2021 Sierra Mobile Audio Question

[vwgtiturbo]

Hello there! First time poster, after recently purchasing my first GM truck (just got out of a 15 year-long relationship with a Tacoma, followed by a short stint with a commuter car). While I do love my '21 GMC Sierra (1500 5.3L 4WD Crew Cab Elevation), the stereo (8-inch, non-Bose) is atrocious compared to the system I put into the Tacoma.

I've been perusing Crutchfield's website, just to see what is available, and what fits, and it appears that replacing the head unit is not recommended. That is not a big surprise, considering the amount of vehicle settings/computer control that is tied into the stock unit. That is okay, I suppose. I don't mind the look and layout of the stock infotainment system. I am wondering, however:

1. Is there a way to add amps to the stock non-Bose system head unit? I see passing glances referencing aftermarket shops that make a... "device" (I can't remember what it is referred to as) that connects between this stock unit and the harness that allows this, but I haven't seen this "widget" for the non-Bose setup.
2. Looking at Crutchfield's site, it looks like there are subs and full-range speakers that fit into the doors (along with the dash mounted speakers). Are the stock speakers in the doors full-range (and CF is just saying that subs in the doors are an option, fitment-wise) or do some models actually come from the factory with subs in the doors?

I'm just really trying to nail down what my options are, at this point. While the truck's usage was a priority when purchasing (which it has done well to take care of!), the more time I spend in it has made me despise the factory sound.

Thanks in advance for any insight, or push in the right direction. Take care!

Edited April 10, 2021 by vwgtiturbo

[Greyhound6.2]

I finally have all the equipment to start upgrading my non Bose also. Depending on how deep you want to get in to it you can do anything from a basic upgrade to a full system. I am replacing the speakers in the doors as well as the dash adding a DSP, 3 amplifiers and a sub as well as sound deadening. if you look through the Mod section a guy just posted a full build log in there and if you dig deep enough in that section there is a 40+page thread on audio upgrades. 

[bwoodsmn]

16 hours ago, vwgtiturbo said:

Thanks in advance for any insight, or push in the right direction. Take care!

Take a look at the Audio Control LC7i - Its a adapter that goes between the factory headunit and the amplifiers you would add.  Here's a link to their website:

 

https://www.audiocontrol.com/car-audio/factory-system-upgrade/lc7i/

 

 

Edited April 11, 2021 by bwoodsmn
auto correct headhunt to headunit

[vwgtiturbo]

6 hours ago, Greyhound6.2 said:

I finally have all the equipment to start upgrading my non Bose also. Depending on how deep you want to get in to it you can do anything from a basic upgrade to a full system. I am replacing the speakers in the doors as well as the dash adding a DSP, 3 amplifiers and a sub as well as sound deadening. if you look through the Mod section a guy just posted a full build log in there and if you dig deep enough in that section there is a 40+page thread on audio upgrades. 

Awesome, thanks for pointing out that build up! My plan is very similar to yours, with the exception of the sound deadening (I'm hesitant to go through the time/hassle; if my Tacoma didn't need it, the Sierra certainly won't, hahaha).

 

I'm going to go check out that build! Thanks again

[vwgtiturbo]

6 hours ago, bwoodsmn said:

Take a look at the Audio Control LC7i - Its a adapter that goes between the factory headunit and the amplifiers you would add.  Here's a link to their website:

 

https://www.audiocontrol.com/car-audio/factory-system-upgrade/lc7i/

 

 

Nice find, thanks! Looking around a bit, it looks like there are components like this (to facilitate addition of amplifiers) and some others that have built-in EQs (which might be nice, considering how... shallow the factory EQ adjustments are). Time to do more research!