Jump to content

Poor audio quality solution.

Itsjustme

Recommended Posts

  • 1 month later...
  • Replies 41
  • Created
  • Last Reply
Zrouge1 Enthusiast

Zrouge1

Posted
Posted

So based off the first post the factory head unit is enough to power aftermarket speakers?  I am thinking swapping the doors to 6.5 JBL 2ways and the dash to JBL 3/4 tweeters with bass blockers.  I am not looking for super loud or lots of bass, I want clarity.  That’s what I did in my previous Tacoma and it was night and day difference.

  • 6 months later...
nboudreaux New Member

nboudreaux

Posted
Posted
On 8/16/2019 at 10:26 AM, Itsjustme said:

I noticed multiple threads, including ones I made up complaining about the audio quality of the new trucks whether it with or without the Bose

 More specifically, the rear speakers. I'm here to tell you that there is hope. I decided to replace the speakers in the rear of my crew cab in hopes that I would get more sound. It worked!! Not to the point where the inside is rattling, but enough that I don't have to turn the volume up so high. However, when I replaced the rear speakers, because the clarity was much better, I was able to notice that the fronts were distorted, so I ended up replacing those as well. Now I'm noticing that I have to turn the bass down. So if you're looking for a solution, start here.

 

I replaced all door speakers with Pioneer A-series speaker. 6x9 5-way up front and 6.5" 3-way in the rear. What's nice about the Pioneer, is that they come with a plastic bracket to hold the speaker, that fits in the door in the same position. You just have to break off the tabs that aren't needed. Rather than splicing the wires I order Metra wire harness, part number 72-4572. It plugs directly into the factory harness and you attached the other end to the speakers. Everything I bought off Amazon and spent about $125.  If this is something you're looking to do, I can't Express enough the importance of sealing the speakers. 

 

Even though the brackets are a direct fit, it does leave air gaps. I used silicone to fill in the gaps. If you've ever worked with silicone before, you know how much of a mess it can be. To combat this, before putting the speaker on the bracket, apply the silicone to the edges of the bracket where it meets the door, and then spray the silicone bead with all-purpose cleaner. Then run your finger around the silicone to create a good seal and wipe the excess on a piece of paper towel. It makes the job a lot less messy and it won't stick all over everything. I also put silicone around the edges of the speaker, where it touches the bracket, just for added assurance. This is optional. The end result is still the same. Better quality, better sounding, and more volume with less power. I hope this helps with those who are suffering the same issue I was.

What is the bass like with these speakers? I know bass is hard to come by with a speaker this size but I'm just looking for the best bass I can get without adding a sub and amp and all that mess again. The reviews I read, most say these have good quality bass as well as overall great sound.

vulcan_classic Enthusiast

vulcan_classic

Posted
Posted

Whats the point of adding three-way or five-way speakers to the doors if they're only getting low/mids from head unit, while mid/highs go to the dash tweeters only? The factory speakers are both impedence and signal matched (i.e. frequency response) to the head unit outputs. If you run test signals through the head unit you can clearly hear the factory roll off. At about 500-600Hz the front doors go dead and the dash speakers do the rest.Try it!

Jeff Masse New Member

Jeff Masse

Posted
Posted
58 minutes ago, vulcan_classic said:

Whats the point of adding three-way or five-way speakers to the doors if they're only getting low/mids from head unit, while mid/highs go to the dash tweeters only? The factory speakers are both impedence and signal matched (i.e. frequency response) to the head unit outputs. If you run test signals through the head unit you can clearly hear the factory roll off. At about 500-600Hz the front doors go dead and the dash speakers do the rest.Try it!

But how are the speakers crossed over? Passive or active? If they are passive with with crossover caps installed on the stock speakers then wouldn't the crossover and roll-off be removed when you take the stock speaker out? I suspect this is the way they are installed since there are not separate speaker wires coming out of the radio unit for the dash speakers. I assume the front wires just split to each speaker.

davidr83 Enthusiast

davidr83

Posted
Posted
On 4/20/2020 at 2:23 PM, Jeff Masse said:

But how are the speakers crossed over? Passive or active? If they are passive with with crossover caps installed on the stock speakers then wouldn't the crossover and roll-off be removed when you take the stock speaker out? I suspect this is the way they are installed since there are not separate speaker wires coming out of the radio unit for the dash speakers. I assume the front wires just split to each speaker.

That's how they were in both the gmt900 trucks I've had previously. I would expect this to be the same formula GM followed due to costs during the manufacturing process

TheVolvokid New Member

TheVolvokid

Posted
Posted

Since day one of owning my '20 elevation, I've been bugged about how crap the stereo is.

 

Since you've had some time on upgrading the speakers only, do you enjoy it. Think it was worth the 100 bucks?

 

I'm looking at some pioneer 6x9s and rockford 6 1/2" for the rears. Crutchfield has the speakers, mounts and wiring kits for 94 bucks shipped. Thinking it might be worth it but wanted some input.

 

Don't really want to trouble myself with a amp and sub yet. Sounds rather annoying and the 1200 on it plus install is a really bummer. 

 

 

papasink Enthusiast

papasink

Posted
Posted
On 8/23/2019 at 12:33 PM, Sjordan said:

Any plans to replace the dash speakers?  Or did the doors make big enough of a difference?

