Power output
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 79
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From: Atlanta, GA
Power output
I'm considering doing a minor stereo upgrade and getting some aftermarket speakers, but staying with an OEM head unit.
Anyone know what the speaker power output RMS is on the late-model OEM head units? (If it makes a difference, I've installed the Mach MP3 head unit.)
Thanks
Anyone know what the speaker power output RMS is on the late-model OEM head units? (If it makes a difference, I've installed the Mach MP3 head unit.)
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 149
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you would find it of MUCH greater benefit to replace your head unit, head units ARE relatively low powered, and while replacing the speakers might help, you wont notice as much of a difference as if you replaced the HU. OEM decks are setup in a way, that they do not put out the best fidelity. Newer decks sound good, but nowhere near the quality of an aftermarket. The latest ford factory speakers do a damn good job, i think. The factory stereo in our 2003 ranger does a damn good job on the bass, but lacks the high end, due to the head unit ( a MACH MP3 system )
Can i influence your decision and change your mind? change head unit, not speakers?
You will like it more
Can i influence your decision and change your mind? change head unit, not speakers?
You will like it more
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 544
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From: Cupertino, CA
What HOG says is true, but an even bigger drawback to [most] factory head units is the absence of RCA outputs, should you wish to add an amp. You can use line converters, but you're starting with a low-power, low-fidelity signal.
Really good HUs can be had on eBay for around $200 and will make much more of a sound difference than that much money put into speakers.
Really good HUs can be had on eBay for around $200 and will make much more of a sound difference than that much money put into speakers.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 79
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From: Atlanta, GA
Originally posted by HandOfGod
Can i influence your decision and change your mind? change head unit, not speakers? You will like it more
Can i influence your decision and change your mind? change head unit, not speakers?
You will like it more
I just upgraded the truck to a new Mach MP3 player. And any stereo upgrades I do I want to be stealth.
For the moment, though, I think I've decided to skip the stereo upgrades and spend my money on a spray-in bedliner and aftermarket exhaust instead.
I was considering doing the whole line converter/amps/components/sub deal, but it will be nearly impossible to put in the sub I want without doing a seat lift, which I don't want to do, either.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
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ok man, good deal then, but if you do still decide to upgrade the speakers, and you really want to keep that deck, then i could suggest an equalizer to you? You will not notice the difference in the speakers without it. Just food for thought for if-and-when ya do.
good luck and have fun
good luck and have fun
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,545
Likes: 4
From: Coal Region
try the upgraded speakers, the factory ones have a lot to be desired. the stock unit usually cranks out an ear bleeding 10-15w RMS if ur lucky.
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Posting Guru
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From: northern ca
I would definatley upgrade the head first
if it's 16W max I seriously doubt it could put out even 10 clean watts
todays typical aftermarket head has like 50W max and 20-25W rms
new speakers may sound better, but if you can't hear that better sound...
if it's 16W max I seriously doubt it could put out even 10 clean watts
todays typical aftermarket head has like 50W max and 20-25W rms
new speakers may sound better, but if you can't hear that better sound...
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,545
Likes: 4
From: Coal Region
he said he doesnt want to add an aftermarket HU and he already has the Mach unit. a good set of after market speakers would put out a better sound from a factory HU V. an aftermarket HU and factory speakers.
aftermarket HUs are ofter over rated in terms of power ratings and it'll be easier to blow a factory speaker with an aftermarket HU v the factory HU and aftermarket speakers. but what do i know...
PS: i dont mind if u go against me, this what these forums are about to become more informed on subjects u previously didnt know anything about or have been misinformed about. =)
aftermarket HUs are ofter over rated in terms of power ratings and it'll be easier to blow a factory speaker with an aftermarket HU v the factory HU and aftermarket speakers. but what do i know...
PS: i dont mind if u go against me, this what these forums are about to become more informed on subjects u previously didnt know anything about or have been misinformed about. =)
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 338
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From: Somewhere between Heaven
Opti, a few things to consider...
1) Aftermarket speakers are hella more inefficient than factory speakers. When he finds out that the output is less than spectacular, he will crank the volume ****. Yep, he will start clipping the speaker. We all know what excessive clipping does to speakers...
2) The very dynamics of music ensure that the stock speakers aren't always seeing (in fact, rarely) 22 wrms per, or whatever the aftermarket HU claims your speakers will see==>rms. Though his stock speakers probably have a rms rating of 15ish, like my Ranger stocks did, they can handle the mind boggling 22 per that a aftermarket HU will deliver. Just use common sense. I think anyone with half an ear can hear when the speakers are struggling and you need to back off on the volume ****.
If a aftermarket HU is out of the question, and a aftermarket amp/LOC is out of the question, you might as well stick stock all the way.
$.02
1) Aftermarket speakers are hella more inefficient than factory speakers. When he finds out that the output is less than spectacular, he will crank the volume ****. Yep, he will start clipping the speaker. We all know what excessive clipping does to speakers...
2) The very dynamics of music ensure that the stock speakers aren't always seeing (in fact, rarely) 22 wrms per, or whatever the aftermarket HU claims your speakers will see==>rms. Though his stock speakers probably have a rms rating of 15ish, like my Ranger stocks did, they can handle the mind boggling 22 per that a aftermarket HU will deliver. Just use common sense. I think anyone with half an ear can hear when the speakers are struggling and you need to back off on the volume ****.
If a aftermarket HU is out of the question, and a aftermarket amp/LOC is out of the question, you might as well stick stock all the way.
$.02
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,545
Likes: 4
From: Coal Region
good points luvdef but he already said he had mach mp3 HU so that was outta the question to change. but i guess this subject isnt important cuz he isnt doing anything right now anyway...but i do infact agree upgrade the HU and speakers at one if possible. i know it might sound kinda contraticting but i usually tell people do both or none.
i do know for a fact when i had my stock speakers with my Jensen HU (i know i know) they sounded terrible (being had no highs and blurred mids/bass). just my 2 cents. now my dad has my old HU and it sounds the same but he doesnt notice it so its all good.
i do know for a fact when i had my stock speakers with my Jensen HU (i know i know) they sounded terrible (being had no highs and blurred mids/bass). just my 2 cents. now my dad has my old HU and it sounds the same but he doesnt notice it so its all good.