New speakers with Bose system?

[mikeb33]

My Denali has the factory nav and dvd so I don't want to change the headunit, but I would like to make it sound better.
As far as I have read, you aren't supposed to replace the Bose speakers only. Why is this? Is it the impedance?
There seems to be millions of cars with the Bose deal, why doesn't somebody make exact fit replacements that sound better?

Also what's the deal with the subwoofer? Is it in the console? I don't have room for a box or tube in back. Could anything be done in the console to get better bass?

 

[Fast55]

The factory amps are matched to the speakers. I haven't seen or heard of a very good upgrade to just the speakers, it usually involves replacing everything except the head unit, big $$$ unless you just want more bass, then an added amp and sub sound pretty good. Of topic, what did you think of the predator tuner?

 

[KMeloney]

Lots of discussion on these questions. Do some checking around.

In a nutshell, yes, you can add aftermarket speakers to the factory Bose headunit (I did), but not without a converter. I don't recall what the unit was that was installed in mine, but I'll try to find out for you. I'm sure that Bose does this so that people opt for the premium sound systems in new vehicles [knowing that it takes more effort to swap out parts].

As for the bass, yes, it's in the center console. Get a JL Stealthbox (ditto on me doing that). It, too, goes where the factory sub went, isn't seen, takes up no additional space whatsoever, and gives the low end you're looking for. If you're looking for insane bass, then nothing will beat 4 subs in the back. But for some serious low end kick, the Stealthbox is pretty incredible.

I had 4 10"s in my '02 Tahoe, but wasn't willing to give up space for bass in my '09. The Stealthbox really does a nice job.

 

[TIM Z]

The Bose speakers vary in resistance( ohms) .
they are " tuned" for each vehicle they are put in by Bose, so thats why its hard to just retrofit a new speaker and use the factory amp.

You can take out a speaker and measure its resistance and then you can buy a better one to replace it.

I have the Bose system in my Duramax as well as my 05 tahoe Z71.

I have added a JL 10 under my rear seat in my truck along with a Kicker ZR240 amp.

It sounds great , compliments the factory system, and adds the punch ive been missing. Does not distort at all at max volume.

When im ready to upgrade my door speakers ( if i do) i will ditch the bose amp and just buy a nice 4 channel and new components for the doors.

Good luck, but try to just add a sub / amp to your factory system, i bet you'll be happier.

---------- Post added at 10:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:11 AM ----------

And to answer your last question, yes, you can buy a stealth box from JL audio that fits inside your console. Thats probably your best option to not take up space and have great bass.

 

[KMeloney]

Fast55 filled in the blanks. Yeah, you're replacing EVERYTHING except for the headunit. New speakers won't work off the factory amp. And it'll take a little messing around with the gain to get your factory chimes at the appropriate level (and you'll lose chimes like the rear hatch opening/closing when the car is turned off).

 

[MOBmentality]

Its not super expensive to to a full system off the stock HU though.. we are trying to get narco to do his now and his is doing a pretty ridiculous setup and its still gonna only cost us $420 in speakers $200 in wires and LOC .. and another $300 in used amps..

So under a grand.. using GREAT high end stuff.. Thats is all Focal Highs and RF amps with a 6 channel line out converter and everything is rated at 94db plus efficiency...

This could cut down to $235
If you used a cheaper loc ($20) and didnt use focal highs ($40 a set for Rockford Fosgate Punch) $50 wiring kit and a 4 channel RF amp for $125

That doesnt include any bass.. but it will be an upgrade over your bose and you can do the loc around the bose and leave the stock sub connected for now.

I think personally would run a nicer set of highs.. Focal Access is $150 a set.. and are the entry level speaker from the company that i think is gods gift to sound.

There are a million options for your sub setups.. so ill leave that alone.. but dont be scared to navigate around youre stock setup.. its not as bad as it sounds

 

[nytahoe]

You can do i. just have to get some hi lows and bypass the amp. and get a new 4ch