Elevation base model stereo upgrade?

ero2 · February 1, 2021

Hey all! I have the base model elevation (no Bose, no sub) and am curious if anyone has upgraded the speakers/add the kicker sub from the base stereo? I saw the thread about the trucks equipped with the Bose system adding the underseat kicker sub. I can go aftermarket of course, but like the idea of using the "stock" speakers/setup designed for my truck. Just a sub may be sufficient, but am open to anything.

Thanks in advance for any insight or ideas!

ero2 · February 3, 2021

Anyone actually touch the audio system in these? Or should I just leave it alone and live with it until my next truck in 10 years? lol.

Descartian · February 3, 2021

I’m having a system installed as I type this. Using the stock head unit and upgrading the door speakers, tweeters, and adding 2 subs All powered by 2 amps.

I have a base WT but the head unit does all I could ask for and more.

Even if you went with the “stock” system there would need to be an amp somewhere to power that sub. I doubt that is included in the lower trims and not used.

Descartian · February 3, 2021

14 hours ago, ero2 said:

Anyone actually touch the audio system in these? Or should I just leave it alone and live with it until my next truck in 10 years? lol.

And by all means do it now and enjoy it for the life of your truck.

Edited February 3, 2021 by Descartian

Luckyfd · February 4, 2021

8 hours ago, Descartian said:

I’m having a system installed as I type this. Using the stock head unit and upgrading the door speakers, tweeters, and adding 2 subs All powered by 2 amps.

I have a base WT but the head unit does all I could ask for and more.

Even if you went with the “stock” system there would need to be an amp somewhere to power that sub. I doubt that is included in the lower trims and not used.

I like it! But I’m in the same boat as OP. I’d like to add a sub/amp.

Descartian · February 4, 2021

Seems like it would be simple and inexpensive to tap into the existing wiring and add a sub/amp.

Hotwheel · February 4, 2021

I have replace the door speakers in my base WT, it did help but it still needs a little more. Has anyone added dash speakers? Is there wiring there?

redwngr · February 4, 2021

I don't have info about changing it, and it seems like you already know, but there are 2 audio dash units available on '21 elevation

elevation std

IOR Audio system, GMC Infotainment System with 8" diagonal color touch-screen, AM/FM stereo with seek-and-scan and digital clock, includes Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones; featuring wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability for compatible phones -

elevation optional

IOS Audio system, Premium GMC Infotainment System with 8" diagonal color touch-screen, includes multi-touch display, AM/FM stereo, Bluetooth streaming audio for music and most phones; featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability for compatible phones, advanced voice recognition, in-vehicle apps, personalized profiles for infotainment and vehicle settings
1 - Included and only available with (PDQ) Preferred Package. Includes SiriusXM with 360L.

and elevation speakers:

Std

UQF Audio system feature, 6-speaker system

Optional

UQA Bose Sound System, premium 7-speaker system with Richbass woofer
1 - Requires (A50) bucket seats. Included and only available with (PDQ) Preferred Package.

ONLY INBOS20 · May 31, 2021

On 2/3/2021 at 8:37 PM, Descartian said:

Seems like it would be simple and inexpensive to tap into the existing wiring and add a sub/amp.

It is pretty simple. I'm no electrical Einstein and I did it myself. Though, the sub I installed is an 8" under the seat sub, so it was already in the box and had an internal amp. Pretty simple for a beginner.

I took off the front interior door trim and tapped into the rear speaker lines using a dual channel line converter (which required me to do it to both rear speakers). The truck has a rubber nipple looking accessory port that you can puncture and push your power wire through. Another trick is running your remote power line directly to a spade in the passenger side fuze box. Easy peasy.

My only complaints with the factory head unit are, it doesn't save my equalizer settings (I don't know why) so I have to reset them each time. Not a big deal considering there are only three settings available.... but that's also a con in my book. And, supposedly I'd get better sound quality if I upgrade to a higher end head unit, but I'm admittedly no expert, so the audio salesman might be full of crap about that.

The 8" definitely improved the lows in the music, but REALLY lacks ballz. So, I am adding a 10" with double the power of the first, so hopefully I'll get some thump added to the setup. That being said, I also upgraded the factory speakers, which in my opinion are trash. I definitely recommend upgrading those if it's in your budget.

Point of my long-winded response is, if you can research you tube videos, have a decent set of tools, and half a brain, you can probably get it done without paying installation fees.

Sláinte

Dunn · May 31, 2021

There are 2 systems of kicker available....1 for bose system and 1 for non bose....I believe the non bose has an Amp possibly but not 100%.....

This is for the Kicker sub GM sells

I have aftermarket speakers for non bose GMC Elevation and improvement is minimal....better but not by much....it needs more than just speakers even for just rock or classics..(not a rap/hip hop fan that needs alot of base)......

Pretty sad for stocm stereo in this day and age imo

davidr83 · June 1, 2021

The 2020 elevation(IOR/NON BOSE) I had, I replaced all the speakers. Doors were entry level Rockford Fosgate 6x9's upfront and 6.5s in back, Kenwood Excelon for the dash, added a ported 10" kicker under the back seat with LLJ Customs add a amp harness. Sounded sooo much better and the bass was much tighter even without the sub. Ended up pulling it all when I traded up for a 2021 RST with Bose. So now it's all boxed up in my garage. Smh

Edited June 1, 2021 by dram1983361