Forget about the selling dealer....I believe they screwed up royally in handling your complaint/concern/warranty claim. Perhaps for your next car you should consider not visiting them anymore. They obviously were helpful and great when you brought money in your pocket to buy their cars, but when you needed a basic customer service warranty claim they simply refused to make you happy. They suck!
Well, the time has come for you to call Chevy customer service, get a case file number and ask to get the service manager of the other better dealer to get involved directly in your case. I am sure you'll have much better results there. Also while you are at it, tell the customer service person about the attitude of the selling dealer....let him/her know that you would love to receive a questionnaire to burn them down!
Do this TODAY, so you can get the ball rolling as quickly as possible.
Typically, sales managers are professional [non-permissible content removed] H*les! Don't even waste your time trying to get problems/issues solved with personnel from the dealer's sales force. they only give you 'customer satisfaction' when you put cash on the palm of their hands...otherwise forget about it!
Follow the same advise I have been giving 00Impala (Don)...go to a different dealer! When Chevy customer service calls you back to follow up, make sure you do tell them about your negative experience and that you would like a questionaire to write down your problems with the first dealer. Also ask to have your case relocated to a different dealership in the vecinity of your place of work/residence.
I'll do just that - I can't wait for Chevy to call me back tomorrow and let them really have it. Luckily I live in Boston, so I have at least 5-10 dealers in a 10-mile radius - at least it can't get much worse than what I have now
Ironically, the only person at the now-ex dealer who's been "nice" to me is my sales rep. Unfortunately he doesn't have the power to do much about anything.
That other Dealer I believe prides themselves on Customer Satisfaction, I have had nothing but good results there, My Wifes '99 Z24 just had a ISS and an Engine Mount replaced and the Sunroof Shade put back on track and lubed no questions asked, they usually call my residence *and* send out a customer satisfaction card, even after a Common 29 Minute Goodwrench Oil Change, they have been in the neighborhood for over 70 years and recently built a new facility. I had to take the rear lecence plate frame from the good dealer off when I went to the selling dealer, it is cool blue and has a Chevrolet Symbol and Cincinnati OH on it,.....Is that Customer Center 24 hrs? I can do it after work tonite, I will be sure to specify the Service Manager, although I do not know his name? Thanks Don
If you can't get your dealer to give you the 103 then you should do what Don suggested and find a wrecked 2k1 with the amp. Wasn't there a site posted here last year that had all kinds of Impala's on it that were wrecked and told you where to get them and how to get in touch. I think it was you Teo who posted that. Remember?
To anyone that cares, The bypass is fine, but the new amp is kick*ss, you have to change it if you want the sound you paid for.
Anybody noticing any resonance coming from the interior? My '01 LS (4/01 build date) has some vibes coming from the driver side door area. I posted previously about loosening the torque bolts inside the handle and that fixed it *somewhat*. Now the buzzing is back again.
Would this warrant a visit to the dealer? I am thinking about taking it in but wanted to hear from all of you first.
Check the plastic fuse cover at the edge of the driver's side dashboard. It tends to ge a bit loose sometimes causing a posible resonance sound when the door is closed. I think the fuse cover rubs against the door panel. Make sure the fuse box cover shuts tightly.
Don't waste your time with the dealer on an issue like this...they won't know how to fix it.
And please re-tighten the screws inside the door handle...you don't want the power window switch pod to come loose one day..
Thanks for the fuse box tip. I didn't think to check that.
When the radio is on I noticed the buzzing coming from the door handle area around the window/mirror controls, hence the reason for loosening the bolts. It almost seems as if the control panel is 'floating' a bit causing the assembly to vibrate against the handle ledge.
I agree that the dealer is a waste of time with this issue.
