Forgive my ignorance....but I'm thinking of upgrading the stock speakers & maybe adding an amp. After reading a lot of threads, I understand that I can keep the stock head unit(so I don't have to mess w/dash controls), add an amp & new speakers....
#1 Don't you get more distortion(noise?) by adding an amp
to the stock unit?
#2 What's the difference between line level & speaker
level?

Thanks for help from this audiophile wannabe!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2KFanatic
[B]Forgive my ignorance....but I'm thinking of upgrading the stock speakers & maybe adding an amp.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by rstark
[B]

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by djqube
[B]
I don't agree with this 100%.

 

OK, so if I understand correctly, I can add aftermarket speakers, an amp, & get enough volume to run the speakers w/o hearing a lot of distortion at highway speeds(75-80mph)?

 

It worked for me, but of course it depends on what you consider acceptable, and what speaker/amp combination you go with.

BTW, I have MB Quart 6 1/2" 2-way compenents and a PPI 2240 amp. The RMS power for the amp and the minimum recommended power for the speakers are both 60watts, and they sound good together.

Good luck!

 

You won't get the clarity of sound from your amp without the use of RCA patch cables.

If you're going to go as far as replacing the door speaks, and adding an amp consider replacing the head as well (if money isnt the issue). It is easier to replace the head unit than the speakers.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by rstark

Quote:

Originally posted by S2KFanatic
There was a big difference in sound quality once I upgrade the stock radio though.

I wish more people could read that statment and understand it! Then they would know where im comming from in saying not replacing the head unit is limiting the system dramaticly!

 

One advantage of uisng a line converter, and better amp, is the head unit's amp will be driving resistors instead of speakers (which are really motors) and will produce less distortion. A better separate amp will produce less distortion when driving a complex load load such as a speaker. I agree with lucid, you get the best sound using a new head with preamp (RCA) outputs.

 

Yea, I know....a better head unit would complete the system, but I'm not sure I want to spend the money for a good head unit when it's in a convertable(easily taken). My thinking is that if I can replace the stock speakers, add an amp, & get it to acceptable volume levels w/o a lot of distortion, that would make me a happy camper.