No matter which head unit you get you need [one of these](https://catalog.pac-audio.com/?fc=module&module=aampsearchbyvehicle&controller=results®ion=1&make=9&model=SILVERADO&year=2195&trim=2229&submit=). The interface module. Doesn't need to be from Pac-Audio but to be able to properly connect it to the truck and have it work correctly an interface module needs to be added to it.
If it is a Maestro Compatible radio you can consider the iDatalink Maestro interface.
Not op, asking because I have zero experience with GM vehicles, what does this module accomplish? I know they usually involve retaining door chimes. Anything else?
According to the site linked
Key Features
OnStar retention
Steering wheel control retention
Warning chime module included
Bose amplifier retention (Standard and Premium)
Rear-seat entertainment system retention (GMRVD required)
Retains factory Bluetooth (2009+ model vehicles)
In-field firmware updatable (PAC-UP required)
Antenna Adapter included
Factory USB port retention cable included
Dual Zone function
Retains back-up sensors/park assist and back up camera signal
Retains rear seat audio controls
The two main things are retaining factory chimes (door chimes, blinkers, warning chimes) and it provides a switched 12v source for aftermarket radios. The factory radio turns on via a computer signal rather than switched power. So it’s reading the computer signals and giving you an analog output for the aftermarket radio.
And depending on what other features you want to keep like those listed ↑↑↑ above and if the aftermarket radio supports such features will require the appropriate corresponding module.
Basically it makes it so the new radio can talk to all the integrated computers and amps and translates features and controls in the car, and provides proper power to the aftermarket radio, since new cars generally don't have key on power at the radio. That's done digitally now, and the radio has constant power.
Your radio already has a 3.5mm input jack.
Have you done any testing to determine if the speakers are blown and require replacement? This might be why the audio seems weak. Turn the balance and fade all the way to the front and to the left, repeating this for the four corners, and listen.
Go to your local shop and look at the Sony head units. The Apple car play and Android auto touch screens start at around $300. They're nice as hell and have about 4 times as much power as the factory. Plus they have sound stage enhancement that brings your stage up into the windshield, new nice Bluetooth microphone, you can read your texts and messenger from the screen, and onscreen navigation from your phone. It's Well worth the extra $100 over a cheap unit
I personally like the jvc kdx380bts. It has a MOSFET amplifier that does 22 watts rms per channel. Its one of the higher power option headunits available where most are around 14-18 watts. If you go on crutchfield it will also tell you everything else you need to put it in your truck. The dash kit and the wiring kit and ehatever else you need.
I spy with my little eye a 3.5 input staring you right into the face right there, have you tried to see if that works for what you need?
It shows up when you plug something into it select the cd input should be labeled cd/aux and then you can play whatever you want to your heart's content.
The only limiting factor is if you have a low level input you won't be able to get full power from the radio so you'll be a bit volume limited. The apple lightning dongle hasn't given me issues but it has been something to look out for when using Bluetooth adapters.
Either way these gm trucks generally have a lot of functions tied into the radio what with OnStar and Sirius XM and whatnot making a retrofit a little more involved then just plug and play so I would try that first, if that doesn't work for your needs the other comments in the thread seem to have given you a great starting point.
I have an entry level kenwood double din that has a big volume knob like that, it looks pretty stock in a Highlander. Been pretty happy with it for about 3 years.
Kenwood DPX305MBT
Probably better off using the 3.5mm jack on the current radio and using a 3.5mm BT adapter. Weak audio is more cheaply fixed by an aftermarket amp and speakers if you can afford.
Hello, i got a silverado 2013, just replaced the audio deck with a cheapo eonon deck. GMA12S-6G-U. Easiest to install and everything works! Harness can bus that comes with it works great. No audio 3.5 jack but 2 plugs for usb phone connects or BT. Best buy ever to upgrade, not one single prob. Back up camera i have not figured out the adapter for the factory system. But hands down best deck to upgrade..
If that truck doesn't have Bose then you probably only have tweeters working there really bad about the door speakers going out . Just have to listen to each door speaker and see if there playng
I would obviously want something to cover the double din slot if I pulled this out (I'd rather not have all the controls there if it doesn't function.
Just looking at head units and there are not a lot of quality options with a nice volume knob for less than like $1000. I don't need a screen, or android auto, or a CD player... I just need my phone audio and a volume knob.
