Do I Need A New Head Unit Just For New Subs?

[Bass4Lyfe]

Hey everyone

This is my first post here. I was at the San Mateo show on Saturday and I must say, it surpassed every one of my expectations (which were high to begin with.)

I've been wanting to get subwoofers for my car for a long time now, but never explored any further than that.

You could say I'm the ULTIMATE newb to this kind of stuff...I"m also 16 so not too rich (although I work 6 days a week.)

So I don't think I want to build my own box or anything, just buy some factory ones, but I was talking to some guy from Earthquake on Saturday, and we got around to talking about head units.

He said on my Yukon XL (2001) with OnStar it would mess all the electronics up if I put in a new head unit.

1) is this true?

2) if not, do I NEED a new head unit or could I install some subs with an amp and just used the existing factory wires??

Sorry if this is obvious I'm really green at this stuff but eager to learn more!

Thanks alot,

Matthew

Edited October 15, 2007 by Bass4Lyfe

[audiofanaticz]

many ways to go about this one..

Yes removing your stock radio from a vehicle with onstar will mess with a lot of things since the onstar is intergraded through out the vehicles electrical components.

BUT that doesnt mean it cant be done.

1- you can choose to run your subwoofers with the factory deck. This will be the cheapest way also. You will just need to buy a high input to rca converter. Many companys make them and you can get nice ones for under $30 bucks. here is one made by peripheral http://www.peripheralelectronics.com/prodD...&strSearch= That is to be use for just a two channel/mono after market amp. If you would be using a 4 channel after market amp they make another one. http://www.peripheralelectronics.com/prodD...&strSearch=

2- now if you had your heart set on a new head unit or screen in the dash to spice everything up a bit you would need to buy a peripheral kit that is about $100+ i think. It will allow all the features of your onstar and everything else in your vehicle to properly work with an after market radio. http://www.peripheralelectronics.com/prodD...&strSearch= I am not sure if that is the exact needed kit or not, but most audio shops can order/install these, or point you into the right direction of the kit you need.

[Derrick824]

No you do not have to buy a different head unit. You can use a Line Output Converter and keep the factory stuff just like it is now. I'm running a converter in my Yukon. If you do want to purchase a new head unit, all you have to do is get the correct wiring harness for your truck w/ Onstar and everything will be fine.

[Bass4Lyfe]

Wow, thanks for all that! I really do want a new head unit because I want a front aux input for my iPod (I'm using a tape deck player to iPod now ...) plus better EQ controls.

However, maybe I could stage it ...? Buy the subs first then head unit later?

Thanks for those links also; so if I DIDN'T get the head unit right away I'd just take out the wire from the factory sub and put it into the new sub? I'd need an amp in between right? Seems like I could install this myself, but if that's a bad idea then I don't want to mess up my car.

Is it just pretty much plug and play?

Thanks for all the great advice,

Matthew

[Bass4Lyfe]

Derrick: Didn't see your responce until now haha.

Okay thanks, great. So that link audiofanat posted would work? I just plug the new sub(s) (Thinking of 2 12s) in?

Thanks alot

[Bass4Lyfe]

Okay so I think this week (or weekend) I'm planning on buying 2 12" subs while using my factory head unit and wiring, just adding the RCA converter (the kind depending on the amp I get.)

So .... is it pretty much unplug the factory sub, put the converter on, wire that to the amp then run the wire to the subs? I can do that on my own, right, or would you guys think I'd need a professional install?

Thanks a bunch I know I'm really new to this stuff

Matthew

[dmanson]

you can always add an audiocontrol 3.1 or 4.1 to the factory h/u. that'll bring up the preamps on the real and sound just like an aftermarket h/u but better.

[Bass4Lyfe]

dmanson,

Oh thanks for the tip! I'm sorry I don't know what a audiocontrol thing is...you can just add it right onto my current hu?

ill search google 4 it

thxx for that tip man

[jack]

2001 is a real basic install... just put the shifter in drive, pop off the trim around the stereo and then press the tabs on the sides of the deck to slide it out. i would take a rag and lay it across the ac controls will you try to unplug the harness from the rear of the hu to avoid scratches. wire up intgration module and mount stereo....enjoy

[andym85]

i say just dig in an do it urself man! it will probably cost a pretty penny to get a pro to install it...the only way to learn is to get ur hands dirty. i installed my first line output converter on a 07 trailblazer with the factory headunit a few weeks ago with no problems...u just gotta tap into the factory rear speaker wires with the wires from the line output converter and run ur RCAs from that to the amp. then power and ground for the amp. tap into an ignition source for the amp turn on or just run the amp turn on straight to the batter with a switch wired in (which is what i did on the trailblazer) wire the subs up and ur good to go...i swear the hardest part is figuring out where to run the power wire thru the firewall on most installs...imo...everything else is pretty much plug/wire and play...