Radio Upgrade

David309 · January 16, 2007

Hello,

I'm a newbie. I just got my new 2006 Silverado LT Ext Cab / Long Bed.

I just changed my radio and thought you may want to know some of the problems and my solution. Just my 2 cents.

Overall, this is a very good truck. The radio probably needs to be changed (see

below comments). If you like listening to AM radio or listening to FM with low volume, then the stock radio will be just fine. However, if you like your music a little loud (not ear shattering), then the stock stereo is probably not going to be satisfactory. The stock stereo does not put out much wattage, I would guess maybe 5 watts RMS. The speakers that come from the factory are also made of paper. If you have the radio controls in the steering wheel (as I do), then upgrading the stereo to still be able to use the controls requires an aftermarket component: it can be done, it's just a little more costly than buying a new radio only.

I replaced the stereo and speakers via Best Buy and had them do the installation: Infinity 6.5" 2 way component speakers number 6010CS in front, Infinity 4"x6" speakers in rear number 6412cfp, steering wheel control interface item number 000008154249 GM-6, GM standard to mini plug adapter number 655133, GM Radio replacement interface (required for new aftermarket radio to communicate with GM computer regardless of whether you have steering wheel controls for the radio or not) item number 6235647 DCGM09B, face plate kit item number 2337475 99-3300,

alpine 50W X 4 IPOD Ready, CD Deck number CDA 9856. (If you want a higher end deck try Alpine CDA 9857). The Alpine radio works very well with the interface

components.

Excellent sound with the new system. Is it worth it? Depends on how much you

like listening to music. I cannot stand a stock stereo where you get distortion

and unclear sounds when you are listening at only the 1/2 level mark. The stock

radio I had was the middle of the road level from GM (6 speaker / CD player); i.e.,

I did not have the top of the line BOSE GM radio. I have been told, but I am not

certain, that even the BOSE system has paper speakers. Am I now very happy with

the truck after the changes? Answer: absolutely a big "yes". This is now one

of the best stereo sounds that I have had (when comparing it to my previous vehicles, friends vehicles, etc.).

If you go to some radio store and they don't know about the extra components needed (as stated above) to get your stereo working, I would walk away -- fast. GM's computer is integrated with the stereo. Just changing

the stereo without the required aftermarket interface will cause you problems.

With the interface, no problems. It's a great way to find out how good your car

stereo dealer is. If they don't know this information, then they are not well educated

on this matter. If I had to do it all over again, I would do the same things: buy

this truck and do the aforementioned upgrade.

rmreid · January 17, 2007

Great information thanks

I also have a 2006 could I just upgrade the speakers without buying a new HU and get better sound?

itsclay11 · January 17, 2007

i have bose speakers in my truck and also upgraded with a kenwood deck...1000 watt arc audio amp and 3 10'' JL w3v's and left the bose speakers...my speakers are no way distorted...they sound really clean with the bass

David309 · January 19, 2007

Great information thanks
I also have a 2006 could I just upgrade the speakers without buying a new HU and get better sound?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When I did my research, I was advised by several places (I tried to do a lot of research) that (A) I would probably hear better sound with just the speaker upgrades. However, I was also advised by different sources (i.e., sources being different shops and places like crutchfield, etc.) that the 2006 (a presumedly later vehicles) have the radio so integrated with the GM computer, that changing just the speakers might require the aftermarket interface components. There was a general consensus that if I was just going to replace the speakers only, that I should just do that and then see if anything went out of wack; i.e., chimes not working, etc. *However, but almost everyone said I would see a huge / dramatic improvement with the change of the head unit / deck AND the speakers. So, I went for the dramatic improvement. The new system is easily 200 percent better. How much better with just the speakers only??? I don't know.

Also I should note that the differences between the two alpine decks / HU are as follows: the CDA 9856 is "ready" for a remote conrol, but does not come with one. (Note: you can get the remote from crutchfield (a Alpine RUE 4202) for around $20). The higher end Alpine CDA 9857 comes already with a remote control. The CDA 985 6 runs about $195. The CDA 9857 runs about $350. The output in RMS watts is the same on either deck per the shops advisement to me; i.e., the sound coming from either deck should be the same according to all that I contacted. The major difference between the two decks is the included remote with the CDA 9857 AND the CDA 9857 has more lines for display (helpful if you connect an I-POD to the deck so you can see more information at one time versus the CDA 9856 will only show one line of dispay at a time).

I would also recommend getting the optional (about $20) I-pod connector for the deck; i.e., one end connects to the back of the HU / deck and the other end gets placed into your glove box (i.e., you just plug your Ipod and place it in your glove box and control the I pod via the deck). $20 is cheap compared to later getting an I-pod and then having to remove the deck / HU to get the connector attached to the unit.

Hope this helps.

Niko · June 25, 2007

does anyone know if I can put my friends 6 disc bose in my truck to replace my single cd bose, both out of 05 silverado's his is 2500 cc mine is 1500 ext cab. any help will be appreciated.

Dyabolical · June 25, 2007

FYI...changing speakers requires NO aftermarket anything. Whoever is telling you that you need to spend extra cash for JUST speakers is either a hell of a salesman or a complete retard.

The only way the stock head unit is "tied" into the computer is with the door chimes. That is it. Period. Your airbags, brakes, and everything else, are NOT, i repeat NOT routed through the radio.

And just to be sure i get my point across....

No major electrical items are routed through the stock deck other then the warning chimes.

Get it? Spending the extra $$$$ just to retain door chimes is not something high on my list. If you want to keep them then that is cool. But do not let someone tell you that you HAVE to have them.

If you have steering wheel controls then yes to be easy you need an aftermarket interface.

June 29, 2007

.....The only way the stock head unit is "tied" into the computer is with the door chimes. That is it. Period. Your airbags, brakes, and everything else, are NOT, i repeat NOT routed through the radio.
........

Unless they made some changes after 2004 you also need the adapter to get switched power. The Bose units took a serial bus signal from the computer that told them to turn on. There was no switched power wire to the head, only constant power.

jerms2k3 · July 2, 2007

Ok, I guess since I'm a noob on this site I can't post my own topic yet, but this one is similar to what I am looking for. I have an 07 Silverado ext cab and wanted to know how hard the XM upgrade that GM sells is to install onto my truck. Do you have to pull the head unit to install the kit or what? If the kit comes with good instructions, that will probably work but I just wanted to know what I'm getting into before I atempt it.

Or, can I get a non-GM HU that will work? I'm just not sure what all I will lose since all that OnStar crap seems to be run through the stock HU. I'd like to keep that stuff, and if it means having to use a GM HU, then so be it I guess. The main thing I want is my XM back and I'd prefer to have a HU that can do it versus installing my external unit into the truck.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

-db · July 19, 2007

Unless they made some changes after 2004 you also need the adapter to get switched power. The Bose units took a serial bus signal from the computer that told them to turn on. There was no switched power wire to the head, only constant power.

All you need to do is run a wire from the deck down to the ignition harness. The accessory wire is brown. Use a meter to confirm you have the correct one.

July 20, 2007

Unless they made some changes after 2004 you also need the adapter to get switched power. The Bose units took a serial bus signal from the computer that told them to turn on. There was no switched power wire to the head, only constant power.

All you need to do is run a wire from the deck down to the ignition harness. The accessory wire is brown. Use a meter to confirm you have the correct one.

That will work but it will not replace your RAP (retained accessory power). Using your method the radio shuts off as soon as you turn off the key. Using the adapter the radio plays until you open the door (or 15 minutes, I think). I kinda like that feature.