get a small amp if u don't want a new headunit. even a new headunit will not mean much if you want your music to be noticeable louder. the most a headunit now will crank out is 27w per channel from alpine. They is only ~7w more than the average headunit (most are 20w per channel). 7w won't make a difference.


a small amp will cost less than a new headunit and will provide much more power at least to the point where you can tell.

 

Can you give me some ideas of what type/size amp we are talking about?

 

you need a hu first. The stock HU puts out 10w per channel of muddy sound. A new one will be 25w per channel, and the volume is much cleaner.

You should be more satisfied with it, if not, then, and only then get an amp.

 

i agree.

very well said GSteg. although i do like more dynamic range. i would suggest a bigger amp. something like 100-150 watts rms.

this would be a good choice if u do not wish to change to an aftermarket radio.

the s2k puts out a lot of road noise. in order to overcome the road noise, u would have to turn up the volume to a higher decibel level than the road noise. with a small amp, i feel the stereo decibel level can not exceed the road noise decibel by much without distortion.

with a more powerful amp, it allows u to reach a higher decibel before distortion comes in.

 

Are there any aftermarket HUs that are compatable with our extra controls on the left side of the dash?

Also, what is a 'prefered' amp for this application.

 

all u need is a DCI to make some of the head units work with the factory buttons. as far which brands or models, i am unsure of. maybe another member can answer that for u.

as for the amp, how much would u like to spend on an amplifier? price will help greatly.

 

This solution works for most aftermarket headunits to interface with the dash controls.

http://www.gofastlab.com/s2ki/product.php?...85&cat=0&page=1

 

I agree, thats what I want to know...how much is this gonna run me. It also seems people are split between getting a HU and an amp .

 

Garbage in, garbage out. An amp will just amplify the crappy signal the HU provides.