If you use your truck for work, day-to-day activities, or for tugging the boat to the river run, chances are you spend as much time with your rear planted in the driver's seat as you do watching a flat screen television from your couch. So why are you listening to that horrid, factory audio system? With the time you spend in your truck, shouldn't you make your time as enjoyable as possible?
While the fraternal twins-Silverado and Sierra-remain a close second in overall sales next to the Ford F-series, their sheer numbers indicate there are a lot of you distressing your ears. And, unless you're one of the few who opted for the Topline Chevy LTZ or GMC SLT model featuring the (lackluster) premium Bose speaker system, the audio in your truck likely consists of the basic (and even more lackluster) four-in-the-doors speaker system, which is what this article will focus on.
Now, before you go digging into your wallet to remind yourself of your miserly recessionary paycheck, know you don't have to spend a month's salary to get good sound-a small-to-moderate investment will improve the performance of your HD's audio system tenfold. Let's take a look at some different options that are available for upgrading your audio system without breaking the bank.
Signal-summing devices work much like a line-level converter. They, too, turn speaker output from the radio into lower-voltage signal usable by amplifiers. However, signal-summing devices are best used in systems such as the premium Bose option, where multiple amplified channels are used-a pair for the tweeters, midrange, and sub. In order for an aftermarket amplifier to be used, these signals need to be summed together so that they form a full bandwidth over the audible spectrum. Signal-summing devices do exactly that-they take chopped-up signal and make it whole again. The Audio Control LC6i, at $150, is a great example.
| audio System Upgrades For 2007 2009 Chevy Gmc Hd audio Control Lc6i
Line-level converters are simple tools. They work by intercepting the speaker wires from the radio to the speakers and turning them into lower-voltage, RCA-style interconnects typically used to carry signal from a radio to an amplifier. Conventional converters, such as the Scosche SLC4 shown here, are available for about $25. But choose wisely, as some amplifiers already have these built into them.
| audio System Upgrades For 2007 2009 Chevy Gmc Hd conventional Converter
Where To start
If you want to spend your money wisely, you should be asking your local retailer: Do I need to replace my source unit (radio)? To this, the reply should be "no." Today, there are interface tools that allow you to use the factory radio and all its functions while integrating an amplifier and upgraded speakers. There are three basic variations of these devices-line-level converters, signal-summing devices, and DSP-based OEM interfaces.
Source Units
If there are integration tools like those above, what's the benefit of using an aftermarket head unit? In fact, there are several. The first and foremost is sound quality. Aftermarket units are typically designed with this in mind, and thereby are also ready for use with aftermarket amplifiers. Aftermarket source units incorporate several features not commonly found in some of the factory units, such as a direct iPod connection, USB input, Bluetooth, crossovers, equalizers, etc. It's also typical for these units to offer high power outputs (50 watts x 4) for those who would rather forgo using an external amplifier.
The biggest downside to installing an aftermarket radio is that you will also be required to purchase additional items, such as a wiring harness and dash kit. And, if your vehicle is equipped with OnStar and/or the Bose premium system, you will need an additional interface for everything to work properly. These devices can get expensive, ranging upward of $160 on top of the installation and the cost of the radio.
Let's not forget navigation. If you're not subscribing to OnStar's pricey Directions and Connections plan ($299/yr) yet would like to upgrade with navigation, you have two choices. The first is to purchase an aftermarket replacement source unit featuring navigation. Almost all of the big Japanese manufacturers-such as Alpine, Clarion, Eclipse, and Kenwood-offer a variety of systems. Base models typically start around $600, and quick-routing, feature-prone units top $1,200-hardly within our recessionary budget. Plus, these units are stuck in one vehicle and most are worthless if you find yourself venturing off the beaten path.
DSP-based OEM interfaces, like the other interfaces, get signal from the speaker outputs. Unlike those others, the signal is not simply converted-it takes the analog signal from the radio and converts it to a digital signal. Once in the digital domain, the signal can be easily altered. This is particularly helpful when the factory system uses its own DSP to manipulate the sound. For example, the JL Audio CleanSweep CL441-dsp ($349) takes the altered signal from the source unit and cleans it by removing the equalization and corrects for any time delay that may have been built into the frequency band. It then converts the signal back to analog to be used by amplifiers downstream. Fortunately, the base systems in both the Chevy and GM don't require the complexity of this type of interface.
