new 2010 LS Hoe with stock stereo

[nikski9098]

Hello All.this is my first post....I've been looking and reading a while for ideas, solutions and all the above for answers to my questions... I hope you all can help now...

I Just purchased a 10 LS Tahoe 4x4 with a very terrible sound system....

I was wondering

1) will my warranty be void if I put any after market head unit/system in there? My friend said I have to get GM interface and i should be fine?

2) what is a nice head unit that fits, works, and people love on here/happy with? I noticed a few pioneers.... would like a cd player that works with all my onstar, xm, etc...Navi not a must but probably should get it since I'm not getting rid of it anytime soon..... Any thoughts ideas or suggestions....?

3)I've read people like the stealth box and am contemplating getting one. I have the 3 seats in the front (like a bench with the middle seat I'll never use because of the armrest) where I believe the stealth box for my hoe would go. and my only option? is there another place to put a speaker? Ive read about the jack compartment and amp under the seat possibly?

I'm just going to start with the head unit and see how much better that sounds, then was going to the door speakers. then sub....I dont want a completion system or anything, but something clear sounding, nice little bump like in my 02 trailblazer bose system I traded in.... oh and I'm having someone install all this, I'm trying to make it easy on them. I know nothing about doing any of this...

please help and thank you...!

 

[blueflamed03]

welcome Nik.

The sound system capabilities are endless. Headunits come with so many variable add ons now days, no one sticks out. Alpine, Pioneer, etc all make great head untits. the ebst is go to several aftermarket car audio shops and search what you like, and has the functiions you want.
Changing the headunit, and wanting to keep al the OEM GM stuff working, you will need a seperate adapter/harness/relay. Depending on unit you get, and services your GM truck has. The dealer can also order these for you.

Speaker replacement is a big upgrade, just swapping speakers helps. But to dramatically increase, getting an amplifier for them.
Get good components up front, as that's your main source of music.
You could even do a 5 channel amp, that has a four channel A/B amp up front, and a class D portion for a small sub. Hide it under the seat, or install it to show.

 

[StevenFromTexas]

I Just purchased a 10 LS Tahoe 4x4 with a very terrible sound system....

So the terrible 2010 Tahoe sound system isn't an imaginary problem I've noticed, huh? The speakers in my 1995 Chevrolet short-bed pickup sound clearer and better than those in my 2010 Tahoe.

 

[nikski9098]

Thank you blueflamed...! I went to a local audio shop yesterday and got 2 quotes.... 2900 and 2600...

both quotes were with the stealthbox..(that things expensive, 599) wondering if its even worth it at this point...

the head unit the $2600 guy was offering was alpine w900bt with all navi, xm (which both said was like $200 to install working with unit & truck) reverse camera, all alpine speakers in doors (not sure which ones) single channel amp i think he said for stealth box? and it would sound "nice" ... again, I'm not trying to be blowing the car next to me out...but $2600 to sound nice and hidden?

anyways, I'll look online at dif prices and hope to find the same equipment way cheaper and have a friend professionally put it all in...

(Changing the headunit, and wanting to keep al the OEM GM stuff working, you will need a seperate adapter/harness/relay. Depending on unit you get, and services your GM truck has. The dealer can also order these for you.)

so i just call the dealer and give him my vin# head unit spec and they will get all I need to make sure everything will work correctly...?

(You could even do a 5 channel amp, that has a four channel A/B amp up front, and a class D portion for a small sub. Hide it under the seat, or install it to show)

Thank you I like this idea much better and sounds much cheaper, now i just have to find a place to "hide" it? any recommendations on the amp? etc?

StevenfromTexas, ya the Tahoe stock is terrible! maybe i was just spoiled with my trailblazer bose system.....

any more feedback/ideas from anyone/everyone is MUCH appreciated... I'm not looking to spend anywhere near 2600...i was thinking 1000/1500 for system without install....my friend is putting it all in for me....

 

[blueflamed03]

the HU with NAV/backup camera, etc, will be expensive.
The Stealthbox is $600 of that cost, when you can small simple boxes for about $250 that will do the job, spend the rest of a good 5 channel amp to power it all with. I bet they planned to run all front speakers off HU, and mono amp on Stealth box.

