Does replacing factory ba amp make a big difference

[Dmundz]

Well as the title says I'm debating on replacing the factory amp. But not sure if it's worth just doing that or will I not see a huge difference.

I have already added 2 kicker l7's with the early harness from Steve at ********. But am getting annoyed that my highs and mods can't keep up with the bass and our drowned out.


Anyways would love anyone input.

[The Stig]

Yes. If you search for some of SparkAI's threads you will see that a lot of people have replaced the factory amp. I believe that the factory amp is only 60 watts, but I could be wrong on that. Either or, it being 60w is pretty limiting.

[crewxp]

Let me just say now that's it's based on personal preference.

To me it doesn't really make much of a difference. It makes things more crisp, but not immensely different. I think replacing the speakers would make the biggest difference. It sometimes still sounds too high (nasal voices) and cracks if it goes too loud.

Although my bass isnt as loud as i want it to be (like your kicker setup), feel it doesn't keep up either.

[Iwantone2]

In my opinion, it was totally worth the upgrade. Replaced mine with the JL Audio XD400 and it made the BA speakers really come to life. But if you're going to upgrade, you may as well do it right. So I replaced the BA speakers with Alpine Type-R speakers.

[kevin1106]

Yes!!!

[Fraxum]

OP I started out the same as you with the ******** bass harness, amp, and sub (just one for me) and later added the second set of wires (they are already in your harness) and added the other stuff Steve sells (second harness and 6x9 tweeter bypass) and a second 4 channel amp.

Steve's kit worked great and yes, there is some improvement. However the difference is not all that great. Maybe replacing the speakers is needed.

But I am not happy with this setup. I am going to take out both amps and the passenger side amp board and go with a single 5 channel amp.

It will sound about the same, but will save weight. Since you have 2 subs already this would not be a good direction for you.

[manchimp]

Sounds so much better with new amps and a sub!

[JohnnyComeLately]

I'm in the process of dialing in my system. 4 channel PPI A404 bridged to run fronts and 600 for sub. No rears right now (have an Alpine later for that).

Factory speakers are junk. I'd almost so those first before an amp, if you are short on money.

The factory amp drives 5 speaker and it's about 6 inches by 4 inches on a single board. It's a joke for an amp and the $$ they charge for "premium system".

[Dmundz]

Awesome thanks for the opinions guys.

I think I will swap out the amp and speakers maybe start with the speakers first.
What would you say is best bang for your buck?

Fraxum. You said you didnt have to buy a whole new harness just modify they original harness from ********?

[FurySS]

I replaced the factory amp and added subs and sub amp before doing the stock speakers. Although it made the stock speakers sound a little better and louder. Was not happy with the highs and before long I blew one of the stock tweeters (FYI stock door speakers are rated at 50w & tweeters are 20w).

I replaced the stock components with a Polk MM set and it is like an entirely new system. Now I just have the stock 6x9's left but I have them turned down just for "fill". Considering still swapping them out, but not looking forward to that process. New components put out more than enough sound for the entire car.

[Dmundz]

Well i will definitely replace them all now im thinking just waiting to hear back from steve. to see which harnesses i will need if any. or how i get the initial wiring all figured out. since i will now have my mono amp, and a 4 channel amp.

I'm thinking the kenwood KAC-8405 4 channel amp. but not sure what i want to use for my 6.5 and tweeters.

[FurySS]

Originally Posted by Dmundz

Well i will definitely replace them all now im thinking just waiting to hear back from steve. to see which harnesses i will need if any. or how i get the initial wiring all figured out. since i will now have my mono amp, and a 4 channel amp.

I'm thinking the kenwood KAC-8405 4 channel amp. but not sure what i want to use for my 6.5 and tweeters.

Not sure if you considered it, but the JL XD400/4 fits perfectly in the spot the stock amp was (using the mounting board Steve supplies). It also has a set of RCA pass-throughs which you can use to connect to your sub amp.

[JamiK]

Did the 5.1 amp, sub, and enclosure upgrade from ******** and it sounded better. But the BA speakers still sounded like crap. Replaced the front ones with Focal 165v30's, turned down the rear speakers, and now my system sounds incredible.

We are working with against a stacked deck with the "premier audio package" with an underpowered amp and lousy BA speakers.

[Agent WD-40]

Originally Posted by JamiK

Did the 5.1 amp, sub, and enclosure upgrade from ******** and it sounded better. But the BA speakers still sounded like crap. Replaced the front ones with Focal 165v30's, turned down the rear speakers, and now my system sounds incredible.

We are working with against a stacked deck with the "premier audio package" with an underpowered amp and lousy BA speakers.

How did those Focals fit? Where did you mount the tweeter?