Yea because it kinda creates a little box I put a jump pack and tire inflator in. And you still have the seat storage.
Decided on the GM Kicker sub
- Thread starter myrez
- Start date
myrez
Active member
I've found the back seat "seat storage" to be quite small and not very useful.
okievision
Active member
This might be a key to ordering if you feel the external bass knob and dip switches on the amp are important to you. It's possible that 2019 - 2022 come with this setup because of the radio while 2022.5 through 2024 refreshed units don't. I'm assuming each of us ordering through a GMC parts or dealer website had to put the year of our trucks on the site when ordering. My previous Sierra 2019 SLT did not have the sub add on but the stereo didn't need it, had much better factory sound than my 2023.
Yeah I feel you. Was very surprised going from 19’ ram rebel 1500 with alpine system to my 24’ at4 HD with Bose. The Bose system is just ok there’s no thumb or loudness at all compared to the alpine system. Hoping this little sub can give it the missing bass and loudness it’s missing!
For everyone wondering it makes the stereo sound good finally not great but it sounds like a Bose SHOULD sound, I have never found Bose products to have base ever apart
From home audio but they have always been clear and grrat
Mid high systems. The sub gives it what it’s missing to round it out.
myrez
Active member
Honestly thinking of returning this and buying the old version.
kobra357
Active member
FYI, When I emailed GMPARTSDIRECT I asked if they had the version with knob and dip switch capability. They had NO idea what I was talking about. They did ask me to let them know what I found out. So Im guessing the venders have no clue what they actually sell or version. I really wanted the version I received but was not going to return it if it wasn’t. I watched a guy on the internet and he said all NEW versions came like mine but I read hear that someone called and said no more would come with the ability to control anymore. I don’t know.
okievision
Active member
lol, seems nobody really does. I never contacted GM, only Stillwater Designs that makes and supplies the subs. They're a stone throw from where I live and the tech support guy was pretty adamant several months ago about the units will no longer have any adjustments other than the radio controls. who knows? ymmv
kobra357
Active member
They should know. They build them. GMPARTSDIRECT is a secondary outlet and has overstock and or secondary old stock and is selling left overs. What they have in stock is probably the last of whatever there is. It’s a theory.
myrez
Active member
So they replaced a decent sub with a shittier product. Seems about par for the course.
okievision
Active member
super happy w mine and I dont need an adjustable knob or messing under the seat for dip switches etc. each to their own but I don't blame you for returning it. You mentioned the installer admitted it was his first crack at one of these, maybe its not even tapped in the proper wires or something. good luck
myrez
Active member
Here's hoping it's a simple install issue. I'll see what the dealer says when I drop it off. Now, I'm wondering if you typically listen to your music cranked up? On the way home today, windows down I cranked it up just below half and plenty of bass. My complaint is the lack of bass at lower volumes.
kobra357
Active member
Just to be clear you don't have to mess with amp after you adjust it one time. The wiring is pretty straightforward. No way to mess it up. The control knob is for adjusting the bass volume. Im guessing you can do the same from the stereo EQ. Its easier to reach for the knob imo. Again longevity is the only thing I would consider. Bass gets pretty loud but not distorted. Im NOT a RAP guy more rock n roll 70-80s stuff and Im not old just not into RAP or anything NEW. The one popular youtube video I saw for install the guy installed a knob. BUT in the comments people asked how he liked the knob and he said he hasn’t used it since installing it. So, not sure if this is a sign of it’s unnecessary or not but for thought.
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kobra357
Active member
For more context I watched a bunch of sub installs on ZR2 and AT4s. Im sure some were from when they first started seeing these subs already included by the factory. Some install shops thought these were after market and started pulling these subs and discarding them. Then to realize they were factory and just junked what they could have resold for a few bucks. They tap into the Bose system and install a massive sub box utilizing the entire back under-seat. Im not into giving up all my storage or need that much “boom” and at big $$$ I'm guessing. But aftermarket is a possibility for those needing more. If you have the time watch a few videos for more information and read some of the comments it is interesting how things go sideways later or opinions change.
okievision
Active member
I purchased the knob, had it in the truck and told the service advisor to plug it in at install and run under carpet to the console. when i picked up the truck, the knob was still in the package, thats when he told me the amp didnt have the jack. I threw a little fit lol and they ended up removing the thing while I was there to prove you couldnt add a knob, which led to the call to tech support at Kicker. I've messed with radio eq adjustments in the beginning but havent anymore for quite awhile, found my sweet spot and yes, when a song I like comes on, Im around half volume or above, when the sub really comes alive. At low volume, its more background muddy bass which is ok since my wife talking substitutes for music lol
GMC AT4 Forum Photos
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