I've always advised customers to swap out the radio first before switching to higher power speakers.(Provided the stock radio doesn't have a ton of features) Swapping from a basic stock radio to one that can feed more power to the stock speakers really brightens them up. Remember, speakers are only as good as the source unit.

Now that being said, if you think your speakers are getting a little long in the tooth, swap them out. I've seen non-work truck speakers last as long as 15 years and still be in decent shape. You should see how speakers degrade that are located on the rear deck of a sedan or something. With the sun beating on them they literally crumble apart!

 

I've always advised customers to swap out the radio first before switching to higher power speakers.(Provided the stock radio doesn't have a ton of features) Swapping from a basic stock radio to one that can feed more power to the stock speakers really brightens them up. Remember, speakers are only as good as the source unit.

Changing the head unit in a Bose-equipped Silverado will do nothing for improving power output to the speakers though, as they are powered by a separate digital amplifier, and not the head unit itself; unless of course you bypass the amp, which will remove usage of the factory subwoofer and center channels as well.

 

When I removed the rear Bose door speakers in my 03, the speaker had separated from the plastic mounting bracket. It looked like the glue had failed and the speaker was resting on the door panel and held in place by the wires.

 

Aftermarket speakers are definitely better (unless you buy the really cheap discount quality stuff).

 

The speakers sound good, no crackling, the truck has 213xxx miles and is in better shape than most trucks with 100xxx miles in my neck of the woods. I've installed my share of speakers & head units in past vehicles so upgrading my truck doesn't scare me, does anyone know what the wattage output is on the factory bose head unit & speakers?

 

I don't know what the factory power ratings are, but remember that the factory resistance ratings on the speakers are abnormal too. Typically, just installing aftermarket speakers that are rated at 4ohms will give you better audio with the factory head unit even, simply because the speakers have a lower resistance, so the factory unit can power them more efficiently. Knowing the RMS for the factory installed system isn't all that useful, because the ratings are at a different load level than what aftermarket speakers have, which means that the power output will be different when you plug in different speakers. If you look at ratings on aftermarket amplifiers, you'll see (at least on decent quality and better anyway) multiple RMS ratings at different ohm levels, and the advertised peak rating is at a specific ohm level as well. The low end super cheap stuff might not provide the same ratings at the same ohm levels, or even provide you with info about what ohm load they expect.

 

Hello, Mike_86:

If you don't mind some work or spending money for a professional install, I feel high quality aftermarket components (deck, processor, amplifiers and speakers) will give better sound. All incoming power wiring will, most likely, have to be replaced to make sure the power amplifiers you install have a good flow of voltage and current from the battery and have a sufficient ground path. It is a lot of work to complete all of that. If you wish to do it yourself, I would suggest to first try replacing the speakers. If you are knowledgable you can buy the best replacement speakers from Parts Express. Make sure you buy 4 ohm impedance speakers. Their products are better than the car aftermarket speakers and less expensive. You will need to know measurements inside the door hole to make sure you don't buy a speaker that does not clear the window when it rolls down or doesn't clear a stationary structure inside the door. If you don't wish to figure out what to buy then look on Crutchfield and buy something they sell that fits your vehicle.