New HU or will a new amp work???

[Hutch]

I have a 2002 Chevy 2500HD Crew Cab w/OEM stereo

 

Can I just add a 4 channel amp or would I be better off with a new HU w/25 watts per channel? The only reason I consider an amp instead of HU is for security reasons.... a new HU draws attention.  I'll eventually replace the stock speakers and am working on sub possibilities now.

 

What are the pros and cons?

 

Thanks!

Hutch

[MarkD]

I am going to add amps and 2 10" subs to my factory head unit.

 

I like the factory appearance, the Sound level volume control, and the sub option with the amp + line level converter ($8).

[Dihappy]

If you like your factory look, then keep it, but i absolutely hate the way they incorporate amps into your existing speaker wires.

 

I chose new HU w/removable faceplate (course i got an alarm also), new speakers, and new amp for the fronts.

 

But hey, if someone wants to steal your stuff, theyre gonna do it anyway.

[Hutch]

Dihappy,

 

Can you explain what you mean when you say, "...but i absolutely hate the way they incorporate amps into your existing speaker wires"?  

 

I agree totally, if someone wants your stuff, they will get it somehow.

 

What HU and amp did you get?

 

Thanks,

Hutch

[Dihappy]

What i mean is that the factory units do not have pre outs and therefore any amp has to be connected thru speakers wires (im not an auto tech guy) somehow.

 

I purchased a Pioneer 8400 MP3/XM capable deck.

 

Kappas speakers all the way around, and a Kicker 60x2 amp for the fronts (till i can get a 4 way).

 

Still need another amp and subwoofer.

 

XM is really nice, and the HU and XM stations are great!.

 

The 8400 has 3 preouts:

Front

Rear

Sub  

 

So its very expandable.

[NeXuS1]

you really should do both. if you just amp the signal from the stock head unit its going to be all unclear and distorted. and if you try and run speakers off deck power (they say 25watts, but its more like 10) you'll get the same problem. but if cost is a problem. head unit first.

[jimbo_152]

I would start with the amp and speakers.  Many times, even with cheap stock stereos, it will increase the performance enough for the average person, and if you still aren't happy, you can go back and put in a new head.

[Jim]

I would start off with a Amp and a sub. The factory system is not that bad if your keeping the factory head. Adding a sub will add low end and take the load off the factorys right where they lack the most. You will need a Speaker level to Rca converter to hook RCA up to the factory head. They cost about 10 or 15 bucks. I used them on a sub install before but never on a speaker install.  If you add a amp to your factory speakers you will not notice any improvement soundwise, you will prob just blow your speakers out.

[oogabooga]

If you only have the money for one, get an amp.  A head units internal amp cannot compete with a real amp.  The ratings on head unit power are peak ratings, meaning that is the most it will put out.  They actually put out about 10 watts RMS (RMS is not exactly average, but for our purposes we can call it that), and the quality is pretty poor.  Most reputable amp manufacturers will rate their amps in RMS not peak.  Although in reality, RMS wattage doesn't really exist   ???   but we wont get into that.