2005 Escalade Head Unit and Disc Changer

**LarryKingsShoes** · 11-20-09 08:03 PM

Hey everyone!

I have a couple of questions regarding the factory stereo in my Escalade. I would like to upgrade some things (maybe) and wanted to get a better idea of what would be the best course of action.

First of all, does the factory head unit have preamp outputs that can be used to drive an aftermarket sub and amp? I would like to put a different subwoofer in the Escalade, since I have one lying unused in storage. I have doubts that the factory unit does have the preamp outs because of the Bose premium system. Maybe I am wrong, though. My Escalade has the navigation system but it is not the touchscreen model. I also have the 6 disc changer.

I have also considered replacing the head completely, in favor of a more feature-filled Pioneer AVIC F700BT (with the newest software, of course). I love the idea of voice controlled iPod functionality and the enhanced navigation and Bluetooth options. I would need to purchase the harness that is supposed to retain the door chimes, OnStar functionality, and the use of the Bose system, but it seems like it may be worthwhile.

My second question, going along with the AVIC head, is about the disc changer. How does the factory changer work with the factory head unit? Pioneer makes a 6 disc changer that works with the F700BT and looks as though it would fit right where the current one is. It is, unfortunately, quite pricey. I do love having six CDs loaded up so it would be a future upgrade to consider. If, however, the factory changer could interface with the F700BT (though it seems like a long shot) I would be quite thrilled. The Pioneer model is the XDV-P6.

Thanks in advance for any information, suggestions, or tips!

**nathanjax** · 11-20-09 08:10 PM

Originally Posted by LarryKingsShoes

Hey everyone!

First of all, does the factory head unit have preamp outputs that can be used to drive an aftermarket sub and amp? I would like to put a different subwoofer in the Escalade, since I have one lying unused in storage. I have doubts that the factory unit does have the preamp outs because of the Bose premium system. Maybe I am wrong, though. My Escalade has the navigation system but it is not the touchscreen model. I also have the 6 disc changer.

No pre outs. There's a factory amp but won't do aftermarket subs.

Originally Posted by LarryKingsShoes

My second question, going along with the AVIC head, is about the disc changer. How does the factory changer work with the factory head unit? Pioneer makes a 6 disc changer that works with the F700BT and looks as though it would fit right where the current one is. It is, unfortunately, quite pricey. I do love having six CDs loaded up so it would be a future upgrade to consider. If, however, the factory changer could interface with the F700BT (though it seems like a long shot) I would be quite thrilled. The Pioneer model is the XDV-P6.

Thanks in advance for any information, suggestions, or tips!

Factory changer won't work with aftermarket radio.

**LarryKingsShoes** · 11-20-09 08:41 PM

Thanks for the quick and helpful replies, nathanjax! It looks like I'll be saving up for a bit longer so I can buy the head unit and necessary harnesses and such, which is fine by me! The changer will have to wait, though. It's easier to load a playlist onto the iPod than it is to burn a CD anyway.

**parts68** · 11-22-09 11:40 AM

LMK when you want to ditch the factory stuff.
I need about everything

**bstiffmanofsteel** · 11-22-09 11:52 AM

I have the Avic F700BT. I like it alot, not sure if you know this but it does not play DVDs... Didn't matter to me since I'd never watch them anyway. The CD changer doesn't work with aftermarket HUs but the XDV-P6 is a good fit in the slot where the cd changer is, and also it plays DVDs which fixes the first issue.