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Suggestions For Standard 2003 Stereo Upgrade

G

gstreak

Charter Member
Full Member
Joined
Mar 22, 2002
Messages
220
Location
Sacramento Valley
The 2003 standard stereo HU is allegedly better than the 2002. So far, I have seen no posts on upgrading this stereo. I can crank it up about 90% with no perceivable distortion. But, with the windows down it is not particularly loud.
It needs more overall power and more punch on the base. I do not want to compromise the function of the mid-gate for a sub-woofer nor do I need the20-50Hz thump. There doesn't seem to be room for one anyway. I also do not want to replace the factory HU with an after market unit with those wimpy little buttons. I have read that more efficient speakers can make a difference. Does anybody know if the 2002 and 2003 factory speakers are the same? Also, what speakers have you replaced yours with? Any suggestions on adding an amp and bypassing the factory amp. An installer at Good Guys said it couldn't be done without a lot of work.

2003 input only please! Thanks :B:
 
Since you have a non-Bose system, your path of upgrade will be the same as the 2002's. There isn't a shortage of topics in this forum on that subject.
 
goo929 said:
Since you have a non-Bose system, your path of upgrade will be the same as the 2002's. ?There isn't a shortage of topics in this forum on that subject.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry but I have to disagree, Goo. I have read the posts going back quite a while, about 6-7 different threads all the way through, and didn't find what I am looking for. Also, the wiring is different for the 2003 (as I found out while trying to wire my trailer brake.) so bypassing the factory amp is likely to be different. Can anybody confirm this?

From what I can tell, the 2002 creates more distortion and most people have replaced the HU along with new speakers. What I am looking for is specific model recomendations for effecient speakers that (from personal experience) people can tell me, improve sound quality and performance with a stock 2003 HU. Or can I, do I need to bypass the factory amp with a new unit.
 
gstreak ... You will find that the upgraded speakers that we used for the 2002 will also do great on the 2003.

I would want to keep the new HU too.

ZimmsAV did a good job of with organizing his Stereo Tips if you haven't already read them.

I am sure someone will answer your 2003 specific questions.
 
Changing speakers, is changing speakers. You're still going to get better sound even though you have the '03 as compared to the '02.
I don't know of any posts specifically refering to the wiring or amp specifics of the '03.

Are you wanting components or coaxials?
I'm very happy with the new Pioneer REV Series Coaxials.
JPCustoms should be able to confirm which harnesses/adapters like the PAC or OS-1 will work for your '03 when bypassing the factory amp and adding your own.
 
I have the same issue, 03 with the Bose system. I've tryed JP but no new goodies to be had as of yet. I have a full system (pulled from my Tahoe) that looks like it's going in the Av for now. I would of liked to keep using the steering wheel controls :6:
Only other issues I need to work out for now is getting the tweeters out of the a pillers and putting in the upgrades and getting a 2 gauge wire into the cab...somehow. The 2 fixes I hope to work for now will be; video (Kenwood KVA-S300 video selector) I can use 2 inputs for video and auto switches to rear camera when reversin', sterring wheel input (PAC SWI-X) suppose to be able to "tap into" the current controls and "train them" useing my current remote for headunit.
Bottom line, I'd like to have option to listen to cds and radio with head unit, watch DVDs and listen to MP3s for DVD unit, playstation 2, and use sterring wheel to control most of it....all of which needs to conform to a stock look (no naughty people stealin my goodies) ;D
 
I as well have run into the dilemma. First, I love the factory system in my 03 especially the head unit. BUT...the lack of low end was killing me so I used a standard speaker level-line lev. Adapter and added an amp (PPI pc4800) and a pair of JL audio 8" aw3's. This was a big difference. I rolled the crossover off at about 110 Hz and it was great for a while. The enclosure was built to match the center console and can be lifted out to use the midgate. This is the biggest issue I have so far. Once the weather gets better I will be building a fiberglass enclosure to live under the rear seat that will be form fitting. So that I don?t have to remove it.


