very stupid question

SX_2.0_Monkey · Post by **SX_2.0_Monkey** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:32 pm

if I were to purchase an amp, would it make my stock head unit and stock 6X9's sound better? I think I know the answer but I thought I should ask the experts thanks in advance

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:40 pm

it would make your stock speakers sound better. but i would suggest a good headunit first then upgrade the rest along the way, a better headunit will make more of a difference.

SX_2.0_Monkey · Post by **SX_2.0_Monkey** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:44 pm

Thanks. thats kinda what I figured. can most good head units adjust sound levels to each speaker?

NiteHawk · Post by **NiteHawk** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 12:27 am

Look for a headunit with HIGH Output voltages for the preamps. Normal these days is 2.5V on the low end, and up to 4V, sometimes even higher.

Find yourself a headunit with 4V preamp outputs, this will give you better sound once you have an amplifier installed and will make the amplifier work less.

As far as adjusting sound levels to each speaker, i'm not sure what you mean.....

Most headunits have the normal Bass and Treble settings, with some having even more detailed settings like center frequency, etc. Those settings though are for all speakers at the same time. If you're looking for something to remove low bass from say, front speakers, definatly use an amplifier for that because 99% of amplifiers on the market today have crossovers that will cut the frequencies for you. Most have High Pass, Flat, and Low Pass settings, these are basically:

High pass will limit the amount of LOW notes that goes to your speakers

Flat allows everything to go to your speakers

Low pass will limit the amount of HIGH notes that goes to your speakers.

If that's STILL not enough control for you, I recommend either a parametric EQ (normally seen as a 1/2DIN unit with dials on the face), or, Kicker makes a 2Way and 3Way crossover(i'm using the 3way in my car and i love it). It's an electronic crossover with variable settings so you can have full control over the sound that you hear and from which speakers. The 2Way controls Front and Rear frequencies, where teh 3Way also has the addition of a Low pass crossover for subwoofers, and also has a Subsonic filter which will keep VERY low notes from going to your subs(these very low notes can cause speaker and/or amplifier damage over time).

Basically, this is the steps you should take to eventually getting to your dream system:

1. Find an aftermarket headunit that you like, and has the features you want(you dont wanna have to change your mind 10 times to find the right one for ya...)
2. Get a GOOD 4Channel Amplifier and give those stock speakers some good power(i recommend an amplifier that puts out at LEAST 75watts per channel, to leave room for expansion for step 3)
3. Upgrade your tired old stock speakers to a set of good aftermarket speakers(hopefully you followed the note in step 2). Tune everything to your liking, but dont try to push the low end notes too much.
4. If you still want more bass, purchase a good subwoofer and amplifier from a company you trust. DONT get something from Walmart, in the end you wont be happy and you'll regret it.
5. ENJOY! And boom responsibly!

yellowsxt23 · Post by **yellowsxt23** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 1:21 am

blue demon02 · Post by **blue demon02** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 10:50 am

yellowsxt23 wrote:

Dutch_Neon · Post by **Dutch_Neon** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 8:06 pm

Just hooking up an amp to your OEM speakers will probably NOT make them sound any better, they will just sound louder. Note that you might get a bit of improvement because of the filtering options you get with an amp.
A better headunit will probably do more for the sound of the stock speakers.