adding a amp

burgundyz71 · February 19, 2003

Got a 03 Silverado and was thinkng of adding an amp, How can I do this without getting engine noise ? Will adding amp(s)to factory radio make much difference and any recommendations ? Just wanna wake it up a bit if I can.

elboberino · February 19, 2003

Well, if you are adding an amp for a subwoofer, just remember to run the power cable for the amp and the stereo cables on separate sides of the truck. The stereo cables like to pull power away from the power cable. When you refer to radio noise, I'm guess you are refering to noise heard over FM and AM stations. It is more noticeable on AM (amplitude modulation) because it is an electronic signal which gets interfered with by the electronic signal your truck's computer puts out. Some times there can also be interference with the FM (frequency modulation) stations as well, even though it is not the same type of signal. An amp shouldn't affect this at all! If you are installing the amp to the stock set of speakers, I would recommend either a low powered amp or a better set of speakers. The stock ones are nice, but the paper cone has it's limits. Also, if you get the speaker upgrade, go for a good set of crossovers. Most speakers come with them if you buy them as a set. Good luck on the amp and let us know what you go with!

LarryE · February 19, 2003

I definitely reccommend getting an aftermarket set of mid's the factory's are crap to start with and can't handle much and after an amp they will deteriorate fast

cowboy02 · February 19, 2003

We'll if your like most and like to crank it up...........

Adding a amp is gonna push alot more power to them crappy paper thin cones and your gonna be looking for a new set of speakers anyway..... I would first off listen to elboberino and go get yourself some good aftermarket speakers first. Put some nice crossovers in the doors, and then upgrade the rear spekers to some good infinity's or something like that. Then crank the factory deck and see how the truck sounds....

If you still feel the need for power then add your amp and you've got a good setup....

Myself personaly I wouldn't add a amp unless I was seriously thinking about ditching the factory stereo or adding a sub to the system......

Keep us informed as to your decisions.

Matthew4:19 · February 19, 2003

Adding an amp will improve sound quality and volume. You will be able to play louder with less distortion. Most speakers are blown by too little power as aposed to too much. When you drive an amp(even the factory radio amp) to its limits you increase distortion and that is what damages your speakers. To eliminate noise (engine whine) make sure you use decent equipment, doesn't have to be expensive. This includes the RCA cables and proper size power wire. RCA cables are sensitive to radiated noise so run your RCA cables away from power wires. Make sure your amp is properly grounded(avoid ground loops).

All that said I would first change the stock speakers to some quality seperates. Don't look for high power handling speakers unless you are planning on adding an amp. If they handle a lot of power they will also require more power.

There is plenty of knowledge on this board to learn how to do it correctly, but sometimes it is better have a pro do it. You also need to be careful about some of the af the suggestions given. I am not talking about this thread necessarily, but I have seen some very scary and unsafe reccomendations on some boards.

If you are intersted I still have a little stock left over from my shop. I am selling everything at or below wholesale.

cowboy02 · February 19, 2003

I'd be interested in what you had left over....

Shoot me a email or post it here please..... Anything that would work well in the 00-02 GMC Sierras?

Looking for some good mid to high end speakers for the front door.

Thanks.

Matthew4:19 · February 19, 2003

I have a set of Audio Art 5 1/4s. They are high end, in fact I am running the model of the 6 1/2s in my own truck. I am also only using the stock head unit for now and they still sound way better than stock. I believe the my cost was $150(maybe less), but I will check for sure, what ever I paid is what I will sell them for. They are brand new and include a "true" crossover network, and Neodydium tweeters. You can easily build a mounting ring if you need one. I have some mid level stuff also, but I need to check what I still have. Need an amp or sub?

cowboy02 · February 19, 2003

Might be interested in a amp for my car to replace my piece of crap jensen....... If the price is right :thumb:

Haven't done much diggin on my truck but they don't have a tweeter in the door already? Only a 6 1/2 inch speaker?

Maybe I could cut a hole in the door and make a mounting place for the tweeter........

Thanks.

Matthew4:19 · February 19, 2003

Sorry, wasn't sure what you were looking for. I have some nice 6.5 coaxials also. You may want to consider installing sepperates any way. I can help you with the technical stuff. Not too hard.

cowboy02 · February 19, 2003

kewl let me know what ya got.....

Things looking for....

-Speaker upgrade option for 02 GMC Sierra Supercab. (Front speakers only or the wife will kick my a$$).

-Amp for my sub in my car. (Currently have a 100W Jensen amp.)

cyrylyn · February 20, 2003

I have some mid level stuff also, but I need to check what I still have. Need an amp or sub?

were you a licensed JL Audio dealer?

Matthew4:19 · February 20, 2003

Yes, my cost was $150

I was not a JL audio authorized dealer, there was already one too close to my shop to get a dealership. I did sell JL since I had collegues who were dealers who sold me product. I still have 2 12" JLW0s in stock. I was an Audio Art authorized and was authorized by many other manufactures