I was wondering if anyone is running a amp off of the stock head unit for stereo?

I'm looking to maybe put the stock head unit back in and run 2 amps off it for the sub and speakers!!

 

Yep, factory nav with some JL stuff (see sig).

No issues, love the setup (still need new door speakers, factory ones are fine for now)...

 

Nice I'm gonna run JL stuff also. I'm gonna get a stock unit but without navi!! U running 2 amps? How many pre outs is there on the stock unit?

 

I'm running everything (9 speakers) off one amp, a JL HD900/5 (100W x 4 / 500W x 1).

There are no pre-outs on the factory units, you need a line converter. I used an Audio Control LC6i.

 

are those line converters expensive? and do u have a ipod or im sure yours is bluetooth right?

 

I think I paid about $80 or so for mine, but cheaper ones are out there.

The line converter I have has no real user "integration" with an iPod or any BT functionality (I get that from the head unit/Sync). It simply converts the speaker signal to a RCA signal...

 

I am using the stock head unit in my '03 running it into an Alpine MRV-F450. It powers everything, including a JL Audio Stealthbox.
I have this little doo-dad for my ipod interface. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_581PA11...rd.html?tp=120
Doesn't exactly wake the neighborhood, but I can get a little thump going if the right tune comes along.

 

I've been considering the same Alpine amp along with the Stealthbox! How do you like the Stealthbox? They are a little spendy, but it seems like the best solution unless I want to give up most of my room behind the rear seat. I don't want to rattle the windows out...just enhance the low freq response a little. I already replaced the 4 6x8 factory speakers with some Pioneer's and that alone improved the sound a lot...just would like a little more sound pressure and to bump up the bass a little. Thanks!

 

Yeah I'm glad this topic came up. I'll be in the market for some upgrades soon. The stock system sounds great, I just want to "feel" it more. Should I start with replacement speakers before anything else? I dont know much about the stereo stuff, hell, or much else for that matter. haha

 

I replaced the stock speakers with Pioneer TS-A6874R speakers and bought some Metra speaker harnesses to make them plug right into the stock connector. Made a big difference in the quality of the sound...much cleaner and tighter than the stock speakers which would break up at high volume levels. They were on sale at Best Buy for $60 a pair...and the sound was very good even campared to much more expensive speakers. Hope this helps.

 

Heck for that kinda dough, its a no brainer. I'll keep my eyes open for deals. Thanks!

 

Changing the speakers was a piece of cake... simple tools (7/16ths 1/4 inch drive socket, 8mm 1/4 inch drive socket) and and if you have a crew cab it helps to have a T-50 torx to remove the rear shoulder belt bolt. About 10 minutes or so to change each speaker. Good luck. Also, take a look at your speaker connector before or while you are buying your speakers and make sure you are getting the right harness...there are apparently two different styles used by Ford (according to Best Buy...don't ask me why I know this) and getting the correct one will save you an extra trip. Good luck!

 

What's your budget?

Replacing door speakers will be an improvement for the mids/highs but you won't feel it more, you'll need a sub for that.

 

I like it a lot. I've had it for prolly 5 yrs now.
True, they are a little spendy, but it works for me. I didn't go full blown on my upgrade so it was a good fit with the amp/stock head unit. The 200W from the amp drives, I think, a 6in woofer. It doesn't really take up any space. You could theoretically sit on it if you need room to buckle 6 people in, but no cushion. Like sitting on a board. I wouldn't want to ride on it for 2 hrs.

 

im gonna get this its only 5 1/8 inches thick so it will it behind the back seat and alot cheaper than a stealth box

http://www.jlaudio.com/cp108lg-w3v3-...-systems-93133