3dmaint

I got my '09 SS by Clunkering my old Caprice. What a score. But 5pd SSs were scarse. Only 7 in 300mi radius. By the time I was ready to buy, only 4 were left. I got a black sunroofed car w/boost gauge but had to live w/o the Pioneer Premiun sound. This factory headunit is full of features but sounds lame. I never heard the Pioneer option but it's got to be better than this. Does it pay to try to upgrade to the optional factory hardware or should I go aftermarket? Is all the optional wiring there for the sub? I'm not a big audiophile and don't want to loose any cargo space. I just want better sound w/deeper tight bass.

GDZHHR

The main difference is you have a small sub in back. You would have to run all of the wiring. I'd say it would be easier to add aftermarket.

3dmaint

Thanks, I didn't know I even had a sub back there.

GDZHHR

Unless you have the 7-speaker system you don't.

millerrdjr

I have the factory 7 speaker system and it's still lame. I replaced just the two front door speakers with aftermarket and it is a huge improvement.

Lars on Live

I had the premier system and still went after market. The premier isn't worth the extra money.

mistermike

Mine came with the upgraded audio. It's OK, but you can always do better in the aftermarket. If you want the OEM look, I would look for a wreck and pull out the Pioneer stuff. I'm going to guess that the harness is there whether the car came with the better system or not.

Lars on Live

I have the head unit, sub, amp and speakers if you want. I'm using the wiring though so you might need to get the wiring harness if yours doesn't have it.

HHR_style

Aftermarket- for sure! Stock stuff always has limitations to satisfy a particular price point for some bean counter. Aftermarket is dedicated to one thing: good sound!

djr1973

I have the pioneer premium sound system and I bought aftermarket door speakers to replace the stock ones. I havent done anything with the stock sub, but I have two 12's in a ported box, and a 500 watt mono amp to run them, I just havent got around to installing the subs and amp. I ended up buying Infinity Reference 6.5" two ways for the rear doors, and a component set for the front. They sound alot cleaner and I think just a bit crisper. I left the factory tweeters hooked up so with the aftermarket speakers I have a total of 9 speakers right now til I install my 12's.