Car Audio Question?

[Missouri_Sniper]

Hi everyone!     I have a 2012 Chevy Cruze and I'm looking to put a couple of sub's in it. The problem I'm having is my stock stereo that's in it doesn't have a lot of volume. Idk if that's the stereo or the speakers, but there aren't any 6x9s in the back either. Do I need to install a new stereo or will getting new speakers fix it? And when I plug an aux cable in the volume drops by like 20% also. I have done some research on installing a new stereo and it says I would have to get a bundle of cables to keep all my vehicles menu settings. Any help/ advise would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Pixel5]

i also have a chevy cruze just a year older.

you will have a very hard time replacing the stereo and its absolutely not worth the effort.

 

if you are lucky you already have cables run to the rear door speakers and just need to install them but it sounds more like you have a technical problem.

My speakers are so loud i never had them higher than 2/3 of the max volume.

 

Generally i would never recommend anyone to install a sub in a car and leave the other speakers stock because you want to hear music and music is more than just bass.

 

First you should check what is wrong with your speakers or stereo, it is not normal that it is very silent, i typically have it set to a volume of 12-15 and go to about 30 when i want to hear some louder music.

Once this issue is resolved and you still want a sub i recommend to get a small active sub that fits under the seat, more than enough and doesnt fill up the whole car with audio equipment.

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

15 hours ago, Missouri_Sniper said:

I have done some research on installing a new stereo and it says I would have to get a bundle of cables to keep all my vehicles menu settings. Any help/ advise would be appreciated. Thanks!

Replacing car stereos just aren't as easy as it used to be. Nowadays your stereo is tied into things like your climate controls, etc. 

[dizmo]

What kind of budget do you have? 

Alpine has a pretty killer deal right now on a 7" touchscreen deck, 4 speakers, subwoofer and an amp for $999. 

 

You'd have to see if your stereo has the ability to simply add a subwoofer. Not all decks do, especially considering you don't even have rear speakers. 

 

Why do you want more than one sub? In a small car like that I'd think one would be adequate. I'd spend a little on sound deadening. 

 

As @Pixel5 suggested, small under seat subwoofers are an option and are generally cheaper as they have built in amps. They're just not that loud or deep, so if you're looking for nice bass for rap etc I'd look for something larger. 

 

On 5/30/2018 at 11:03 AM, BlueChinchillaEatingDorito said:

Replacing car stereos just aren't as easy as it used to be. Nowadays your stereo is tied into things like your climate controls, etc. 

The Cruze is pretty basic though, generally only higher end cars have that issue. Even then, companies like Alpine offer decks that incorporate those controls on some vehicles. 

[Pixel5]

48 minutes ago, dizmo said:

The Cruze is pretty basic though, generally only higher end cars have that issue. Even then, companies like Alpine offer decks that incorporate those controls on some vehicles. 

no the cruze is an actual nightmare for this, the stereo and AC controls are fully integrated, most people that changed the stereo set the AC before they did and lost the ability do change anything afterwards.

 

its also not a standard form factor so you would need custom rails for mounting and something to fill the gaps you will have.

[dizmo]

55 minutes ago, Pixel5 said:

no the cruze is an actual nightmare for this, the stereo and AC controls are fully integrated, most people that changed the stereo set the AC before they did and lost the ability do change anything afterwards.

 

its also not a standard form factor so you would need custom rails for mounting and something to fill the gaps you will have.

Really? Because it looks as simple as buying the proper Metra GMOS-045 adapter, which maintains use of the color screen up top. Form factor is as simple as buying the proper install kit. The CTKCV01 install kit comes complete with everything needed, and maintains HVAC controls. Install takes half an hour. Hardly a nightmare, more just people not knowing what they're doing. 

[Pixel5]

25 minutes ago, dizmo said:

Really? Because it looks as simple as buying the proper Metra GMOS-045 adapter, which maintains use of the color screen up top. Form factor is as simple as buying the proper install kit. The CTKCV01 install kit comes complete with everything needed, and maintains HVAC controls. Install takes half an hour. Hardly a nightmare, more just people not knowing what they're doing. 

seems like the aftermarket parts have improved a ton, the best you could get when i was looking around was some Chinese radio that gave at least basic control over the AC.

 

But also the prices have increased, just getting the adapter and install kit is already over 500€ plus a decent radio you are easily above 1000€

 

when i got this car i really wanted to upgrade but now after putting 100000km on it i feel like i dont need any upgrades anymore.

[dizmo]

1 hour ago, Pixel5 said:

seems like the aftermarket parts have improved a ton, the best you could get when i was looking around was some Chinese radio that gave at least basic control over the AC.

 

But also the prices have increased, just getting the adapter and install kit is already over 500€ plus a decent radio you are easily above 1000€

 

when i got this car i really wanted to upgrade but now after putting 100000km on it i feel like i dont need any upgrades anymore.

155 pound =/= 500 euro...

It'd be $1,300 for the install kit and complete stereo/speaker set up. Not bad at all really.

[Pixel5]

33 minutes ago, dizmo said:

155 pound =/= 500 euro...

It'd be $1,300 for the install kit and complete stereo/speaker set up. Not bad at all really.

ive looked for it here in germany and the cheapest i could find was 180€ for the adapter and another 270€ for the install kit

[JFV302]

you can go with a stereo integration/signal processor. it generally costs more upfront and in total, then going with a dash kit and a new radio. mostly because most processors require you to amp your speakers, adding additional cost. but makes for a cleaner install, allows you to keep your dash, if you sell or trade in the car its easier to go back to stock, and you can take all the stereo equipment out and transfer it into your next car.