Custom Stereo Upgrade for Jacksonville Chevy Silverado

A client from here in Jacksonville was referred to the team here at Audio Designs and Custom Graphics to upgrade the stereo in his 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. The client’s friend loved the audio system we had created in his car and knew we’d do a great job upgrading the truck. The owner wanted the stereo to play much louder and still sound great. After auditioning several options on our showroom displays, he chose a custom audio system upgrade package that would deliver on his expectations.

Silverado Stereo System Upgrade Delivers Clearer Sound

The door speakers were upgraded with the Sony woofers.

Our fabricators created these speaker adapters on our CNC.

Sony coaxial speakers were used in the rear doors.

We started the project by removing the factory-installed door and dash speakers from the Silverado to make way for two sets of upgraded Sony speakers. Our fabrication team created a set of door speaker mounting adapters for the 6.5-inch woofers from the Sony XS-GS1631C three-way set. The adapters are milled out of a single piece of expanded PVC so that the new speakers will bolt to the doors using the factory fasteners. The 3.5-inch midrange drivers from the Sony set are mounted in the dash locations at the base of the windshield. Finally, we installed the tweeters in the A-pillars to provide a nice, wide soundstage.

For the rear doors, we used a pair of the matching Sony XS-GS1621C 6.5-inch coaxial speakers. We made another set of mounting adapters for the rear doors to ensure that the speakers are mounted securely. You can purchase the front or rear adapters by visiting our online store. The adapters also fit new GMC Sierra pickups.

Custom Subwoofer Enclosure Delivers Deep Bass

The subwoofers were test-fit in the enclosure before upholstery.

The enclosure was carpeted to match the interior upholstery.

The enclosure fits under the seat perfectly.

The client wanted the new sound system to deliver deep bass that would retain the integrity of the music he listens to. We created one of our Phantom Fit custom enclosures for a pair of Audiomobile GTS2112 12-inch subwoofers. The enclosure uses what’s known as a stack-fab design, where layers of custom-milled MDF are stacked on top of each other to create the outer walls of the cabinet. We use a proprietary process to angle the top of the enclosure to match the underside of the seat, then attach a flat mounting panel for the woofers.

We’ve added the enclosure to our online store, so you can upgrade your truck easily. You can choose from a single 10- or 12-inch sub, dual subs in either size or three or four tens. All of the enclosures, including the one in this Silverado, are finished in a durable gray carpet.

Digital Signal Processing and Dual Amplifiers

We used tuning software to adjust the processor.

The amplifiers were safely mounted on the back wall of the truck.

The last part of this upgrade was to install the new electronics. We started with an Audison bit Ten signal processor. This DSP takes the audio output from the factory-installed sound system and removes any equalization from the signal. Once any processing is undone, we can configure new crossovers, signal delay and equalization settings to work with the upgraded speakers and subwoofer system.

The subwoofer output from the bit Ten feeds a Hertz HCP 1DK subwoofer amplifier. This amp can produce up to 1,240 watts of power to the pair of woofers. We installed an HCP 4D four-channel amp to power the front and rear speakers. This amp is rated at 85 watts per channel. The front speaker output feeds the passive crossover networks that come with the Sony three-way speaker set.

All of the equipment is mounted on a board that is attached to the back wall of the cab, so everything is properly secured.

Northern Florida’s Car Audio Upgrade Experts

Once we had all the equipment installed, we went through our digital signal processor calibration process to set the delays, output levels and equalization for the new speakers. Getting these settings right results in the music sounding as though it’s coming from the windshield, rather than from the speakers. It’s a similar experience to a high-end home audio system, where it sounds as if the performance is happening out in front of you.

The owner loved the way the new system sounds and how clear it is at high volumes. If you’re interested in upgrading the stereo system in your Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra, drop by Audio Designs and Custom Graphics in Jacksonville and talk to one of our Product Specialists. You can also reach our team of car audio experts by phone at 904-333-2322 or by using the contact form on our website.