I have been racking my brain trying to remember that site, I found a few other Parts Locators and they list a few stereos with a price from $150 to $350 for the Cd players, a few offer just the AMPS that I am looking for,Im sure far under those prices for just the booster but they are the 104's, Just a matter of time! I need that site address! Anyone remember it? CarParts something? Don
Teo.....It was posted by you in post #1473....Around the middle of Febuary! COOL now I can find a bunch of Heaps! IS there a code in the VIN for the Radio? They list the VIN numbers and that my help me find one. Thanks It is copartfinder.com here is the link
I told you it was Frank. Glad you found it Don, There were a couple of people who were mentioning their cars were both built in Nov and one had the new part and one the old, I'd start with their numbers
I think with the advent of the 103 Amp being added later in production to the '01., maybe there is a correlation to the Grey Surround around the Licence plate area, seems the early '01's *DO NOT* have the Grey Surround and they have the old Amp. Maybe the Plate surround was added at the same time with the 103 Amp.(if equipped)?, In my search I am avoiding Wrecked '01's without the Plate Surround (all i can go by from the pics) as I am Definate they do not have the 103 amp. as far as I can tell, if it has the plate Surround and the Cd/Cass stereo it may harbor a desireable 103 Booster!? This is more fun that talking to the dealer! Don
It's like a scavenger hunt eh? I'd be in competition with you if I were in the same boat my friend. Have you checked you own local wrecking yards? Maybe i'll have a go myself, find some locally and sell them at a profit to disgusted 104 amp folks... nah, I wouldn't do that to you nice people, we're all in this together! I will check around though and see what's up.
I can't get over the sound quality, I still find that I have to make adjustments with certain cd's since the bass is so good now. I have to say it almost hurt my ears a couple of times, it's like having my hearing restored! I am now 100% completely satisfied with my Impala. Now knock wood that I don't have any of the more serious problems that have plauged this car!
Hello everyone. I just picked up my 2001 Imp LS this morning and was pleased to find this forum, because I am extremely disappointed with the "premium" sound system. I started reading from the very start of this forum and got to around post 130. It didn't look like there was any hope in sight so I just wanted to skip to the end and ask if ANYONE has found a fix for the poor sounding bass (or lack thereof) from my "premium" sound system. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!!
I stopped at my dealer today and spoke with the service director, who put me in touch with a service writer, who wrote down my vin, the problem I noted, and the replacement part number I gave him. He was only too happy to help. He really liked the fact that "I" had the part number I needed! The number I gave him was 10309548. Please tell me that is the right number, because before I told him to order it I checked with parts and they said that number is not for an Impala. They did show 3 different amps for the Impala though, a 102,103, and 104 model. The 103 model ended with a 7 I think. Hunter, which model did you get???
Check the build date on your car - it is on a sticker on the inside of your door when you open it. I have a 5/01 built 2k1 LS and have a GREAT sound system. YOu may have gotten an LS that was on the lot awhile and may be a pre-'01 build '01 LS, perhaps built the later part of last year.
Previous posts I think show that some '01 owners still have the bad amp.
I have been reading every post on this forum all night. Man is my girlfriend gonna be mad (we're SUPPOSED to wake up early and goto breakfast) But I'm so "amp'd" about getting this thing fixed(pun intended), that I won't be able to fall asleep untill it's time to go for breakfast. I bet I'll be a happy camper. ANYWAY I checked my car info, yes I ran outside and down the driveway to crawl in my trunk at 3:30 am, but hey it's worth it.
I have a '01 Imp, build date 10/00. It has the poopy 104 amp in it, so i'll be calling my dealership tomorrow to see what they are gonna do for me. I'll post my results.
I have to apologize. I re-checked last night and my 11/00 build date LS has the 10432572 amp. I must have gotten confused by the greater number actually being the previous amp. Again... Sorry if I caused any confusion. For the record, my vin is 207316. I will delete yesterday's erroneous post so that it won't confuse future browsers.
If someone does get a hold of a "new" amp from copartfinder.com or some other salvage/used car parts place, it might be worth asking them if they have more than one of them. I sure could use one if my own hunting isn't successful and I'm sure there are a lot of other people that "need" the new amp.
