re: Do you modify the radio in your vehicles?

Got 2 JL Audio 15’s with a punch 200 on each speaker. People can hear me down my block before they can even see me.

I have hated the sound in my last two GM trucks, but too intimidated by the upgrade process. I handled the wife's Jeep just fine, and it sounds great.

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bluetooth SQ

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Depends on the Bluetooth receiver you currently have and if you're willing to solder the upgraded unit in. However, I would double check the OEM software to see if it even supports new Bluetooth.

been kinda half arse pondering this subject as of late, getting a 1999 gmc 2500 "creeper van" to use for my crawfish business and already thinking about what I'm gonna need to do for decent sound in it. not like bass or anything, just good sound with a decent head unit etc. if I'm gonna be having to drive this thing around quite a bit. wally world? or is all that stuff pure shite?

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Could I just upgrade to a third party receiver that supports carplay as well? Wouldn't that eliminate the concerns on the OEM software, or am I wrong?

Sony has some which look far more stock/bland than other makers, so that's what I'm referencing.

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Nope, you are 100% right.

Yes. Always.

Factory systems almost always suck and you can upgrade for very little money. Even the shittiest aftermarket drivers and electronics are typically way better than OEM.

You have to remember that auto manufacturers are building tens of thousands to 1 million vehicles which requires the same number of units in audio components for contract with suppliers. Couple that with that fact that 9/10 people cant tell the difference between the sound quality on a clock radio and a $10k pair of MartinLogans and that 9/10 people these days are using shitty quality source material(128kbps MP3) and you can quickly see why factory audio systems are an easy place to cut costs.

The biggest upgrade one can make to a factory automotive audio system is to add or replace an existing OEM subwoofer for low end extension (or amplify existing) and/or upgrade the quality of their source material and/or its signal path.

In most OEM systems theres a complete lack of low-end frequency in the bandwidth which means missing notes. In most factory systems I cant resolve the bass guitar of kick drums at all. If you crank the bass adjustment it just gets muddy and you overextend the wimpy factory drivers.

All that said, sound quality in an automotive environment is mostly about isolating the listening area from encroaching noises. Vibrating panels, road noise, etc. A car is a terrible listening environment. I can barely hear to talk on my phone at highway speeds in my 7th gen Civic. One of the best ways to remedy this is to start with a well insulated vehicle like you get from high-end luxury brands. My factory system in my W204 Benz sounds nearly as good as my custom install in my 7th gen Civic. Thats all about how much tighter the Benz is and how much better the cabin is isolated from road noise.

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If anyone knows about this stuff, I have no interest in a "system," I would just like upgraded sound and to see if I can get improved bluetooth SQ. What should I look at?

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Start by not using bluetooth.

Then, rip all your CDs to a lossless format.

Then, hardwire you music player(ex. iPod) to your stereo.

Enjoy your small investment and small return.

For more enjoyment, read my other post above.

Nah, fam. My car came from the factory with a 500W amp driving a subwoofer in the trunk and 12 speakers in the passenger compartment. I'm good. I don't need more power or speakers.

The only thing I'd consider is upgrading the drivers if they degrade over time.

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No. I like the screen in my Silverado.

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You dont have to lose it.

This has been a problem for the aftermarket because so many OEM head units are so intimately tied to vehicle systems now. shite is too integrated these days. Most sound guys hate it because it limits your options, limits customization, makes DIY harder and puts a serious cap on your potential gains in audio resolution.

In the old days things were pretty standardized with DINS.

The good news is that there is a whole new industry cropping up for tie-ins to OEM systems that still allow for gains to be made. Mostly all in amplification(really tiny new class of amps for tight spaces since thats at a premium theses days), stealth sub enclosures and DSPs for head units.

TL;DR. You dont have to lose your factory display to upgrade your sound.

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wally world? or is all that stuff pure shite?

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If you're going to go cheap,

Alpine speakers and pioneer head unit.

If you're willing to spend just a little, I built a very cheap system with hertz dieci 6.5 components, 6.5 coaxial in the rear, soundstream 520.4 amp.

Spend 10 bucks and buy the speaker baffles when you purchase. They go behind the speakers and greatly improve the sound.

I use sonicelectronix.com and Amazon for pricing. It nets the best price and warranty.