Audio upgrade, leave stock radio?
October-15th-2002, 04:37 PM
#46
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Rockford, IL
Posts: 239
Here's my problem with the new HU vs. amped stock HU debate... I can get a sweet pioneer deck for only $204
Premier Series
and have an easier installation than putting an amp on the stock HU. Plus this includes XM upgradability, the organic motion display, and a host of other things the stock HU will never do. Add to that a power rating of 50 x 4. On the other hand, I'd have to spend over $100 to get a halfway decent amp with a similar power rating, plus I'd have to buy a wiring kit, and go through the pain in the *** of hookin the whole thing up. I dunno, for just $100 difference I think you're better off to go with the new HU.
Premier Series
and have an easier installation than putting an amp on the stock HU. Plus this includes XM upgradability, the organic motion display, and a host of other things the stock HU will never do. Add to that a power rating of 50 x 4. On the other hand, I'd have to spend over $100 to get a halfway decent amp with a similar power rating, plus I'd have to buy a wiring kit, and go through the pain in the *** of hookin the whole thing up. I dunno, for just $100 difference I think you're better off to go with the new HU.
October-15th-2002, 04:56 PM
#47
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Atlanta, formerly Calgary
Posts: 363
Originally posted by HubbMP5
Here's my problem with the new HU vs. amped stock HU debate... I can get a sweet pioneer deck for only $204
Premier Series
and have an easier installation than putting an amp on the stock HU. Plus this includes XM upgradability, the organic motion display, and a host of other things the stock HU will never do. Add to that a power rating of 50 x 4. On the other hand, I'd have to spend over $100 to get a halfway decent amp with a similar power rating, plus I'd have to buy a wiring kit, and go through the pain in the *** of hookin the whole thing up. I dunno, for just $100 difference I think you're better off to go with the new HU.
Here's my problem with the new HU vs. amped stock HU debate... I can get a sweet pioneer deck for only $204
Premier Series
and have an easier installation than putting an amp on the stock HU. Plus this includes XM upgradability, the organic motion display, and a host of other things the stock HU will never do. Add to that a power rating of 50 x 4. On the other hand, I'd have to spend over $100 to get a halfway decent amp with a similar power rating, plus I'd have to buy a wiring kit, and go through the pain in the *** of hookin the whole thing up. I dunno, for just $100 difference I think you're better off to go with the new HU.
Both alternatives have their pluses and minuses, but I think people need to understand that from a technical standpoint, the stock HU is a good place to start a system if you want to upgrade and want to stay really low profile. My system is basic, but I do have a sub and an amp for the door speakers. It sounds really good for what I put into it, and it is 100% invisible. If you want something flashier, then there are a lot of alternatives!!
Dale.
October-15th-2002, 05:01 PM
#48
Protege Owner
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 720
Originally posted by HubbMP5
Here's my problem with the new HU vs. amped stock HU debate... I can get a sweet pioneer deck for only $204
Premier Series
and have an easier installation than putting an amp on the stock HU. Plus this includes XM upgradability, the organic motion display, and a host of other things the stock HU will never do. Add to that a power rating of 50 x 4. On the other hand, I'd have to spend over $100 to get a halfway decent amp with a similar power rating, plus I'd have to buy a wiring kit, and go through the pain in the *** of hookin the whole thing up. I dunno, for just $100 difference I think you're better off to go with the new HU.
Here's my problem with the new HU vs. amped stock HU debate... I can get a sweet pioneer deck for only $204
Premier Series
and have an easier installation than putting an amp on the stock HU. Plus this includes XM upgradability, the organic motion display, and a host of other things the stock HU will never do. Add to that a power rating of 50 x 4. On the other hand, I'd have to spend over $100 to get a halfway decent amp with a similar power rating, plus I'd have to buy a wiring kit, and go through the pain in the *** of hookin the whole thing up. I dunno, for just $100 difference I think you're better off to go with the new HU.
First, a 50x4 head unit is in no way comparible to even a crappy 50x4 amp. Hell I have a 25 x 4 amp no head unit can touch. If these were realy comparible then why are all ampifiers that are a real 50 x 4 5 times larger then the radio that also plays CDs, has XM, boost circuits. SImple the amp is a clean power and the deck is not. Head units power rating are largely done at high distortion levels. Also every little peice of electronics added to the radio, Cd, XM, boosting, processing negativly effects SQ.
Second, you car is much safer from a stereo theif if you have a stock CD player with an amp.
