Upgrade Audio Questions

[Turf]

i am going to replace the stock 4-speakers with alpines 690A/170A, and want to add an amp in the stock location. i tried a search and the service manual, but no listing of dimensions for the stock amp. are they a standard size? if not, what size do i need to fit in the stock location? also, what will i need for harness?

i currently have the 6-disc/casette/am/fm HU with the base 4 speaker system. the HU will stay. im not looking for audiophile-quality, just good sound on a budget. im considering this amp, if it will fit, any comments appreciated: http://store.yahoo.com/imezak/gtq190.html

be gentle, im an a/v novice, havent done anything like this since the days of 8-tracks

[BUTWEET]

I'm thinking that the amp you're looking at is probably less output than the stock amp. What stock amp do you have now? New speakers will be a major improvement in themselves. I'd replace the speakers first, and give a listen. You may not need to replace the amp. (If you're on a budget.)

[Turf]

i currently dont have an amp, i just want to put it where the stock amp is supposed to go. sorry if that wasnt clear...

i also saw in the service manual that the stock amps are powered all the time, and the CAN bus turns it on and off. how is that worked around with an aftermarket amp?

[linuxkidd]

You've gotta consider a few things...

Do you have a Nav unit? Or use Uconnect?
If you answer Yes to either of those... You will loose the audio functionality of both systems when you disconnect the Factory Amp.

**Looks like you don't have either of those based on your first post, and the pics in your gallery.

All things considered... You'd be VERY surprised what new speakers do for the sound in the LX vehicles.

If I were you... I'd do the speakers first. Then, if things don't come up to what you want, snag a new radio.. Pioneer puts out some good stuff.. You don't have to spend a fortune to get better quality than the factory stuff.

LK

[robbyho]

The factory amp is small, about 10"x8"x2" .That is just a guess from removing it a couple weeks ago. Trying to find a small amp to fit in that location would be a headache. There are other places to put the amp, like under the passenger seat, or below the cargo floor in the back.

You will need to get an amp with speaker level inputs or get an LOC to convert the speaker wire signal into the rca signal. You could also use the add-an-amp interface from peripheral if you have the steering wheel controls.

I would recommend first replacing the front speakers with an afterarket 6.5" coaxial. Anything from Infinity, Alpine, Polk, JL, Boston Acoustic, DEI, CDT, and many other brands will be the biggest noticable improvement from stock. After that, you will either need an external amplifier, a subwoofer, or an aftermarket headunit to get better sound.

Check out woofersetc.com, sounddomain.com, onlinecaraudio.com, and ikesound.com for some good deals on everythihng I listed.

Good luck,

Rob