How To Upgrade Sound System of Chevrolet Equinox

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: October 26, 2023

For all you Chevrolet Equinox enthusiasts out there, isn't there just something thrilling about the hum of the engine combined with the whistle of the wind as you cruise at top speed? But sometimes, the open road calls for some chill tunes or maybe a podcast or two to keep you company.

Now, when we're talking about long drives, stretching across vast distances, having your favorite jams becomes essential. If you're travelling with family, especially the little ones, some entertainment like cartoons on the Equinox's multimedia system might be a lifesaver.

However, let's be honest, the stock audio system in the Equinox may not always live up to the hype. It might lack that punchy bass or crisp treble, or you might just find the sound getting drowned out by outside noise. If you feel like the Equinox's sound system isn't cutting it for you, then why settle? You can absolutely jazz things up a bit! And I'm here to guide you through it.

Considering the Risks - Maybe Leave It to the Pros?

Modifying the Chevrolet Equinox's audio system isn't a walk in the park. It requires a good understanding of electronics, not just connecting things together but also grasping the vehicle's wiring layout.

Messing up the connections can lead to disruptions in the system, or even worse, potential hazards like short circuits. So, if you're having second thoughts or doubts about your tech skills, it might be wise to leave it to the experts. Save yourself the headache and ensure top-notch results!

First Things First - Disconnect That Battery!

Before diving into any electrical work on the Equinox, always remember to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. It's a crucial safety step, for both you and the vehicle.

Tools You'll Need for Upgrading the Equinox Stereo

Depending on the specifics of your upgrade, you might need certain tools. But here's a general list to get you started:

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The essentials include:

• A set of wrenches;
• Insulating tape;
• Screwdrivers (both Philips and flathead);
• Pliers;
• Soldering iron;
• Set of wires (tailored to your system);
• Electrical diagram of the Chevrolet Equinox / Chevrolet Equinox Owner's Manual;
• Multimeter.

Setting Up the Speakers

Believe it or not, about 70% of your sound quality is down to your speakers. Now, going for the budget options might save you a few quid initially, but in the long run, they're likely to let you down with reduced sound quality.

If you're thinking of upgrading, it's worth investing in quality speakers from reputable brands. You're looking at an average price range of $100-$200 per speaker, but if you're willing to spend a bit more, the sky's the limit in terms of sound clarity.

Picking the Right Speakers for Your Chevrolet Equinox

When you're on the hunt for top-notch speakers, you'll want to ensure they fit snugly in your Equinox. Each model year might have specific dimensions, so size definitely matters here. The last thing you'd want is a speaker that's either too large or one that just flops about because it's too small.

To find out the exact dimensions and speaker configurations for your Chevrolet Equinox, you can check here.

How to install speakers in your Chevrolet Equinox?

Now, once you've picked out the perfect speakers for your Equinox, fitting them should be a smooth ride. It's all about the good old Plug and Play principle. Let me guide you through:

1. Pinpoint your speakers' location (The Equinox might have them placed differently than other cars);

2. Gently take off the paneling shielding the speakers, which might mean removing door panels or other parts of the interior;

3. Carefully unseat the old speakers, whether they're held by screws or bolts;

4. Disconnect the speaker wires and remember to mark the positive and negative cables to avoid any confusion later on;

5. Slot in your shiny new speaker. If it fits just right, brilliant! If not, you might need to tweak the space a touch;

6. Hook the wires back up to the new speaker, ensuring the right ones connect to the right terminals;

7. Secure the speakers in their place, ensuring they're stable;

8. Replace the panels and trims you removed;

9. Repeat this dance with any other speakers you want to upgrade.

Beyond the standard placements, you're free to install speakers wherever your heart desires – the doors, boot, near the pedals, under the rear window, even the glovebox. But remember, making such changes might require some redesigning - like carving out new speaker niches and rewiring.

Though there's no hard limit on the number of speakers, try to stick with a single brand for consistency in sound quality. Just keep in mind that overloading your doors with speakers can add weight, leading to vibrations. No one wants a rattling door panel!

