I have the 6 in-dash CD player and Bose system in my '06 and was wondering how much difference there was in sound with the luxury amp? I had done lots of research on installing a complete new system and when the money becomes available, I will do so. There are other things I need to get out of the way before I dump a lot of money into a sound system. I have a good idea what I'll be installing, but just want to upgrade a little to get me by. How hard is the install? How much do they usually go for? Where can I buy one?

you can get the amp for less than $500. if you wanted to upgrade to the touchsreen nav unit plus the amp its a little over $2k

I have the 6 in-dash CD player and Bose system in my '06 and was wondering how much difference there was in sound with the luxury amp? I had done lots of research on installing a complete new system and when the money becomes available, I will do so. There are other things I need to get out of the way before I dump a lot of money into a sound system. I have a good idea what I'll be installing, but just want to upgrade a little to get me by. How hard is the install? How much do they usually go for? Where can I buy one?

There is no comparison. Day and night difference between the stock amp and a LUX amp. I got mine off eBay for right at $300, did the install in about 3 hours, went to my dealer the next morning to get the head unit reprogrammed in about 20 minutes. As soon as I turned it on and cranked just a little I got a grin on my face. You can push the LUX amp until your ears bleed and it wont distort. Bass is much richer with more punch and the highs are extremely clear. Just dont make the same mistake I did and not check the programming of the amp. Mine came from a Sierra Denali so the rear speakers put out very little sound. You want it programmed the same as an Escalade EXT. Try it, I think you'll like it.

There is no comparison. Day and night difference between the stock amp and a LUX amp. I got mine off eBay for right at $300, did the install in about 3 hours, went to my dealer the next morning to get the head unit reprogrammed in about 20 minutes. As soon as I turned it on and cranked just a little I got a grin on my face. You can push the LUX amp until your ears bleed and it wont distort. Bass is much richer with more punch and the highs are extremely clear. Just dont make the same mistake I did and not check the programming of the amp. Mine came from a Sierra Denali so the rear speakers put out very little sound. You want it programmed the same as an Escalade EXT. Try it, I think you'll like it.


Are the stock Bose in the truck any differant than the Bose speakers in an Escalade? When buying a lux amp on ebay do you need to specify which amp to have the correct programming for the truck?

Read the very complete post in the DIY section, it was very helpful and answered a lot of my questions. I am going to put one in based on this article. DURAtotheMAX did a great job!

if i am not mistaken you can buy the esclade console wiring harness and you do not have to take the pin plug apart and move stuff around i think

you can get the amp for less than $500. if you wanted to upgrade to the touchsreen nav unit plus the amp its a little over $2k
Amps are going for less than $300 on ebay for new.

you can get the amp for less than $500. if you wanted to upgrade to the touchsreen nav unit plus the amp its a little over $2k

You spent that much? I have about $600 total in my TNR/amp/3.0 disc.

There is no comparison. Day and night difference between the stock amp and a LUX amp. I got mine off eBay for right at $300, did the install in about 3 hours, went to my dealer the next morning to get the head unit reprogrammed in about 20 minutes. As soon as I turned it on and cranked just a little I got a grin on my face. You can push the LUX amp until your ears bleed and it wont distort. Bass is much richer with more punch and the highs are extremely clear. Just dont make the same mistake I did and not check the programming of the amp. Mine came from a Sierra Denali so the rear speakers put out very little sound. You want it programmed the same as an Escalade EXT. Try it, I think you'll like it.

Very good review. Honestly couldn't have said it any better.

Are the stock Bose in the truck any differant than the Bose speakers in an Escalade? When buying a lux amp on ebay do you need to specify which amp to have the correct programming for the truck?

No. Speakers are the same.

if i am not mistaken you can buy the esclade console wiring harness and you do not have to take the pin plug apart and move stuff around i think

I do not think that is true. IIRC, the wires are in different spots in the huge main connector.