The thing hes is exactly right on is the $. Its much cheaper to just swap radios although the power and clarity gains will be far less. The amp with install kits and install will be atleast $300 for a decent 4 channel amp.
Price break down
amp $200
wiring kit $30
Speaker wire $20
install $50
Although the saved expense isn't much good if the aftermarket deck gets riped off.
Last edited by 1st MP3 in NH; October-15th-2002 at 06:11 PM.
October-15th-2002, 06:10 PM
#49
Protege Enthusiast
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 484
Originally posted by 1st MP3 in NH
First, a 50x4 head unit is in now way comparible to even a crappy 50x4 amp. Hell I have a 25 x 4 amp no head unit can touch. If these were realy comparible then why are all ampifiers that are a real 50 x 4 5 times larger then the radio that also plays CDs, has XM, boost circuits. SImple the amp is a clean power and the deck is not. Head units power rating are largely done at high distortion levels. Also every little peice of electronics added to the radio, Cd, XM, boosting, processing negativly effects SQ.
First, a 50x4 head unit is in now way comparible to even a crappy 50x4 amp. Hell I have a 25 x 4 amp no head unit can touch. If these were realy comparible then why are all ampifiers that are a real 50 x 4 5 times larger then the radio that also plays CDs, has XM, boost circuits. SImple the amp is a clean power and the deck is not. Head units power rating are largely done at high distortion levels. Also every little peice of electronics added to the radio, Cd, XM, boosting, processing negativly effects SQ.
October-15th-2002, 09:42 PM
#50
Master of All Things :{D
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: southeast texas, near houston
Posts: 4,118
Okay....after going to wally world to find out that the manager that has to do the ordering won't even be back to work during the day when I can see her for three days....I have decided to do what I really didn't want to do....cut the stock harness.....oh well, there ya go.
Today I did the install....I used bullet nose connectors on all the wiring in the dash so if I ever really needed to I could put it back to the stock configuration with out to much trouble.
if you look back...you will see I stuck with the stock head unit....added the Alpine V-power 5 channel amp....replaced all the door speakers with Rockford Fosgate's, and put a 10" W0 JL Audio sub in the back.....IT POUNDS IT OUT!!!
I am soooooooooooooooo satisfied with this upgrade. and NO alternator whine at all.
The RAMSTEIN is soooooooo much better with this set up now...
and total cost into the upgrade.... $675. of course I did the complete install myself....took me a total of 5 hours.
Today I did the install....I used bullet nose connectors on all the wiring in the dash so if I ever really needed to I could put it back to the stock configuration with out to much trouble.
if you look back...you will see I stuck with the stock head unit....added the Alpine V-power 5 channel amp....replaced all the door speakers with Rockford Fosgate's, and put a 10" W0 JL Audio sub in the back.....IT POUNDS IT OUT!!!
I am soooooooooooooooo satisfied with this upgrade. and NO alternator whine at all.
The RAMSTEIN is soooooooo much better with this set up now...
and total cost into the upgrade.... $675. of course I did the complete install myself....took me a total of 5 hours.
October-15th-2002, 10:51 PM
#51
Protege Owner
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 720
congradulations Nuke. Glad you like it, as if I had a doubt.
See it wasn't so bad just cutting the wires.
Just so everyone know the standard install at a tweeter for this would be about $130 - $140. Might be less I can't remeber the exact price for a 5 channel amp install but speakers are $30 a pair and the amp is $70, I think.
See it wasn't so bad just cutting the wires.
Just so everyone know the standard install at a tweeter for this would be about $130 - $140. Might be less I can't remeber the exact price for a 5 channel amp install but speakers are $30 a pair and the amp is $70, I think.
October-15th-2002, 11:01 PM
#52
Master of All Things :{D
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: southeast texas, near houston
Posts: 4,118
Originally posted by 1st MP3 in NH
congradulations Nuke. Glad you like it, as if I had a doubt.
See it wasn't so bad just cutting the wires.
Just so everyone know the standard install at a tweeter for this would be about $130 - $140. Might be less I can't remeber the exact price for a 5 channel amp install but speakers are $30 a pair and the amp is $70, I think.
congradulations Nuke. Glad you like it, as if I had a doubt.
See it wasn't so bad just cutting the wires.
Just so everyone know the standard install at a tweeter for this would be about $130 - $140. Might be less I can't remeber the exact price for a 5 channel amp install but speakers are $30 a pair and the amp is $70, I think.