 

[Modded]

Thank you blueflamed...! I went to a local audio shop yesterday and got 2 quotes.... 2900 and 2600...

both quotes were with the stealthbox..(that things expensive, 599) wondering if its even worth it at this point...

the head unit the $2600 guy was offering was alpine w900bt with all navi, xm (which both said was like $200 to install working with unit & truck) reverse camera, all alpine speakers in doors (not sure which ones) single channel amp i think he said for stealth box? and it would sound "nice" ... again, I'm not trying to be blowing the car next to me out...but $2600 to sound nice and hidden?

anyways, I'll look online at dif prices and hope to find the same equipment way cheaper and have a friend professionally put it all in...

(Changing the headunit, and wanting to keep al the OEM GM stuff working, you will need a seperate adapter/harness/relay. Depending on unit you get, and services your GM truck has. The dealer can also order these for you.)

so i just call the dealer and give him my vin# head unit spec and they will get all I need to make sure everything will work correctly...?

(You could even do a 5 channel amp, that has a four channel A/B amp up front, and a class D portion for a small sub. Hide it under the seat, or install it to show)

Thank you I like this idea much better and sounds much cheaper, now i just have to find a place to "hide" it? any recommendations on the amp? etc?

StevenfromTexas, ya the Tahoe stock is terrible! maybe i was just spoiled with my trailblazer bose system.....

any more feedback/ideas from anyone/everyone is MUCH appreciated... I'm not looking to spend anywhere near 2600...i was thinking 1000/1500 for system without install....my friend is putting it all in for me....

What a ripoff shop. You can pull that Navi online ($1200) with an Alpine amp and this box/sub (http://cgi.ebay.com/MTX-ThunderForm...506?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19bbff716a) which is better than the JL one in the first place.

 

[nikski9098]

yes blueflame, I believe he was going to run the speakers off the HU and the amp with the stealthbox.....I think It would be worth it to get a great head unit, with navi, and camera...I'm not gettn rid of the truck for a long time and want to enjoy it thoughly... I'll be shopping around for a lil cheaper one with all those perks....


Modded- That is awesome ! thank you for finding that for me....but It says i have to have bucket seats to install...I have the 40/20/40 seats in the front with the huge armrest....I emailed the ebay seller to see if they have one that doesnt require bucket seats.....Hope this works out... I'm not jumping into anything and impulse buying...i want to make sure i have it all ect. For the HU i have to get a bunch up different components i understand as well....the guy at the 2600 place said 200 for xm hookup, 200 for reverse cameras..everyone is tryin to get in my pocket....

again, thank you all for your help...I'll keep you all updated....

 

[Keanen55]

What a ripoff shop. You can pull that Navi online ($1200) with an Alpine amp and this box/sub (http://cgi.ebay.com/MTX-ThunderForm...506?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19bbff716a) which is better than the JL one in the first place.

I have that MTX box and I'm impressed!!!

 

[Modded]

Modded- That is awesome ! thank you for finding that for me....but It says i have to have bucket seats to install...I have the 40/20/40 seats in the front with the huge armrest........

Oh I did not even think about you having an LS before I posted that. With an LS, he JL may be your only option unless you just get something built custom for somwhere else in the car, like the quarter panel install that is pretty common on these Tahoes for custom installs.http://www.truckinweb.com/tech/1005tr_2007_gmc_yukon_buildup/index.html

My friend works for Best Buy so he helps me get deals on electronics, but you should go after a Kenwood navi system over any toher brand, they are all around the best.

---------- Post added at 01:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:21 AM ----------

I have that MTX box and I'm impressed!!!

How good does it sound, I may be getting one soon.

 

[nikski9098]

"but you should go after a Kenwood navi system over any other brand, they are all around the best."

any one in particular you recommend modded ? I don't think I'm going to do that custom fiberglass install... thanks for the idea...

I'll shop around or look for maybe used stealth box on craigslist etc....no rush...I'm excited to get it all in...but I have to shop around and make sure I have all that's needed....After i get HU picked out, next step would be all the "extras" i have to buy for xm, steering wheel column, rear camera possibly, and only you all know what else....is there a website that tells you exactly what is needed so I don't have to keep bugging all you..?