Has anyone ever added more speakers or upgraded their sound system? I noticed the Denali has more speakers for richer fuller sound. How do I upgrade to get that more full sound as in the Denali?
Upgrade AT4 Sound System?
- Thread starter RHanck
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VandelayIndustries
New member
The sound system is definitely lacking in these. I added a 10” kicker under the back seat with a 700w amp. It sounds so much better. I put the du-ha under seat storage and put the sub in the driver side part of it
Welcome.
The factory Bose system is poor. Adding a sub will provide some bass/depth, but upgrading to match the sound quality of other OEM systems is expensive. I got most of the way there by adding Polk Audio subs — for me one 8” or 10” quality sub is plenty, as I don’t need to make my truck shake. The front speakers can be replaced with a very high efficiency, high quality, alternative. I installed Hertz separates, but Focal also makes speakers that will work well. The factory system pushes very little power, so don’t buy great speakers that require a bunch of power unless you’re prepared to go all in adding amps and more. The rear speakers are a harder fix. I just installed Hertz coaxial speakers and left a front-biased balance. All in, the system reached just okay. Good enough for us, as I was only prepared to spend about $2000 (And I complained about that!) I’d say it’s now almost as good as the OEM Ford stereo, but still well short of Jeep/Ram/Dodge sound quality. There was a guy at the stereo store who really valued sound quality. He tore out the entire GM interior, installed the sound-deadening mat on the floor and walls, and completely redesigned the factory system, by taking the factory signal into some kind of translator box (I know little about such things), then routing the signals to separate amps, and out to quality speakers (and more of them). That sounded amazing — way better than anything I’ve heard before. I think he was about $8500 into that project. I’d love that, but can’t spend that kind of money, so getting close to Ford OEM was enough for me.
AT4guy013
Member
As with other vehicles that had a Bose system, add this to the Blose list. GM really blew it with this system. I've only added the Kicker sub which is what the truck should have come with at this price point. It adds a good amount of bass but wish it could be fine tuned a bit more. For now, I think I'll leave the other speakers alone.
john151ama
Active member
You can check out my sound system build post for a lot of info. I did a full rebuild of my AT4x. It has the extra speakers you are referring to and was total garbage.
I wouldn’t worry about more speakers. The power and signal mapping is what sucks, not speaker quantity. You get the separate tweeters in the doors and a pillars in the premium models and a crap sub in the center console that is worthless.
You can add an amp with DSP to fix the signal issues and lack of power and replace your door speakers with some quality ones and have a great system. Also add sub if you want.
Rear door speakers in these trucks receive almost no signal. Not even worth replacing those unless you correct the signal with a DSP. You probably hear 80% of the sound through the small dash speakers and 20% from the front doors.
I did full rebuild on my 2024 and have a 10” kicker solo baric sub under the back seat.
Sound System Build - 2024 At4X HD
I wouldn’t worry about more speakers. The power and signal mapping is what sucks, not speaker quantity. You get the separate tweeters in the doors and a pillars in the premium models and a crap sub in the center console that is worthless.
You can add an amp with DSP to fix the signal issues and lack of power and replace your door speakers with some quality ones and have a great system. Also add sub if you want.
Rear door speakers in these trucks receive almost no signal. Not even worth replacing those unless you correct the signal with a DSP. You probably hear 80% of the sound through the small dash speakers and 20% from the front doors.
I did full rebuild on my 2024 and have a 10” kicker solo baric sub under the back seat.
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Thanks for your reply. Why do they cheap out on sound quality on a $73k truck. Mind boggling.
john151ama
Active member
I don’t know but most brands are doing it. Cheaper low grade components even if they wear a name brand. Ford is doing the same with the B&O systems. The other new thing is the centerpoint or concert sound stage programming. Many brands are going to this set up that delivers most of the sound through the dash mid range speakers. All the sound is coming from infront of you. Doors speakers are still there but get virtually no signal. I prefer the traditional 360 sound stage so you have to change the signal to make that happen. Our Cadilac Escalade is the same garbage that is in my AT4X. Our Lexus GX550 on the other hand has a pretty nice 1,800 watt Mark Levinson system I am happy with. It is a 21 speaker set up and does not employ the centerpoint programming so sounds good enough I am leaving it as is. It doesn’t have the frequency range my upgraded AT4X system has, and does not have the same low end bump, but sounds good enough for my wife I am leaving it alone.
VandelayIndustries
New member
Ford B&O is miles ahead of this garbage in our trucks
john151ama
Active member
I agree the B&O is much better than the GM Bose, but the dash centered sound really ruins it for me. I was just in a new Ford expedition with platinum trim and could not get rear fill effect. Even with fader all the way back really no mid or back seat sound. A good set of 6x9’s can also produce more base than the B&O sub in that expedition
Monroni sticker on my AT4X AEV was a $106,000… I didn’t even mess with the stereo on the test drive. I didn’t look for 12 volt outlets or accessory switches either. That’s all my fault, of course. It just never occurred to me that a truck that expensive would be deprived of such basic and inexpensive comforts and conveniences. The Ford, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Toyota, and Honda stereos are all much, much better.
pinebaron
Well-known member
I don't know but I'm pretty happy with the sound system in my truck; it's not hi-fi but does fine for the little music I listen or the grandkids do when aboard. The sound system in my Benz is another story, Focals KRX2's and 600Watt amp plus a bunch more; was great for my 65-115 miles each way commute to north jersey or queens NYC.
Now in WA, I drive a lot to Seattle but prefer to listen to the quietness, I must be getting 'old'.
