I have a 04 excursion with the factory DVD. I have replaced the stock speakers with Pioneer Revs components up front and 6x8 coaxials(Revs) in the second doors and rear quarter panels. I have an Infinity basslink subwoofer at the rear. In general, I am happy. It, however, is a diesel 6.0 and the high frequencies suffer with the engine on. I also placed the tweets up front in the door besides the mids. I have to have the volume high for best separation and detail. Someone suggested that I need a new headunit. My local audio shop however says that I would lose control and may not be able to play DVDs anymore. Someone else suggested a six channel amp. Another said all I need is a 4 channel amp. The subwoofer is a powered one and I should not need an amp for it. Nobody can give me good answers with regards to whether I need an equalizer. I have no friends with amplified car stereos so I really have very little to go on. I may have to wait till I actually hear an amplified system before taking the plunge if ever. I am interested in everyones opinion on this matter. My last truck was a ford explorer sporttrac and it had pioneer rev coaxials in the doors, and the basslink, but as I had no DVD in that vehicle…I was able to install a blaupunkt sanfrancisco. It was a great sound and I was very happy with it. It had a built in equalizer which also was very good. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

an amp will solve your problem but the bad thing is that instead of a normal instal you will need to buy an adapter kit so the amp will work off of the stock deck, because you don't want to be replaceing the stock deck due to the fact that an aftermarket might not run the tv screans, depending on how much money you want to spend, if you really don't care go with an autoteck mean machieneeither the 700 wat rms at around $680 to the 1500wat rms at &1,000, that would give you all the highs notes and lows you could ever want they are mainly sub amps but they can be used for speakers, i've done it many times and never had a problem due to the fact that they are class A amps verry clean, if you want somthing for a little less go with a GS redline amp same thing class A clean power they usually put out 500 wats rms at $300-$350 check out this web site
it'll give you some info on some amps you might want to consider
but absolutly go with the stock deck and an adapter for the amp, a lot less trubles!
www.highspl.com

 

should i get a 6 or 4 channel amp? equalizer??? some people say that the amp will not really help...Trash in...trash out. Some people say it will help with dynamic range, whatever that means(i understand it to mean cleaner and crisper lows and highs at equivalent volume settings.) None of the shops here have amplified setups beyond that for subwoofers. any experience and opinions appreciated.

 

A 4 channel amp will help, even using the factory deck. You'll need 2 High to low convertors to convert speaker to rca input and 2 harnesses (if you want it clean) an install harness and a factory or reverse harness. This will allow you to hook up to factory wiring. One other thing to check is do you have a factory amp. If so, you'll need to bypass it. The Basslink is a nice system. Already amp'd, so you won't need the 6 channel. My recommendations: High end, Memphis M class, either the 754x4 or 50x4 models (MC3004, MC2004), Midline: Fusion, low end but still quality: Boss Audio. Good luck

 

thanks for your experience. I will appreciate any experiences or opinions on this matter. How about the equalizer? I s it nice, necessary, or will it just introduce noise(whine) as one installer told me.

 

I would try the system without the equalizer. It's always been my experience that an average equalized system never sounded as good as a quality system. I think they just show the flaws in the system. Besides, you could always add it later if you felt it necessary.

 

if you do get an equalizer, use it to cut frequencies not boost. when you boost, that introduces noise into the system. just make sure when you install everything you have good grounds (scrape away the paint) and you shouldn't have any noise in your system.

 

how about the JL 4 and 6 channel amps? what should i look for in an amp besides the price. I think the jl has speaker level inputs. Is this good. should i get line output converters and ignore the speaker level inputs or get an amp without speaker level inputs? your opinions and experience will be much appreciated.

 

thank you for all the replies

 

Jobof,

I installed an Alpine EQ and a Alpine power amp, and are still using the factory Mach head unit in my 2000 expy Eb. I also replaced the front and rear speakers with Kenwood an Alpine speakers, however still using the factory sub. The Alpine EQ allows me to control the sub seperatly. This is possible because you only change the speaker signal path. If you did this type of modificatin you would still have full control of the head unit/DVD unit in your system. If you get a high power amp and not an EQ, it's not going to help with the frequience loss your looking for!!!!! just louder.
I could not find a ready made harness for this Mod, I had to make one myself.
Here is a good Eq, I would put it my system, but remember, the Eq will not fit in the same place as your current HD. Mine is located under the dash next to my right knee. For easy access.
Check this link out: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-QM1nTwY...&avf=Y&search=

If you want more info on how it was done I would be more than happy to let anybody know. NOTE: You should have some basic skills in radio electronics
to be successfull.
Good luck!
KingSwing

 

if you are gonna get an eq, check out the power acoustik pwm-19. its a quasi-parametric eq with 8volt outputs and a 110s/n ratio (very clean) and it gives you all the control you need. but to use an eq you need an amp. check out the soundstorm 250.4. it will power all your compenents and not introduce any noise. i am currently running both of these products in my truck and it keeps bringing home medals and trophy's so i know it sounds good. hope this helps.
bill

 

thank you very much.

 

From My experience, I would go with any amp that you like, fits your budget etc. But i like ones with high level inputs, less chance of noise introduction, plus a little less wiring confusion. I have alway been please with Rockford Fosgate amps. I agree with what stated before, get your amp(s) first, then go on if it doesn't sound the way you would like it too.

Mike