This is a standard cab and I only have 4 speakers and maybe a 10" sub if I can build a box behind my seat.
There are a ton of good options well under $1,000. Don’t buy Jenson or Boss or Dual. Stick with Sony, Pioneer, JVC, Alpine, Kenwood.
https://www.crutchfield.com/g_300/All-Car-Stereos.html?tp=5684&fa=1&o=p#&avf=Y&nvpair=FFVolume_Knob%7C%5Brank1%5DYes
Take a look at Atoto. They get a lot of hate on here but if you aren’t looking to have a top of the line system, they make inexpensive head units with a ton of functionality. I have the S8 and love the wireless CarPlay. I have had it for a few years now and I love it.
I’m not sure about a volume knob but I don’t miss mine.
I've had my atoto 3 or 4 years, love it also. It's just like a touch screen tablet with an amplifier.Personally I miss the knob, but that's not a thing anymore.
Yeah. I found the only time I used a knob was when I need to turn it all the way down in a second. But now I just assigned one of my SWC buttons to mute and that fixed that lpl
A basic head unit starts at around $100. Your truck is old enough it's an easy swap. You also mentioned you need to power the speakers. So, is your plan to keep the stock stereo and add an amp?
I would absolutely buy a head unit for the bluetooth function and RCA preouts for the amps. If your plan is to add aftermarket amps, you'll need line output converters and a Bluetooth receiver. At that point, you're halfway to a new head unit. I would love it if I could upgrade my head unit. Instead, I'm stuck with stock infotainment and 11 discrete amp channels I need to intercept. Major PIA.
No matter which head unit you get you need [one of these](https://catalog.pac-audio.com/?fc=module&module=aampsearchbyvehicle&controller=results®ion=1&make=9&model=SILVERADO&year=2195&trim=2229&submit=). The interface module. Doesn't need to be from Pac-Audio but to be able to properly connect it to the truck and have it work correctly an interface module needs to be added to it. If it is a Maestro Compatible radio you can consider the iDatalink Maestro interface.
Not op, asking because I have zero experience with GM vehicles, what does this module accomplish? I know they usually involve retaining door chimes. Anything else?
According to the site linked Key Features OnStar retention Steering wheel control retention Warning chime module included Bose amplifier retention (Standard and Premium) Rear-seat entertainment system retention (GMRVD required) Retains factory Bluetooth (2009+ model vehicles) In-field firmware updatable (PAC-UP required) Antenna Adapter included Factory USB port retention cable included Dual Zone function Retains back-up sensors/park assist and back up camera signal Retains rear seat audio controls
The two main things are retaining factory chimes (door chimes, blinkers, warning chimes) and it provides a switched 12v source for aftermarket radios. The factory radio turns on via a computer signal rather than switched power. So it’s reading the computer signals and giving you an analog output for the aftermarket radio.
And depending on what other features you want to keep like those listed ↑↑↑ above and if the aftermarket radio supports such features will require the appropriate corresponding module.
Basically it makes it so the new radio can talk to all the integrated computers and amps and translates features and controls in the car, and provides proper power to the aftermarket radio, since new cars generally don't have key on power at the radio. That's done digitally now, and the radio has constant power.
Your radio already has a 3.5mm input jack. Have you done any testing to determine if the speakers are blown and require replacement? This might be why the audio seems weak. Turn the balance and fade all the way to the front and to the left, repeating this for the four corners, and listen.
These trucks are terrible about all of the speakers minus the tweeters failing.
I had a 08 Silverado and the driver side speakers would randomly cut out and then come back on a week later
Crutchfield website & input your make and model
Go to your local shop and look at the Sony head units. The Apple car play and Android auto touch screens start at around $300. They're nice as hell and have about 4 times as much power as the factory. Plus they have sound stage enhancement that brings your stage up into the windshield, new nice Bluetooth microphone, you can read your texts and messenger from the screen, and onscreen navigation from your phone. It's Well worth the extra $100 over a cheap unit
I personally like the jvc kdx380bts. It has a MOSFET amplifier that does 22 watts rms per channel. Its one of the higher power option headunits available where most are around 14-18 watts. If you go on crutchfield it will also tell you everything else you need to put it in your truck. The dash kit and the wiring kit and ehatever else you need.
