Kicker Soundgate Upgrade

[[email protected]]

Yes it works with the Bose. The system I purchased is this one . It is a sub w/ 200w app and and the wiring harness. The only wires you run are one power to the battery, and the other wire taps in to an existing speaker line (there is a ground line also that you'll secure to a frame bolt near parking brake). The wire tap was done in the factory harness on driver's side under parking break, (see my 2nd picture in the sequence above). There are 2 wires twisted together (brown with blue stripe and solid blue wire) tap into those. I emailed Kicker to verify, and they even sent me a pdf with good install instructions. PM me if you want a copy.

 

Edited December 10, 2014 by [email protected]

[thetruck454]

Ah, that is the sub only. That's why it works with the bose. The kit that also includes the multi-channel amp and sub, http://www.kicker.com/content/PSIEXT14 , only works with base audio. That the one I have, no taping into wires, just more plug and and play harnesses to run.

[LMMKING]

Here are some pics of my install, I have Bose so this is just the SubStage kit (200w amp and sub only) and not the SoundStage...

 

 

[DCazares]

I think i'm going to order it. What are your thoughts on how it performs? Nice clean sound?

[Flying Tomatoes]

Yes it works with the Bose.

 

 

 

oh boy... looks like this might be in my future after all, haha

[LMMKING]

IMO on the SubStage it adds some decent bass to the Bose system just don't expect anything close to two 10's in a custom box... For me the value was in the OEM type fit and finish while seamlessly integrating to the factory system.

[[email protected]]

IMO on the SubStage it adds some decent bass to the Bose system just don't expect anything close to two 10's in a custom box... For me the value was in the OEM type fit and finish while seamlessly integrating to the factory system.

 

ditto.

[Horacio]

So why doesn't the 200/400 complete PNP work with the Bose?

[Mike1220]

So why doesn't the 200/400 complete PNP work with the Bose?

 

I think it's because the Bose already has an amp for the door speakers

[DCazares]

I installed the Substage to my Bose equipped SLT and I am very happy with the performance. It is loud enough to vibrate the windows if the bass control is all the way up. I have it at about 60% and it sounds amazing.

[krdeal]

I am so glad several people have had good luck with this upgrade. Heck even several who have made it work for the Bose system where it is not designed to work. I on the other hand have had a complete nightmare trying to obtain and then install mine.

 

First the vendor I purchased the kit from lied about having it in stock. It was dropped shipped. Then instead of to me it was dropped shipped to the vendor. I had made pre-arrangements with the vendor to ship it where I was vacationing over the Thanksgiving holidays. Needless to say the vendor had to overnight the package to me to get on time before I left my vacation location a week and half later. So much for the vendor....

 

Second, I had the kit installed at a local stereo dealer that sells Kicker (I had purchased mine OEM Chevrolet). The first part of the instructions are to remove the head unit display panel. Then disconnect and replace a plug in the actual radio unit behind the display. First problem with kit... plugs are not even close! Kit had two smaller black plugs and the truck has a big green single plug. So I call Kicker....I speak to tech support... no problem I am just going to transfer you to customer service, tell them you need a new body harness. Hell starts here.... the C/S rep is an idiot. Needless to say 4 days of dealing with the same guy over and over. Finally I let him have it both barrels and tell him to send me the harness at my cost and I will deal with it later. Still nothing. I ask for his supervisor..... Oh he is not here......ughh! #$@# Next day I get an e-mail about a package coming via Fed-Ex Ground. No phone call, no e-mail from C/S, nothing.... I get the package 4 days later (I would have paid for overnight). Right looking plug, we are in business!!! NOPE! The plug fits so loosely that the radio cuts in and out. Most likely a terminal is not crimped right..... UGHH!! I contact Kicker again. I speak with a tech and tell him what's going on. Again, back to customer service. This time the tech must have felt my pain and I got a voice mail from a big shot. I left a sane but harsh message. An hour later the most pleasant and considerate man called me asking what needs to be done to make this right and he will send anything up to an entire kit overnight! WOW! Guy even asked for my shirt size to send some swag on top of all of that. In process..... will keep you updated.

 

PS: It sounded great as long as I held the plug onto the radio, as soon as I let loose it broke up and cut off and on........

Edited December 26, 2014 by krdeal

[DCazares]

wow hope you get everything sorted out. It literally took me a little over an hr to install it. I have the Bose system so I don't even touch the radio screen or anything close to it.

[2014MallCrawler]

Still lovin my setup! Glad others have had success! Also, KRDEAL, I'm sure Kicker will get you squared away. They're a good group of people.

[krdeal]

Well, I finally got a hold of their Customer Service Supervisor. He treated me like gold and took care of everything. Shipped a second harness overnight and I installed it last night. Still playing with the settings but it is a definite improvement without touching the factory parts. The speakers sound much better and clearer and the extra thump is impressive for the size of the sub box.

Edited January 1, 2015 by krdeal

[DCazares]

Nice!! Glad you got everything sorted out.