So roughly $300 for the amp is kinda pricey don't you think? I'm sure you could get a good aftermarket for that price. I know that I can get a JL Audio slash series 300/4 in the low $300 range. Would I be better off finding an aftermarket amp or the LUX amp? What else is needed besides the amp? Again, I just want to upgrade it a little to get me by until I get other necessities out the way and have the money for a real system.

I just got lucky on finding the pieces for cheaper.

$300 for an amp is the about the going price.

You can find a TNR on Ebay for about $1000. INR for about $600.

3.0 disc is around $100. GPS antenna is $65. Instruction Booklet is $18.

You be the judge of where you want to spend your money.

My opinion is that this is not something for an "impatient" person to get into, or for someone who thinks this will be "audiophile"-quality sound. It is one kick-rear stock system, although it could still use a bit more low end.

So roughly $300 for the amp is kinda pricey don't you think?
yep


I'm sure you could get a good aftermarket for that price. I know that I can get a JL Audio slash series 300/4 in the low $300 range.
yep


Would I be better off finding an aftermarket amp or the LUX amp?

If you plan on going all out eventually, I'd bypass the trouble and the cash for the "lux" amp and go aftermarket right away. Otherwise I would just leave it until you are ready to do the complete change over to aftermarket.

I had planned on using a JL Audio 450/4 for my mids and highs, but that was going to be with Focal K2P or KP components (front) and probably Polyglass coaxles (rear). I know the 450/4 is way too much for the stock speakers, but could I "turn it down" and be ok AND sound better than the LUX amp?

I don't think anybody has run an aftermarket amp with the Bose speakers. The impedence is funky on them and I wouldn't want to even bother let alone worry about frying my amp. If you're going to add the amp you'll have to do the speakers at the same time.

So its either pay the $300 or upgrade the whole system because you can't put an aftermarket amp on them?

It seems that you have it planned out to do the entire system eventually, so I'd just wait until you have the cash to do it all at once.

You'll be much happier in the end and less time invested in monkeying around with the stock amps for a marginal increase of, ahem, quality. :rolleyes:

So its either pay the $300 or upgrade the whole system because you can't put an aftermarket amp on them?

Not true!!:ro)
I just did my system and left the stock Bose speakers in place while we figured out what to replace them with and hit them with 400 watts. I WAS IMPRESSED!!!:eek:
Stock set up with some power and three Kicker 8's and it clean, LOUD, rockin! Try it you will like it

I have some more questions as I plan on doing this soon to get me by. I really want to go all out with a system, but I have to get my race car back on the road. So...

What make, model, and year do I need the amp from?

Besides the amp itself, what else will I need?

What other modifications will I need to perform for everything to function properly?

Will the amp need to be adjusted or left alone as its already set from the factory?

Anyone have part number(s) for the amp?

So roughly $300 for the amp is kinda pricey don't you think? I'm sure you could get a good aftermarket for that price. I know that I can get a JL Audio slash series 300/4 in the low $300 range. Would I be better off finding an aftermarket amp or the LUX amp? What else is needed besides the amp? Again, I just want to upgrade it a little to get me by until I get other necessities out the way and have the money for a real system.

The LUX amp is a Digital Signal Processor not just an amp. Also to add an aftermarket amp to a 2002 or later GM vehicle requires additional equipment due to the class II databus it communicates on.

It seems that you have it planned out to do the entire system eventually, so I'd just wait until you have the cash to do it all at once.

You'll be much happier in the end and less time invested in monkeying around with the stock amps for a marginal increase of, ahem, quality. :rolleyes:

Marginal? No, it's quite a significant increase and sounds better than a lot of aftermarket systems I've heard.

Ok...I found some info on this, but need help making sure of it.

The amp needs to be from an Escalde, Denali, or H2? Correct? Are these the only models? I ask because someone offered one from their H3.

What year models does the amp need to be from?

I read that before I hook up the amp to the radio, that it needs to be reprogrammed first, otherwise I run the risk of messing the amp up. Is this correct? Where do I get it reprogrammed and what do I get it programmed to? How much do I expect to pay?