Now in WA, I drive a lot to Seattle but prefer to listen to the quietness, I must be getting 'old'.
My music habits have definitely changed with age. I can remember lying on the living room floor between two big tower speakers in the 70s… We’re crank the volume up during “Whole Lotta Love” and revel in the voices going back and forth between the towers before the drums and the great lead guitar kicked in.
It’s a wonder I can hear at all now.
I still occasionally listen to 70s rock, but my music tastes became more eclectic with each passing decade, adding in the classical music my mother loved, the country music my dad loved, the sounds of the Caribbean, and more modern pop. It all sounded great on the factory stereo in the 2018 Raptor. And, oddly, my son’s early 2000s Honda Element. My 2019 Jeep Wrangler and my buddy’s late model Ram Laramie had good sound systems too (by my modest standards). I figured the manufacturers had all seen the light, since adding a decent quality sound system costs the factory very little and helps sell vehicles. (I suspect matching those high-end Focals that retail for $800 per pair would cost GM about $40 per pair when they buying them by the freight-car load.)
I’d never listened to a podcast before I bought the Raptor. Then, in the fall of 2019, I planned a hunting trip that required a ten hour drive each way, so I loaded a bunch of podcasts. As it turns out, even a narrator’s voice sounds better on a decent sound system.
Life is short, and I’m running out of runway, so I’m disinclined to tolerate crappy stuff that erodes quality of experience. I suspect that’s a common sentiment among those spending $100,000+ on pickup trucks, so GM better figure this shit out. Work trucks don’t need everything, although the stereo in my rubber-floor-matter commercial Tahoe is about as good as the AT4X AEV. The way to our hearts in the luxury truck market includes all basic conveniences and luxuries, and that means a quality stereo, accessory “upfitter” switches, 12 volt outlets, electrically adjustable pedals and steering column, and comfortable seats, among other things.
^^ This!
That’s what the guy at the stereo store had done with his rig — the “DSP”. The DSP is the thing I awkwardly referred to as a “translator”. That, plus lots of added power, sound-deadening mat throughout, and quality speakers all around. Do that and the sound quality will be fantastic. It was fun to hear the clarity, depth, and crispness of the sound.
pinebaron
Well-known member
Money has devalued so much. $100,000 or close is for a basic truck considering I paid $126k for mine off the lot. To see an upgrade you at least need to get something like G-Class for somewhere under $200k; below are just the interior features. Skys the limit if you need more, a million may not be enough, perhaps three may get you a few more features but a few may still be missing.
Power Heated Front Seats -inc: 12-way power front seats w/memory function
10-Way Driver Seat
10-Way Passenger Seat
60-40 Folding Split-Bench Front Facing Heated Manual Reclining Flip Forward Cushion/Seatback Rear Seat
Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
Gauges -inc: Speedometer, Odometer, Engine Coolant Temp, Tachometer, Inclinometer, Altimeter, Oil Level, Power/Regen, Trip Odometer and Trip Computer
Power Rear Windows and Fixed 3rd Row Windows
Heated Nappa Leather Steering Wheel w/EASY ENTRY/EXIT Auto Tilt-Away
Heated/Cooled Front Cupholder
Rear Cupholder
Front And Rear Cigar Lighter(s)
Ashtray
3 12V DC Power Outlets
Compass
Proximity Key For Doors And Push Button Start
Power Fuel Flap Locking Type
Remote Keyless Entry w/Integrated Key Transmitter, 4 Door Curb/Courtesy, Illuminated Entry and Panic Button
HomeLink Garage Door Transmitter
Cruise Control w/Steering Wheel Controls
Adaptive w/Traffic Stop-Go
Voice Activated Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
Rear HVAC w/Separate Controls
HVAC -inc: Underseat Ducts, Residual Heat Recirculation, Headliner/Pillar Ducts and Console Ducts
Illuminated Locking Glove Box
Driver Foot Rest
Interior Trim -inc: Piano Black/Metal-Look Interior Accents and Leatherette Upholstered Dashboard
Full Cloth Headliner
Leather Door Trim Insert
Urethane Gear Shifter Material
Leather Upholstery
Day-Night Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
Driver And Passenger Visor Vanity Mirrors w/Driver And Passenger Illumination
Full Floor Console w/Covered Storage, Mini Overhead Console, 3 12V DC Power Outlets and 1 120V AC Power Outlet
Front And Rear Map Lights
Fade-To-Off Interior Lighting
Full Carpet Floor Covering -inc: Carpet Front And Rear Floor Mats
Carpet Floor Trim and Vinyl Trunk Lid/Rear Cargo Door Trim
Roll-Up Cargo Cover
Cargo Space Lights
Memory Settings -inc: Door Mirrors, Steering Wheel and Head Restraints
FOB Controls -inc: Windows and Sunroof/Convertible Roof
Smart Device Remote Engine Start
Mercedes me connect (1 year included) Tracker System
Driver / Passenger And Rear Door Bins
Power 1st Row Windows w/Front And Rear 1-Touch Down
Delayed Accessory Power
Power Door Locks w/Autolock Feature
Driver Information Center
Redundant Digital Speedometer
Trip Computer
Outside Temp Gauge
Digital/Analog Appearance
Power w/Tilt Front Head Restraints and Manual Adjustable Rear Head Restraints
Front Center Armrest and Rear Center Armrest w/Pass-Thru
2 Seatback Storage Pockets
Perimeter Alarm
Immobilizer
3 12V DC Power Outlets and 1 120V AC Power Outlet
Air Filtration