The new amp is definately part number 10309548, it is for the Impala and I suspect for the Monte Carlo too. Dura, have you heard from anyone in the Monte Carlo forums about a 2k1 amp replacement for them as well? And just this bit of info, the amp bybass makes a big difference over the poor quality 104 amp, but the 103 amp is an even bigger improvement over the bypass, you must get the new amp if you want to be truly happy.
A local company that does warranty work on GM radios can get the new amp booster for anyone that wants it, that is unless you want to go thru the hassle of getting GM to replace it. It can be done but if your dealer or service manager is hesitant, it makes it a bit harder.
The contacts name is John Bolls, he can be reached at 800-227-7234, he says that most dealerships cannot get this part but that he can get as many as are needed by folks here that want it. I suspect that if your dealership is willing to replace yours but doesn't know how to get it, they can go thru John. Now some more good news, the booster amp is $165.86 plus shipping. I'm sure a dealership would pay even less but I'm not for certain.
Those of you that want it now and can pay the price, give him a call, I told him to expect you.
That's a great contact to have for future reference. Thanks for the info.
What really bothers me is that owners, whose dealers are unwilling to help with replacing the radio AMP, are otherwise forced to pay $165 or whatnot to get satisfaction from their 'premium' stereos. Most people paid GM in excess of $250.00 for a radio upgrade, yet they have to shell another $165 just because their Service Manager is an A$$h*le??
I guess if some are willing to give up easily, then the 'by-pass' or $165.00 will be the ticket to get satisfaction from the radio, fine by all means.
But I strongly believe that people should make that money count and get what they paid for by forcing their dealers to step up to the plate and do what they are supposed to do. I repeat, THE AMP IS A VALID WARRANTY CLAIM!!! DON'T ALLOWED YOURSELVES TO GET RIPPED OFF BY UNCOOPERATIVE AND UNCARING DEALERS AND SERVICE MANAGERS!!!!
I talked to Chevy today about my "case". They have made a "final" decision with the dealer to NOT pay for the new amp under warranty even though they have the Service Manager on record saying that the *standard* sound system sounds a lot better than my so-called "premium" one. Chevy rep kept telling me the decision was final. It was like talking to a brick wall.
I'm probably going to visit another dealer when I get the time, but right now I'm writing the GM CEO a personal letter. Might not get anyone anywhere, but heck, I want to express my dissatisfaction to someone high up in the company hierarchy.
Incredible! Sorry to hear about that final answer. That dealer is nothing more than a piece of sorry trash...They lost a customer over $165.00...insane!
Try a different dealer by all means. The Chevy customer service rep is just relaying to you what the first dealer decided and that was not to make you a happy customer. Remember that the customer serv rep doesn't have any decision making power whatsoever. Only Dealer management, Service Managers and District Manager are enpowered to make these decisions.
Don't think this is the final blow. Go to another store and see if you get better luck. Persistance PAYS.
that I wasn't going to take no for an answer on this issue, I was very very fortunate to have the service manager I do, and who actually cares about his customer. I don't care that his motivation is his service bonus, what I care about is my satisfaction. He cares about it too. I agree, fight til you get what you want. If you can't get what you want, make sure they know they have lost a customer, and that you will tell your friends how poorly you were treated. They always say "Tell your friends to come see us" Well let them know it works both ways!
My contention is that the dealers and/or GM always hoped this amp issue would fall through the cracks. I contended that from the outset - well over a year ago. To the untrained or most casual listener, the sound with the 104 might have been thin or tinny but they weren't willing to do anything about it. Others were and hence the bypass.
More importantly, you can bet that GM got plenty of flack about the bad sound on the 104 amp or they would not have changed it.
THAT IS THE KEY FACT: GM changed ONLY the amp - NOT the RDS head end unit in the dash NOR the speakers. To me, that is concrete proof that the 104 model amp was defective in design.
