I'm looking to upgrade the stock stereo to about 50W per channel (just a little more volume for maybe $1500, nothing fancy). I've read past audio posts and have a few questions:

1- Does anyone make a faceplate kit to install a new head unit in the dash? From what I've seen I'd need to stick with the stock unit.

2- If I stick with the stock unit I'll need an LOC. Are there really any out there that don't hiss? It looked like one guy wired the stock amp out to the LOC so the signal level was hotter.

3- I'd love to be able to fit a sub replacement in the rear deck so I don't have to take up trunk room, but from what I read I won't get anything near a "thump" out of anyone's 8" free air sub in the rear deck? I'm not looking for bone rattling stuff, just a little more kick.

Len

 

If you want to keep the factory radio, there are 3 ways you can hook it up:
1. Use a LOC to reduce the level. This can introduce other noises to the music and cause quality to drop, then to amps and speakers/subs.

2. Use a HIGH input AMP, many of the JL amps have HIGH inputs so you can put the stock signal into the AMP.

3. Use a equalizer like the rocksford 3.sixty.2, this will accept the high input, lower it and tune it for you

For the best quality, go for option 3, but it is expensive. For your budget, option 2 will be the best.


as for the sub, look at one of UNCLAD4's boxes that fit in the corner of the trunk in that little indent. That will allow a much better sub to fit nicely in the car, but if that does not work for you, go for the free air one.