Better sound in a VY

[pfx]

Hi,
I would like to improve the sound quality of my VY Commodore audio system.
To date I have installed some hi end Alpine front and rear door speakers for around $1000. The quality of these speakers is very good but I am told that to get the best out of them I will need to change the head unit and/or put in an amplifier. If I go the head route the original Blau. unit has to be removed. This is a bit of a shame as I really like the look of it. In my view, replacement single din units don't look as good as the original Blau unit. Therefore I have been looking for double din units and found two quite good ones from Clarion. The problem here is that there does not seem to be a double din fitting/fascia kit to suit the VY. One option is to cut up a single din fascia kit and try and make the double din unit fit. I'm reluctant to spend another $1000 putting in new double din Clarion unit if I don't really know how it's going to turn out. I'm really at the mercy of the installer's skill here. I would like the finished result to look like a factory installation.
If I go the amplifier route and leave the existing Blau unit in place I will definitely get more power but some people have said that the Blau unit is not really high quality and that the amplifier would be amplifying the distortion/hiss of this unit. They say I really need a new head unit as well before getting an amplifier.
I also found out today that Holden actually makes an after market audio kit for the VZ/VY that is supposed to do a good job. It comes with front/rear speakers, amp, sub woofer and wiring. It's pretty pricey and installers say that after spending another $1200 or so you're still left with a Blau system that doesn't give you the same value if you spent your money on another aftermarket system.
So there's lots to consider:
- I want to get the most out of my new speakers (Alpine Type X SPX-177R).
- The current sound is quite good but it does feel as though it's compressed/restrained. The sound of the speakers in the shop, with a new head unit but no amp, did sound a lot better. The installer said that a new head and/or amp would fix this.
- I would like to keep my centre console looking as close to a factory fit as possible.
- I can't find a double din fascia kit to suit the VY.
- Will installing an amp (only) improve my sound or will it just make the imperfections of the existing Blau more noticeable. I haven't actually noticed any hissing/distortion yet that the installers speak of.

Hope you can make some suggestions.
Thanks
PFX

[jaisvz]

Do a search for Phreddys Low Level output mod.

[Phreddy]

LOL!! Gonna have to put you on the payroll Jai!!

[ris00]

completed aftermarket head deck install go have a look at what i have done. I have kept the standard speakers the doors and they are really good and run off the head deck. You can get a fascia panel to cover up the gap when using a single din head unit from most stereo shops but make sure you get the correct colour for your vehicle. I was going to use the original head deck but couldnt be f**ked with the wiring much easier to install the new head deck and well worth it. PM if you have any questions will be glad to help.

[pfx]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for replying to my post about better sound in a VY.
After writing I had a look around the site and stumbled upon Phreddy's thread about upgrading the VY sound while still retaining the original head unit and features. This pretty much answered/solved my problems. Next step is to liaise with Phreddy on either having him upgrade my head unit or having the kit sent down so the conversion can be done here.
Thanks again
PFX

[impulsesv6]

chuck some decent 6x9's in the rear parcel shelf, i found alot better sound cos the music isnt coming from behind and below you, the seats direct the sound away from you.
Through the boot there is two oval plates tack welded in where the speakers of the calais sit, remove these and they mount perfectly, you will need to then get speaker grills - autobarn sell these - and mount them, by cutting a hole in the carpet part of the parcel shelf.

[pfx]

Thanks ImpulsesV6,
That's definitely an option I've got chalked in for the future.
Regards
PFX

[StevieP]

get a sub instead of 6x9s, to start with your splits will be playing without any bass so they will sound pretty hollow without a sub (they are designed to work with a sub) also sound deadening the doors, getting an aftermarket headunit with EQ options and an amp will triple how they currently sound.

BTW im running the series b4 the SPX-177As and have the tweeters fabricated into the plastic "window defogger" behind the side mirrors can post some pix if you like.