sgribble

I have been looking at changing the speakers, after reading some posts on s2ki about a loss of bass when changing the speakers and the low output from the stock head unit I came to the conclusion that I need to add an amp to get a real benefit.

So I went and looked at some equipment and decided that some Kenwood 1679ie (drop in) speakers and a Sony 222 amp under the seat was the way to go.

I was referred to a friend of a friend who does car audio installs and explained to him what I wanted to do, he asked if the stock head unit has rca out. I told him it doesn't and I wanted to use the high level input on the Sony etc. He has warned me that I will probably suffer from alternator noise and other interference if I keep the stock head unit and add a amp.

Has anyone done the above and what were your results?

I am aiming to improve the stereo without spending too much cash and maintaining the stock stacker and dash controls.

Blackie

Hey I'm after the exact same thing as you are, but was always apprehensive about finding someone who won't do a hack job with removing the door panels, installation, etc. and I MUST retain the stock 8 CD stacker and driver dash stereo controls. Let me know if you find something, and we'll do a double deal!

Austblue

I thought that interference could be eliminated by using double shielded RCA lead....? In my Eunos I retained the stock head unit and ran the RCA leads along the tranny tunnel and I had no problems with interference what so ever.

Id ring around and get a few other opinions on how the install should go.

Im sure Aus will chime in soon he's into this stuff

AusS2000

I haven't heard of any alternator noise from guys that have done this in the states. Perhaps you should ask in the Electronics Forum.

IMNSHO Speakers and amp is a good upgrade if you are keeping the changer and dash controls. The 222 fits under the passenger seat so you don't require really long cable runs from the head unit and back to the speakers and it puts out enough clean power to drive decent speakers at highway speed. You'll definitely notice the improvement.

BTW, I have a 222 sitting on the shelf in my garage if anyone is interested.

AusS2000

BTW, I have an aftermarket head unit, 10 disc changer (with MP3 capability), amp, 6 speakers and still retained all dash controls (and then some).

However I didn't manage to comply with the 'without spending too much cash' criteria.