlay.

With the exception of the better looking radio, the changes we made to the interior were almost invisible.

An Echomaster backup camera integrated with the Kenwood radio to ensure safer backing.

The client has an Apple iPhone and like the idea of using it in conjunction with CarPlay for communication and navigation. He chose the Kenwood eXcelon DDX9902S Multimedia Navigation Receiver. It has CarPlay and Android Auto, in case he ever changes phones. We mounted the radio in the factory radio location in the dash. We ran three sets of interconnects to the amplifier to give him fader- and subwoofer-level control capabilities.  To enhance the backing safety of the Corvette, we installed an Echomaster backup camera.  The output from the backup camera now shows on the radio screen any time the client has the car in reverse.

Power By Kenwood Amplifier

The storage compartment gave us a great place to conceal the Kenwood amplifier.

Wanting a solution that sounded good, but didn’t take up much space, we choose a Kenwood eXcelon X801-5 amp for the system. The amp produces up to 50 watts per channel for the front and rear speakers, and 300 watts for the subwoofer. We mounted the amplifier in a storage compartment in the rear of the vehicle to conceal it from view.

Speakers By Hertz

The ABS adapter plate ensures that the speaker will be securely mounted for the life of the car.

The rear coaxial speakers help fill in the sound.

The addition of a supercharger to this Corvette meant we had to step up the audio performance of the system.

The factory front speakers are quite large, but not very good. We created an adapter plate for a set of Hertz ESK 165L.5 components. We made the adapters out of ABS plastic, so moisture will not cause them to fail as they would if we had made them from wood. We installed a set of Hertz ECX 165.5 coaxial speakers in the rear factory locations. The vehicle has an aftermarket supercharger, so making sure we had “enough” speaker was important to ensuring the system would play loudly enough.

JL Audio Subwoofer

Looking like a factory option, the JL Audio stealthbox is right at home in this Corvette.

The client wanted a simple but effective bass solution. He chose a JL Audio Stealthbox for the vehicle. Stealthboxes are custom-made fiberglass enclosures that JL Audio designs and constructs specifically for each client. For the C6 Corvette, the part number is SB-GM-VETC6/10W1v3. It includes a 10-inch 10W1v3 subwoofer wired for a 2 Ohm load. The enclosure is finished in grey carpet that matches the factory material nearly perfectly.

Final System Tuning To Maximize This Corvette Z06 Audio Performance

This great looking Z06 Corvette now had the audio to match its looks and performance.

We wrapped up the installation by tuning the system. We set the sensitivity controls and crossovers on the amplifier to ensure maximum performance and reliability.

When the client returned to Sound Depot and Performance, he was excited to listen to his new system. He hopped in and immediately cranked it up. He loved the way the Hertz speakers sounded and commented on how deep the sub played.

If you are looking for an upgrade to your vehicle’s audio system, drop by the store or contact us here.