01 Tahoe stereo upgrades

gixxergreg · March 1, 2007

I just bought a 2001 Tahoe, stock stereo, not the Bose one. I want to upgrade for better sound. The bass is almost non existent. Looking for amp(s) and speakers.

I would like to keep the stock stereo in place. Am I wasting my time upgrading everything else? Is the stereo the weak link?

Thanks for any info. Greg

gixxergreg · March 3, 2007

Also wondering if anyone knows of a decent sub box that I can place in the panel where my stock sub is... I don't want anything to show.

Thanks, Greg

Wingnut · March 3, 2007

There are a few people making boxes that will fit where your stocker is...And I put a couple of subs along with some MB Quart components and Infinty plates and over 1000 watts in amps driving them in my '02. Controlled by the stock stereo...Sounded phenomenal. Really...One of the best sounding systems I've ever built (and I've done a few).

Click here for my thread on it a couple of years ago.

gixxergreg · March 3, 2007

Thanks, checking it out now

Wingnut · March 3, 2007

For the sub...You could always get something like...THIS...Or THIS. (The second one has it's own amp built in.)

cambo · March 4, 2007

With the stock head unit in, it will be hard to fine tune the bass, treble and everything that an aftermarket head unit can do to make the speakers sound perfect.

You will be doing yourself a favor by updating your head unit.

Wingnut · March 4, 2007

Depends on the amps you use.

gixxergreg · March 4, 2007

I would be willing to upgrade if I could find something that looked factory... I just think the kits available out there look cheap.

I was told by a local stereo shop that I could use the stock sub box and find a shallow sub, instead of replacing the whole box.

So far this is what I think I will go with....

Eclipse XA5000 amp to power all speakers (was thinking of trying just speakers powered by stock stuff first)

Some decent components for the front doors, 6 1/2's for the rear and a shallow sub in the stock box.

I am not looking for a system capable of winning a stereo sound off, I just want something that sounds better than where I am now. My Wifes Durango has a factory stereo that makes mine sound like a record player from the 70's

I appreciate everyones thought, thanks for the help.

Wingnut · March 4, 2007

That will work great...There have been quite a few folks that have dropped an aftermarket sub into the factory location, and reported it sounded quite a bit better.

And any time you amplify a decent set of components and/or plates in your doors it's going to be an improvement.

I bet if you do exactly what you said, you'll be one happy camper with the stock head unit.

gixxergreg · March 4, 2007

Cool thanks, Now I just need to find those things cheap.

Ebay here I come!! LOL

Wingnut · March 4, 2007

Depending on where you live (and if you don't mind used stuff), Craigslist can be pretty dang cool too. It kinda sucks here, but in larger cities it's like a HUGE garage sale. I like it better because people aren't on there selling stuff to make money...They're on there selling stuff to get it out of their house. Plus, you generally only buy local off of there, so you go look the dude in the eye before you hand him $$$.

Things I have found on Craigslist:

1. Garden tractor. Retail $2400, I got it 3 years old for around $300.

2. Hooker brand coffee table. Retail $500, I bought it for $75

3. Klipsch 12" sub. Retail $600-$700, I paid $100 (now I have TWO of them )

4. Barstools. Retail $500, I paid $50.

I'm now hoping I can find a decent truck on there.

gixxergreg · March 4, 2007

Haven't heard of Craigs list, I'm about 2 hrs. from Detroit, so it would be worth a drive for me. I also have a very good friend in Chicago.... I'll see if I can find it.

Thanks for the tip