| audio System Upgrades For 2007 2009 Chevy Gmc Hd jl Audio Cleansweep
Amplification
There are a lot of things to think about when buying an amplifier. Power is usually on top of everybody's list, but in a truck with little interior space to spare, size should rank as a primary concern. This is where a multi-channel amplifier comes in handy. In the Silverado/Sierra, we know we have four primary channels to power-the front and rear door speakers-but we would also like to add a subwoofer. This means we need five or six channels of power for our system. Fortunately, there are several manufacturers offering amplifiers as such.
| The Pioneer FH-P8000BT ($330) double-DIN CD receiver features USB direct control of iPod, Bluetooth for cellular (can memorize up to 3,600 different phone numbers) and audio streaming, and Advanced Sound Retriever to restore the sound of compressed music.
There are a couple other benefits of running a single chassis, multi-channel amp. The first is power cable-instead of having to run power to each amp, you can get away with one set, which will save you dough ('cause copper ain't cheap!). In addition, most multi-channel amps allow for channel summing for the fifth and sixth channels, which means you can save cash by not having to pay for that third RCA cable.
On the other hand, if you are a die-hard, multi-amp personality, you are certainly open to more options. Using more than one amp enables you to better choose the power requirements for your system. Just be prepared to spend more money on a pair of amps than you would on a comparable multi-channel amp.
Factory Replacements
The easiest and most important upgrade to your system is replacing those factory speakers. In the Silverado/Sierra, each front door houses a 6 1/2-inch speaker, while the rears utilize 5 1/4-inch speakers. These sizes are pretty standard-ones that every brand speaker manufacturer will employ in both coax and component.
Another choice is to look at portable, standalone GPS navigation units. Not only are they considerably cheaper-a Garmin nuvi 260 can be had at Costco for $130-they are also transferable, enabling users to move them from truck to motorcycle to car. Some can even be used for hiking, others for marine. Regardless of their ultimate destination, portable GPS makes better monetary sense in this tight economy.
| audio System Upgrades For 2007 2009 Chevy Gmc Hd gps Navigation Unit
When it comes to choosing speakers, don't be jaded into thinking one type is better than the other. Components typically cost more than coaxials, yet are often no better for it. Also, keep cosmetics out of the equation. A speaker may sport a carbon fiber cone that is drop-dead sexy, but it may not sound any better than one with a simple polypropylene cone. Think about it this way-Angelina Jolie is no sexier than Jennifer Hudson with the curtains closed, and when mounted behind door panels, the only thing that matters from your speakers is the sound.
Clarion's FZ709 ($350) provides USB connectivity with iPod for audio as well as video, while its OEL display and touch sensor operation keep the look and performance cutting edge. BBE MP enhances the performance of compressed music, while the built-in Bluetooth offers hands-free cellular operation and audio streaming.
| audio System Upgrades For 2007 2009 Chevy Gmc Hd clarion Fz709
Advice: Go into your retailer blind, listen to speakers before you buy (unless you trust your retailer's advice), and don't be afraid to audition speakers that come in below your budget. Also, don't feel you need to use the same speakers for the rear as the front. The rears are just adding ambiance, so spend the money where it counts the most-the front speakers.
Adding A Subwoofer
Replacement speakers are no doubt the most effective way to improve the sound in your GM truck, but adding a subwoofer will fill the low end where those smaller speakers cannot. The easiest way to achieve this is via prefabricated units like the JL Audio SB-GM-SLVCC/10W3v3. This dual 10-inch subwoofer system fits neatly under the rear seats while maintaining a factory GM appearance. Problem is, it's not wallet friendly at $899 retail, and quite frankly, it's overkill for most people's normal listening habits. The solution is to have a custom enclosure made by a car audio retail outlet, which should run you $125 to $175. Add in the cost of a 10-inch subwoofer (a single driver should do) that is well mated to the power of the amplifier you choose (such as the $120 Pioneer TS-W1008D4 shown here), and total cost of box and driver should be in the range of $250 to $300.
Budget System
Want it all but don't want to spend a lot of money? Here's an example of a basic system that comes in under $1,500 (installed), complete with navigation and solid-performing components used throughout.
Scosche SLC4
$25
JL Audio G6600
$499
Pioneer Premier TS-D702P
$160
Pioneer Premier TS-G1342R
$50
Clarion SFW1051
$199
Custom enclosure
$125
Magellan RoadMate 1430
$199
Parts and Labor (3hrs. x $75)
$225
Total
$1,482
