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Powered HU Or Amp

D

Dougie

Full Member
Joined
Sep 11, 2002
Messages
117
Location
Parker, Colorado
I'm at a crossroads. I want to get a new sound system but I don't want both a new HU and amp. It will be one or the other (plus new speakers).

I'm leaning towards a new HU because the stock one keeps coming up with "ERR" and spitting out my disks (anyone else have to wait for minutes before it finds it's place on the CD or spits it out with an error?)

If I get a 50 X 4 powered HU, is that as good, worse or better than an amp (say 75 X 4)? The speakers will be upgraded.
 
I would start with replacing the HU and then the adding an Amp at a later date. This way when you do add an amp you will have a nicer HU to provide the amp with clean signals.

my .02
 
Definetly start out with a new HU. You can get one that has a decent 4 channel output. It still will not be much compared to an amp setup. Do it in stages. Make sure to get something that has 2 sets or RCA out minimum. There are HUs that have 3 sets. (Front, Rear, Sub) Just take your time and do it right the first time.
 
Start with the new HU and do that factory amp bypass thing and some new speakers. I got one with 3 sets of preouts because I planned on adding a 4 channel amp and a mono amp, but if you don't require this, don't get one with those features.

BTW that 50X4 is probably only the peak, the RMS is around 23watts probably, thats what your speakers get constantly.
 
CO Z71,

Your "crossroads" is the exact place that I am at right now. I have read every post on this site. I have talked with more installers and dealers than I did before buying my house.

Here's what I came up with:
I want to upgrade the SOUND in my AV. I was not going out saying I want to upgrade my speakers, or upgrade my HU to create a SYSTEM. I like the factory look inside my AV (everything matches). I understand that the factory radio and amp are no good. So, everyone on this site, installers, and dealers agree that you must replace the speakers....okay, fine, got the point. What's next?

Many on this website believe that you MUST replace the HU to continuing living life, much less upgrade your sound. But I think the reason that this opinion is coming across is because they are adding DVDs, monitors, navagation systems, subs, and have "big plans" for their sound SYSTEM. They need an upgraded HU to create this SYSTEM.

But if you are only trying to upgrade your sound, and nothing more, do you really need a new HU. If the HU is not going to give you enough power in the first place why not skip the HU and go directly to the AMP, and the AMP only?

The other posts so far are leading you towards building a SYSTEM....not that there is anything wrong with that. ;D

I am going to get upgraded speakers and an AMP to give the new speakers power. And I am going to leave the factory HU in. I do not plan to add subs, DVD, etc. That is why I am not adding a new HU.

This is just my opinion on this subject. And the only reason I am speaking up is because I have only seen posts trying to get everybody to create a system for their AVs. No offense is meant by this post towards anyone. And if I am wrong about the need for a HU vs. AMP, PLEASE TELL ME because I'm about to pull the trigger. Thanks.
 
The only thing I don't like about leaving the facotry HU is the lack of adjustability (those minor tweaks) and speaker level inputs which I don't care for, for some reason....dont ask me why but I prefer RCA's
 
the_dude,

I know nothing about the minor tweaks that can be done by a non-factory HU. Do they make that much of a difference in quality if your only using the HU? Or do you need to add an AMP to take advantage of the tweaking?
 
i upgraded my sound by putting in an amp and subs...i think the factory speakers and amp do fine in the midrange and up...but can't reproduce bass period...listen to alittle rap and you will notice the poor quality of the bass....i have a nice little set up in my av that you can check out on my website...and the best part is it was under $300 installed me..and i'm no audio installer/system expert...it took me 3-4 days to just decide to actually drill a hole in the firewall for the 4 ga wiring to the amp...
 
SlashDG91 said:
the_dude,

I know nothing about the minor tweaks that can be done by a non-factory HU. ?Do they make that much of a difference in quality if your only using the HU? ?Or do you need to add an AMP to take advantage of the tweaking?
Click to expand...

Personaly I think so.....others may disagree
 
Here's a side question for those of you that know more than me. I have been offered an ECPLIPSE 32440 AMP (last year's model) for $275. The guy "says" they were shipped three extras of last years models and have to get rid of them. Everything I've read about these have been good. Is this a good deal?
 
Slash,

I went with the factory look. I put in Infinity Reference component speakers in the front and Pioneer co-ax in the rear. I went with a 4-channel amp under the back seat and ran new speaker wire. It allows me to tweek the sound a bit, I found the settings I like and left it. I did the work myself. I was like Bisonovich in that it took a while to decide how to do every thing. I chose the incremental approach. I suspect I'll eventually upgrade the HU and put in a DVD, headrest and visor monitors

I don't know much about the amp, but there's one on E-Bay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3011498965&category=4950 you can use for comparison.
 
hultzger,

thanks for the link and info. very interesting. should get a second quote from my little saleman. ;D
 
I see everyone talking about not needing to upgrade the HU unless you have DVD's, games, etc, but what if you already have some of this stuff.

Right now, I have a DVD with TV's in the back and I planned on adding the sound to the HU through the Auxillary button. Would also like to add two more screens in front to hook a game system to, but I did not realize that I had to upgrade the HU to do this. Thought there were other components that could handle this.

Is it really necessary to upgrade the HU in order to have a good system?

I love the factory look and after upgrading my second's vehicles HU and having it stolen the next week...I would rather not chance it on my AVi.
 
depends on how much of an audiophile you are...but i'm satisfied for now, esp. with low monetary means and a like of the look of stock, with the stock head unit...you can attach a set of aux inputs to the stereo in the 02's...it's the pie adaptor...i believe...do a search and you can find it fast
 
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