Does it make any sense to do this at all?

Will I get better/crisper sound with just running an amp?

 

it does make sense to do this...

but you will not get better or crisper sound. you will get more volume though, and that may be all that you want or need.

 

IMHO, especially with the 00-03 HU's, replace the Headunit first. The better crisper sound comes from a better DAC and pre-amp, which are integral parts of the Head Unit. It converts digital signals to audio. A good Headunit with decent real power is probably all you need.

In the process of building my own system, i have installed the Alpine 9833, and without wiring the rears, with the stock fronts, no dedicated amps, I noticed a significant improvement in sound. IMHO you would be better off replacing the HU than running a dedicated amp for the fronts. With the stock HU, you would still have a less than perfect original signal running to those amps. Clarity might not improve, but loudness certainly would.

 

Like everyone said....VOLUME will improve....

but the nature of an amplifier is to....ummm...amplify a given signal...so your clarity will actually decrease....(taking a distoted signal and amplifying it)....

I would get a nice headunit first. Just my $2,000,000 ...(hey, im from NY)

 

Thanks for everyone's input.

 

no problem...

if you're just looking to upgrade for 'hear it at speed' purposes then an amp may be all you need.

but sound quality improvement? no.

sorry. it probably isn't the answer you wanted to hear.

 

I would suggest a eq/preamp/linedriver combo like the audio control EQX.

It has high level(speaker level) inputs and then can cleanup/equalize the signal and output to an amplifier via RCA outputs. It can boost the signal so you can turn the gain down on your amp for less distortion. It also has a high/low output with a programmable crossover frequency.

In my opinion a line driver is the best way to go if you wish to run an amp with the stock head unit.

I am in no way saying the stock head unit is a great source. I am just saying that with a good line driver you can get decent sound from the stock head unit.

Regards,

Lyndon.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by llivings
I would suggest a eq/preamp/linedriver combo like the audio control EQX.

It has high level(speaker level) inputs and then can cleanup/equalize the signal and output to an amplifier via RCA outputs.