I replaced the dash speakers in my 19 RST non Bose and the sound was so crisp with that change.  I used Kenwood Excelon from Crutchfield.  I also replaced the front doors with Alpine RS69.2.  I put the baffle cones on them as well as deadening sheets around it.  Outstanding sound.  I had replaced the rear with JBL 6-1/2" but am thinking of getting a set of better ones there.  Also looking at an amp or even a sub. 

Sjordan Enthusiast

Sjordan

Posted
Posted
38 minutes ago, papasink said:

I replaced the dash speakers in my 19 RST non Bose and the sound was so crisp with that change.  I used Kenwood Excelon from Crutchfield.  I also replaced the front doors with Alpine RS69.2.  I put the baffle cones on them as well as deadening sheets around it.  Outstanding sound.  I had replaced the rear with JBL 6-1/2" but am thinking of getting a set of better ones there.  Also looking at an amp or even a sub. 

How involved is the dash speaker change process?  Tough to get to them?

papasink Enthusiast

papasink

Posted
Posted
59 minutes ago, Sjordan said:

How involved is the dash speaker change process?  Tough to get to them?

Not bad at all.  Each side has a trim piece that has bolts on the side and front.  Then remove the speaker cover (one bolt) and the speakers.  You will need the pigtails to connect to the truck plug.  I got them on Amazon for a few bucks.  Took about 30 minutes for both speakers.  There is a You Tube video. 

 

pewterliftedz Enthusiast

pewterliftedz

Posted
Posted
2 hours ago, papasink said:

I replaced the dash speakers in my 19 RST non Bose and the sound was so crisp with that change.  I used Kenwood Excelon from Crutchfield.  I also replaced the front doors with Alpine RS69.2.  I put the baffle cones on them as well as deadening sheets around it.  Outstanding sound.  I had replaced the rear with JBL 6-1/2" but am thinking of getting a set of better ones there.  Also looking at an amp or even a sub. 

Did those speakers drop right in?  I've heard of people having issues with magnets, and having to cut away plastic in the dash.

papasink Enthusiast

papasink

Posted
Posted
1 hour ago, pewterliftedz said:

Did those speakers drop right in?  I've heard of people having issues with magnets, and having to cut away plastic in the dash.

Didn't have any issues at all.  They fit right in without any issue and sound incredible. 

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • AndrewF
      Scan Tool Recommendation

      By AndrewF · Posted

      I am in the market for a bidirectional scan tool so was hoping someone can help point me in the right direction. There are so many options out there it is hard to narrow down which make/model to choose.   I have always done my own vehicle work so looking to maximize capability with the scanner. Ideal price is $1k or less but would be willing to exceed if it opens up significant benefits.  Currently my 24 2500 is the newest vehicle but also have a few mid to late 2010s Subarus as well.    It seems that the Autel MP900 has a decent amount of features at a reasonable price?
    • C/K Man
      Silverado 4500-5500-6500 are they still being produced? Would have sold better as GMCs as well

      By C/K Man · Posted

      There was talk over the last couple of years that the contract to build these trucks between GM and International would not be renewed.  International moved production of all their other trucks besides the companion CV model out of the Springfield plant some time ago when they opened their San Antonio plant.  That left Springfield only building the Silverado Medium Duty, International CV Series, and some Express/Savanna long wheelbase cutaways.  International also put the plant up for sale some time ago.  This all answered my earlier question as to why GM and International did nothing with these trucks since they were introduced, as they had basically become a market 'placeholder' with a finite life.    The Silverado Medium Duty/International CV trucks were interesting combination of a GM powertrain, electrical system, and K2XX Silverado cab with an International chassis that was supposedly designed for a step-van type vehicle they never produced.  They were manufactured in International's Springfield plant along with the IH MV series initially.  When first introduced, there was much talk that the Silverado Medium Duty/CV would eventually get a gasoline engine option along with other upgrades and GM and IH would work on a class 6/7 joint venture truck.  This was before VW bought Navistar out, after that happened no more was said.  Draw your own conclusions...   About the time talk started that the GM/IH joint venture was not going to be renewed, rumors started that GM would develop a new line of medium duty trucks themselves.  The story is the new trucks will be part of the next generation HD's due in 2028, and will still feature a 'straight rail' chassis design that the current medium duty has.  GM views this as a desirable feature that differentiates their truck from the competition.  A gasoline engine option is also expected.  As the current Silverado Medium Duty remains in production until September 2026 and there is still a lot of inventory available do not expect any official word for some time.   I believe GM remains committed to their successful partnership with Isuzu, and all the LCF models will still be available from Chevy Commercial dealers.  Isuzu is on the cusp of opening a new large plant in South Carolina and there is also speculation that this may result in new product for both Isuzu and Chevy Commercial dealers.                  
    • davester
      push to talk button

      By davester · Posted

      drive the truck back to the dealer and complain that the button works.
    • davester
      push to talk button

      By davester · Posted

      drive the truck back to the dealer and complain that the button works.
    • nfisherman
      Software Update

      By nfisherman · Posted

      I have a 2026 2500 HD Ultimate. My phone app says there’s a software update available. It’s something about improved battery management and something to do with the running boards. I follow the instructions for the update but the “Check for Updates” option is greyed out in my settings menu. Has anyone else seen this? How did you resolve it? The help message just says “see your dealer” if the download doesn’t work. I’m just trying to save a trip. 

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...