Infotainment Audio Thread

szalkerous · July 18, 2016

Thought I would create a single thread with all the important points on the 2014+ Infotainment system, especially where it concerns digital audio. I couldn't find the facts easily, mostly spread out among many threads, so I wanted to compile a single source here.

My findings are based off my 2015 Silverado MyLink BOSE system (IO6), which may or may not be affected by my LTZ trim level.

I will include others' findings as I'm aware of them. This page is intended to be a work in progress.

Digital Storage

2014-2015 models with a center console came with an SD-card slot. 2016 models do not have this option.
As far as I can tell, USB and SD cards behave very similarly. Some people report being able to voice command a greater amount of songs on the USB drive, but I have not personally been able to recreate this. I generally prefer the SD card for it's capacity (up to 200GB as I write this), and it's stealthier appearance, which also prevents physical damage from a USB drive being accidentally hit or crushed, or simply being too long to fit in the center console USB ports with the lid shut.
Micro SD cards with a full-size ("standard") SD adapter work fine.
The file format I use is NTFS, formatted from a Windows 7 laptop, and it works. The owner's manual states FAT32, but I have not tried this.
Sometimes the USB stick or SD card doesn't load/isn't available right away. Wait a minute after starting up and remove/re-insert the card.

Digital Audio

Confirmed file formats that are working/supported are: MP3 (up to 320kbps)
Confirmed file formats that are NOT supported are: FLAC, ALAC
Files can be placed on the root of the card/drive, or in folders.

Digital Video

Confirmed file formats that are working/supported are: [To Be Determined]
Confirmed file formats that are NOT supported are: [To Be Determined]

Factory Add-Ons

The GM Accessories Kicker subwoofer (not the entire system upgrade) can be used with the BOSE system as long as Noise Reduction is not equipped. Noise reduction will compete with the subwoofer and attempt to cancel it out. I know noise reduction/cancellation was required equipment on the 6.2L motors for some really stupid reason, but on 5.3L it is optional. When I ordered my 2015 5.3L with BOSE, the dealership argued it was not compatible. I contacted Kicker directly and confirmed it was, and the dealership installed it on the left channel speaker output. I would think the factory BOSE subwoofer output would have been better, but I have not gone in and tried this. The Kicker subwoofer tends to be a bit overpowered at low volume, but at medium or high volume fills the soundstage very nicely and adds in the missing low end while fitting nicely under the smaller rear seat (as you may assume, a regular cab cannot use this add-on).

matt123 · July 19, 2016

I have a 2016 and it has a extra USB port instead of a SD slot. Occasionally it does the same thing where you start the truck and it doesn't detect it until you unplug it and put back in but otherwise works great.

When you add the kicker sub does the factory sub remain functional?

And the noise reduction was found on the 6.2l not 6.0l. I dont think it was even a option on anything else.

szalkerous · July 19, 2016

I have a 2016 and it has a extra USB port instead of a SD slot. Occasionally it does the same thing where you start the truck and it doesn't detect it until you unplug it and put back in but otherwise works great.

When you add the kicker sub does the factory sub remain functional?

And the noise reduction was found on the 6.2l not 6.0l. I dont think it was even a option on anything else.

Added your info, thanks for that.

Yes, the BOSE sub does remain operational, but since it's much smaller (I believe it's an 8") it has different dynamics and response than the 12" kicker optional box. I think they compliment each other.

szalkerous · July 19, 2016

I'd encourage anyone else with info or suggestions to post them up and I'll add them in. I'm certainly not the end-all of info on this system.

matt123 · July 19, 2016

Yes, the BOSE sub does remain operational, but since it's much smaller (I believe it's an 8") it has different dynamics and response than the 12" kicker optional box. I think they compliment each other.

Actually if I remember right I believe its only a 6"

szalkerous · July 19, 2016

Actually if I remember right I believe its only a 6"

You're right. I don't know why I said 8"... all the BOSE systems have been 6" subs. Which I guess makes the 12" option even better; I only wish there was some adjustments on the amp it came with to bring the output down like 15%.