Has anyone had any success with fitting an amp and new speakers with the stock head unit. I know that an after market head unit is the best way to go for sound quality and to keep things cheap, but I without a doubt am going to keep the stock head unit. So basically what I'm trying to do is get a small amp and hook it up to the stock head unit and then buy some decent speakers that can handle the amp. Anyone gone this route before?
4th gen sound upgrade
- Thread starter carter316
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sgtcombatusmc
New member
It's been awhile since I've been in the stereo installation business, but your biggest issue is going to be a way to get the signal from the factory HU to the Amplifier. You could use a high to low level converter, but they're not that effective. It really just taps into one of your signal wires and then gives you RCA plugs on the other end. Also, the signal coming out from the factory unit is pretty much garbage. and like they say - Garbage In, Garbage Out.
Another option is a setup like the Alpine F.I.T. system
Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.
It takes the existing signal from your factory unit, cleans it up, and then gives you a stable 'base' signal to send to your amplifier. It also provides a connection to use for your amplifier. It might be the perfect solution to your problem.
The drawback with this (or any other sound processing system) is you're going to spend some time (and money) getting it tuned properly. The IMPRINT technology that Alpine offers is pretty good, it'll get you close, and with a digital processor like this, it's nearly a necessity. It usually runs $40 or so if I remember correctly, and takes about 1/2 hour from start to finsh.
By all means, Alpine's not the only option available for you, but it's the one I have the most experience with. I think JL Audio also has a similar system available.
Hope this helps.
BucknutBob
New member
Carter, other than the wiring issue the Sarge described, using the factory HU is not a bad idea at all (with digital music sources such as CD or other). Since all you need the HU to do is reproduce a signal, and not provide the juice, most decks using digital source material can cover the full spectrum, and that's the main battle. Other than the bells and whistles, an aftermarket HU does very little to the actual signal--the quality of sound comes from the speakers and amps. You can make a very good-sounding system with the existing HU controlling it (just don't use a CASSETTE deck--LOL!).
Thanks for the input guys, BucknutBob that is all I want. I will be honest using the CD player on my stock head unit sounds great. I just get some distortion coming from the low end on the speakers, I was just wondering if putting money in some new ones would be worth it. I think it will, again thanks for the input it will be a fun weekend project.
zonedriven
New member
The only problem with your factory head unit is the voltage outpout of the signal. If its an issue get a signal invertor. I personally don't think it will be a game changer. For me the problem is you can't play your personal audio device (phone/ipod) unless you have the aux input (some models have the ability to add it) on your radio or fm mod. The way to overcome the lack of signal input is to add more clean power. Carter, what part of NC are you in? I'm in Rock Hill SC, south of Charlotte. Let me know if I can help you with your install. I work for beer! I just did a guys 2011 Challenger RT and keep his stock hu and added JL's Stealh box. I love it way it sounds.
bob3dsf
New member
Carter, I'd like to know how this progresses. I'm thinking about doing a similar upgrade. I'm in Raleigh myself. Actually Rocky Mount, but I work in Raleigh.
Bob
I'm gonna try this hopefully this Friday and put in the new speakers, unfortunately I don't have enough money for the FIT system but I am going to go and get some Pioneer speakers from Custom Acoustics a local sound shop in town this Thursday. And wait and see if I need the amp. :zoom:
