Adding Sub To Factory Stereo

700 sportsman · May 6, 2011

Hey guys, so I'd like to get a little more bass out of my stereo, but without the "non factory" look. So what are my options for adding a sub to my stock GMT-400 ('96) radio? It only as a casette play, and no external cd player or security.

Also what would be a good size amp and sub to go with for a regular cab truck, with the goal being to be able to get a decent thump out of it but nothing too crazy.

Thanks in advance

Carder09 · May 6, 2011

Hey guys, so I'd like to get a little more bass out of my stereo, but without the "non factory" look. So what are my options for adding a sub to my stock GMT-400 ('96) radio? It only as a casette play, and no external cd player or security.

Also what would be a good size amp and sub to go with for a regular cab truck, with the goal being to be able to get a decent thump out of it but nothing too crazy.

Thanks in advance

Now, I have a quad cab 06 chevy and have me two tens in the back and they sound pretty good, but being that yours is a single cab one of two things, do you have the bench seat or do you have bucket seats, if bench you will have to not mind scootin the seat up a bit if bucket you can either custom mount sub or subs in the center console or buy two separate angled truck boxes and put one behind each seat, being that the boxes are small I would recommend shallow mount subs to put into the box. As for recommendations, I have a Dual truck/angled box for 2 tens, the subs are Absolute Shallow mounts, they beat hard, had kickers in them but they are just too big and sound like crap, and the amp im runnin is an MTX Jackhammer JH300, that amp is fan cooled and has a bunch of features w/ bass knob. Oh also you will spend alot more money staying stock rather than going aftermarket because of the Factory system expansion modules are expensive and take up room. But up to you Good Luck hoped this help.

gm4yrs · May 6, 2011

Here's a simple setup. Buy a low level converter to rca plugs out, use rear speaker wires for input, buy 2 10" woofers with 100 x 2 amp. Make your own box out of 3/4" mfd particle board the length of cab. Make the box sealed with a divider between the two spaces. Measure back of seat angle where you drive at, usually 5" top, 9" at cab floor. Also measure for speaker depth at the angle. Check ebay for converter for stinger or pac.

700 sportsman · May 7, 2011

Ok, so I'm gunna need a low level converter to rca, and then just tap into the rear speaker wires and that will go into the amp? I'm assuming you mean at least a 200 watt amp? Also, I was considering only running 1 sub, would there be a very noticeable difference?

Also, any reccomendations for a cheaper amp and subs, I'd really like to spend as little as possible, but not have a cobbled up set-up either.

Thanks again guys

gm4yrs · May 7, 2011

I cut the rear speaker wires, add to input of converter, output will be rca plugs, add rca wire to amp input. I have heard a one woofer setup, like two better. Yes, 200 watt amp. Check Crutchfield for options of amps and speakers. Later on you can upgrade front door speakers and add another 100 x 2 amp with an external crossover.

tyhuck · May 7, 2011

I know you said you wanted the stock radio, but if you chnage your mind, I ve got a slightly used Pioneer Ill sell you for $65 shipped to your door. Its not the most expensive one ever made, but its a nice one. I had it in an S10 but decided to upgrade before installing it in my 1500.

gregrocks89 · May 8, 2011

Heres the thread of my system i just did http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=131635

But all you do, what i did anyways. Get yourself a line out converter. Bring your wires from behind your deck into it then run the rca plugs to the amp. Then on the amp you come out of your terminals back to the wires you cut at the factory deck. That way your signal/power comes from the deck to the converter, then to the amp, out the amp back to the wire then to your speakers. Dont need to pull any door panels off or anything. I have a 4 channel kicker 250 watt amp. Pretty easy to do, just little time consuming but a nice look in the end.

So once your speakers are wired up for your upgraded sound you can bridge off your amp to your sub.

gregrocks89 · May 8, 2011

amp was on sale for $130 at best buy and a line out converter was $50 and i got the adjustable. Just basic 10awg for your power and ground. I used 16awg for speaker wire which is kinda over kill and just any rca cable with a left and right plug