I will take hunter39 and teo's word for it that the 103 amp sounds significantly better than the bypass. Even without their opinions, the fact that it was replaced with a new design speaks for itself and that the 104 design was a failure.
I ask - How many of us are there with the 104 amp who are dissatisfied? I am. Any others?
Somebody named Parkinson was the Impala product manager. Does anyone have his e-mail or snail mail address?
Yes, his name is Don Parkinson. I am not sure if the guy is still at the helm of the Impala brand management.
I remember from about a year ago, perhaps a bit more, Cookie somehow got a hold of his E-mail address (According to her). I think we should ask her if she is willing to share that E-mail address for this valid and worthy cause called 'The Never ending Quest for the 103 AMP'.
Folks, let's please watch the language - "masked" profanity where symbols or what-have-you are substituted for letters, yet the meaning is obvious, is no more acceptable than if you spelled the word out. So let's just find words that are accepted in all polite company to express our aggravation.
I sent you an e-mail about a month ago to your e-mail address and I thought I included Parkinson's e mail when I told you that I had conversed with him about a Plate on an Impala at a Car show? We were gaining speed on the AMP issue, that is why I e-mailed you.....I have his e-mail address, But I am not at home right now, I will sent it to you tonite. I do not want to be resonsible for posting it here if he gets an ear full.....he may not even reply, he replied to me 2 times but I sent him about 5 e- mails about a year ago., I thought I fowarded his message (including his e-mail addr.) to me in the one I sent you, You must not have gotten it???? Don
I have a 2001 LS, junk amp, but do have the license plate gray surround. Be careful about using that one for the indicator.
My dealer won't get me the new amp but I'll print many of the posts and see. Hunter, you're going to save me a lot of work, I think. Appreciate all your effort and everyone else too.
I DID DO THE COMPARISON at the dealer this week and there is no comparison. The new '01 LS with the new 103 amp totally rocks, mine stinks. Had a salesperson confirm but the service manager wouldn't take the time. Good service department altogether, tough one on the amp.
Have an appointment next Wednesday to look at further engine cradle/ISS stuff and mention the A/C variability for the first time. I'll bring my printouts and see what happens.
I like you guys, even though some use symbols for cuss words. I agree, though, let's keep it clean. Optional terms: Golly Gee, Stinkin', Buckethead, Moron, Goofball, and Yosemite Sam's favorite and mine: Rackin' Frackin'.
first ihave seen a couple ppl asking how to remove the rear deck 6x9's. first hop in the back of the car and lift the bench part of the back seat out. might need a stiff jerk but it pops right out. second... remove the 10mm bolts and VIOLA!
second. the factory amp AND headunit are both powerhungry pieces of equipment that dont do anything close to a good job. buy a new headunit and amp and be done with it. one thing you will have to relocate the factory headunit to the trunk as it controlls the keyless entry, oil change light, etc... (you will have to do the amp bypass in order to use your new headunit unless you like watching sparks fly)
I called my service dept today. Explain the problem very slowly and in simple terms. He said he's never heard about the problem, but he would look into it for me. My fingers are crossed. My girlfriend is telling me how stupid I am. "what you wouldn't want the car because of the stereo" HAHA I can't wait to show her the difference with the AMP bypass( which I did last night). I sat in my car and played Blind by korn. I had full bass and 3/4 volume. I sat there thinking it's not as bad as I thought at first, but it still sucks. So I turned the bass and vol down and did the bypass. Same song, played around with the bass and volume, and the whole freaking car was PUMPING. It sounded like a definate "premium" system! I can't wait for my girlfriend to hear the difference. I'm still awaiting my call from the service department.
Wait until you get the amp that really lets the stereo sound as it should. The bypass is okay, but the real booster amp is fantastic.
On another note, I can't believe that there are so many service managers out there who could care less about their customers satisfaction. They must have money coming out of the ears to be able to afford the risk of losing a customer. There are so many options for us all out there. It shouldn't be this hard for us to get this done!