Subwoofer Setup

A subwoofer in the Chevrolet Equinox is all about that deep, resonating bass. These units are engineered to handle the lower end of the audio frequency spectrum, typically between 20 Hz and 200 Hz.

Integrating a subwoofer into your Equinox’s audio system can drastically elevate your music experience, adding depth and richness. Especially for those tracks or movie scenes with booming low-frequency effects. On average, a decent subwoofer will set you back about 250-300 dollars.

How to choose a subwoofer for Chevrolet Equinox?

Selecting a subwoofer needs a bit of pondering. The first decision to make is whether you want an active or passive subwoofer.

Benefits of an Active Subwoofer:

Built-in Amplifier. An active subwoofer comes ready with an integrated amplifier, meaning no additional purchase or clutter in your Equinox.

Compact Design. Typically, active car subwoofers are designed to fit snugly, making installation in vehicles like the Equinox a breeze.

Easy Installation. The inbuilt amplifier simplifies the installation process. Just hook up the power and audio, and your Equinox's sound system will be booming in no time.

Control & Adjustability. Active subwoofers provide a greater control range, letting you tweak settings like gain, frequency, and phase. This ensures optimal bass output tailored to your Equinox's acoustics and other speakers.

Active Subwoofer Disadvantages

Higher Price Tag. With the amplifier being built-in, active car subwoofers do tend to lean on the pricier side compared to their passive mates.

Positioning Constraints. These active subwoofers need to be close buddies with a power source, like your Equinox’s battery. This can be a bit restrictive when you're plotting out its perfect spot in your Chevrolet Equinox.

Passive Subwoofer: These chaps come without an onboard amplifier. So, remember, you'll need to hunt down an amplifier separately for this one.

Advantages of the Passive Subwoofer

Flexibility with Amplification. You get the reins when choosing an external amplifier for passive subwoofers in your Equinox. This way, you can pair it up with a top-notch amplifier, fine-tuning the audio to perfection.

Friendlier on the Wallet. Without the built-in amplifier, these passive subwoofers typically come in at a more pocket-friendly price.

More Freedom on Placement. Since there’s no built-in amp, you've got a broader canvas to decide where to place both the subwoofer and the separate amplifier in your Chevrolet Equinox. It's all about optimizing that cabin space!

The Downsides of Going Passive

Extra Gear Required. For your Equinox's passive subwoofer, you're going to need some external amplification. This might mean a bit more wiring and some added equipment, which could stretch out the install time and costs a tad.

Fewer Knobs to Turn. With passive subwoofers, you might not have as many adjustment options as with the active ones. You might need to tinker around with the external amplifier to get the bass response just right.

Space Considerations. Adding an external amplifier means your Chevrolet Equinox will require a tad more real estate compared to the all-in-one active setups.

Now, when you're eyeing a subwoofer, power is quite the talking point. A couple of power indicators to keep in mind:

• Nominal Power (RMS) - This is all about how the speaker performs over the long haul, ensuring the sound is crisp without any hiccups.
• Peak Power - This points to how the subwoofer performs in short bursts without distorting the sound or causing any physical damage.

Sensitivity Matters. This is the yardstick for your subwoofer's output. It's all about how the cone (diffuser) area dances with its movement specs. When sensitivity jumps up by 3 decibels, you're essentially doubling up on the volume!

Resistance (Impedance) - Measured in our good old ohms. It gives us a peek into the power your amplifier will work with. A resistance of 4 ohms is the golden standard for Chevrolet Equinox subwoofers.

Before pulling the trigger, have a think about the subwoofer's size. Bigger ones tend to belt out a better sound quality. But, remember, you've got to find a spot for it in your Equinox. So, plan ahead, take some measurements, and then make your pick!

Installing a Subwoofer in a Chevrolet Equinox

Right then, you've picked your spot and you've got your subwoofer ready to go. Time to roll up those sleeves and get it fitted in your Equinox.

This method should work a treat for any Equinox model. But remember, every car's a bit unique, so you might come across a snag or two. If you do, give us a shout. Always here to help!

