[carl_2210]

I Have a couple of questions. Has anyone changed the stock head unit on the outlook, and speakers. I want to know if u need special tools. Also the ones with advance audio package, do you now where they placed the amp?

 

[Webhair]

I have replaced all of my speakers. It was not too bad. I have the base radio so I did not have to mess with the amp... but I hear it may be in the console.

 

[caddycruiser]

I have replaced all of my speakers. It was not too bad. I have the base radio so I did not have to mess with the amp... but I hear it may be in the console.

And how was the result, in terms of sound?

 

[tys]

Did you replace all 6 speakers and if so, what did you go with? Also, did you add a sub?

tyson

 

[Webhair]

Yes I replaced all 6 speakers... I use Alpines. Components up front. Two ways in the back doors and then I added a pair of Inifinty 10" subs in the back. I installed a Alpine 450 amp in the storage compartment for the 6 speakers and a Kenwood 8152 amp for the subs. The subs are installed into a sealled box but I am thinking of replacing them with the Alpine band pass PVL-7.

At times I think I could run the system with out the subs and it would still sound great...

The system sounds great (still using the stock head unit). The system completely stealth looking (except the sub which is under the cargo cover).

It is so much better then the stock unit. Yes - I would do it all over again.

I would suggest going to Best Buy and talking with them - they have a few very quialified installers and they are insured - anything goes wrong with the install they will fix it... I would suggest interviewing them like you were going to hire them for a job... to pick the best installer...

 

[carl_2210]

so u didn't do it yourself then. I was wondering how to pop out the door trim panel to access the speakers. If special tools are needed to pop out the trim. There is already room for a small sub in the center dash. If u pop out the trim u will see it. I did not find any pre wire though. I'm sure it's there they just hide it so it's not that easy for a diy. I'm curious where they house the amp, on the advance audio package, as I feel they also have pre-wire there.

 

[Webhair]

I did do the doors myself - no real special tools, just a long trox bit to get at the bolts in the arm rest. I had to make an adapter plate to mount the new speakers on. The door panels just pull off once you get the bolts out.

Now - I did not do the a-piller... I paid Best Buy to do them... just incase there was a problem with the airbag.

I placed my amp in the rear storage compartment... I did not have the advance auto package. As for the subs - I wanted a little more then a single 8"...

 

[allmet33]

Webhair...what size speakers did you go with? I'm interested in changing out my speakers as well. I have the upgraded audio system so I'll be tapping a hi/lo converter to the rear speakers from behind the head unit (so the signal won't be amplified) and set my sub up from there.

Most likely...convert the in floor storage unit into a sub enclosure and use the Pioeneer or Kenwood shallow mount subs. The amp looks like I can mount it under the 3rd row seats to keep everything stealth and out the way.

Do you have pics of your install???

Oh yeah...to replace the stereo (if you choose), there is a $150 adaptor you will need to purchase so that you will be able to keep your OnStar features since it's connected to the stereo.

 

[tys]

allmet33 - you will lose use of the steering wheel mounted radio controls if you replace the stock head unit with a non-factory model - even with the on-star adapter harness they will be un-useable. That's according to crutchfield techs anyways...

 

[allmet33]

You are correct in stating that the steering wheel controls would be lost...that is until PAC creates an adapter that will allow you to integrate the steering wheel controls into an aftermarket system. Considering the Lambdas to be brand spankin new, it'll probably be a little while before they are available.

I replaced the stereo in my '06 Azera, of course losing steering wheel controls, but since the aftermarket radio has a remote...I really don't miss it.

 

[tys]

allmet: you're right, with a remote it won't make much difference...and to be honest, most of the time I forget the steering wheel controls are even there! the stereo adapter to allow onstar and door chimes to work just came out. The week I got my outlook, I immediately went to crutchfield to look at replacing the radio (b/c of the reception issues), only to find out they didn't have the adapter. We've had it for 6-8 weeks now and the adapter is here, probably just a bit more and the steering wheel controls adapter will be in too. Wish Saturn would come out with a fix right now tho!!!

 

[imgntht]

allmet33: Just in case you don't already know, the third row seats will not allow for the amp to sit underneath it. When you fold them the seat bottom actually lowers and touches the floor. Now if you don't have a need to ever lower the third row, then I guess it wouldn't matter. But thought I would mention it in case it changes your installation plans.

 

[allmet33]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...thank you for the insight!!! I guess this just means I need to think up another location for the amp to go. I appreciate the input!!!