Upgrade Tahoe to Bose amp?

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=4570
Printed Date: August 14, 2025 at 9:44 AM

Topic: Upgrade Tahoe to Bose amp?

Posted By: Tsmithpic
Subject: Upgrade Tahoe to Bose amp?
Date Posted: October 17, 2002 at 5:22 PM

I have a 2002 Tahoe w/factory stereo (126 watt amp into 9 speakers) in deparate need of more power. I see that the 2003 Tahoe comes with a Bose system, as did earlier Denalis and Escalades.

Can I replace my OEM amp with a Bose amp? Are the input and output wiring harnesses and plugs the same (or does someone make adapters?) I'd love to find a plug and play solution instead of chopping up my truck.

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-Tim

Replies:

Posted By: sadco
Date Posted: October 19, 2002 at 6:36 PM

Hi Tim,

I don't know if anyone makes input/output harnesses for your system.

I just upgraded my system in the same vehicle by installing an audio contol EQS(preamp eq/xover with line driver), Rockford 550X 4 ch. amp wired to the factory speakers and a Rockford bd1000 powering a cstom built vented box.

A factory amp is located behind the glove box that uses GM standard color code, I just ran the output going to the factory speakers to the input of the EQS and connected the amp to the factory speakers.

This system really impressed me because I don't know what speakers the factory used but they are capable of handling the power of the bigger amp and everyone who has heard it ask can't believe that I am still using factory speakers.

Hope this gives you some ideas.

Stephen

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team sadistic

Posted By: go2pac
Date Posted: October 19, 2002 at 10:53 PM

All 2003 trucks and suv's have a Class2 bose amp. That amp won't work with your current headunit.

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Karl

Pacific Accessory Corporation
Mobile Audio Interfacing Equipment
Connecting You to Your Music Since 1976

Posted By: Tsmithpic
Date Posted: October 21, 2002 at 7:40 AM

Karl,

I knew you guys at PAC would have the answer. thanks.

A quick follow up: what if I replace the headunit also? Are the wiring harnesses/plugs the same, or am I going about this all wrong? It seems like this would be the easiest and cleanest way to get more power, but I wonder if I'm just setting myself up for more headaches...

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-Tim

Posted By: go2pac
Date Posted: October 21, 2002 at 9:50 AM

No, none of the Class2 headunit or bose amp will work with your truck. The headunit is now programmed with the SUV/trucks VIN# so you can't swap a headunit to another vehicle even if its the same Class2 vehicle. Plus the headunit does not have an accessory wire on it, it turns on by Class2 data instead.

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Karl

Pacific Accessory Corporation
Mobile Audio Interfacing Equipment
Connecting You to Your Music Since 1976

Posted By: go2pac
Date Posted: October 21, 2002 at 9:55 AM

Quote: Originally posted by go2pac on October 19, 2002

All 2003 trucks and suv's have a Class2 bose amp. That amp won't work with your current headunit.

Sorry i meant to say 'All 2003 trucks and suv's with a BOSE system have a Class2 amp'. I did not mean to say all of them have BOSE, just the ones that come standard.

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Karl

Pacific Accessory Corporation
Mobile Audio Interfacing Equipment
Connecting You to Your Music Since 1976