Either have the service manager fix it, buy one for $165 from that guy, or find one in a junk yard. Am I missing any? BTW has anyone actually FOUND one from a junkyard yet?
I have been following your forum here for some time. I have to agree with everyone who does not like the sound from the " Premium sound system ".
I applaud your persistence in this issue. I can't say that I would do the same. As you have seen by my other post on the stereo upgrade.
I would like to comment though on the choice of replacing the bad amp with the newer amp. I have quite a bit of experience in the car audio world. And I can say that my experience with this system and amp absolutely leaves me cold. The sound from this system can get loud but it is not clean or with depth. It cannot reproduce even the first tenth of the sound you would get by just replacing the amp with an after market amp.
I realize that many out there like the sound and some don't. My point is that for both parties the choice you make will limit you in the potential this car really has if you don't try an after market amp. I also realize that many out there don't have the time or money to do so.
Also my views on music are in the area of audiophile taste. (Hah, make that work in a car).. But I can say that in my review of this system. A very good amp could make such a night and day change in your sound with out having to replace any speakers. That is a very honest assessment. Screw replacing the amp with the Chevy booster amp.. And get a real amp..4 channel with about 40 to 80 watts of power (Sony, Kenwood, JVC, Pioneer).
I think if you did that, and broadcast the fact that to get satisfaction you had to replace the booster amp to get the sound you wanted, would be a very clear signal to all involved that the standard amp is not adequate to your taste! I would even be willing to say that with that statement and letters to the customer service dealers and who ever else you can think of would generate quite a bit of attention to this problem.
One thing to point out on this topic. The auto industry is listening to this type of issue. I point to the recent ford offerings (Focus with the factory installed Sony explod 400 watt system, and the Ford ranger pioneer system). If you really want to see an audiophile grade system, check out the Lexus SUV with the Mark levinson, upgraded sound package. These cars are just a few examples of after market systems that were designed (with car audio enthusiast help) and installed, and supported by the factory.
Please think about the amp selection, For that $165.00 plus about $40.00 for install, you could have REAL POWER that will change the way you think about car audio.
If you want any suggestions as to what models and prices I can certainly make some recommendations and find pricing on those.. Why do this? Because I know.. I wrestled with the amp problem myself and would hate to see anyone here that is not satisfied with the sound get stuck with something that wont live up to his or her expectations.
IF I have to pay for the "better" amp(which I believe I should NOT have to), I would buy an aftermarket amp instead of paying for the 103. However if they are willing to give me the 103 for free(warrenty) then I'll be just find with that.
For those of you the replaced your junky 104 amp with the 103 amp, was swapping the amps out any hassle? Is it all done in the trunk or do you have to tear the panel shelf off at the rear window?
While I'm not going to quit fighting for the amp replacement, what would you suggest we replace the factory amps with if it comes to that? It probably should be in the same price range as the new GM amp ($100-$200), and I'm guessing not many of us fighting for the new amp are willing to change speakers as well.
Comments
Well, the time has come for you to call Chevy customer service, get a case file number and ask to get the service manager of the other better dealer to get involved directly in your case. I am sure you'll have much better results there. Also while you are at it, tell the customer service person about the attitude of the selling dealer....let him/her know that you would love to receive a questionnaire to burn them down!
Do this TODAY, so you can get the ball rolling as quickly as possible.
Good luck and let me know!
Follow the same advise I have been giving 00Impala (Don)...go to a different dealer! When Chevy customer service calls you back to follow up, make sure you do tell them about your negative experience and that you would like a questionaire to write down your problems with the first dealer. Also ask to have your case relocated to a different dealership in the vecinity of your place of work/residence.
Don't give up!
Ironically, the only person at the now-ex dealer who's been "nice" to me is my sales rep. Unfortunately he doesn't have the power to do much about anything.
I've been too busy to deal with it.
We're in the process of buying a different home and I haven't been on this forum for days.
Congrats to hunter39.
Hang in there Don.
Gary- Glad you're enjoying the bypass - at least it beats the 104 amp.
To anyone that cares, The bypass is fine, but the new amp is kick*ss, you have to change it if you want the sound you paid for.
Would this warrant a visit to the dealer? I am thinking about taking it in but wanted to hear from all of you first.
Thanks!
RR
Don't waste your time with the dealer on an issue like this...they won't know how to fix it.
And please re-tighten the screws inside the door handle...you don't want the power window switch pod to come loose one day..
When the radio is on I noticed the buzzing coming from the door handle area around the window/mirror controls, hence the reason for loosening the bolts. It almost seems as if the control panel is 'floating' a bit causing the assembly to vibrate against the handle ledge.
I agree that the dealer is a waste of time with this issue.
Thanks again. I'll let you know how it goes.
RR
Let me know if the Fuse Box Cover is the culprit.
Have you try looking it up in Nathan's site??
http://copartfinder.com/cgi-bin/select.dtw/disp?zipcode=
Thanks anyway!
Previous posts I think show that some '01 owners still have the bad amp.
I have a '01 Imp, build date 10/00. It has the poopy 104 amp in it, so i'll be calling my dealership tomorrow to see what they are gonna do for me. I'll post my results.
If you can't get a 103 amp from your dealer, go to nathan's website and try the bypass.
Here's the link:
http://home.hawaii.rr.com/impala/Amp_bypass.html
It takes less than a half hour and makes a huge and very noticeable difference.
The contacts name is John Bolls, he can be reached at 800-227-7234, he says that most dealerships cannot get this part but that he can get as many as are needed by folks here that want it. I suspect that if your dealership is willing to replace yours but doesn't know how to get it, they can go thru John. Now some more good news,
the booster amp is $165.86 plus shipping. I'm sure a dealership would pay even less but I'm not for certain.
Those of you that want it now and can pay the price, give him a call, I told him to expect you.
Dano
What really bothers me is that owners, whose dealers are unwilling to help with replacing the radio AMP, are otherwise forced to pay $165 or whatnot to get satisfaction from their 'premium' stereos. Most people paid GM in excess of $250.00 for a radio upgrade, yet they have to shell another $165 just because their Service Manager is an A$$h*le??
I guess if some are willing to give up easily, then the 'by-pass' or $165.00 will be the ticket to get satisfaction from the radio, fine by all means.
But I strongly believe that people should make that money count and get what they paid for by forcing their dealers to step up to the plate and do what they are supposed to do. I repeat, THE AMP IS A VALID WARRANTY CLAIM!!! DON'T ALLOWED YOURSELVES TO GET RIPPED OFF BY UNCOOPERATIVE AND UNCARING DEALERS AND SERVICE MANAGERS!!!!
I'm probably going to visit another dealer when I get the time, but right now I'm writing the GM CEO a personal letter. Might not get anyone anywhere, but heck, I want to express my dissatisfaction to someone high up in the company hierarchy.
Try a different dealer by all means. The Chevy customer service rep is just relaying to you what the first dealer decided and that was not to make you a happy customer. Remember that the customer serv rep doesn't have any decision making power whatsoever. Only Dealer management, Service Managers and District Manager are enpowered to make these decisions.
Don't think this is the final blow. Go to another store and see if you get better luck. Persistance PAYS.
More importantly, you can bet that GM got plenty of flack about the bad sound on the 104 amp or they would not have changed it.
THAT IS THE KEY FACT: GM changed ONLY the amp - NOT the RDS head end unit in the dash NOR the speakers. To me, that is concrete proof that the 104 model amp was defective in design.
I will take hunter39 and teo's word for it that the 103 amp sounds significantly better than the bypass. Even without their opinions, the fact that it was replaced with a new design speaks for itself and that the 104 design was a failure.
I ask - How many of us are there with the 104 amp who are dissatisfied? I am. Any others?
Somebody named Parkinson was the Impala product manager. Does anyone have his e-mail or snail mail address?
