09 Sierra Ex Cab Stock Radio And Subs Questions

aparker2005 · February 14, 2010

Hey guys. I recently bought a brand new 2009 GMC Sierra Extended Cab. It has the regular stock radio/xm radio.

I had 2 12" Alpine subs that I wanted to put in the back, but ended up selling them. I bought 2 Alpine Type E 10's from Crutchfield. They had them at $129 each, and buy one get one free. I ordered a box from Subthump. This is the box I bought: http://www.subthump.com/cxb07.htm I also have an Alpine 450 Watt Amp.

I'm wanting to just beef up the bass a little in the truck. So with the speakers and box on order, I figured I would take the truck to my local music mart and have them install it this weekend. What other things will I be needing, and around how much will it cost?

Is this a good idea to have the 10's hooked up with the stock radio, and will it sound good? I'm using my Aux port to use my iPod and have noticed while the sound is good, it's not as great as when I had the direct input off my old Alpine cd player.

Would it be best to just go on and add a new head unit while I'm there, or will using the stock radio be fine? Last question, is will the stock speakers I have now sound okay with the 2 10's I'll be adding? Thanks for your input as I am completely clueless on installing audio systems in vehicles!

stormrider · February 15, 2010

I spent 6 months trying to improve the setup but keep my OEM head unit.

Nothing but aggravation.

Save yourself all of the head aches and do the head unit now

aparker2005 · February 15, 2010

Also, if I buy a new Alpine Head Unit that is "XM Ready".........does that mean I have to buy a new XM Receiver, or will the Alpine Head Unit have an XM Radio ID that I will just need to transfer my current XM Service to the new Alpine Head Unit? Thanks!

stormrider · February 15, 2010

Some of the head units require a seperate module that costs extra.

You can probably transfer your service but you will need to pay the activation fee

dlewis1111 · February 15, 2010

Also, if I buy a new Alpine Head Unit that is "XM Ready".........does that mean I have to buy a new XM Receiver, or will the Alpine Head Unit have an XM Radio ID that I will just need to transfer my current XM Service to the new Alpine Head Unit? Thanks!

NO! not if you get the PAC audio OS-4. It allows retention of the factory XM receiver and shifts the display to the DIC. You must have steering wheel controls and the DIC in order for it to work. You also retain the onstar through the front speakers and get a chime box included. The unit also has all the wiring done for the steering wheel controls, you just have to add the PAC SWI-JACK (steering wheel interface, JVC, ALPINE, Clarion, Kenwood). Make sure that your replacement head unit is capable of utilizing inputs for steering wheel controls, and has an aux input for the factory XM. No need to specifically buy a head unit that is XM ready, as this will not be used with the OS-4. Also, be aware that there are two versions of the OS-4. The older one (on ebay for cheap) is not capable of the XM. Buying from a reputable place will get you the newer one. I went to Crutchfield.com and bought my radio and got a free install kit and the OS-4 at half price (74.00). Hope this hels...

big_country33 · February 15, 2010

Hey guys. I recently bought a brand new 2009 GMC Sierra Extended Cab. It has the regular stock radio/xm radio.

I had 2 12" Alpine subs that I wanted to put in the back, but ended up selling them. I bought 2 Alpine Type E 10's from Crutchfield. They had them at $129 each, and buy one get one free. I ordered a box from Subthump. This is the box I bought: http://www.subthump.com/cxb07.htm I also have an Alpine 450 Watt Amp.

I'm wanting to just beef up the bass a little in the truck. So with the speakers and box on order, I figured I would take the truck to my local music mart and have them install it this weekend. What other things will I be needing, and around how much will it cost?

Is this a good idea to have the 10's hooked up with the stock radio, and will it sound good? I'm using my Aux port to use my iPod and have noticed while the sound is good, it's not as great as when I had the direct input off my old Alpine cd player.

Would it be best to just go on and add a new head unit while I'm there, or will using the stock radio be fine? Last question, is will the stock speakers I have now sound okay with the 2 10's I'll be adding? Thanks for your input as I am completely clueless on installing audio systems in vehicles!

i just added one 12" sub and amp in my 07 gmt-900 extended cab and i am very happy with the sound and control i have over the bass. i wanted to keep the factory head unit for onstar, chimes, controls and what not. its a lot of work and more wiring to add an aftermarket deck and all these modules to keep everything stock anyway. my amp had high level inputs on it for the rear speaker connection so thats what i used. wires are right in the sil plates for the rear doors. its really simple to hook up. Just run your big battery cable from the battery to the amp and the rest of the wiring you need is all at the back. its not a TON of bass its just a little kick, which is alkl i wanted, nothing too much. take a look at the pics and don't mind the wiring and the mess. ITS COLD HERE! lol i will fix the wiring when its warm

aparker2005 · February 27, 2010

Well got the system installed and it sounds better than ever! The 10's fit perfectly in the subthump box. I did lose my Onstar/Door chimes but I'm not really worried about those. I thought about replacing the stock speakers in the front, but it sounds so great I don't even think I'm going to worry about it. I did end up adding a new HU and I'm glad I did because the sound is loud and has full sound quality. My iPod is hiddin in my glove box. So glad I went ahead and got it done!