Can i install aftermarket speakers with new dd and bose?

[shahking1120]

Hey guys,

I just got a pioneer avh 5800bhs installed by a local shop, everything else still stock on my 2011 tahoe with bose.

I feel like the speakers sound like shit now, is there something i should be doing differently?

They installed all of the modules to retain onstar and steering controls, etc.

I was thinking of moderately upgrading the front and rear door speakers, but wasnt sure if i could?

also, any recommendations on a front camera? i like my rear hooked up to the mirror, but was wanting something for when i have to park in the garage at work.

Thanks so much!

 

[NathanJax]

Have you tried messing with the EQ? Normally on the 07-14 if you just swap the radio, the sound should actually improve just a little

 

[OneTwo]

Have you tried messing with the EQ? Normally on the 07-14 if you just swap the radio, the sound should actually improve just a little

x2. In my experience, the sound has always improved when swapping in a new unit, especially in GM stuff. Try messing with the equalizer.

The only other thing I can think of that might have affected your sound quality is the decrease in RCA preout voltage. If I remember correctly, I read somewhere that the Bose system is a 6.5 volt preout from the factory deck and the Pioneer you switched to has 4 volt preouts. Still, you certainly aren't the first person to put a HU with 4 volt preouts into a Bose-equipped vehicle and I haven't seen any complaints from people who have, so I doubt this is the case.

I doubt replacing the speakers will have much of an effect, unless your current speakers are blown. Replacing the speakers and adding an aftermarket amp, however, would make a huge difference.

 

[shahking1120]

I messed a with the equalizer! big difference, i guess the presets arent that great. but in all honesty, i have no idea what im doing! and also have no idea what a crossover is... googling commence!!

Have you tried messing with the EQ? Normally on the 07-14 if you just swap the radio, the sound should actually improve just a little

x2. In my experience, the sound has always improved when swapping in a new unit, especially in GM stuff. Try messing with the equalizer.

The only other thing I can think of that might have affected your sound quality is the decrease in RCA preout voltage. If I remember correctly, I read somewhere that the Bose system is a 6.5 volt preout from the factory deck and the Pioneer you switched to has 4 volt preouts. Still, you certainly aren't the first person to put a HU with 4 volt preouts into a Bose-equipped vehicle and I haven't seen any complaints from people who have, so I doubt this is the case.

I doubt replacing the speakers will have much of an effect, unless your current speakers are blown. Replacing the speakers and adding an aftermarket amp, however, would make a huge difference.

 

[shahking1120]

x2. In my experience, the sound has always improved when swapping in a new unit, especially in GM stuff. Try messing with the equalizer.

The only other thing I can think of that might have affected your sound quality is the decrease in RCA preout voltage. If I remember correctly, I read somewhere that the Bose system is a 6.5 volt preout from the factory deck and the Pioneer you switched to has 4 volt preouts. Still, you certainly aren't the first person to put a HU with 4 volt preouts into a Bose-equipped vehicle and I haven't seen any complaints from people who have, so I doubt this is the case.

I doubt replacing the speakers will have much of an effect, unless your current speakers are blown. Replacing the speakers and adding an aftermarket amp, however, would make a huge difference.

im assuming some new door speakers wouldnt do shit because of the factory amp?


weird thing happened today, when i used the steering control to go back and forward, either a song, or a radio station, the volume goes to max...

 

[Denaliz]

It has to do with the Bose speakers being a funky ohm resistance setup to work specifically with Bose amp and headunit from factory.

You know your going to swap out the speakers sometime.. Haaa. most guys who flip out head units end up doing more.. It's never enough with the audio or perfomance stuff huh?

 

[OneTwo]

im assuming some new door speakers wouldnt do shit because of the factory amp?

Partially because of this:

It has to do with the Bose speakers being a funky ohm resistance setup to work specifically with Bose amp and headunit from factory.

And also just because, for the most part, speakers are speakers. It'd be one thing if you were changing the factory speakers out of a 1986 Oldsmobile, but this is a modern SUV with "premium" audio. Changing the signal that goes to the speakers will make the major difference you're looking for.

Honestly, if you're not happy with the Pioneer/Bose combo, you should probably just save a couple bucks and install an aftermarket amp with new speakers and eliminate the Bose stuff completely.

Side note: I just installed a Kenwood DDX6902S using an iDatalink Maestro RR and GM5+ harness in my '07 Denali with Bose and the sound quality improved dramatically, even without messing with the EQ.

 

[mrcajunjoker]

I have a Pioneer Z140 in an 08 Tahoe (so the speakers should be about the same I would think), similar but older than the 5800bhs and mine flat out jams. Everything in the truck just about interfaces to that Bose amp. I even had to buy a new blinker module believe it or not. I'm still using my Bose door speakers and factory amp. I had the JL digital amp mount under the right rear seat under the panel so you don't see it. I also had the factory 6.5in sub changed out for the JL stealthbox 10. When the battery is disconnected, basically resetting the radio, I have to readjust the EQ. I was going to install the Focal's in the door and had wires already pulled to the left rear seat in prep... but honestly don't need it. You might want to ride by the stereo shop and have them tune it... or maybe go to a competitor stereo shop just to see if they can tune it. I know the guy who installed mine doesn't like highs or lows so I had to retune it. Seems like there is a "sound stage" in the radio which focuses more sound to the front speakers and then I tune the EQ to a nice curve.

