Stock Stereo Suggestions?

harryswanson · January 20, 2008

Hi,

I have a stock Premium system in my 07 Sierra. [The one just below the Bose.] Anyhow, the speakers need an upgrade, and I'm thinking an amp.

I like the stock head unit, and keeping away from all of the add on modules helps too. I'd like it better if it was mp3 compatable, but I do have an iPod.

ANYHOW -- What would you guys sugest for getting the signal to the amp from the headunit? I am hoping to introduce minimal distortion, I did buy an alpine amp with speaker level inputs on a previous car...

Suggestions?

Thanks

H

omegafiler · January 20, 2008

Yeah, that never works out well. Perhaps if you got one of those "factory expansion" systems that go inbetween the factory HU and aftermarket amp/speakers. I've been looking into those, but haven't heard of many people installing them. The local stereo shop hadn't even seen one yet.

But that can get rather expensive. At that rate, you might as well replace the HU. You'll get alot more features and a much better sound than trying to use speaker level inputs into an amp. Especially with a descent set of speakers.

harryswanson · January 21, 2008

Ok,

Two part question then:

1] What will be lost when I remove the stock HU? I heard Door Chimes run through the speakers. As well I'd lose the steering wheel controls.

2] I also just [2 months ago] bought a year of XM, can this be transferred [to a new unit]? I did get a promo deal though, 50% off. Heads up you can sweet talk the operators selling the subscriptions...

thanks

H

omegafiler · January 21, 2008

They sell harnesses, such as Metra, that will ensure you keep all the factory chimes, onstar function, steering wheel controls, etc. So you're pretty much covered there. However, the systems I've seen do indicate that you'll lose factory XM/Navigation, if you already have it. So you'd probably need to hook up your aftermarket system's XM antenna.

Crutchfield has lots of good info regarding what you need to get everything working well with your new stereo.

And transfering the XM subscription to another radio shouldn't be a problem. I know I've heard of folks doing it before with no additional cost.

harryswanson · January 21, 2008

They sell harnesses, such as Metra, that will ensure you keep all the factory chimes, onstar function, steering wheel controls, etc. So you're pretty much covered there. However, the systems I've seen do indicate that you'll lose factory XM/Navigation, if you already have it. So you'd probably need to hook up your aftermarket system's XM antenna.

Crutchfield has lots of good info regarding what you need to get everything working well with your new stereo.

And transfering the XM subscription to another radio shouldn't be a problem. I know I've heard of folks doing it before with no additional cost.

Thanks Omegafilter.

Crutchfield eh?

I'll check them out.

thanks

--H

dsmazz · January 21, 2008

I had an amp and speakers installed in my '07 Sierra NBS, and I kept the stock head unit. I had just installed the factory XM kit and when I talkd to XM about swapping over to an aftermarket setup, they said I'd have to start over again. But I think now they may be more willing, at least I've heard they are.

My system sounds awesome. I had everything installed though. They used line out converters from the head unit to feed the amp. Also, they installed crossovers at each speaker to feed the tweeters separately. Also had them install new A-pillar tweeters. Amp and all speakers are Memphis Audio.

Initially, I lost door chimes, turn signal sound, Onstar, and phone, along with time delay off of the system until you open the door. They had to install some PAC unit to maintain full function.