Adding a Powered Subwoofer

Bencher · February 16, 2017

I have a 2016 SLT Sierra with the Bose sound system. The system sounds great but I would like to add a little more bass. I installed a Kenwood powered sub in my previous truck (Silverado) and want to do same in this one. However my research on this subject is revealing that this may be difficult with this Bose system. I noticed that the Kicker system for GM trucks 2014-2016 specifically says their unit will not work with with the 6.2 motor and Bose system which is what I have. Anybody have an idea why not and what does the engine size have to do with it? Thanks in advance for your input.

x219c · February 16, 2017

You may check and see if you have the noise cancellation system in your truck. As I recall, that's the main thing. I don't know that it would prevent you from putting in a sub though. It just might act a little funky if it gets the cancellation tones pumped through it.

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Sierra706 · February 16, 2017

You may check and see if you have the noise cancellation system in your truck. As I recall, that's the main thing. I don't know that it would prevent you from putting in a sub though. It just might act a little funky if it gets the cancellation tones pumped through it.

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From the topics I've looked through my general understanding is that the noise cancelation would have to be disconnected/disabled.

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Jdkno · February 21, 2017

I think the ANC uses all of the speakers so there probably is not a clean input to be found. Not sure but disconnecting the mic might work

GMC_SD_Ult_16 · February 21, 2017

I have a 2016 SLT Sierra with the Bose sound system. The system sounds great but I would like to add a little more bass. I installed a Kenwood powered sub in my previous truck (Silverado) and want to do same in this one. However my research on this subject is revealing that this may be difficult with this Bose system. I noticed that the Kicker system for GM trucks 2014-2016 specifically says their unit will not work with with the 6.2 motor and Bose system which is what I have. Anybody have an idea why not and what does the engine size have to do with it? Thanks in advance for your input.

I had the same issue.. I have a 6.2L Denali with Bose. The active noise cancellation has 3 sets of microphones that are difficult to isolate (my dealer guy was trying to help and could not figure it out). I added a JL Audio sub and found a a mention on this forum to cut a specific purple/blue wire (crankshaft replication wire - it is thought to be what sends the rpm amounts to the amp to activate the noise cancellation) in my passenger side back door bottom sill to disable the noise cancellation. I don't notice that it is not even active but no matter how you connect up the sub you will have interference with the new sub if you don't disable. I will see if I can find a picture and post as well.

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GMC_SD_Ult_16 · February 21, 2017

I had the same issue.. I have a 6.2L Denali with Bose. The active noise cancellation has 3 sets of microphones that are difficult to isolate (my dealer guy was trying to help and could not figure it out). I added a JL Audio sub and found a a mention on this forum to cut a specific purple/blue wire (crankshaft replication wire - it is thought to be what sends the rpm amounts to the amp to activate the noise cancellation) in my passenger side back door bottom sill to disable the noise cancellation. I don't notice that it is not even active but no matter how you connect up the sub you will have interference with the new sub if you don't disable. I will see if I can find a picture and post as well.

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Here is the shot of the violent blue wire and it has part of the name of the original thread that I found it in. Good luck on your install.

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Bencher · February 21, 2017

Hey thanks all for the spot-on replies! Thanks for the photo too - Very useful and will make it easier when I install the sub.

Ge0rge · September 6, 2018

Did cutting this wire affect any use of the mylink system as far as hands-free phone, voice comands, etc? Thanks!!!

Ge0rge · September 6, 2018

Also forgot to ask, do you notice more cabin noise while the stereo is off?

GMC_SD_Ult_16 · September 6, 2018

I did not lose any of my other items/functions (been running 2 years now) ... To be honest I did not notice a louder sound in cab with or without the stereo for me.. I should note I do have CAI and Magna flow Muffler (removed stock muffler, flapper) so I have a little more engine and exhaust noise purposefully. When cruising 70 mph though I am super quiet. I was surprised.

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Ge0rge · September 7, 2018

Thanx for the info. Do I tap into the small wires coming from the head unit going into the bose amp to connect to high level input on new amp for a signal?

super241 · November 28, 2018

GMC_SD_Ult_16

where did you hook your amp in and what did you use to convert to RCA leads

Ge0rge · December 3, 2018

On 11/28/2018 at 12:48 PM, super241 said:

GMC_SD_Ult_16

where did you hook your amp in and what did you use to convert to RCA leads

My sub amp has high-level inputs that were tied into the front speaker wires at the factory Bose amp. My sub amp also has rca pass though capability. I have a second amp and sub sitting in the corner and will install once I build my new custom enclosure.