Car Stereos: 2006 GMC Envoy, rear cargo area, line output converter

Question
I have a GMC Envoy with the stock Bose head unit. Can I hook a sub with a amp up to it, if so what will i need? thanks

Answer
Hi Teddy,

You can certainly connect an amplifier and subwoofer to the factory audio system.  To do this, you'll need an amplifier that's equipped with speaker level or high level inputs, or you'll need a device called a line output converter.  Either way, you'll need to make connections to the factory speaker wiring in order to get an audio signal to the amplifier.  The stock audio system isn't equipped with RCA pre-amp outputs like an after-market radio, so the speaker wires are the only source you can tap to get the sound into your amplifier.

The design of your Bose audio system means that there's no factory speaker wiring available in the stock radio harness; you'll have to tap the speaker wiring between the factory amp (located under the side panel in the rear cargo area) and the speakers.  You don't have to disconnect the speakers to connect a line output converter or an amplifier's high-level input wires.  Usually, I'll make my connections right at the factory amp plug, but that requires taking apart the side panels in the cargo area (usually it's on the passenger side, but some models put the amp on the driver's side).  Another option is to find the speaker wires going into each front door, in the front kick panels.

If you're not looking for a extremely loud bass, you might want to check out an amplified subwoofer system, like Infinity's Basslink.  These types of systems are often designed specifically for use with factory audio systems.

Hope this helps!

Brian

Hope this helps!

Brian