Improving preamp output to factory amplifier

[audionoobwhowillprobablyb]

I have a 2012 impala ltz with a stock Bose amplifier powering my stock speakers. I have an aftermarket head unit. I have an aftermarket amplfier powering an aftermarket subwoofer.

The head unit came with an adapter for the factory amplifier. When I use it, the volume on the head unit maxes out way before the speakers do. The speakers are audible and sound really good, but are no where near my preferred listening volume. The aftermarket subwoofer amplifier is recieving plenty of juice from the preamp output on the same adapter.

Is there something I can buy to improve the preamp voltage going into the adapter for the factory amplifier... to make the volume louder on my speakers? Obviously if it were it an aftermarket amplifier, I think I'd just increase the gain. But that's not an option on this factory Bose amplifier.

Thank you for any suggestions. For now, the headunit is powering the speaker, however when I do this, the subwoofer is too quiet. Lol what a mess.

Should I just get an aftermarket amplifier for the speakers? Really don't wanna fork out anymore cash after all the upgrades I've already done. Will do what needs to be done though.

TLDR; is there something I can buy to improve the preamp voltage going from my aftermarket head unit into my factory amplifier for my speakers.

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[LsGuy]

You could get a line driver. But, many times there's issues with factory system impedance, wattage output, signal processing. It's a mess trying to combine factory and aftermarket systems. Imo, the easiest way you could do this is just get either aftermarket speakers or an aftermarket amp and speakers. If you don't care too much, some higher sensitivity speakers run off the head unit may be fine. If you want to go a step further, an aftermarket amp to push those speakers. If you care a lot, amp, speakers, dsp.

 

[Kickstand Premium Member]

You say the HU came with an adapter for the factory amp.
Is it the proper harness?
GM's are a pain in the ass about the harness.
I had a 2007 Cobalt SS/SC and it needed a GMOS LAN-03 to properly work.
If you go to Metra's website (Axxess) there is a huge selection of different harnesses

I guess it would help if I knew what HU and what the adapter is that your running

 

[marc2112 10+ year member]

TLDR; is there something I can buy to improve the preamp voltage going from my aftermarket head unit into my factory amplifier for my speakers.

Delete the factory amp and get one with high level input.

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[Kickstand Premium Member]

If he already has an aftermarket HU then I presume it has low level outs on it (RCA'S)?
So if he was going to delete the factory amp and add an aftermarket one then why not just use the low level outputs coming out of the HU?
Unless I've had another senior moment and totally missed something.

 

[HOSound]

DELCO/BOSE Factory systems are oddball, to say the least. Do yourself a BIG Favor and Bypass it Altogether by swapping out the funky BOSE speakers with aftermarket stuff and drive em with a good amp or with your stereo HU,s High level amp (the former if you plan on keeping your Ride for a while ).

 

[marc2112 10+ year member]

Unless I've had another senior moment and totally missed something.

Yeah uh... definitely that.