First things first, find a spot for the amplifier. Under the seat or in the boot are common choices. Make sure it's close enough to the battery for the power cord but away from any moisture or heat.

Once it's fixed in place, get that power wire connected from the positive battery terminal to the amplifier. And don't forget, safety first! Put a fuse near the battery for protection.

If you're working with an active subwoofer, you can skip straight to connecting it to the speakers since it's got its own built-in amplifier.

Next up, get a ground wire from the amp to a clean bit of the Equinox's chassis, and keep it short.

Time for the RCA cables. They'll run from the stereo head unit right to the amp. To dodge any interference, run them on the opposite side from the power wire.

Connect your speaker wire from the amp to the subwoofer. Positive to positive, negative to negative, alright?

Pop the subwoofer in its box or enclosure. The sound you get will vary based on the box you choose, so pick wisely!

Once that's done, secure it in your Equinox. The boot's usually a safe bet, but it's your call depending on your model and preference.

Hook up the Equinox's battery, crank up the stereo, and fiddle with the gain and crossover on the amp until your new subwoofer is harmonizing beautifully with your other speakers. Maybe tweak the equalizer settings on your stereo for the cherry on top.

Last but not least, give everything a once-over to make sure it's all snug and secure. You don't want any loose connections messing with your sound or gear.

Picking an Amplifier for the Chevrolet Equinox

When you're on the hunt for an amplifier for your Equinox, you've got to consider a few things.

Firstly, make sure the amp's specs match those of your speakers. If there's a mismatch, you could end up with poor sound or even damage.

The speaker's input impedance should always be higher than the amp's. Got it? Good.

As for classes, AB and D are your main players. Class AB is known for quality output, but it's a bit inefficient. With a Class D, you're looking at bigger output and a smaller size.

Monoblocks are perfect for adding a subwoofer to an existing audio setup, while two-channel amps offer versatility. Need to connect two speakers and a subwoofer? Go for a three-channel. And for a full audio system? Four-channel's your best bet.

If power's a priority for you, remember this rule: if the speaker's resistance goes up, power goes down.

The frequencies your amp can reproduce are important too. Most are between 20 - 20000 Hz. Single-channel amps? They max out around 250-300 Hz.

If you're after top-notch sound, consider the distortion factor and signal-to-noise ratio when making your choice.

How to install an amplifier in Chevrolet Equinox?

First off, when thinking about the Chevrolet Equinox, you want everything to work seamlessly with the design and tech of the vehicle. Let's dive into the process. Begin by picking a prime spot within your Equinox for the amplifier. Aim for a location that's both ventilated and shielded from dampness and too much heat.

Once you've got the perfect place, fasten that amplifier down using screws or brackets, if need be.

Now, connect the power wire. Go straight from the battery to the amplifier, making sure to safely route it through the Equinox's firewall. That'll give you a tidy setup and protect the wire. And always remember: safety first! Pop in the right fuse close to the battery in the provided fuse holder.

Time for grounding! Identify a sturdy metal point near the amp. Strip back a bit of insulation from your ground wire, then make sure you've got a solid connection to that grounding point. Remember, it's all about conductivity!

Now, let's talk about the remote start wire. Find it lurking behind the car radio or perhaps in the fuse box. Strip a tad off the end, then connect it to the amplifier's remote wire. This clever little wire powers up the amplifier whenever you switch on your Equinox's stereo.

Moving onto the RCA cables - if your Equinox stereo has those handy RCA outputs, get them connected to both the stereo and the amplifier. If not, you'll need a line-out converter to bridge the gap between the vehicle's speaker wires and the amp's RCA inputs. Give the converter's manual a good read to get it all connected correctly.

Speaker time! Lay out the speaker wires from the amp's outputs to each speaker or sub. Keep those positive (+) and negative (-) connectors straight to avoid any mishaps.

As a final touch, give all those connections a once-over. Make sure everything's tight and properly insulated. Any loose wires can not only ruin your day with bad sound but could lead to other problems down the road.

