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1997 Tahoe Audio Upgrade

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Old Apr 25, 2009 | 5:19 PM
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Smile 1997 Tahoe Audio Upgrade

Hey whats up?!?!? Okay, so I REALLY like the feel of bass shaking my bones and the stock sound system sounds pretty good. I like the bass but it can be better. I have stock EVERYTHING and wanted to know if the stock head unit can hook up to a sub or two. If it has preamp outputs, then we're golden...but I am clueless to whether or not I can just toss some in. I really don't want to change the head unit (know I probably should) but I really like the original look.

Thanks for any replies!!!
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Old Apr 25, 2009 | 9:47 PM
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Welcome to the forum. Sorry to tell you that the stock Delco radio does not have preamp outlets. You will have to buy an aftermarket radio with a dash conversion kit. You should be able to get one for pretty cheap and install it yourself. I don't remember exactly, but when I did the switch in 97 LT I used an aftermarket wiring harness that plugged right into the factory wiring. Good luck!
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Old Apr 26, 2009 | 9:30 AM
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You do not have to replace your radio to add an amp and subs to it. Check out this post by Socaliguy81, he made a great write-up with pics on how to do it.

https://chevroletforum.com/forum/tahoe-suburban-25/2007-tahoe-add-amp-21865/
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Old Apr 26, 2009 | 1:09 PM
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Would that work for the '97s?
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Old Apr 26, 2009 | 7:38 PM
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Haha...good point 73shark.....I must have looked right passed that.

ok forget the post I linked you to and just go buy a line level converter. They cost about $15, hook into the rear speaker leads, and they provide an RCA output.

OR

If your amp has a high level input, save the $15, tap into the rear speaker leads, and connect them right into the amp
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Old Apr 26, 2009 | 9:11 PM
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hmmm, I see...after posting I did look into the line level converter but the website I was looking at said that I don't need the component. I guess there's no way in telling until I actually take the HU out. I think I can get a hold of an amp with the high level input if the ones I have don't have that. So from what I understand, as far as the RCA issue goes, all I have to do (if I have the high level input) is plug from the rear leads directly to the high level input...at this point I wouldn't need RCAs anymore? And what about the remote connection to the amp? I hear there's a way to bypass that also...will I have to?

And thanks so much for the help guys!

When I finally get this to work with all of your great help!!!! I can take pics and post them!
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Old Apr 26, 2009 | 9:37 PM
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Originally Posted by shawnvw
buy a line level converter. They cost about $15, hook into the rear speaker leads, and they provide an RCA output.
That is exactly what I did with my 97 Tahoe and it worked just swell....
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Old Apr 26, 2009 | 10:04 PM
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Originally Posted by in2pro
That is exactly what I did with my 97 Tahoe and it worked just swell....
okay cool, would I still be able to connect the "remote" connection from the amp to the HU?
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Old Apr 27, 2009 | 7:16 AM
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Yes but I can't honestly remember where I connected mine...?
I may have just connected it to any ignition on power source since all it did was power up the amp, the amp would not do anything if there was no input signal from the radio.

Last edited by in2pro; Apr 27, 2009 at 7:17 AM. Reason: spelling
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Old Apr 27, 2009 | 7:14 PM
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yep...hook it directly to an ignition feed...probably be easiest to get it in the drivers kick panel. The harness that goes into the drivers door boot should have a yellow wire there. Use that one
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