Besides the amp and reprogramming, what else will I need? Will the amp need to be adjusted or is it already preset?

All the info you're looking for is in Ben's huge DYI thread. I know, its long and cumbersome and tough to read now, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do....:lol:

Ok...I found some info on this, but need help making sure of it.
The amp needs to be from an Escalde, Denali, or H2? Correct? Are these the only models? I ask because someone offered one from their H3.
What year models does the amp need to be from?
Amps can come from five sources:

1) new from GM
2) new from JPCustoms
3) 2003-2006 Escalade
4) 2003-2006 Sierra Denali or Yukon Denali
5) Early-2003 Hummer H2

I do not think the H3 has the LUX amp. The LUX amp has a very distinctive shape. Ben has pictures, I think.

I read that before I hook up the amp to the radio, that it needs to be reprogrammed first, otherwise I run the risk of messing the amp up. Is this correct? Where do I get it reprogrammed and what do I get it programmed to? How much do I expect to pay?
Yes, program the radio first (if you are using a 6-disc or other non-NAV stock radio). If you have a NAV head unit, you just have to have the VIN changed in it, no reprogramming needed.

You can do all the wiring changes before you program the head unit, but DO NOT PLUG IN THE AMP UNTIL AFTER YOU REPROGRAM THE RADIO.
I found this out the hard way, as it cost me a new amp for another member from here.

Besides the amp and reprogramming, what else will I need? Will the amp need to be adjusted or is it already preset?
Depending on what the amp originally came out of, you may not have to do anything. There are a couple amp part numbers that you should NOT try to re-program, as you will burn them out. That info is in Ben's DYI thread, too.

it's quite a significant increase and sounds better than a lot of aftermarket systems I've heard.

Hardly. :rolleyes:

I had it installed and wasn't as impressed to the level of hype it's been made out to be. We've been over that before and was just trying to save the guy the work and money for the amount of gain he'll get by doing the "upgrade".

TheBac, THANK YOU so much for the info. Do you know which amps (year & model) that won't require any additional modifications/adjustments?

Where can I get it reprogrammed and how much?

There is no comparison. Day and night difference between the stock amp and a LUX amp. I got mine off eBay for right at $300, did the install in about 3 hours, went to my dealer the next morning to get the head unit reprogrammed in about 20 minutes. As soon as I turned it on and cranked just a little I got a grin on my face. You can push the LUX amp until your ears bleed and it wont distort. Bass is much richer with more punch and the highs are extremely clear. Just dont make the same mistake I did and not check the programming of the amp. Mine came from a Sierra Denali so the rear speakers put out very little sound. You want it programmed the same as an Escalade EXT. Try it, I think you'll like it.

TheBac, THANK YOU so much for the info. Do you know which amps (year & model) that won't require any additional modifications/adjustments?

Where can I get it reprogrammed and how much?

Read above quote from DangerousDmax...:cool:

TheBac, THANK YOU so much for the info. Do you know which amps (year & model) that won't require any additional modifications/adjustments?

Where can I get it reprogrammed and how much?

Honestly, re-programming the amp is not a big deal. You don't need to do it.

But, if you're dead-set on finding the "right" amp, look for an amp out of a Yukon Denali or an Escalade EXT, as the cabin sizes are similar to your crew cab. Mine came out of a Y/D.

Your dealer can re-program your radio, and it usually costs 1 hour of time (around $50-100), but if you have a friend with a Tech2 and access to GM TIS2000 software, you may be able to do it for a case of beer. Changing the VIN in a NAV unit takes all of 5 minutes, if the Tech is slow.


Seriously, Ben's thread has ALL the info in it.

Most of the dealers around here charge about $80 to do this and any other updates on the truck...

Summary...

Bose Luxury amp found in:

'03-'06 Escalade
'03-'06 Yukon or Sierra Denali
Early '03 H2

Have the head unit reprogrammed before you plug the amp in and this can be done at a dealership or if you know someone with a Tech2 and access to GM TIS2000. If done at a dealership, expect to pay around $80.

