car stereo

[hsi1186]

Does anyone know if you can add a amplifier to a factory 1999 isuzu rodeo factory deck with 6 disk changer. Recently installed alpine speakers in front and rear, not happy with sound quality.

[steveb_92rodeo]

Sound 'quality'?

If it's distortion you are worried about, and amp won't help.

All the amp does is magnify the sound (noise and all) from the radio to the speaks.

You'll get louder, but not better, unless you apply filters and the like.

Steve

[iskiuskiweski]

I agree, replace the head unit, you will be much happier, probable about the same price as a new amp anyway.

[Tonupboy]

None of these will give you quality sound without high end speakers (drivers)...I have a JL AUDIO 10" sub with RF 500 RMS amp...SONY head unit and pioneer satellite 4-way speakers....good luck dude! Definitely upgrade your speakers too!

[steveb_92rodeo]

Originally Posted by Tonupboy

None of these will give you quality sound without high end speakers (drivers)...I have a JL AUDIO 10" sub with RF 500 RMS amp...SONY head unit and pioneer satellite 4-way speakers....good luck dude! Definitely upgrade your speakers too!

Since he already upgraded the high-range speakers, he's good there...

But I totally agree with Tonup, you NEED to get a good 10" sub-woofer in the back to make use of an amplifier.

There's no sense building a good system if all it does is scream. You need to offset with good, solid bass. My JVC system 35w per channel to 4 regular speakers, modified into 8, and a 350w Jensen amp going to my 10" sub in the back, sealed and siliconed in a custom box.

The stereo is new, before I just had it wired with my mp3 player...I removed the front amp, and put in the stereo that has an aux in for the mp3 player.

Steve

[marcre]

Originally Posted by hsi1186

Does anyone know if you can add a amplifier to a factory 1999 isuzu rodeo factory deck with 6 disk changer. Recently installed alpine speakers in front and rear, not happy with sound quality.

I hooked up an amp to my factory stereo in my 99 civic. I also replaced all the speakers and added a sub. All you need is a part, which I can not remember the name of, that plugs in to your factory radio. A stereo shop will know what this part is. The sound was a lot better. So this is an option. After a year I replaced the head unit and it did give me a big improvement. But if you do not want to replace the head unit, it will still sound a ton better with an amp.

[hsi1186]

Thanks for all your help guys appreciate it! I think I'll go with a new head unit.

[marcre]

Originally Posted by hsi1186

Thanks for all your help guys appreciate it! I think I'll go with a new head unit.

In my rodeo I have a pioneer heas unit now and new speakers all around. I am waiting for warmer weather to put in my amp. It needs an amp. In my opinion it is better than stock, but not great. Nothing beats the sound you get when there is an amp present(with or without a sub). I do think it is smart to get the head unit first though, saves money because the "part" I mentioned is $40 at least.

[steveb_92rodeo]

Originally Posted by marcre

I hooked up an amp to my factory stereo in my 99 civic. I also replaced all the speakers and added a sub. All you need is a part, which I can not remember the name of, that plugs in to your factory radio. A stereo shop will know what this part is. The sound was a lot better. So this is an option. After a year I replaced the head unit and it did give me a big improvement. But if you do not want to replace the head unit, it will still sound a ton better with an amp.

I apologize if I am wrong here, it's been a few years since I've needed one...but I *think* (from memory, which is bad sometimes) the part you are referring to is called a 'high-impedence filter'.

Again, don't take this as gospel, but I think this was the part that killed the noise from the head before it hit the amp. In fact...it was placed between the amp, and the front and rear regular speakers.

Note: At that time (which was a Cavalier I wired), I used a low-passive crossover as well, as my stereo in the dash did not have the low-output connections (RCA's). Most amps nowadays has said crossover built in, but also, most heads have the RCA's built in as well (for low-level bass direct to the amp).

Might as well mention it now, it's usually Dre and Em that my truck rocks to (as well as rock and old school rap as well).

Steve

[marcre]

Steveb, the part I am refering to serves the purpose of being able to connect the amp to a factory unit. It allows for the RCA's to be able to be plugged in.

When I first installed the system I wanted it to look stock. IE...I did not want people outside of my car to know I had a system. The sound was amazing. I had the honda factory unit with CD. I had a 5 channel alpine amp. 6.5 boston accoustic componet speakers up front and infinity 6x9's in the rear. 12" alpine sub in the trunk. It was a great sound. When I did add a sony head unit I noticed an increase in quality of sound and loudness. But even with out the head unit the sound was a million times better than stock.

These are just my experiences with car audio and everybody likes different stuff. My musical taste is the same as yours.

Marc