I have an 05 2500 silverado with the non-bose xm radio option. What can I do to augment the stock stereo? How do I tap into it to add an amp? Do I need an equalizer? I am very interested in an economical approach and a stock look.

Jimbo

the first thing youre going to need if you want to use the factory stereo is this http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5746727353&category=50552 or one just like it, should be able to purchase at any electronic store.

Then youd need about a 40watts x 4 at 4ohm amp something like this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7974069160&category=38638&sspagename=WD4V

then youd need an amp install kit like this http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/ezcompare/accessories/Accessories_fullSize.asp?key=1565
I think thats all the equipment you should need, these are just examples of what you should be looking for. you can use any amp, cables etc. you want just as long as the specs are close.

im not sure how to hook the amp to the speakers using the factory radio. somebody else chime in and help with this. i never use the factory radio when i do a system so thats why im not sure.

OK... once I get the line converter, can I connect it in parallel with my rear speakers? I'd like to keep them setup stock and just get an RCA line off to drive a subwoofer. Any problems with this? Also, do I need a seperate crossover for the subwoofer?

Jimbo

I wanted the same things as you. I had a bunch of aftermarket stuff already but liked the factory look. I put good speakers in my doors. I then used some line converters to feed a amp. The back speakers run off the factory deck. I yanked my stock tweeters to since they sucked. This set up rips pretty good. If you want/need base then you need to go about things different. My set up is plenty loud for me and has deccent bass but nothing like what I had when I had the same basic set up with subs too. I just cut the wires and taped into the front channel. Depends what kinda music you listne too and how you want it to sound. just louder or do you want some good thump?

if you get a 4 channel amp for the highs, you can use one set of rca's and run 4 speakers with most amps (dont need front and rear rca's just front). as far as subs most amps have an rca pass through that lets you run another amp as well. So you could probably do that and have bass without taping into any more factory wires. My alpine MRP F240 is set up this way, its a very clean sounding amp. if you go with subs you need a bigger amp install kit.

a couple of ways to do it. 1 get a set of line lever converters good speakers and you can run a 5 channel amp on this, on the speaker output side of the amp you can then run the speaker wire to each door or run it back to the factory harness and cut/spice or do a wire harness and take the stock radio pins and install into the after market one. Ballance will be the same along with fade. You can also run a 4 channel amp and for a sub run a 2/1 channel amp but make sure the 4 channel has a line output to jump the rca cables. Next is where abouts are you located at if in OK could help you set it up.

as far as subs most amps have an rca pass through that lets you run another amp as well. So you could probably do that and have bass without taping into any more factory wires.

This is how I was set up till I decided subs were too much(now just have an amp on the fronts)