After market audio system help

AceOfSpaceCakes · May 10, 2015

Alright guys, I can't find any information on installing an after market audio system in my new truck. I've got a 2015 1500 double cab. I'd like to keep the seats in and was hoping I could fit a shallow sub under one of the seats. Any idea which speaker combination will sound the best? I listen to a lot of metal, blues, and rock mostly. I dabble in dubstep and rap occasionally as well. I'm a complete newbie when it comes to trucks and audio systems so go easy on me. Lol also I'm keeping my factory head unit (8 in touch screen). Thanks in advance.

JBPS · May 11, 2015

This is far from a Best Buy installed situation, lots of things going with HU and Bose amp (if so equipped). Here's a few systems to get your mouth watering.

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/build-logs-project-install-gallery/163873-2014-chevrolet-silverado-z71-lt-non-bose-no-center-console.html

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/system-design-help-me-choose-equipment-my-car/174169-2015-gmc-sierra-denali-1500-a.html

And this one is only about $20K or so:

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/build-logs-project-install-gallery/159994-2014-chevy-silverado-musicar-northwest.html

AceOfSpaceCakes · May 11, 2015

Wow....that's 10x more complicated than j was expecting lol thanks for the response. I guess I have a TON of research and planning to do. That 20k system is insane. Too bad its completely out of my budget by about 18k haha

Andy Chabot · May 11, 2015

Look into the Kicker Soundgate Powerstage I did it and I really like it

Half_ton · May 11, 2015

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500SBRS84/Alpine-SBR-S8-4.html?tp=112&awkw=75640521625&awat=pla&awnw=g&awcr=47621715145&awdv=c

that, a line out converter, amp, and amp kit and you're golden. I installed this with my Alpine V12 amp and it rocks. Stock speakers were next on my list, but they're fine with my music choices- mostly rock, classic rock, country, blues, and a little rap.

AceOfSpaceCakes · May 11, 2015

Most importantly here is that sub going to fit under the back seat and why 8 vs 10 or 12? I'm a complete noobie to this so I apologize if my questions are seemingly retarded.

JBPS · May 12, 2015

Adding a sub only adds bass. Lots of other things to consider as well.

GRN69CHV · May 12, 2015

I put Earthquake Shallow mount 8's in the rear doors, ran as full range woofer drivers. Front speakers stock GM ( for now anyway). Driven by a simple Alpine 45x4 amp. Point being, it doesn't take a lot to really wake up the stock system

AceOfSpaceCakes · May 12, 2015

I put Earthquake Shallow mount 8's in the rear doors, ran as full range woofer drivers. Front speakers stock GM ( for now anyway). Driven by a simple Alpine 45x4 amp. Point being, it doesn't take a lot to really wake up the stock system

Is that something I can do myself or should i take it to an audio place? I prefer doing things myself as long as I have decent instructions. I hate not knowing if the job was done correctly.

GRN69CHV · May 12, 2015

Link to the install of 8's in rear doors. Wasn't that hard. First door was difficult, figuring out where to place the driver. Second door was maybe 30 minutes. You do have to sound damper the outer door skin. Two braces in the door, upper is horizontal, lower is angled. I added sound dampener between upper and lower, and below the lower brace. Peel back the factory sound dampener and use a full 12"x24" sheet to fill in as much of the inner door opening as possible (window motor will kinda be in the way). I put back the factory dampener and used ProTecto wrap to reinforce the area over the window motor and to seal the dampener around the edges. Been my experience, adhesive on Protecto Wrap holds up well.

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/172142-15-dc-8-lcd-non-bose-stage-1-audio-upgrade/?do=findComment&comment=1615553

Other option would be to get a couple of 6.5" shallow mounts and just reuse the factory adapters. I already had the 8's, if not, I'd have given a set of 6.5" subs serious consideration. JMHO, other than needing a little boost in power, weakest links in the factory system are the dash speakers and the rear door speakers. Rear doors have too much pronounced mid-range/upper-bass when driven. Dash speakers are also favor mid range and are lacking in high frequency details. Tried running a lot of treble boost, just made things worse, so instead I cut the mids on the factory EQ. Front door speakers when crossed over at 80hz clean up a lot and play rather loud, distortion free. Other guys do it differently, I think these would be the last to swap out. My next project will be replacing the dash speakers. Gonna try to get a 3.5" coaxial in there.

AceOfSpaceCakes · May 12, 2015

Thanks for the detailed instructions GRN69CHV. That's going to help A LOT. If I end up going that route ill post pictures and stuff. I've seen the dash speakers being replaced and it looks like a nightmare. You can only fit 2.5 tweeters in there without modification. I thought about modifying the A pillar but I have a grab handle on the passenger side for my fiance so idk how well that would work out. I've also been told a JL audio 10tlw-d4 shallow sub is awesome. I'd have to mount under the seat but then I'd also have to replace the rear door speakers with something else. Decisions decisions....

GRN69CHV · May 12, 2015

I'm looking into a 3.5" swap for the dash. It's next on the list. Have already had the A-pillar covers and the front grille out and pulled a front speaker to have a look, it's a 10 minute job at best - with 5 minutes of it getting the tools out.

AceOfSpaceCakes · May 12, 2015

I guess the guy talking about it in the other forum just sucks lol he said he broke the clips holding the pillar in place too. You will have to modify the mounts in th dash to get a 3.5 in won't you?