Audio upgrade for a VE Ute

[paulmac272]

Hi guys, just wanting peoples thoughts on the following.
Went down to Autobarn today to look at upgrading my stereo. They had a VE Ute package option for $999 supply only. Consisted of -

Kicker ZX350.4 Amp.
Kicker KS6.2 Speakers, this includes 2 front splits and twitters.
Kicker 12" Sub, this included the box which I was told fits perfectly behind the drivers seat.
1 Wiring kit.

From research I've done I thought I would need an LOC as well but the guy from Autobarn said I would'nt need one with this amp, is this right?

Has anyone used this amp and speaker setup? Is the price a fair one?

Thanks

[T2000]

If the AMP has High Level inputs then you will not need an LOC.
Unfortunately there is no way of getting Line Level Outputs from the VE Stereo.

Price sounds reasonable enough but "Kicker" is probably considered by many as fairly "entry level" stuff. BUT in saying that there would be a significant improvement over the factory speakers and setup (esp the addition of a Sub).

You really need to ensure that the install is spot in to get the benefit of upgraded speakers. Consider sound dampening on your door skins as a minimum and ensure that the speakers are securely mounted with good gaskets sealing them - else it is just a waste of money IMHO.

Good Luck,

Cheers, Chris

[akumaa]

There are 2 types of amps that dont require a LOC while wiring to factory headunit.
Kicker and Jl audio.

Your best bet is to check ebay for prices, also for the sub box.

Will you be using factory headunit for this set up?

[T2000]

There are 2 types of amps that dont require a LOC while wiring to factory headunit.
Kicker and Jl audio.

Your best bet is to check ebay for prices, also for the sub box.

Will you be using factory headunit for this set up?

No real choice with the VE.
The stock HU is so intrinsically integrated into the dash and other controls and is CANBUS controlled.
Admittedly there are now alternatives but IMHO they are a little ghastly in appearance and definitely not cheap.
&& I think that there would be plenty of AMPs these days offering High Level inputs, not just kicker and JL.

[paulmac272]

Thanks for the replys guys.


There are 2 types of amps that dont require a LOC while wiring to factory headunit.
Kicker and Jl audio.

Your best bet is to check ebay for prices, also for the sub box.

Will you be using factory headunit for this set up?


Yes, I will be using the factory head unit.

[redvxr8clubby]

I bought a VE SV6 a few months ago after trading a VX II Calais, which had the 10 stack Eurovox Maestro unit. The standard stereo in the VX Calais was great. I've never been into upgrading stereos, but I presume you can get sound at least equivalent to the VX Calais while retaining the SV6 head unit, I wouldn't really want a 12" sub.

[DuffMan]

Maybe have a look at fitting the twin 8" subs and amp standard in the SSV..? Won't take up any interior storage space either as the subs are in the B pillars behing the seats. More than good enough for me.

[chrisjb]

Maybe have a look at fitting the twin 8" subs and amp standard in the SSV..? Won't take up any interior storage space either as the subs are in the B pillars behing the seats. More than good enough for me.

Does the ssv ute have an amp?
If so where is it?

[DuffMan]

Does the ssv ute have an amp?
If so where is it?

Yes. I think it's next to the battery behind the passenger seat.

[Plenty]

The stock HU is so intrinsically integrated into the dash and other controls and is CANBUS controlled.


Actually incorrect, Holden VE Commodores use GMLAN.

[T2000]

Actually incorrect, Holden VE Commodores use GMLAN.

GMLAN is just a higher level (& proprietary) implementation of the broader standard that is CAN-bus. Controller Area Network is widely understood and hence the term I choose to use... but if you want to enter into a discussion on semantics I'm afraid you'll have to find another sparring partner... I dont have the patience for enhancing and diminishing the egos of others in a virtual world ... I was merely trying to provide advice for the OP.

[gladrock]

May not fit your budget, but have you looked into a sound processor?

Something like a bitone, MS-8

Here is a thread, there are heaps but I think you will be looking at at least the $500 mark

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=148477&highlight=MS

[Wonky]

Does the ssv ute have an amp?
If so where is it?

Series 1 definitely don't. :(

[DuffMan]

Series 1 definitely don't. :(

It was an MY10 Update for SSV & Maloo.

[CunningStunter]

Unfortunately there is no way of getting Line Level Outputs from the VE Stereo.

Errmmmmm I think there is?

I've done an audio upgrade to my VESSV 08. (I didn't think ANY of the utes had the amp/sub package from Holden?) Either way I'd wannt replace that sh1t. Opps I mean I quality, tested and covered under warranty in the event of a problem, which me thinks the way around it would quickly void the H/U warranty (if you care).

