Dermen

Hopefully this will be my last post and I can actually decide on what I want to get.

Stock HU
Front: power acoustiks XP2K-60C $50 at cdzone.net
Rear: power acoustiks XP2K-694 $50 at cdzone.net

I have 3 different amps in mind.
1. Alpine MRP-F200 40x4 $128
2. Refurbed RF Punch 400.4 50x4 $147 I'm not too sure about refubed amps. It only comes with a 90 day warrenty
3. USAcoustiks USX4065 65x4 $111

I am leaning toward the USAcoustik amp. However, I will need line level converters. I was thinking about getting Auidiolink Converters
from crutchfield for $30 a piece but don't know if they are any good.
If you have any suggestions on anything let me know.

demoninvictus

the rf amp sounds good, have alot of buddies that use their amps and components and have yet to hear a complaint. but just to let you know, those line level converters step down your stereo signals to a powerless connection, and connecting channels to your amp this way, you are hurting your sound quality, not to mention since they are an active electronic component in your car, it can also cause noise through your speakers. to combat this problem, you might want to just replace your stock head unit with a new aftermarket with more features.. and there are a couple double-din models that crutchfield has just incase you want something that retains the size of your old radio.. by getting a new radio with front and rear pre-amp outs is you are going to get a cleaner signal and clearer sound, despite if you're running 40x4, 50x4, or 65x4.... so what i'm saying is by using those line converters, your sound may sound the same, if not worse with more wattage.

DaleK

I have the stock head unit, and used the audiolink LOCs and have been quite happy with the results. The signal is enough with the LOCs to properly use my Alpine V12 amp (35 clean watts per channel for the door speakers). The head unit is a pretty good signal source when using it with an outboard amp. The stock head unit falls down when using it without an amp because it is power limited to drive speakers compared to most new aftermarket head units, when not using an outboard amp.

Just a point of note about stock head units - when I picked up my LOCs from the shop (the shop I went to is the snotty 'we win all the soundoffs with our fancy installs and expensive equipment' shop, who turned out to be the only shop who would help me find the wiring harnesses), the guy I bought my LOCs from said one of the nicest systems he ever heard was the Focal rep's (yes I know....wait for it....) using the STOCK head unit in his car.

Don't throw away the stock head unit just because of someone else's opinion. Think about what you are trying to accomplish and then make an informed decision based on your goals. The stock head unit will be a good source in a moderate system that can be 100% stealth, like mine, which you cannot say about any aftermarket head unit unless you use the factory head unit as a disguise.

OK whew I am done now. I don't have an issue with all you guys who replace the factory head unit and are happy with the results, but I do tend to disagree with people saying you can't build a nice system using the factory head unit (unless my system sucks )

Dermen - happy hunting, and enjoy your results, regardless of what method you choose!

Dale.

Sir Nuke

I SECOND Dales reply....as Derman knows....I too built my system with a stock head unit...and it ROCKS!

:{D

Dermen

I never even considered upgrading the HU. I don't like the way aftermarket HUs look and their buttons are so tiny. Plus I have the in dash changer.

Now, I am actually leaning towards the Alpine amp again. Its cheaper, I wouldn't have to bother with converters, I wouldn't have to upgrade speaker wire, and I'm pretty sure 40 watts RMS is more than enough for me. My last car had stock speakers and a sony HU. It only put out 50 watts max x4 and I thought it was decently loud.

Rwt1

I don't doubt that your systems sound good, but I do doubt the credibility of any stereo installer who says the best system they've ever heard comes from a stock head. The problem with stock head units is not the sound quality they produce (although most are poor) its the watts and volts they produce. Obviously adding an amp takes care of the wattage issue, but the fact that most of these stock units proabably usually send less than 2 volts to an amp is a big issue. Most aftermarket decks have 2 volt preamp outputs...good aftermarket decks have 4, and nowdays some go up to 8 (Not sure I really believe that though) Basically the higher the output the more you can turn the "Gain" on your amp down. Lower gain=less problems with noise. Also, if your amps work less, they make less heat...and heat kills audio systems. BUT...if you have shitty amps and a great deck and you send too much voltage to your amp, it'll cause the amp to clip.

