Aftermarket head unit
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Charles Town, WV
Aftermarket head unit
How many of you have installed an aftermarket head unit while retaining the factory speakers? Aside from have more features such as aux front output, USB, Sat. ready, is it worth it sound wise? I can always upgrade speakers later but for now, how does a nice Kenwood or Pioneer sound compared to a stock deck? Thanks.
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Jacksonville, NC
Lots of us have installed aftermarket heads. However, I wouldn't say they would increase sound quality. Your speakers are only so good. The input quality could well surpass the speaker output, but the speakers are only gonna play as well as they do now. Basically, if the speakers are rated for 1x and you send them 2x, they're only gonna play the 1x that they're capable of. (1x and 2x are not real measurements, I'm using them as an example).
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,620
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From: WARRINGTON, PA
what nick said... in my words, your system is only as good as your worst component. you might be better off for now to replace your speakers with the ones you want to end up with when you get the head unit.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 609
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From: Central Va
Lots of us have installed aftermarket heads. However, I wouldn't say they would increase sound quality. Your speakers are only so good. The input quality could well surpass the speaker output, but the speakers are only gonna play as well as they do now. Basically, if the speakers are rated for 1x and you send them 2x, they're only gonna play the 1x that they're capable of. (1x and 2x are not real measurements, I'm using them as an example).
here's where I'll be the one to argue this point...granted the speakers are lousy, but you'll see a far bigger difference replacing the head than the speakers. The factory speakers while being a cheap quality also work in you favor in this case. They are MUCH more efficient than aftermarket replacements. IE, they will play louder and produce more bass output with less power put into them. The factory radio is"ok" but still a low powered unit. The speakers are "ok" as well...the biggest issue I have is with placement, I'm building some brackets for the front doors to angle the speaker a bit to get some imaging as right now the driver side speaker seems to be nearly turned off due to location..
hope that helps..
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Joined: Jan 2008
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I swapped out the head right away, needed my XM and MP3s more than the steering wheel and rear controls. depending on the deck you get, you can add your steering controls back. Sound was better, not perfect by any means. I added a sub in after a bit, so it's an acceptable level. If I find a good deal on some component 5x7s I may swap, but haven't been in that big a hurry these days - short trips are with the muchkin, long ones with the wife - so not as much call for high volume these days
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From: Charles Town, WV
I hear you guys. I figure the new deck will give me other options and maybe a little better sound. I can also remove the disc changer and gain a little more space in the center console. I know I won't have the best sound even when adding new speakers, I'm still dealing with factory speaker wire. So until I'm ready to Amp, wire, speaker the whole truck, I'll probably add the deck to have MP3/USB ability.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Central Va
Keep an eye on Crutchfield for specials...I ended up playing it right, got a cd/mp3 with a usb and aux input, kit and harness for under $50 shipped after rebates.....even when I was working there I bought as a cust 'cause after I had to pay for the kit it evened out my discount....*insert eye roll*
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Yeah, you can spend a lot and put a lot of time into a system if you really want. There are folks on the board here that have gutted their trucks to do a system right that can offer much more advice. You will get a some sound improvement from just a new deck - but much more flexability in what you listen too. A simple speaker swap will bump you up again. If you go all out and Amp the speakers, run the wiring etc you'll get the best sound, assuming you do it right.
Best advice, if you plan on upgrading in the future, get the deck you want now and build on that. Make sure you have 2 or 3 RCAs on the back so you can Amp up everything in the future, mp3/usb etc if that is how you store your music, satellite, bluetooth etc.
Best advice, if you plan on upgrading in the future, get the deck you want now and build on that. Make sure you have 2 or 3 RCAs on the back so you can Amp up everything in the future, mp3/usb etc if that is how you store your music, satellite, bluetooth etc.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Charles Town, WV
Agree'd thanks. Funny I was going to mention Crutchfield, I spent some time on their site last night looking around. I've always liked Kenwood head units. Looking at one for $130. It seems to have all I want, not sure if it has the pre-outs, I'll have to check. Thanks again guys.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Central Va
I think if it's over $120 you get all the freebies
it's funny, I worked there on the phones for 8 yrs, switched to doing high end(10K+) installs for a mod shop
I have a tape deck in the dodge with factory speakers, a $50 deck in the excursion with factory speakers and a large box of audio gear that prob has a couple grand in stuff that is collecting dust in the garage
it's funny, I worked there on the phones for 8 yrs, switched to doing high end(10K+) installs for a mod shop
I have a tape deck in the dodge with factory speakers, a $50 deck in the excursion with factory speakers and a large box of audio gear that prob has a couple grand in stuff that is collecting dust in the garage
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