2003 Suburban Audio System Upgrade Help

[SUBURBIAN]

The factory system is the Bose setup with the sub in the center console, without navigation, without onstar. I've replaced the HU with a double din Pioneer (MVH210EX), and a little plastic module that I thought was supposed to retain the door chime/headlight on chime/seat memory chime along with the steering wheel controls. The intention was to upgrade and keep all factory functions and the crotchfield guy said this was the right part for the job.

The module has two wires that are supposed to plug in to a small chime to keep the door chime and other chimes working. It sounded awful and did not work to alert that headlights were on with key off. Also no beep when working driver seat memory. Very annoying and disappointing when you expect to retain all factory functions to find out most are not retained.

The factory speakers in the doors are pretty underwhelming with the HU having been replaced. They distort and buzz certain notes at higher volume. I've read that the door speakers can be easily replaced with any component or 2 way/3 way 5-1/4 to 6-1/2" round speakers. I've also read that the wiring/circuitry in the truck will only work for the bose speakers and connectors.


Is there a different piece or module that retains the other chimes that went through the factory HU to the speakers?

What is the deal with being able to upgrade the door speakers?

 

[camaroz2887]

Hmm what module did u use? There’s many configurations available from multiple companies, all comes down to the options u want and how much u wanna spend. Many people use companies like Metra,PAC, and Idatalink.

When it comes to replacing speakers with factory amp/head unit power you’ll want to use speakers as close as possible to the same ohms as factory with low rms and high frequency response. Truly there is more to consider but for most people that’ll make ya happy.

A lot of people do reduce the ohms of the speaker to try to achieve more power from the factory amp but that COULD be at the expense of your amps life at some point. Sorry I haven’t delved into the door speakers on my Tahoe so I don’t have any specific #s or part #s. Most speakers will sound better than the Bose speakers their nothing special.

And finally the wiring is up to choice as long as ur only talkin bout door speakers. Spend money on connectors you wire to the speaker for plug and play that I’m pretty sure someone makes or cut and solder directly. No magic there, just don’t reverse polarity.

Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong it’s been a few months since I looked into stereo but that should b a head start.

I know I talk to much,
Good luck

 

[Joseph Garcia]

When I upgraded my audio system, I completely removed all Bose components and replaced them with good aftermarket components. While Bose has a good reputation in general for audio systems, their default sound parameters (highs, mediums, lows in relation to each other) are not aligned with my sound parameter preferences.

First, if you have not already done so, re-engage Crutchfield regarding your loss of functionality with the auxiliary chimes and related sounds. Crutchfield is usually quite good with their recommendations regarding the correct components to link together, and perhaps, they can help you troubleshoot your issue. My 'guess' is that you may have connected something wrong with your 'plastic module'. When I made my conversion, I only lost the use of my backup camera from displaying on my HU, and that was something that I could live with.

Regarding sound degradation in sound coming from your speakers, my guess is that there is some type of pre-amp level setting mismatch between your new HU and the Bose amplifier. If you are receiving sound degradation at higher levels of volume, my guess is that your pre-amp out setting from your new HU is too high for the pre-amp level in setting on the Bose amplifier.

Keep us updated on your troubleshooting efforts, and I'm sure that other folks on this Forum who changed their HU and kept the rest of the Bose system in place can offer some advice and recommendations.

 

[DougAMiller]

The factory system is the Bose setup with the sub in the center console, without navigation, without onstar. I've replaced the HU with a double din Pioneer (MVH210EX), and a little plastic module that I thought was supposed to retain the door chime/headlight on chime/seat memory chime along with the steering wheel controls. The intention was to upgrade and keep all factory functions and the crotchfield guy said this was the right part for the job.

The module has two wires that are supposed to plug in to a small chime to keep the door chime and other chimes working. It sounded awful and did not work to alert that headlights were on with key off. Also no beep when working driver seat memory. Very annoying and disappointing when you expect to retain all factory functions to find out most are not retained.

The factory speakers in the doors are pretty underwhelming with the HU having been replaced. They distort and buzz certain notes at higher volume. I've read that the door speakers can be easily replaced with any component or 2 way/3 way 5-1/4 to 6-1/2" round speakers. I've also read that the wiring/circuitry in the truck will only work for the bose speakers and connectors.


Is there a different piece or module that retains the other chimes that went through the factory HU to the speakers?

What is the deal with being able to upgrade the door speakers?

Just another option to consider. You could do the factory LUX amp and HU upgrade. While it won't compete with a nice aftermarket setup, it does sound considerably better than what your Suburban came with. The LUX is what Escalades and Denalis came with, and was not available in the others. I did the Premium Bose (factory Tahoe system) to LUX Bose upgrade and have been pretty happy with the result. Added bonus is no adapters and everything works like it is supposed to. The AMP and HU can be had on ebay for ~$300 if you look around, that's about what I spent.

The LUX Bose amp is considerably better than the Premium Bose amp, and it really wakes up the factory speakers and sub woofer. If this interests you, I'd suggest you look at DURAtotheMAX's thread on how to do it here:

https://www.dieselplace.com/forum/7...roduct-reviews/40437-diy-lux-nav-install.html

 

[SUBURBIAN]

Rechecking all connections afforded me full functionality of the chime module in all of its lameness. It does work for all warnings but sounds like garbage. I'm thinking I'm going to try to wire in the chime box from my GMT400 and see if it will work.

Thanks for the info on the LUX upgrade, but I'm not interested. I'm keeping the HU I've already installed, just want better speakers in the doors.