:{D
I finished the install just in time to go into the house, get cleaned up...and get dressed for work...so of course I drove the P-5 to work tonight.....I cranked all the way to work....all I need to do now is find that just so perfect piece of music that is on one of the cd's in the changer.....its a piece of classical music completely done on a HUGE pipe organ....I have never heard it played on a amped system...but after I heard it for the very first time WAY back when the FIRST Rollerball movie came out, I have always thought it would really be a good piece to show off a decent system....its a piece by Bach...Toccata and Fugue in D Minor.
Anyway....if my guess is right...I have a feeling my wife is going to be wanting me to upgrade HER P-5 now! lol
October-15th-2002, 11:12 PM
#54
Master of All Things :{D
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: southeast texas, near houston
Posts: 4,118
Originally posted by 1st MP3 in NH
And the cycle of audio addiction begins.
And the cycle of audio addiction begins.
WELL if my wife wants an upgrade...it would always make a nice christmas, birthday, or wedding anniversary present....lol
and since SHE still uses hers to haul a lot of stuff....she wouldn't want a sub....so it would just be a 4 channel amp and the speaker upgrade.....
October-15th-2002, 11:15 PM
#55
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Rockford, IL
Posts: 239
Originally posted by 1st MP3 in NH
First, a 50x4 head unit is in no way comparible to even a crappy 50x4 amp. Hell I have a 25 x 4 amp no head unit can touch. If these were realy comparible then why are all ampifiers that are a real 50 x 4 5 times larger then the radio that also plays CDs, has XM, boost circuits. SImple the amp is a clean power and the deck is not. Head units power rating are largely done at high distortion levels. Also every little peice of electronics added to the radio, Cd, XM, boosting, processing negativly effects SQ.
First, a 50x4 head unit is in no way comparible to even a crappy 50x4 amp. Hell I have a 25 x 4 amp no head unit can touch. If these were realy comparible then why are all ampifiers that are a real 50 x 4 5 times larger then the radio that also plays CDs, has XM, boost circuits. SImple the amp is a clean power and the deck is not. Head units power rating are largely done at high distortion levels. Also every little peice of electronics added to the radio, Cd, XM, boosting, processing negativly effects SQ.
October-15th-2002, 11:22 PM
#56
Protege Owner
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 720
Originally posted by HubbMP5
I was aware of that. As I was told by an audiophile friend, "Sure a deck might put out that kinda power if lightning strikes the antenna". However, the bottom line is that I'd still have more power and clarity than the stock HU. Besides... I'll probably add an amp somewhere down the line anyway.
I was aware of that. As I was told by an audiophile friend, "Sure a deck might put out that kinda power if lightning strikes the antenna". However, the bottom line is that I'd still have more power and clarity than the stock HU. Besides... I'll probably add an amp somewhere down the line anyway.
October-15th-2002, 11:29 PM
#57
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Rockford, IL
Posts: 239
Originally posted by 1st MP3 in NH
More power yse more clarity, I doubt. The precieced clarity would be from added volume levels without the distortion due to the lack of power. TH estock headunit is a very effective peice, as are most these days. It cna't contend with a serious SQ headunit but I would wager on it holding its own with anything under $300 retail in signal quality.
More power yse more clarity, I doubt. The precieced clarity would be from added volume levels without the distortion due to the lack of power. TH estock headunit is a very effective peice, as are most these days. It cna't contend with a serious SQ headunit but I would wager on it holding its own with anything under $300 retail in signal quality.
October-15th-2002, 11:33 PM
#58
Protege Owner
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 720
Originally posted by HubbMP5
MSRP on that particular deck is $315, does that qualify? At any rate... I just want better, not best. Besides, all I really want for now is "added volume lavels without distortion". BTW what is the stock deck rated at?
MSRP on that particular deck is $315, does that qualify? At any rate... I just want better, not best. Besides, all I really want for now is "added volume lavels without distortion". BTW what is the stock deck rated at?
October-16th-2002, 12:35 AM
#60
Master of All Things :{D
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: southeast texas, near houston
Posts: 4,118
Originally posted by tut_tutZOOM
Hmmm...Toccata and Fugue? Excellent choice, if I do say so!
congrats on the install, Sir Nuke; it's something I plan to do one of these days. Your brave and successful install gives me added courage.
Later
Hmmm...Toccata and Fugue? Excellent choice, if I do say so!
congrats on the install, Sir Nuke; it's something I plan to do one of these days. Your brave and successful install gives me added courage.
Later