[LiveWire195]

Finally got it done with retaining the factory radio installed along side. I read in the service manual, that if you removed the HMI box entirely, it would effect the DIC (Driver Information Center). Items like performance on the dash cluster, and other items. So it had to stay.


Physical Layout:
Pioneer Head unit > RCAs x3 > Two Amps > Adapter to Speaker runs.


Wiring Diagram:



Notes:
- Ran a six conduit wire to the truck, and used Fuse 20 for the accessory turn on.
- Backup cam triggered by reverse lights, to switch head unit source.
- Retained factory mic.
- Trunk wiring needs to be cleaned up still.
- MicroBypass needed to send parking brake signal. (Setting the reverse camera parking assist lines and access rest of settings.)


Parts:
- $44 - Dash Kit
Metra 108-GM3B
https://www.ebay.com/itm/293930967221

- $650 - Head Unit
Pioneer DMH-C5500NEX
https://usa.pioneer/products/dmh-c5500nex (Welcome10 for 10% off)

- $150 - Pioneer Extension Cable
RD-RGB150A
https://usa.pioneer/products/rd-rgb150a

- $8 - 2.5MM Mono Cable
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JYXPXB5

- $8 - Antenna Adapter
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YJ3BMT3

- $23 - Backup Camera Adapter
PAC CAM-GM551
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PF2X3NZ

- $20 - MicroBypass (Parking Brake)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/275176202794

Total: $903


Photos:
https://imgur.com/a/dseDu73

[Msquared]

Interesting! What does this head unit give you the stock one plus a digital interface (to pull a digital music signal, DSP it, and send it to whatever amps and speakers you want) doesn't? That's not a rhetorical question - I'm really curious to know.

[LiveWire195]

Originally Posted by Msquared

Interesting! What does this head unit give you the stock one plus a digital interface (to pull a digital music signal, DSP it, and send it to whatever amps and speakers you want) doesn't? That's not a rhetorical question - I'm really curious to know.

I used to have the LC6i installed to just amp out the speakers and it was good. I recently added a sub and it would cut out randomly with signal.

After troubleshooting the old head unit was the issue, sending out bad audio signal. The other quirks was the old head unit would randomly blip the Bluetooth connection and music would just stop, volume knob was fighting me when trying to raise the volume, and chime volume was just too loud with the speakers amped.

As for what I gained: no audio issues, cleaner setup, FLAC support, and a proper EQ to tune the system.

[Msquared]

Originally Posted by LiveWire195

I used to have the LC6i installed to just amp out the speakers and it was good. I recently added a sub and it would cut out randomly with signal.

After troubleshooting the old head unit was the issue, sending out bad audio signal. The other quirks was the old head unit would randomly blip the Bluetooth connection and music would just stop, volume knob was fighting me when trying to raise the volume, and chime volume was just too loud with the speakers amped.

As for what I gained: no audio issues, cleaner setup, FLAC support, and a proper EQ to tune the system.

I can see why you would want a change, given all those issues you were having! Luckily, my 2020 IOS is still working great and it also plays FLAC files. It obviously doesn't have EQ. But...

The LC6i isn't a digital interface like I referred to. I was talking about something like the Axxess LOC-GMH3. It doesn't take analog signals from your radio unit at all (line level or speaker level). Instead, it takes the actual digital signal before it goes though any digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) or gets amplified by the factory system. It takes that digital signal and applies DSP, which allows you to configure EQ, time delays, crossovers, and/or filters just like any good standalone DSP. Then it does the DAC process and gives you clean line-level analog signals to run to your amps. And the best things it's super simple to plug in to the factory system with the included T-harness, and it is also very easy to remove and return the car to stock. What it won't do is fix any glitches in your stock system (at least if the glitch is upstream of the stock DAC chip), and it won't make your system start playing FLAC files. But for a of people without those issues, it's a great solution to get fully custom sound. If I had been willing to spend more money and add more weight to my car, this is the setup I would have gone with.

[LiveWire195]

Originally Posted by Msquared

I can see why you would want a change, given all those issues you were having! Luckily, my 2020 IOS is still working great and it also plays FLAC files. It obviously doesn't have EQ. But...

The LC6i isn't a digital interface like I referred to. I was talking about something like the Axxess LOC-GMH3. It doesn't take analog signals from your radio unit at all (line level or speaker level). Instead, it takes the actual digital signal before it goes though any digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) or gets amplified by the factory system. It takes that digital signal and applies DSP, which allows you to configure EQ, time delays, crossovers, and/or filters just like any good standalone DSP. Then it does the DAC process and gives you clean line-level analog signals to run to your amps. And the best things it's super simple to plug in to the factory system with the included T-harness, and it is also very easy to remove and return the car to stock. What it won't do is fix any glitches in your stock system (at least if the glitch is upstream of the stock DAC chip), and it won't make your system start playing FLAC files. But for a of people without those issues, it's a great solution to get fully custom sound. If I had been willing to spend more money and add more weight to my car, this is the setup I would have gone with.

Ah I see. Definitely good information for my next vehicle, before going the nuclear route. As for this one, I plan on driving it until it doesn't anymore. I was able to drive it today for a while and very happy with the setup. Just needs a few minor tweaks to the settings and should be good to go!

[LiveWire195]

Updated main post with updated parts list, wiring diagram and everything working.

Also rear tail light pinout connector, for reverse signal clarity.