Anyone else not satisfied with the Calais stock stereo?

[JBDrifter]

Just bought my VZ Calais a few weeks ago, and although it's a great car and I'm very happy with it, I'm not so happy with the sound system. It's ok at low levels but as soon as you start to turn it up a little it turns to crap quite quickly.

Just wondering if anyone has done any simple mods to improve the sound quality of the stock system? Main problem is the subs can't handle much power at all, they start distorting at any medium level volume, either that or the parcel shelf rattles ridiculously.

Maybe I'm just being picky because I've just come from a 15" Kicker Comp sub that took a hell of a lot of power to get it distorting, but you know, for a "premium" sound system you'd expect something that goes loud without distorting, even if the bass isn't huge. I don't want huge bass, I just want loud without distortion, and it just isn't happening with the stock system.

[1991_Vn2nV]

Check the stock amp. The previous owner may have upped the gain hence the distortion. Thats if they have a gain option on the factory amp?

Anyway, i'd just replace it all. At the end of the day, a 'premium' factory sound system is still just a factory sound system.

[hingo1983]

I was told the stock amp was unable to be changed. Where is it located and where are the gain controls?

[andyman]

im pretty sure they have levels on them, but i dont know where the amp is located

[Hropic]

The stock amp in a Vz calais is in the boot.
Remove the carpet on the left hand side of the boot wall and you will see 4 screws that hold the amp tight. Undo them half way and pull the amp out from behind the panel.

I drive a VZ calais and from day one i was unhappy with the sound system. After a little experimenting i realised that the "distortion" i was experiencing was coming from the parcel shelf. I reinforced the shelf with heaps of rubber to reduce the amount of metal to metal contact and this worked a treat!

Even after turning up the gain on the amp a little i get no distortion.

The system just isn't loud enough for my liking.

Hope i helped!

Luke.

[danja]

Yeah, Hropic makes a good point, that if you've got rattles they can make the speakers sound like they are distorting.

I've got Phreddy's low-level output mod on in my factory deck, and I'm using that to run aftermarket amplifiers powering some decent speakers and a sub. Makes a huge difference because the factory deck just can't pump out the power to run decent speakers.

If you really want a decent stereo, but don't want to take out the factory deck then this is a great option. Have a look at his web site for more info: Welcome to ASR Audio & Electronics Home Page

[Torquative]

yup Ill vouch for Phreddys mod, mines running the stock head unit through an Alpine amp, sub and shortly door speakers

best of all I havent lost the stock appearance, can revert back to standard if needed and also have ipod input on the standard head unit

[JBDrifter]

I drive a VZ calais and from day one i was unhappy with the sound system. After a little experimenting i realised that the "distortion" i was experiencing was coming from the parcel shelf. I reinforced the shelf with heaps of rubber to reduce the amount of metal to metal contact and this worked a treat!

Thanks for that, yeah I realise the parcel shelf rattles a hell of a lot and I was hoping to find a simple fix. To be honest though I wouldn't have a clue how to take it out, but when I have some spare time I will look into it and do a bit of sound deadening.

[danja]

Thanks for that, yeah I realise the parcel shelf rattles a hell of a lot and I was hoping to find a simple fix. To be honest though I wouldn't have a clue how to take it out, but when I have some spare time I will look into it and do a bit of sound deadening.

The rear interior is dead easy to get out. All you'll need is a socket wrench, it's a 10mm and 16mm bit from memory

1) Remove the bottom section of the rear seat, there are two plastic pull-tabs along the bottom of it, pull forwards and lift.

2) Lower the centre armrest (you can remove it completely if you want, but it's not really neccesary - 4 bolts on the hinges).

3) Remove one bolt from each half of the seat backs (two bolts total), then slide the backs towards the roof to disengage from the chassis.

4) Pull gently/firmly to remove the plastic mould above the ski port.

5) Remove two plastic screws/retainers on the top of the parcel shelf by unscrewing/pulling, and remove the child seat restraint bolt.

6) Undo the bolt securing the centre seatbelt to the floor.

7) Ease the front edge of the parcel shelf off by gently/firmly pulling it to remove the 4 or 5 plastic retaining clips along the front edge.

8) Remove the whole parcel shelf, ease one side out first (just pull gently/firmly forwards). You'll need to feed the centre seatbelt through the hole before you remove it completely from the car.

Install is reverse of removal.

[minux]

Happy with mine

Isn't the amp in them only for sub's anyway which is only available on SYS 4 range?

[JBDrifter]

Thanks danja for the how-to! Probably could have worked it out for myself, just haven't looked at it yet but that will definitely save me the time in figuring it out!

Happy with mine

Isn't the amp in them only for sub's anyway which is only available on SYS 4 range?

VZ Calais has the premium sound system which includes two (I think it's two, or is it just one?) 8" subs on the parcel shelf. Doesn't take much at all to get the shelf rattling and it's damn annoying. Also have to have the bass tuned down for any listening at decent volumes, otherwise it distorts. I can't use the Rock setting on the EQ because it start distorting far too easily at not even medium level volumes, and that's with LOUDNESS turned off. Maybe I'll have to try turning the gains down... hopefully the amp has gains control!

First thing I'll do though is sound deaden the parcel shelf and see how that goes. Hopefully that's satisfying enough because I'm not too interested in adding more components to my stereo. I want some boot space with this car... my VS boot was packed with gas tank, 15" sub, amp, and tools for work. Boot was virtually un-useable, so I'm enjoying having some boot space again

[minux]

Hmm, wonder if HSV change anything, I can have bass at +4 volume 35 and it cranks away. Thought about upgrading but dont see the point, system works a treaaaat

[JBDrifter]

Hmm, wonder if HSV change anything, I can have bass at +4 volume 35 and it cranks away. Thought about upgrading but dont see the point, system works a treaaaat

Or maybe I just got a lemon? Dunno.

Not too fussed by it, I didn't buy the car for its sound system, but I do enjoy my music loud sometimes and it just ain't happening with this system. I'll see what I can do with it anyway... really just wanted to see if it was a common issue with VZ owners and if there was a simple/cheap solution.