I have run into installs in the past and learned that some HU's just don?t have the sensitivity as the next. SO...I installed an Alpine CVA-1003, only because I wanted a DVD, nav system and xm radio all in one.

I have a set of MB Quart 216 components but have yet to dig into the doors and install them. I will be doing that as soon as possible and running 200 watts to each door. They seem to like lots of power. But for now the factory system still sounds just as good.....

As far as wiring ...it?s no big deal at all. I used a standard GM harness adapter. The only thing that I did come across is that there is no accessory lead as well as dimmer lead so you will have to run your own. I also noticed that for once the adapters wiring and the Alpines were all the same color code making things even faster.
Running the 2ga. to the amp was a breeze also.

Please note that I don?t have the Bose system but everything else was just like any other vehicle install. Hope this helped.....even a little
 
Thanks for feedback...i looked and that boot is the wire harness for the gas pedal...hmmm do i want my power running next to that???
I also saw the larger boot for the fuse bow loom that might be safer...yes?
I have all the componets sitting around so might install on a temp basis for now...in lower "pocket" its almost din size..i can repalce with a screen later i guess..i might hold off on video for now..Waiting for Jason (JPcustoms) to get back to me on PAC stuff for 03. Last thing to do is find out what i'm missing on the front doors (how to get them off) musta missed seeing a last bolt. :cautious: then figure if i want to cut fiberglass to fit my 6.5" speaker (MB quartz slightly larger basket)
 
I checked with dealer today...I guess running power next to the wire loom for the throttle won't cause any issues (as far as warranty), no flying out of control on bass hits!!
So, goin in thru smaller boot looks to be oky doke ;D
 
i ran my 2ga. wire in the main harness that goes to the fuse box under the hood. I think thats the same one your reffering to. I know that it was kind of trick because the boot has two layers to it. I just carefully made a slit on the inside and then went to the outside and did the same. It is so tight in that area. Trying not to damage the boot or other wiring, it took me about 30 minute to get it to pass thru correctly. I have not noticed and problems what so ever . I am sure that its ok considering all the other wires that pass thru the same boot to the fuse box.
 
Yup I'll run power in same place.....
As far as front door panel...in posts i've seen not quite enough detail on front...first screw near door handle...second is behind manual door lock pull off from back...screw under
bada bing bada boom....done
 
My MO with stereos (at least for the only two other vehicles I've ever owned) has been to rip everything stock out and start from scratch...HU, speakers, amps, sub/enclosure, wiring, crossovers, etc.

I guess I'm getting old because I don't want to do that anymore. So, my questions are: (I do NOT have the Bose)

1. Will a simple speaker upgrade with factory HU, factory "amp" :rolleyes:, and factory wiring yield noticeable improvement?

2. Is there some kind of funky impedance from the stock components that I should be aware of that may affect speaker choice?

3. Why are people bypassing the factory "amp" when NOT installing a new HU & or real amp?

4. If the stock HU's own amp yeilds a better sound, then what's the purpose of this added "amp"...is it acting as some kind of a cross-over device for the component front speakers?

I read everything in the '02 thread about the amp, but wasn't sure the '03 was the same set-up.

Thanks,
Rich
 
I have similar questions. I just installed a Sony amp, and went to bypass the factory amp but there was not one there. Behind the glovebox was my XM controller and the speaker wires looked as if they went straight to the doors from the radio. Am I missing something here?? I have not been able to find any definite threads about the sound system in the '03s.... :cautious:
 
I (had) the Bose system, and you'll find the amp(with bucket seats at least) under the center console. 5 screws out of the top and you can lift the center out, it will be to the rear. However keep in mind the system only puts out a 5.5v signal (remote turn on) to amp and radio.
 
In my post I just assumed that the standard (non-bose) radios of the '02 and '03 are the same. Perhaps they aren't, but I still would like to discuss minorly upgrading the '03 if anyone wants.
 
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