There are a few ways / places providing RCA outputs on the stock H/U. I tried 2 different options and would only recommend 1.

At the time it cost me a trip to Sydney to visit Phreddy from ASR.
(I assume you could send the H/U via post) and $160 to get the RCA 'kit' installed).

This allowed me to connect any amp, probably the most efficient way/best quality... (VS LOC).

Spent about $300 on Polk MM series splits on sale, 12" Polk sub, made a sub box and bought a fairly cheapish amp. Was after an upgrade over stock without going silly. I think it cost me around the $1100 mark finished, but with a very good mate to help install (read: do most of it).

Having lived with the system now for about 12 months, I'd recommend trying to place the sub behind the passenger seat A) for balance and B) for Yo kidneys :rofl: Long trips *groan*. Also you're more likely to need to get to the car jack behind the drivers seat VS the battery on passenger side. I went drivers side cause the box was easier to make and I wrongly assumed I'd want the kick in the back, which I do, but holy sheet I almost have to go see the Chiropractor each time I turn the stereo on hahahaha showing my age now dammit

Anyhow. There are ways to get RCA out, bit of dicking around granted, but worth it IMO. No limit in VIC can do similar work. . . . .I almost went their full package with HDD in glove box, VIM etc but that's another story for another day.

[Plenty]

GMLAN is just a higher level (& proprietary) implementation of the broader standard that is CAN-bus. Controller Area Network is widely understood and hence the term I choose to use... but if you want to enter into a discussion on semantics I'm afraid you'll have to find another sparring partner... I dont have the patience for enhancing and diminishing the egos of others in a virtual world ... I was merely trying to provide advice for the OP.

Who's fighting? You gave an incorrect term, i corrected it, no need to be so uptight!

[akumaa]

There's is another way of installing an amp (= running subs, powering speakers) without a LOC Or changing headunit. You'll need an amp that has a LOC already inbuilt (eg; Jl Audio, Kicker etc.)

Rca cables comes in 2. We'll use red and black for example. If you cut the plug-in / heads of the cables, you'll end up with 2 wires in each plug. A positive and Negative. (some Rca's come with a protective shield which we don't need to worry about)
And then you got your factory wires, and each speakers (say the drivers door speakers) also has 2 wires (positive and negative). You solder the red RCA positive to the drivers door speakers positive and so on.

Just beaware, by doing this way, may because distortion in your speakers (like a fuzz noise when volumes on 0 or low)

Sorry if i lack in my explanation.

Michael

[Wonky]

It was an MY10 Update for SSV & Maloo.

Ah, OK. My MY9.5 doesn't have it so I have a 2 channel amp to drive my splits.

I've also just bought the identical unit to drive a 10" subwoofer I decided to get (still a few weeks away yet as coming in from overseas). Didn't originally want a sub but the amp was on super special and they're doing me a good price on the sub, so at tax time what the heck. :D

I'm happy with the sound now but speaking to a few people who know their stuff with car audio a sub will take some of the load off the splits and improve their quality too, so as I said, what the heck........... :doh:

[paulmac272]

Just an update, I've decided to spend my hard earned cash on the following Alpine system. $760.00 Supplied and installed. Hopefully getting it done later this week.

Multi Channel Amplifier - MRX-F30
Type-S 12" Subwoofer - SWS-1223D
Type-S 6-1/2" Component 2-Way Speaker - SPS-610C

What do you guys think?

[T2000]

Just an update, I've decided to spend my hard earned cash on the following Alpine system. $760.00 Supplied and installed. Hopefully getting it done later this week.

Multi Channel Amplifier - MRX-F30
Type-S 12" Subwoofer - SWS-1223D
Type-S 6-1/2" Component 2-Way Speaker - SPS-610C

What do you guys think?

Alpine stuff is all pretty good IMHO... this should be a great enhancement.
Congrats!

[HEKYEH]

Just an update, I've decided to spend my hard earned cash on the following Alpine system. $760.00 Supplied and installed. Hopefully getting it done later this week.

Multi Channel Amplifier - MRX-F30
Type-S 12" Subwoofer - SWS-1223D
Type-S 6-1/2" Component 2-Way Speaker - SPS-610C

What do you guys think?

What will you do if we say it's crap??

[brentonsav]

i ordered my gear from the states

sonicelectronix.com

i got boston speakers and a single 10" sub and run them through two audison amps which i sourced cheaply off ebay.

yes, it's got no warranty but it was a risk I was prepared to take given i could get it for around half price.