[jimgoings]

I have the 2017 Premier with Bose and it's pretty good. I'm interested in upgrading it, but given how integrated everything is, what are my practical options?

Is there a line level to a Bose amp that could just be swapped with new speakers and new amp?
Or would I have to use speaker level to a new amp?
Would most professional shops be able to handle this car given the level of integration?

 

[simplex]

Hi jimgoings,

Unfortunately with the BOSE system, the link between the radio and the Bose amp is digital (MOST BUS based).
So you have to tap your signal after the BOSE amp. This should not pose problem, I've done it but only to tap the subwoofer output to an external Alpine PDX-V9 AMP with a bigger Subwoofer. Keep in mind, if you tap all the signals (left front/right rear left/right) that you will also amplifiy the door chimes, turn signal, onstar etc...

Here is some info I posted here that I hope will help you with your upgrade project:

http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?281777-BOSE-Wiring-diagram-for-AMP-installation

Here is a PIC of my Alpine amp installed :

 

[accelerus]

I replaced the weak subwoofer in my bose system with a Dayton, much heavier, and cleaner, pushed by a dedicated alpine amp.

Some pics:

Also did the tweeters up front -- as well, much cleaner, much higher, left the door speakers alone though as I didn't want to go to THAT much trouble. Overall the thing hits hard, and is nice and clean/easy.

 

[simplex]

Hi accelerus,

Do yo have some sort of cooling for your alpine amp? Mine is installed same as yours and it gets VERY hot under normal operation... After 30 minutes of heavy bass content, I can barely touch my AMP for a second beacuse it's too hot. Never had the thermal protection to engage but I think it will cause an issue in long term...

 

[accelerus]

Hi accelerus,

Do yo have some sort of cooling for your alpine amp? Mine is installed same as yours and it gets VERY hot under normal operation... After 30 minutes of heavy bass content, I can barely touch my AMP for a second beacuse it's too hot. Never had the thermal protection to engage but I think it will cause an issue in long term...

Never had thermal protection kick in, but I'm not listening to "shake the car" level of bass either for any extended period of time. Had zero issues even in our hot as hell Texas summer. It's not pushing that much power either, I think it's only a 300W amp? (not sure as I don't have the specs handy) of that I might actually be using only 150

 

[rickhb]

Installing the OEM GM Woofer enclosure in my 2018 Chevrolet Volt. Do they sell grilles for this? Or do I need to make a custom one? Can't seem to find an OEM subwoofer grille.