A client from Huntingdon, PA., recently saw the post we made about upgrading a 2024 GMC Sierra and knew right away he wanted us to upgrade his 2025 Sierra Denali. After a thorough consultation over the phone and numerous emails, we presented three proposals to transform his truck into a mobile concert venue. Let’s look at the work we performed on this classy machine.
GMC Sierra Denali Stereo Upgrade Plan
Our audio system upgrade plan involves replacing all the speakers and amplifiers in the truck while adding a high-performance subwoofer system. Everything will work with the factory radio, so there’s no learning curve to enjoying the new system.
We started by removing the OEM speakers from the doors and dash. With the doors apart, we applied a layer of Hushmat sound-deadening material to both the inner and outer door skins to reduce noise transfer. We treated the door trim panels with a layer of Silencer Megabond foam to ensure that the cables and wire harnesses wouldn’t buzz or rattle.
Next, our fabrication team created mounting adapters out of acrylic for the new speakers. We installed a set of Helix i5-Series 1-inch tweeters in the A-pillars and BLAM 2-inch wideband midrange speakers at the outer edges of the dash. We used a matching 3-inch midrange in the center channel. In the doors, we mounted eight-inch Helix woofers. The rear doors received a set of Helix i3-Series coaxial speakers. Foam gaskets were installed on the door woofers to seal against the stock grilles and further reduce the chance of rattles.
Amplification and Signal Processing
We installed an AP4-GM71 interface to extract an audio signal from the factory radio. We upgraded the interface with an APATOS1 TOSLINK port, allowing us to run a fiber optic cable to the Match amplifier.
In terms of amplification, we installed Match UP 10DSP and UP 1FX amplifiers on the back wall of the truck. The UP 10DSP has 10 channels of amplification and a built-in digital signal processor.
GMC Truck Subwoofer Upgrade
Our fabrication team designed and built a custom subwoofer enclosure to house a pair of 12-inch Helix Slim woofers. The enclosure fits under the rear seat. We finished the enclosure with a dark grey carpet that complements the interior nicely. We added a GMC badge to the front of the enclosure to give it a little extra style.
Audio System Calibration Delivers Amazing Sound
Once everything was installed, we set up our real-time audio analyzer to configure the DSP in the Match amp. We routed the stereo audio signal to each speaker using its signal mixer, then applied delays, level adjustments, and equalization to each speaker to smooth the frequency response of the overall system. The Match DSP has a dedicated center channel processor that helps to focus the soundstage for both the driver and passenger.
Once we were done, the truck sounded like a concert hall. The music appeared to come from a virtual soundstage that spans the width of the dash. The placement of each performer on that stage was lifelike. The overall tonal balance of the system was smooth with a good low-frequency kick from the door woofers and subwoofers.
Maryland’s Truck Stereo Upgrade Experts
When the client returned to Westminster Speed & Sound a few days later, we hopped in the truck with him to audition the upgrade. He was thrilled with the sound, noting that it was both clear and loud enough for his listening style. He loved that everything was invisible, and he mentioned that the doors now closed with a solid thud, rather than a tinny sound.
If the stereo in your truck doesn’t sound the way you want, drop by WSS and speak with a member of our award-winning team. We’d be honored to design and install an audio upgrade for you! If you’re unable to visit the store, please call us or complete the car audio estimate form, and we’ll respond as quickly as possible.
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