[wedebrook]

i could be wrong, but i think the bost package comes with an amp. and whether that is wrong or right, upgrading speakers is not going to give you the sound you are looking for. you either have to add an amp with the new speakers, or change out the HU with something better, or both. i replaced the factory speakers in my 2000 and noticed very little difference. once i upgraded the HU to a Pioneer Avic F900bt, the in-cabin sound level was fantastic. speakers were louder and clearer, just from the HU. the only thing my amp is driving is the sub.

 

[wedebrook]

i do everything myself. its not a hard task at all, just make sure you get the correct chime harness and everything to install the aftermarket deck. GM used the databus in the new w-bodies to tell the radio when to turn off and on, so there is no remote wire in the harness. i used the GM-11 Harness and i have full chimes and everything works as it should. it only cost me like $30 from ebay, IIRC. the deck ended up running about $579 shipped from ebay brand new, which is a great price since pioneer wants them sold for $1100. of course, you dont have to get one that is so expensive. just any good quality aftermarket deck will do, as far as giving you better sound. i prefer the double din models over the single din with the cubby hole, but thats nothing for functionality, its more for personal preference than anything.

 

[wedebrook]

the settings can be reset without the HU, and you can also get a relocation harness to put the HU somewhere else, such as under the seat or in the trunk.

 

[wedebrook]

yeah you can run line out converters tapped into the rear speakers. i had that set up for a short time and the thing i didnt like about it was that the bass was too overpowering at low levels. with the volume turned down, the bass was still pretty thunderous, and i dont have a monstrous system. and if you are putting in amp and subs, really the only true way to eliminate the dimming is to get a High Output Alternator. You could get a capacitor, but that is just a bandaid for the problem. i just bought a 160AMP HO Alt for about $160 on ebay from DBElectrical. i still have not installed it, just been too wet and chilly.