I remember from about a year ago, perhaps a bit more, Cookie somehow got a hold of his E-mail address (According to her). I think we should ask her if she is willing to share that E-mail address for this valid and worthy cause called 'The Never ending Quest for the 103 AMP'.
Thanks.
Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
My dealer won't get me the new amp but I'll print many of the posts and see. Hunter, you're going to save me a lot of work, I think. Appreciate all your effort and everyone else too.
I DID DO THE COMPARISON at the dealer this week and there is no comparison. The new '01 LS with the new 103 amp totally rocks, mine stinks. Had a salesperson confirm but the service manager wouldn't take the time. Good service department altogether, tough one on the amp.
Have an appointment next Wednesday to look at further engine cradle/ISS stuff and mention the A/C variability for the first time. I'll bring my printouts and see what happens.
I like you guys, even though some use symbols for cuss words. I agree, though, let's keep it clean. Optional terms: Golly Gee, Stinkin', Buckethead, Moron, Goofball, and Yosemite Sam's favorite and mine: Rackin' Frackin'.
second. the factory amp AND headunit are both powerhungry pieces of equipment that dont do anything close to a good job. buy a new headunit and amp and be done with it.
one thing you will have to relocate the factory headunit to the trunk as it controlls the keyless entry, oil change light, etc... (you will have to do the amp bypass in order to use your new headunit unless you like watching sparks fly)
i have pics up at the impala club in yahoo clubs
do you mean the bottom portion of the back seat?
How would that allow access to the speakers?
On another note, I can't believe that there are so many service managers out there who could care less about their customers satisfaction. They must have money coming out of the ears to be able to afford the risk of losing a customer. There are so many options for us all out there. It shouldn't be this hard for us to get this done!
Either have the service manager fix it, buy one for $165 from that guy, or find one in a junk yard. Am I missing any? BTW has anyone actually FOUND one from a junkyard yet?
I applaud your persistence in this issue. I can't say that I would do the same. As you have seen by my other post on the stereo upgrade.
I would like to comment though on the choice of replacing the bad amp with the newer amp. I have quite a bit of experience in the car audio world. And I can say that my experience with this system and amp absolutely leaves me cold. The sound from this system can get loud but it is not clean or with depth. It cannot reproduce even the first tenth of the sound you would get by just replacing the amp with an after market amp.
I realize that many out there like the sound and some don't. My point is that for both parties the choice you make will limit you in the potential this car really has if you don't try an after market amp. I also realize that many out there don't have the time or money to do so.
Also my views on music are in the area of audiophile taste. (Hah, make that work in a car).. But I can say that in my review of this system. A very good amp could make such a night and day change in your sound with out having to replace any speakers. That is a very honest assessment. Screw replacing the amp with the Chevy booster amp.. And get a real amp..4 channel with about 40 to 80 watts of power (Sony, Kenwood, JVC, Pioneer).
I think if you did that, and broadcast the fact that to get satisfaction you had to replace the booster amp to get the sound you wanted, would be a very clear signal to all involved that the standard amp is not adequate to your taste! I would even be willing to say that with that statement and letters to the customer service dealers and who ever else you can think of would generate quite a bit of attention to this problem.
One thing to point out on this topic. The auto industry is listening to this type of issue. I point to the recent ford offerings (Focus with the factory installed Sony explod 400 watt system, and the Ford ranger pioneer system). If you really want to see an audiophile grade system, check out the Lexus SUV with the Mark levinson, upgraded sound package. These cars are just a few examples of after market systems that were designed (with car audio enthusiast help) and installed, and supported by the factory.
Please think about the amp selection, For that $165.00 plus about $40.00 for install, you could have REAL POWER that will change the way you think about car audio.
If you want any suggestions as to what models and prices I can certainly make some recommendations and find pricing on those.. Why do this? Because I know.. I wrestled with the amp problem myself and would hate to see anyone here that is not satisfied with the sound get stuck with something that wont live up to his or her expectations.