Okay, I need some advice. I have limited funds, but the stock stereo needs some help....

So I have a couple idea's and I was wondering if I can get some advice. I already have some new speakers coming. A set of JBL GTO7525 5x7 for up front and JBL GTO935 6x9 for the rear. I also got a killer deal on a Infinity Basslink ($190) so I have that coming as well.

So should I:
A) Use the stock HU and get a amp to power the front and rear speakers or should I

B) Get a higher power after market HU to replace the stock unit. If I go this route I will not be able to afford a amp for a little while, but I figure it has to be way better than the wimpy stock head unit.

 

I'd say go with a replacement head unit.

The stock head unit (especially if you have a 01+ Protege) is extremely noisy signal wise and will never sound very good (even with an amplifier, since the amplifier has to either filter out the speaker-level signal or the boxes which accomplish that have horrible sound quality) compared to a replacement head unit with nice clean amplified power.

I've had probably 5 stereo setups in my car, and to tell you the truth right now I'm running, just a head unit, 4 good speakers, and a really nice sub amp and a sub... and I'm the most satisfied.

If you do end up keeping your stock head unit and getting an amp, I at least suggest upgrading the gauge of wire which goes into your nice aftermarket speakers.. do not use the factory wiring (which many installers will patch into), otherwise if you have say an 85x4 rms quality amp (like I used to), and you like playing at loud volumes.. it can sound WORSE than a good aftermarket head unit alone did due to the ultra-thin wiring..

Oh, another benefit of a real aftermarket head unit is that you will have a couple sets of pre-amp outputs, where you can run RCA wires to your basslink rather than speaker-level wires.. (much cleaner sound quality for your bass)

Head Unit Head Unit yeah yeah yeah!

 

AMEN

 

While I respectfully disagree about the stock headunit being a poor signal source, in this case you are pretty obliged to get an aftermarket deck now.
You state you have purchased three speaker sets, front, rear, and sub. It is pretty clear the stock headunit will not power this set up, or provide for the connections for amping in an easy way. The stock unit has two sets of speaker outs, which if connected properly with LOCs makes a great signal source, but provides only two sets of amp outs.
But in getting three signal sources, front, rear and sub, you will need three sets of RCA outs. An option would be to add LOCs, and purchase an amp that has signal pass though connections, so you could tag in the four main channels on the amp, and then connect the powered sub (the infinity is actually a good unit) into that amp.
Otherwise, start saving and shopping for new headunit with three sets of outs, and by the way, not all do have three sets of outs.
The primary differences between the aftermarket unit and the stock unit as a signal source (just a place to get unamplified sound) is whistles and bells. Most all CD players unless really lousy sound identical with specificatons that exceed human ears abilities to hear the differences.
Listen to headunits at flat settings, with no extra processing added like a bass boost or internal equalizer for auditioning puposes, and find one that has three sets of outs, with features you like, in your price range.
Good Luck!

 

Try this:

David Navone's N7-V 2-channel, full-range speaker level to pre-amp level line
output adapter

and this:

Clarion MCD-360 3-Way Electronic Crossover

The crossover will take the original signal from the LOC and split it up according to the slopes and cut-off's of your choice...most decks will not have that kind of flexibility...

There is another company's LOC that will also send a pre-amp power signal to turn on these accessories, but I can't recall the company's name...

I plan on doing such an install...I will post my results as I move along with the project...

 

Thanks everyone for your input.

I am currently leaning toward getting a new HU and proceeding from there. Currently I have been looking at the Alpine CDA-7893 or it's MP3 variant. Does anyone have any comments on this HU? It was not as flashy as some of the current HU's out there, but it sounded nice when I checked it out today and it seems to have the features I'd need.

 

I've got an Alpine 7873 which is of the same general series as that, just older..

the sound quality of the built in amp is very good on it for not being a very expensive head unit it's got alot of expandability options as far as preamp outs and the alpine AI-network (sp.) stuff you can also add on XM radio (very nice) or a changer or a dvd player later on... leaves your options wide open.

The SQ is a little bit less than that of a Kenwood Excelon cd player I once had, but alpine has lots of tweaks for sound including BBE which is a very natural enhancement.

 

Don't concern yourself with changing out the speaker wires, though.

Until you start running a few hundred watts through them, the stock wires (although quite thin) are certainly up to the task. Speaker wire does not have to be thick like power wire in order to function well.

This is coming from plenty of experienced stereo installers and forums. I asked the question, and the common response was "are you going to be pushing 500 watts through there? Cuz if not, forget about changing wires. It's useless."

And I must agree. I put 90+ watts per side through the stock wires, and never hear any distortion or wire-related problems. Unless you are looking for a weekend project, don't worry about re-wiring the doors. It's MUCH more hassle than it is worth.

And it also goes back to the fact that it is in a CAR (like everything else) - if you think you'll hear a difference at 70 MPH on the highway just because you changed the wires, think again. You won't. And neither will anyone else. You'd probably find it impossible to hear a difference standing still. As long as it's safe (and it IS) with the stock wires, don't bother.

I'm sure I can find the technical info and numbers to back this up if anyone disagrees with me. I'm not saying it's a BAD idea to change the wires, just not NECESSARY and you will have NO AUDIBLE difference in sound quality.

~HH

 

Ditto HiHoslva!!