I had quite the system back in the day:

http://www.soundcraftcarstereo.com/I...tall20006.html

At first I tried to run it off a 2v Pioneer thinking it would do the trick...but the system lacked considering the components it consisted of. I switched to that first Pioneer Premier with the organic display (don't member the model # now) with 4v outs and a sub out...what a difference. Although both those amps would **** the bed in the summer cause of the heat...we had to install fans on either side of the bed they sat in.

I'm not knocking anyone who has a system with a stock HU...but you can do a lot better with an aftermarket unit. You don't need a double din either...put a pocket below the deck it'll look fine. Prices on heads are so low now why not change? Nice Pioneers and Kenwoods are under 400 bucks now...I remember paying 800 for that Premier in early 2001.

And don't buy a cheap amp...it's the lifeblood of your system...spend a few more bucks and get a nice one...anyone remember those old Rockfords? Like the late 90's ones? Those were power-houses, Precision Power and USAmps made some beasts too.

Done with my ranting now

DaleK

I was just making a point. The shop I mentioned is a good one. Perhaps you missed my other comment about them being the snotty we do everything better than everyone else shop - they do seem to have some backing for that statement. As far as the stereo I speak of, I haven't heard it myself, but I cannot imagine that the Focal rep would have a shitty sounding system.......

In any case, I have NEVER disputed the benefits of an aftermarket head unit (at least a good one with a high line output voltage....), but I feel that I need to set the record straight when people come out and say the 'stock HU sucks throw it away' without any experience using it in an amped system. One last rant - MOST people on this board that are considering using the stock HU don't seem to be overly put out by cost, but rather want to keep the stock appearance (stealthy and matches the car), or keep the in dash 6 disc changer.

OK I'm done now

PS rwt1 - I like the old school Orion amps.

Dale.

Dave Cameron

actually I have judged SQ before, and yes I have seen some extremely good installs using the stockhead unit. Two old friends, David Navone and Richard Clark, a nationals winner would actually agree that stock head units can be top noch.
The stock headunit does put out over 2watts to the loc, that is the bueaty of it. Rockford will make you pay for 8 volt rca. I use lots of premier, and love it, and for the same reason you do, the features and the higher rca voltage.
At max output the stock headunit of the Protege puts out 12watts, so at non distortion levels, it is well over 2volts, and closer to 8!
Autosound and Navone have some really nice CD's to help set the correct gain levels without clipping.
I am not trying to argue either- but for most folks who are not doing competition, the stock headunit will be a fine signal source. The primary justifications I have ever seen for aftermarket headunits in the last 5 years are features,or the desire to have something the owner feels is "better", and I would never argue with that!!

Rwt1

I still have the 600.4 thats in that picture. Thing is a beast, used only 6 months...

200 bucks and it's yours (Or anybodys for that matter)

Dave Cameron

WOW! great deal on the Orion, I too like the "old school" stuff!!
Hard to think how three to five years old is now "old school"- that means I dead in dog years I guess!!

demoninvictus

ok, so you have the in-dash cd player, i understand that, thats fine. line level converters ARE a typical option for those with leased vehicles and provide a more integrated look by NOT having to replace your head-unit. but just realize, the KEY to ANY system out there isn't just in the quality of the speakers, it's in the QUALITY of the head unit. if you want alright sound and to just keep the stealthy look, i understand, i have one buddy who did that and has a 15" inch JL or eclipse sub, i forget what he has cause he keeps changing around, but it sounds LOUD as hell... but i'm hard pressed to find ANY installer... at least a reputable one, around my area that recommends keeping stock factory units, just my 2 cents.
kevin

onehawaiian

cdzone is a pretty good place and their cs is solid. i got ALL my fusion stuff from them. and they gave me AWESOME deals (most of the time i email them cause they might have specials not listed on their site) have u heard the pa comps? never got a chance to sample any, but the price looks nice.

as for refurbished, if it is factory refurb u shouldn't have any problems as they should be like a new unit.

Dermen

Wow, this thread is old. I ended up getting the Alpine amp and Blaupunkt speakers. I am installing the amp right now and the speakers will be here tomarrow hopefully.

onehawaiian

didn't even bother to look at the date (someone pulled this one up so i posted) hehe, yeah, it is kinda old.

what blau spkrs u got?

Dermen

Only the rears came today. They are PCxi693 and the fronts will be PCci650.