Need Audio System Advice

[ChevyGuy]

OK, first thread here on this forum. Mechanical mods I have a good handle on, but when it comes to sound systems I'm a total newb.... I've read through a few pages of threads in this section, and can't find the answers I'm looking for.

I have a 2008 LTZ Bose system without navigation. It has the rear DVD. I've been out to several car audio shops in the area, and they all want to sell me systems that replace all the components at a price that's about 10% of the value of the vehicle

I'm looking for ideas on how to improve the sound without breaking the bank. I'm not comfortable doing the install myself, so I'm going to have to rely on a shop to install. But there has to be something that will give me what I'm looking for at a reasonable price.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[Fearz]

Ok if you don't have the touch screen. The stock radio doesn't have any RCA outs so you need a signal interface. This splices into you speaker wires and has RCA outs to go to a amp. The one I have is the RE-Q http://www.amazon.com/MTX-restoration-processor-response-factory/dp/B000PK2ZLM
That is most important part of a aftermarket audio system on a non touch screen Tahoe. Without that there is no signal to the amp.

^ ignore the shop trying to replace everything because there is no need.
Buy things you want online and have them install it. I saved lots of $$$ buy bringing my own amps and wires cause my local shop prices are way out this world.

After you get a signal you could hook up aftermarket amps and run them to where ever. Look in to some component speakers and do some searches on google to find reviews on a set

^ same goes for amps and subs

Just find a set of component speakers(mid & tweeter) that you want to know more about and then google review and find out what other people say about the sound. I did that for my old dodge 2 hrs ago. Look on forums like SoundSolutionsAudio or Steve Meade Designs or Car audio. Most likely those will pop up when you google search.

Finding out what kind of sound you like will be the hardest thing once you do that you can narrow down what speakers you like. If possible listen to the set you want and ask questions to the people who have them. For me what makes a good set of components is a soft smooth tweeter but you could like a screaming one. Same goes for bass. Do you like punchy bass found more in up tempo music or do you like very low notes that will vibrate you car to pieces.

 

[AtomicHoe094]

As long as you keep all your factory speakers, wiring, headunit, you wont lose any value unless you try and sell it with all aftermarket stuff in it. Dont splice or cut any wires and youll be golden.

 

[ChevyGuy]

Ok if you don't have the touch screen. The stock radio doesn't have any RCA outs so you need a signal interface. This splices into you speaker wires and has RCA outs to go to a amp. The one I have is the RE-Q http://www.amazon.com/MTX-restoration-processor-response-factory/dp/B000PK2ZLM
That is most important part of a aftermarket audio system on a non touch screen Tahoe. Without that there is no signal to the amp.

^ ignore the shop trying to replace everything because there is no need.
Buy things you want online and have them install it. I saved lots of $$$ buy bringing my own amps and wires cause my local shop prices are way out this world.

After you get a signal you could hook up aftermarket amps and run them to where ever. Look in to some component speakers and do some searches on google to find reviews on a set

^ same goes for amps and subs

I could go on for days but if you ask I will send you a pm with everything you should take into conideration. I'm just tired of typing on my tablet .

As soon as I get my 10th post I'll shoot you a note

 

[Fearz]

^ oh yeah I just got past that number. I will try to add a little something to my post everyday.

 

[blueflamed03]

What all do you want done? Add just a sub? IMHO the factory does good already, then you do have a ton of interfaces you'd have to do if you swapped everything out.

What are your goals?

 

[Kolt-46]

What all do you want done? Add just a sub? IMHO the factory does good already, then you do have a ton of interfaces you'd have to do if you swapped everything out.

What are your goals?

Great response. I worked in the industry for years. The Bose system makes it a whole lot more work to do much of anything. If you're just looking to add an aftermarket amp / sub, the line output converter will work. If you want to do anything to the interior speakers, I wouldn't recommend this option because of low signal output + potential ground loop noise (whine).

If you are going to integrate using the factory head unit, I would recommend spending the money on an AudioControl interface (http://www.audiocontrol.com/t34/17612/OEM-Integration.html). I've had great success using these pieces because they provide a quality signal and high pre-amp output voltage.

You will also have to find out how the Bose system is setup. Depending on the factory amp, you may have to run new speaker wire into your door panels. If you can bypass the Bose amps and use the existing wires, you will save yourself a lot of time and money.

As blueflamed03 suggested, it's all about how deep you want to get into it.

 

[Fearz]

I completely forgot about audio control. I love the epic-160.

---------- Post added at 08:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:32 PM ----------

What all do you want done? Add just a sub? IMHO the factory does good already, then you do have a ton of interfaces you'd have to do if you swapped everything out.

What are your goals?

I probably should have asked those questions at first before I typed that long response.

---------- Post added at 08:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:33 PM ----------

I had to run new wire to all the doors. That was so annoying because it's just time consuming.

 

[ChevyGuy]

Like I said above, I'm looking for ideas on how to improve the sound without breaking the bank. I'm not comfortable doing the install myself, so I'm going to have to rely on a shop to install. But there has to be something that will give me what I'm looking for at a reasonable price. The Bose sound seems a bit "muddy" to me, if that makes sense. It's not very crisp.

I realize that working with the factory system is a pain, just hoping that somebody out htere has some good value for the $$$ ideas for me.

 

[Fearz]

Like I said above, I'm looking for ideas on how to improve the sound without breaking the bank. I'm not comfortable doing the install myself, so I'm going to have to rely on a shop to install. But there has to be something that will give me what I'm looking for at a reasonable price. The Bose sound seems a bit "muddy" to me, if that makes sense. It's not very crisp.

I realize that working with the factory system is a pain, just hoping that somebody out htere has some good value for the $$$ ideas for me.

Muddy as in lacking vocally?

 

[ChevyGuy]

Muddy as in the sound does not seem crisp and clean to me. I know describing sound is difficult.

 

[blueflamed03]

It should be ok, just lacking low end bass, which can be easily changed by adding a powered subwoofer in the back...my Bose was good for many years before I pulled it all...

 

[ChevyGuy]

I will look into that, sounds like a good way to start. Thanks.