Car Stereos: 6 disc cd changer, suburban z71, rca output

Question
I have 2004 Suburban Z71; I would like to hook my amp to the stock cd player, but not sure if it will have the ports for my amp. It has the BOSE system; Will I be able to keep the cd player or should I put in a after market? I haven't tried pulling the stock cd player out yet, just wanted to know if I'm able to use it.

Answer
Hi Nathanael,

You won't find RCA output jacks on the back of the factory head unit, but you can still use an amplifier with the stock audio system.  You'd need either an amplifier with a high-level input feature, or a device called a line-out converter.  Both of these options require you to make connections to the factory speaker wiring.

If you're installing a 4-channel amplifier, meant to be used with replacement after-market front and rear speakers, then you might want to look at the PAC AOEM-GM24 interface.  This is easily installed behind the head unit, and can convert the output from the Bose stereo to a 4-channel RCA output for your amplifier.  It also provides a remote turn-on wire for activating the new amp.

If you're just adding an amplifier and subs, you can still use the AOEM-GM24, but it's a little more than you need.  Alternately, you can connect a standard line-output converter (available at any car audio store) to the factory subwoofer wiring.   Your stock sub is a little hard to find; it's located at the front of the center console, facing forward.  The easiest way to tap the subwoofer wires is to get to the factory amplifier, located underneath the center console storage area.    If you have an amp with high-level inputs, you don't need a line-out converter; you can just extend the wires from the amp's input to the  factory amplifier location and tap into the factory speaker wires there.  Note that you would not make your connections at the back of the head unit if you're using a standard line-out converter or a high-level input; you'll need to tap into the speaker wires after they leave the factory amplifier.

Hope this helps!

Brian