 

[shahking1120]

I have a Pioneer Z140 in an 08 Tahoe (so the speakers should be about the same I would think), similar but older than the 5800bhs and mine flat out jams. Everything in the truck just about interfaces to that Bose amp. I even had to buy a new blinker module believe it or not. I'm still using my Bose door speakers and factory amp. I had the JL digital amp mount under the right rear seat under the panel so you don't see it. I also had the factory 6.5in sub changed out for the JL stealthbox 10. When the battery is disconnected, basically resetting the radio, I have to readjust the EQ. I was going to install the Focal's in the door and had wires already pulled to the left rear seat in prep... but honestly don't need it. You might want to ride by the stereo shop and have them tune it... or maybe go to a competitor stereo shop just to see if they can tune it. I know the guy who installed mine doesn't like highs or lows so I had to retune it. Seems like there is a "sound stage" in the radio which focuses more sound to the front speakers and then I tune the EQ to a nice curve.

hmm... yeah maybe my tune is bad

is there any way you could maybe post a pic of your eq settings? im getting better sound since messing with it, but nothing that i would say is better than stock.

 

[mrcajunjoker]

See if that helps... I know you're radio is newer so I don't know if you'll have all of the settings but mine sounds good enough not to spend the money on a new radio and adapters....

 

[shahking1120]

thanks! i have a 13 band eq..messed with the sub settings a little and much better! i have no option for an hpf only lpf

thanks again man

 

[Chetrick87]

I just installed an abh8400 and it sounds horrible. My truck is 07 with bose. Have everything i need for it to work and its just distorted. Does the subwoofer control on the headunit control the 6.5 sub in center console? Everythig is distorted when i turn it up. I use the usb hooked up to my ipod. Any suggestions? Fsctory hu sounded better

 

[reedal]

I just installed an abh8400 and it sounds horrible. My truck is 07 with bose. Have everything i need for it to work and its just distorted. Does the subwoofer control on the headunit control the 6.5 sub in center console? Everythig is distorted when i turn it up. I use the usb hooked up to my ipod. Any suggestions? Fsctory hu sounded better

List all of the aftermarket equipment you are using "for it to work", and that should help pinpoint where something may need to be adjusted.

 

[Chetrick87]

A friend of mine did it and he used the interface his shop carries. So the bose onstar and all that still work. I actually just figured out that my rear driver side door speaker is probably blown. No sound comes out of it unless i move the fade and balance to that speaker. So i think im going to bypass bose amp and get all new speakers and an amp

 

[reedal]

A friend of mine did it and he used the interface his shop carries. So the bose onstar and all that still work. I actually just figured out that my rear driver side door speaker is probably blown. No sound comes out of it unless i move the fade and balance to that speaker. So i think im going to bypass bose amp and get all new speakers and an amp

Do you know what interface he used? On my interface (PAC-OS2X) when I was using the factory Bose until I installed new speakers and amps, there were two inputs for the factory harness. One said factory amplifier, one said non-factory amplified. If I had it plugged into the factory amplified side, it was distorted very early like yours does, like volume 15/62. On the non factory amplified side, I was clean until volume 50/62 on my pioneer 80PRS.

 

[Rocket Man]

If anyone wants to upgrade their door speakers and keep the Bose amp, JBL makes some 2 ohm 6.5" speakers that sound pretty nice, way better than the Bose IMO. Here's a thread on them:http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/door-speakers-with-no-amp-waste-of-time.78888/

 

[Chetrick87]

Ya it distorts fast and doesnt even get loud. I mainly use usb with my ipod hooked up to the back of my avh8400 or bluetooth. And it just sounds horrible. When i use the radio i turn it all the way up and i can barely hear it. In going to take it apart and see if theres two inputs tomorrow. Ill let you know what interface it is.

 

[Chetrick87]

Gmos lan2 i think

 

[Ponchonutty]

I first used the PAC unit with my Pioneer and thought it sounded ok then it quit. I replaced it with the Maestro kit and about peed myself because of the sound being sooo much better. Maestro has the ability to adjust the voltage to the stock amp. Really helped things. http://maestro.idatalink.com

 

[reedal]

Gmos lan2 i think

The Axxess GMOS-LAN-02 has an adjustable audio level potentiometer on it. I believe that's your main issue. If you go by the instructions, turn radio volume up 3/4 of the way up while playing music, and adjust the potentiometer on the Axxess module until it is at the desired audio level. Clockwise to raise it, counter clockwise to lower it. You want to lower it.

I have issues with the way those instructions are, but they're created to make the beginner DIY-er able to follow them and have the results they want. If you need more assistance, PM me, and I'll provide what I can. I hope this helps you out.