If I don't want to reprogram/adjust the amp, look for one that came out of a Sierra Denali or Escalade EXT as their trucks and have similar cabs.

Do the amps have to be reprogrammed before installation or after?

TheBac, you stated that if I don't want to have the amp programmed/adjusted, that I would need to find one out of a Yukon Denali or Escalade EXT. The Yukon Denali is a SUV while the Escalade EXT is a SUT, but pretty much a truck. How does the Yukon Denali have similar demensions in the cab? I thought you may have made a mistake and meant to put Sierra Denali as that's a truck.

I figure a "Tahoe" sized interior is close to ours, my system sounds great and the amp came out of a Yukon Denali.

Now, if the amp comes out of a Yukon XL Denali, that is obviously much bigger than our truck.

Just install the thing and be happy with it. You analyze this stuff wayyyyyy to much. :lol:

I was told by the guys that I bought my amp from NOT to have it programmed after, that they had some issues doing it & actually ruined a few amps . . .

You analyze this stuff wayyyyyy to much. :lol:
I know, that's a big problem that I have. Sucks!

I just installed my lux amp in my 06 crew cab, and it does sound some what louder and a lot clearer than the Premium amp, but thats about it. The Sub sounds slightly more powerfull at best. I'm glad this mod only cost me $50, if i had paid the $300+ to get this amp I would have been really disapointed in the results. Just my .02

I have the 6 in-dash CD player and Bose system in my '06 and was wondering how much difference there was in sound with the luxury amp? I had done lots of research on installing a complete new system and when the money becomes available, I will do so. There are other things I need to get out of the way before I dump a lot of money into a sound system. I have a good idea what I'll be installing, but just want to upgrade a little to get me by. How hard is the install? How much do they usually go for? Where can I buy one?

take out all that GM stuff -:t and go aftermarket,youll be glad you did

:grd:

I just installed my lux amp in my 06 crew cab, and it does sound some what louder and a lot clearer than the Premium amp, but thats about it. The Sub sounds slightly more powerfull at best. I'm glad this mod only cost me $50, if i had paid the $300+ to get this amp I would have been really disapointed in the results. Just my .02


no one ever said it was gonna blow out windows or satisfy anyones taste for flawless aftermarket sound.:) ;) Take it for what its worth I guess, a "very very good stock stereo".

What it does do is clear up the original non-lux system enough and give it enough power that will satisfy and be 'good enough' for ~90-95% of us. Of course there are people who are picky enough that the Lux will not impress at all. "louder and a lot cleaner than the Premium amp" is a perfect description, thats all anyone said it would do. Some people underestimate the Lux system, but if anyone says they are a "audio perfectionist" I never reccomend the Lux system for them. Yes, mine is 'tweaked' a bit...Escalade twiddlers in the D-pillars, extra tweeters in the rear doors, aftermarket sub behind the rear seat, to me it sounds "awesome" and better than any other factory system ive heard but thats just my own oppinion.:) Id rather spend the ~2000 dollars a 'flawless' aftermarket system costs on go-fast parts.:ro) Ill never ditch the factory nav, I really love that, but maybe some day ill ditch the Bose and go aftermarket, who knows... I guess to me its more of a compliment when someone says "wow this sounds really good for a stock stereo" rather than "your aftermarket stereo sounds better than mine". JMO.

Ben

no one ever said it was gonna blow out windows or satisfy anyones taste for flawless aftermarket sound.:) ;) Take it for what its worth I guess, a "very very good stock stereo".


Yes, i knew that going into this upgrade. I'm pretty satisfied with how it came out for the price i paid. I think all i need is a 10" sub to compliment it, and that will make it perfect for me. I don't need anything crazy. I already went through that phase with my mustang 5 years ago. I'd rather put my money in a basic programmer. After i get a predator, or other, and finally decide on what navigation route to take, i'll be done with adding toys to my truck.