2009 Speaker System Upgrade

[Eddie.0011]

Hello all, I am new to the forum so this question may have already been answered. I have an 09 Sierra 1500 Crew cab that i want to upgrade the speakers in. I am not sure what i am going to install yet.. just wanted to know what I am getting into. I have XM and Onstar active. Do i need to do anything special to the head unit to upgrade the speakers? Thanks in advance!

 

I guess i should clarify my question... Does the OEM head unit have a output for an external amp? if not what is the max it will push so i know how to size the speakers....

[SavageNFS]

I welcome you to the forum, but there are many threads about this subject. Search and you will find a lot of good information. There is no preout on the factory HU. You will need a line out converter (LOC) at a minimum.

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=115852 Thread on speaker recommendations that I gave to another member (note this is a recommendation, not law).

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=115734 Thread about OEM integration.

[Eddie.0011]

Thanks for the input! i will read the links. I am not looking for big bass or to piss off my niebors just wanting to get cleaner crisper sound when i am going down the hwy.

[emerson1]

Post your maximum budget for everything and it will make it a little easier for us to help you out.

 

You drive a Sierra Crew Cab, don't come back with a $200 budget

 

Do you have the Bose system?

[Eddie.0011]

OK, I read the links and have a few more questions...... I understand Ohms law and speaker sizing but i would like to know, has anyone has done this swap out? Am i wasting my time installing higher quality speakers without an amp? i dont want to lose any voulme 'not that i jam out' I just want to hear every note... Any recomendations or ideas before i run out and get new gear.

[Eddie.0011]

LOL,.... yeah... theat crew option was expensive! However, no bose system just the stock six disc changer. I dont really have a budget for this project, i got a lot of overtime last payday so my wife gave me a thumbs up to put some cash in my truck.

[emerson1]

No bose = . It just makes it a pain to upgrade.

 

Well give a rough number. $500, $1000, $2000?

[SavageNFS]

The speakers I linked to will give you the most bang for your buck. You want more than that, you will need to add an amp and component speakers. You can always start with the speakers and and an amp/subs later. I would take it in stages...baby steps.

[Eddie.0011]

Well, i would like to keep it under 500, and thats max. if i was told right Alpine and BO's are good speakers, will the stock HU push them with no distortion or loss of voulme?

[SavageNFS]

Well, i would like to keep it under 500, and thats max. if i was told right Alpine and BO's are good speakers, will the stock HU push them with no distortion or loss of voulme?

 

 

The speakers are going to make the HU sound as good as it will ever sound. It is still an integrated HU amp. You aren't ever going to get great sound out of it, but for under $200 it is going to sound much better.

[Eddie.0011]

Thanks for the info, i will look into how to wire in an exteral amp also.

[NoLuck7]

Thanks for the info, i will look into how to wire in an exteral amp also.

 

Eddie,

 

I did this in baby steps like Savage was talking about. I added a set of components and it definitely sounded better. However, I didn't feel I got a lot better quality audio until I added an amp (and then another amp and sub later, lol).

[Eddie.0011]

Baby steps sounds like the way to go for me. I will prob start with the door speakers then see how that goes. i dont plan on jamming out so that may be enough.