To start off I am a new member here and just bought an 05' CCSB 1500HD silverado after looking for almost a year. Also I am new to the GM family coming from the Honda crowd. I know, I know, sounds a bit suspect but I am not a ricer by any means. My honda has no body kit of any kind and aside from the slightl lowered stance and FMIC you would think its stock with black wheels.

Anyway on to my question. The truck I just purchased has the factory Bose stereo option and I am indeed pleased with the sound of it. My question is can I install an aftermarket head unit and keep the rest of the system factory? Only reason I would like to update the truck a bit and not spend too much money that would go towards other things like lift, wheels and tires.

Thank you!

Ps. Yes I searched but most of the info I found was people with non-Bose trucks and people just looking to plug in an MP3 player.

 

yes you can just install a head unit and keep the rest of the system..but you will need a interface to keep the bose( easier way). the interface can be expensive depending on which one you have to use. or you could wire it up with the harness from the new radio to the harness in your truck(cheaper way)..but it depends on how comfortable you are wiring.

 

I am pretty comfortable wiring I just don't know anything about the Bose stereo and don't want to screw it up. I also don't mine spending money for it to be done right and have great sound quality.

 

The issue with the Bose systems is the speakers have a really odd resistance impedance. Whereas most of your component speakers are 3/4/8 ohms, the Bose will have something ignorant, like 1.7ohm, or 2.3ohms. The only way to make them them work is to buy the interface...or better yet, scrap the Bose speakers and get a good, quality set of components

 

Basically I need to buy a PAC GM1416 or think about replacing all speakers and amps in the truck? Please excuse my ignorance as I have never been an audio guy.

 

You're right on track man. And it would be completely up to you, and cheaper, to just buy the interface (roughly $100 I think), but me, being an audiophile, would swap out for a nice set of components. You can pick up a good pair of components fairly reasonably these days, and then a small amp to push them. But, like I said, I'm an audio junkie, so I have to upgrade, lol.

 

I hear you on that man! Normally I would dive in head first and upgrade as much as my wallet allows, but I have a major expense that will be here in about 6 weeks and she will require all of my attention and money. For now Im just doing little things that I can afford while I can before my first born arrives!

Also I keep reading about these trucks having two different levels of Bose stereo options. How do you tell what you have? Does these different systems require different interfaces? And what options do I have for interfaces? Still looking around and reading as much reviews as I can but nothing beats talking to people with personal experience!

 

I do know there are two different Bose setups, but what exactly is the difference, I just don't know. My suggestion is just researching it online and see what you can find out. What year and model is your truck? I'll look into it and see if I can find out any info for ya later today. And for what its worth, buy the interface online, you'll find a better deal on the internet than you will anywhere else. Check sonic electronix, they usually have the best deal as anywhere.

 

I have a 2005 CCSB silverado 1500 HD. I will keep looking also and hopefully get this figured out.

 

Okay, I'll call my buddy later when he's at his shop and see what he says.