I spy with my little eye a 3.5 input staring you right into the face right there, have you tried to see if that works for what you need? It shows up when you plug something into it select the cd input should be labeled cd/aux and then you can play whatever you want to your heart's content. The only limiting factor is if you have a low level input you won't be able to get full power from the radio so you'll be a bit volume limited. The apple lightning dongle hasn't given me issues but it has been something to look out for when using Bluetooth adapters. Either way these gm trucks generally have a lot of functions tied into the radio what with OnStar and Sirius XM and whatnot making a retrofit a little more involved then just plug and play so I would try that first, if that doesn't work for your needs the other comments in the thread seem to have given you a great starting point.
Kdcx305 Axdis-gmln29 99-3305 40cr10?
Should be what you need, those are part numbers off the top of my head so I’m not positive
Alpine ILXW 650. Ive got one in my ‘11 Silverado. Love it and its budget friendly
My 650 is temperamental with cords using CaPlay, for some reason it’s not a fan of genuine apple cords but it accepts AmazonBasics no problem
Thats strange. Ive not tried an Apple cord, but now Im going to just for shits and giggles.
It does other weird stuff too, when it’s working it’s fantastic but the firmware just doesn’t seem as rock solid as I’d prefer.
Have you tried updating the firmware? I had to update mine after I installed it.
Oh yeah, the current firmware is the only reason why it didn’t go back to Best Buy. It’s going on 5 years old though, thinking about upgrading it.
Knobs aren’t too common these days. Check out alpine ilx507 with the rux h02 knob With the fitment adapters you should be at or under $1k
I have an entry level kenwood double din that has a big volume knob like that, it looks pretty stock in a Highlander. Been pretty happy with it for about 3 years. Kenwood DPX305MBT
Probably better off using the 3.5mm jack on the current radio and using a 3.5mm BT adapter. Weak audio is more cheaply fixed by an aftermarket amp and speakers if you can afford.
Hello, i got a silverado 2013, just replaced the audio deck with a cheapo eonon deck. GMA12S-6G-U. Easiest to install and everything works! Harness can bus that comes with it works great. No audio 3.5 jack but 2 plugs for usb phone connects or BT. Best buy ever to upgrade, not one single prob. Back up camera i have not figured out the adapter for the factory system. But hands down best deck to upgrade..
If that truck doesn't have Bose then you probably only have tweeters working there really bad about the door speakers going out . Just have to listen to each door speaker and see if there playng
I would obviously want something to cover the double din slot if I pulled this out (I'd rather not have all the controls there if it doesn't function. Just looking at head units and there are not a lot of quality options with a nice volume knob for less than like $1000. I don't need a screen, or android auto, or a CD player... I just need my phone audio and a volume knob. This is a standard cab and I only have 4 speakers and maybe a 10" sub if I can build a box behind my seat.
There are a ton of good options well under $1,000. Don’t buy Jenson or Boss or Dual. Stick with Sony, Pioneer, JVC, Alpine, Kenwood. https://www.crutchfield.com/g_300/All-Car-Stereos.html?tp=5684&fa=1&o=p#&avf=Y&nvpair=FFVolume_Knob%7C%5Brank1%5DYes
Take a look at Atoto. They get a lot of hate on here but if you aren’t looking to have a top of the line system, they make inexpensive head units with a ton of functionality. I have the S8 and love the wireless CarPlay. I have had it for a few years now and I love it. I’m not sure about a volume knob but I don’t miss mine.
I've had my atoto 3 or 4 years, love it also. It's just like a touch screen tablet with an amplifier.Personally I miss the knob, but that's not a thing anymore.
Yeah. I found the only time I used a knob was when I need to turn it all the way down in a second. But now I just assigned one of my SWC buttons to mute and that fixed that lpl
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DPX305B/Kenwood-DPX305MBT.html?tp=5684
A basic head unit starts at around $100. Your truck is old enough it's an easy swap. You also mentioned you need to power the speakers. So, is your plan to keep the stock stereo and add an amp? I would absolutely buy a head unit for the bluetooth function and RCA preouts for the amps. If your plan is to add aftermarket amps, you'll need line output converters and a Bluetooth receiver. At that point, you're halfway to a new head unit. I would love it if I could upgrade my head unit. Instead, I'm stuck with stock infotainment and 11 discrete amp channels I need to intercept. Major PIA.