Head Unit

Your Chevrolet Equinox, regardless of its year, is designed with a top-notch audio system. Typically, this takes the form of a well-integrated radio or receiver. This setup usually does the trick, letting you tune in, adjust the volume, and even pick your preferred tracks. However, if you fancy more bells and whistles, consider upgrading the head unit to better align with your tastes.

Choosing the right head unit for your Chevrolet Equinox

When hunting for the ideal head unit, keep the following tips in mind:

Check the type of radio currently nestled in your Equinox: single din, 1.5 din, or double din. This will guide you in finding a seamless fit. If you're looking for a breezy installation, select a radio of the same size as your current setup. If you're feeling adventurous, you might need to tweak the central console's layout a bit and move a few wires around for a different size.

Guidelines for installing a fresh head unit in your Chevrolet Equinox

If you've opted for a similar size, the installation process should be straightforward. However, if you're leaning towards a bigger unit, ensure it fits snugly without any hitches.

Always keep the manual close - it's your map for this adventure. It'll highlight where each wire is and how to discern one from another. Safety first! Double-check each connection to avoid any nasty shocks or potential car damage.

Methodically disconnect the original unit and note each wire's position to avoid any confusion later on. Some radios might need an adapter for a smooth connection to the Equinox's default system. Get everything connected, ensuring the new unit sits perfectly and doesn't wiggle about.

Once it's all hooked up, fire up that system. Check if it's all systems go and enjoy your revamped audio experience in your Chevrolet Equinox!

Give Your Equinox Some Extra Juice

The Chevrolet Equinox’s electrical system is purposefully built for its specific loads, including important tasks such as fuelling the engine, illuminating the roads, and ensuring the cabin remains comfortable.

Although the electrical system does have some room to handle additional demands, there's a ceiling to what it can manage.

Adding a powerful audio setup can really push the limits of your vehicle's electrical capabilities. If you're jamming out too hard and too often, the Equinox’s performance might start to wane due to a taxed electrical system.

It's crucial to balance any electrical modifications to the Equinox's system with an understanding of its boundaries.

Watch out for these signs indicating a power-deficient electrical setup in your Chevrolet Equinox:

• Complete loss of power;
• Inconsistent engine performance;
• Dimming headlights;
• Intermittent dashboard lights;
• Sound system disruptions, especially deep bass notes;
• Other system hiccups needing electricity to function.

Noticed these symptoms after upgrading your audio? Try this:

• Fire up your Equinox;
• Switch on power-hungry features: headlights, climate control, defrost, and wipers. Don't forget your tunes;
• Find the battery in your Equinox, usually under the hood;
• Measure the terminal voltage using a multimeter;
• The multimeter should display between 14.2–15 volts.
• Readings below this range suggest the Equinox's electrical system is overwhelmed. Anything under 13.5 volts is a red flag.

If these issues persist, consider these solutions:

Opt for a beefier alternator. Perhaps your current Equinox alternator isn’t quite up to the task.

Swapping it out for a more robust model that's compatible with your Equinox might do the trick. Say, if your alternator is rated at 80 A, think about upgrading to one that offers at least 120 A.

Add a second battery. If a new alternator isn't on the cards, adding an auxiliary battery might help. Connect them in parallel to boost power.

Note: Ensure batteries are parallel-connected for the best results.

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Enhance Your Experience

While we're at it, why not make the most of your Equinox's entertainment system?

Touchscreen Multimedia

If you're diving into audio upgrades, consider adding screens for those in the back. Perfect for films, work, or selecting tunes. And, for the younger passengers, it’s a surefire way to keep them entertained during those long drives.

Never Get Lost Again

Fancy a bit of exploration? A navigation system ensures your Chevrolet Equinox is always on the right path. No more missed turns or backtracking.

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Wrapping Up

Revamping your Chevrolet Equinox's audio can truly elevate your driving pleasure.

With crisp sound, you can fully enjoy music, radio shows, or even an engrossing audiobook. When scouting for components, balance between quality and your budget.

If the wiring seems like a daunting task, or you're unsure about the DIY route, trust in professionals to get your Equinox sounding just right.