2014 cx5 crappy stereo

[Rob Ciniello]

I really am sick of the stock radio my gs model came with. It's not the Bose system. I want to get better sounding stereo. What should I do? Change the speakers ? Or do I need a new receiver unit and speakers?

 

[Mark12345]

Depends on how much you want to spend.

 

[Rob Ciniello]

Well, the easiest and cheapest way. I don't want woofers or the whole shpang. I just want a better sounding with the original receiver. If I upgrade the speakers do I need an amp?

 

[Rob Ciniello]

I was thinking of going to best buy and buying the same size replacement sized speakers and having them installed. Is that ok?

 

[TreyP]

I only replaced the head unit on mine and the sound improvement was incredible. Of course, I do have the Bose speakers so that helps.

 

[Rob Ciniello]

So what do you think I should do trey?

 

[JOE MAMA]

The problem likely isn't with the speakers but rather the head unit. I personally would start with the head unit. You will notice more improvement as opposed to keeping the stock head unit and replacing the speakers.

The muddy sound you're hearing is the poor amplifier in the stock head unit. Any name brand aftermarket will be a vast improvement. You will also get cleaner sound at louder volumes.

 

[TreyP]

My opinion is start with the head unit. Pumping crap out through expensive speakers will give you a crystal clear representation of the crap. If you don't plan to crank every setting to 10, then the stock speakers should suffice on a budget.

 

[RedBaron]

I agree with the last two posts. I replaced the speakers in mine with Polks. It does sound a little better, but the horrible muddy bass that I'd hoped to get rid of is still there. Head unit replacement is the solution (though you should probably replace at least the front door speakers as well )

 

[Rob Ciniello]

Thanks brothers. Any recommendations on the unit? I hope to no lose the back up camera and steering wheel controls as well as blue tooth?????

 

[Rob Ciniello]

Or how about keeping the original unit and just changing all the speakers and getting a small amp to add more power??? What u guys think?

 

[SayNoToPistons]

Looks like you have to do a bit more research on your own...

 

[Rob Ciniello]

It's crazy. No one can help me???? Lol

 

[runtohell121]

http://www.crutchfield.com/app/car/carselector.aspx?lp=/App/Car/outfitmycar/car.aspx

 

[TreyP]

It's crazy. No one can help me???? Lol

Several of us already gave you our opinion. I guess you want to hear that speakers/amp is the way to go?

 

[TreyP]

As mentioned above, go to Crutchfield. Put in your y/m/m there and their system will guide you through the buying process using the features you specify. I recently put a Kenwood in mine and I'm very happy with it. So if you want a brand name, there's one recommendation. I've also had very good luck with Alpine.

When buying a new head unit:
To keep the steering wheel controls, you'll need one of these: PAC RP4-MZ11
For the antenna you'll need one of these: Metra 40-HD10 Antenna Adapter
To mount it in the dash, one of these: Metra 95-7522B In-dash Receiver Kit

 

[Rob Ciniello]

Thanks trey. And what about the reverse back up camera? Do I lose it?

 

[tibimakai]

How is the fit of the Metra frame kit? Any big gaps?

 

[nizzy1115]

Why dont you just replace the speakers first and see where you are at then. For most of that it is good enough.

 

[TreyP]

Thanks trey. And what about the reverse back up camera? Do I lose it?

You will lose the factory backup cam, but you can add another one in. Crutchfield is actually offering a free backup camera with select Kenwood head units right now. It turns out to be the same camera I added, but I paid $80 for mine. As for installation of the camera, I have made a how-to thread on that here.