I heard the sound system in the G8 sounds like crap. I was wondering since it already has an amp and sub's if I can switch the amp with an after market amp and sub without having to run cables and everything since everything is already there. Would I need a capacitor? Switching the 230 watt amp with say a 1000 watt amp won't damage the car would it?

I heard the sound system in the G8 sounds like crap. I was wondering since it already has an amp and sub's if I can switch the amp with an after market amp and sub without having to run cables and everything since everything is already there. Would I need a capacitor? Switching the 230 watt amp with say a 1000 watt amp won't damage the car would it?

this wont work. you will have to rum new power wire and ground wire at the least! it also depends on how the factory amp is wired, this will determin if i is close to a stright swap or a compleat rewire.

I don't think my stereo sounds like crap. If your looking to interrupt your neighbors television viewing by pushing 1000 watts through a speaker that has no real audible sound, then you would need a new amp.
A "1000 watt amp" is such a relative term. I suggest you find a good audio forum and read up. Of course, you still need to get a G8.

I don't think my stereo sounds like crap.


Me either. I don't like trying to vibrate my rear view mirror or trunk lid off the car. The stock stereo is PERFECT for me.

I'm still debating how my new G8 sound system compares with my 2004 Grand Prix GTP...

I havent been 100% impressed by the system when I have been able to drive one.

It's a stock stereo. It does not sound good. Some people may be just fine with how it is. But, the fact remains it is not a great sound coming out of the speakers.

You would need completely different wires to run an amp like that. An amp that size is honestly a little overkill imo. Or at least you would want different wires. If you are going to do something like this you want to do it right.

I will be very interested to see what a system sounds like in the G8. Especially since it's going to be such a PITA removing the head unit. Not sure what the sound quality will be coming from that POS either. Sorry, I am still mad that they integrated the climate control features into it. :(

The stock stereo is PERFECT for me.

I agree. I dont listen to a lot of low frequency bass music, either, though...just ROCK! Plus this sound system is a HUGE upgrade from the GTO. And after I adjusted the gain on the amp, it sounds much better than the Bose system that was in my truck...and that was an impressive system for factory.

To my understanding(from a couple of G8 owners) it's not that the sound system is bad it just needs to be configured correctly on the radio(Bass, middle, highs, etc). Once that's done the system should be very satisfactory. Now if you're wanting a really aggressive sound to where the house 3 blocks down from where you live can hear you drive by then an upgrade is definitely the way to go.

As for me all I plan on doing to mine is install a preamped subwoofer(from Blaupunkt) to enhance the bass a little bit more if it's needed but nothing else.

I think some of you are confused about a system. Now many people will be more than satisfied with the stock system. If you know stereos or sound you will not be okay with the system. Not every system is setup to wake up your neighbors.

I have a stereo in my truck that has 2 10's and all focal components running off a kenwood 7100. It is far from being loud enough to wake up neighbors. It is an extremely accurate sound and bass. And for the record I do NOT listen to rap. :) I listen to mostly rock. There is a night and day difference in the stock sound and having a system setup so the music is played how it was meant to be played.

I agree. I dont listen to a lot of low frequency bass music, either, though...just ROCK! Plus this sound system is a HUGE upgrade from the GTO. And after I adjusted the gain on the amp, it sounds much better than the Bose system that was in my truck...and that was an impressive system for factory.

Amen! The GTO system was crap. The G8 system is much better, which is probably why you and I are pleased.

I haven't heard the system in the G8 GT yet - but the system in my GTO was garbage.... just plain horrible... I HOPE the G8 is better..

I'm still debating how my new G8 sound system compares with my 2004 Grand Prix GTP...

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I'm guessing you finally got yours. I didn't see a post on it. How do you like it?

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I've had crossfire amps in a couple cars. In the range of 200 watts. They were 2 channel amps and running Pioneer and jbl speakers they rocked. I did not have a 10 or 12 inch speaker in either car.
Someone running 1000 watts usually only wants 1 speaker or two in a ported box. When you are asking about caps, it's not for music, it's for bass only.
Like others have said, if you enjoy the stock stereo, you most likely have already used the controls to change the tone to your liking.
But to say it sounds like crap when it's compared to something with hundreds of dollars of components, yeah ok, I get it.

I don't have a problem with the sound system in my 8. I am a professional audio engineer and with a little adjustment of the treble (apporx 10 k) and the bass (approx 100 hz) you can get a good sound from the system. Like several others have said you aren't going to be heard from 3 blocks away, but this way I will be able to hear when I'm old!!

Okay system for stock. Of course the aftermarket will smash it. At least the speaker locations are pretty decent and there seems to be more room in the rear deck then in the GTO because you dont have the battle the gas tank cage.

I upped the gain on the sub amp all the way and now my sunroof control panel rattles. I haven't turned it up much above 20, but probably because it's cold and I can't roll the windows down. I think it's good for a stock system, but nowhere near the precision and clarity of a good aftermarket system.

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When you are asking about caps, it's not for music, it's for bass only.

Thats not totally ture. a cap helps provide constany power to your system no matter what you are running. yes bass pulls WAY more power than anything else so yes a cap is normally used for sub amps but if you have a high power system installed a cap will benefit everything in the entire sysem. just a little FYI.

well if you turn up the gainfrom the amp and have the bass at 4 or 5 and the treble at 6, you wont get any more volume after 25 anyway,cause the radio is maxed at that point. If you turn the eq or seperate bass and treble controls down,you can go up to a higher 40+ but its still relative and wont be louder.

I think the stock stereo is loud enough,but not clear enough-even at lower levels of volume.I just replaced my front door speakers and raised the sub amp gain and its night and day.No distortion at full volume,clear as a bell.

As far as the 1000w amp idea,if you actually wired it right(if it can be done with all 11 speakers) you would only add 6 db spl anyway and that is noticeable but not worth the money IMO.
and like dodson said,its not about wakin' up the neighbors,its about quality!!!

Thats not totally ture. a cap helps provide constany power to your system no matter what you are running. yes bass pulls WAY more power than anything else so yes a cap is normally used for sub amps but if you have a high power system installed a cap will benefit everything in the entire sysem. just a little FYI.

I understand, but in the context of the OP, I thought that was sufficient.
I would start with the big 3 before I added a cap. :)

The basic G8's don't come with a good system, it also doesn't read MP3. I'm thinking of putting two realy good front speakers, morel or something, anyone knows what max size the front door can take?

it sounds much better than the Bose system that was in my truck...and that was an impressive system for factory.

opposite for me. my Bose system in my 03 GMC sounded awesome compared to this G8 system. the G8 sounds SO muddy its terrible at times. it actually bothers my ears after listening to it for more than 10 minutes loudly. mainly with metal. other music sounds ok tho.

i cant wait to change out the system in the G8.