Recommend a head unit

[coppertahoe]

Hey everyone. I know absolutely nothing about stereos/speakers/etc. Anyways Ive got a friend giving me two 12 inch subs already in an enclosure and with two amps.

I have no idea what im doing, but from reading online it does not seem too bad to wire up. What im wondering is whether or not I should go to an aftermarket head unit, or will my stock one work?

And if i need an aftermarket, could you guys recommend one that would be real easy to swap into the truck. Hopefully not too expensive as well. Thanks!

 

[NathanJax]

Aftermarket will definitely give you better sound. If you're not 100% sure on doing the install, please have someone else do it. I've seen cars burn down because of bad stereo wiring.


As far as the radio itself, any radio will wire the same way. You'll need a wiring harness, dash kit and antenna adapter

 

[ccapehartusarmyINF.(ret)]

clarion cz702 i got one and its awsome
tons of features bluetooth sirrius pandora 3 sets of 5volt preouts
it has a feature so you can match the backlight color to the rest of your dash
wiring up the harness is pretty easy pretty much match up the colors
the only thiing is if your using the factory speakers you need to wire up the power antenna wire in the harness even though you dont have one this basically turns on the factory amp

 

[trevcda]

the only thiing is if your using the factory speakers you need to wire up the power antenna wire in the harness even though you dont have one this basically turns on the factory amp

Use the amp turn on wire, not the power antenna wire, unless you only want that factory amp on when you're listening to radio.

As far as a recommendation goes, what are you looking for in a head unit? They are all over the map as far as features go and sticking with the big boys (Kenwood, Clarion, Sony, Pioneer, etc.) most of the time they all make a deck with similar features at a similar price. Unless you have to have it yesterday, go Crutchfield online and get a catalog and educate yourself. Find out what features are available and make a list. Then go find a deck the suits your needs. One of the features I'm digging these days are the decks that are controllable via smart phone app. I have one in the ******* Jeep where I have the deck buried (can't steal what you can't find!) and control it with my phone. I haven't actually seen it since I put it in. Could be handy if you liked camping in your Tahoe.

 

[Deephaven]

Differentiation in sound doesn't exist so much in the "real" brands anymore, features on the other hand for sure. Shop for what you want it to do and make sure it is from a reputable company.

 

[coppertahoe]

Thanks for all the help guys. I think im just gonna stick with the stock head unit for now, since it suits my needs just fine. It does everything I really use it for.

Now for wiring the new subs. Does anyone know where I should sneak the power wire into the cabin from the engine compartment at?

 

[getonerd]

i just ran my 0 ga underneath the car and drill holes near the rear seats that where i have my amps at

 

[coppertahoe]

Awesome, thanks for the pics. I just might do that too since its way easier than hiding them behind the panels

 

[trevcda]

Just a quick safety PSA: Not to bag on getonerd's install, but always be sure to use actual plastic grommets (silicone is not the same thing) anywhere you ********* sheet metal and regardless of any other fuses in your system always place a system fuse within 18" of your battery connection. Failure to do so can land you with one seriously cooked (read: car fire) Tahoe.

 

[getonerd]

I forgot that part the silicone is my backup just in case but I do some muddin someday