RitchieZ

I know that I can change my 2 front and 2 rear speakers and go with the 6.5 infinity kappa speakers But can I also change the factory amp with another better quality amp that will fit in the same location and most importantly can I keep the factory Head Unit.. In other words will the factory Head Unit work with an aftermarket amp. Also if someone has the type of amp. that was used to do so. Thanx in advance..

RitchieZ

Just a little help please

Z_Coaster

If you're referring to the Blose "premium" system,
yes, you can use the factory HU with aftermarket amp/speakers.
No, you can't mount the aftermarket amp in the Blose amp location (unless it is extremely small)
Wiring must be replaced through out.

As for the non Blose system, can't help ya there.

AndyB

Here is a detailed post with a bunch of info from my install.

Stereo Upgrade - Keeping stock HU


I replaced everything except the head unit. I am very happy with the sound.

To keep the HU and run a real amp you will need a line ouptut converter.

Th3Cleaner

but the stock head unit needs to have a converter?
I have ordered a replacment due to I would have had to use a down converter, if you change to a better amp that uses rca and such with multichannels the original head unit can not control the amp.

I guess it all depends on what amp and what stock head unit.

sicilianoNYC

why the hell u wanna keep the shittay OEM head unit, change it out and quit being lazy

TreyBone

I did the same thing you are talking about and all I can say is.... DON'T DO IT!!!. The stock Blose HU is junk.

Packloyal

i did this same thing. replaced the speakers w/ mb quarts and added a 8" rf sub. 2 rf amps sitting under the carpet behind the seats in the 'trunk' area. i left the factory hu b/c i wanted to keep it looking stock and subdued. that said, i'm quite sure it would sound much better if you were to switch the hu. i added an alpine eq to help and i've got it so it's decen, but like i said.....

RitchieZ

thanx alot guys I was just trying to figure out a way of keeping the stock look because I have only seen on aftermarket install that most of you have also seen were the face of the head unit looks like someone called it a space age twin cup holder. Its the sony 7700 with the oem din kit.

RitchieZ

Andy I dont mean to copy but your install sounds awsome so I will be doing it just like yours. Its what I was hoping to find and I thank you for taking the time to help someone who wants to keep the stock head unit and from the sound of it so to speak kicking ***. thanx Richard

AndyB

I don't care if you copy the hole system down to the last zip tie!

I posted the details to help people out. A lot of what I did was taken from bits and pieces that other people posted on this board and over at 350zmotoring. (for example, I never would have thought mounting the amp behind the glove box. But it fits great there.)

I am not sure why people say the stock HU sucks. I think the weakest parts of the Bose system BY FAR are the speakers, followed closely by the cheap asz amps.

Now that I have replaced everything but the HU I think the system sounds really good. The guys at the shop and the installer (who has been doing this professionally for decades) also said it sounded much great.

Some people get poor sound from the stock head unit because the skimp on the line output converter or because they don't adjust the system right. There is a bit of an art to the adjustments. You have to set the levels for the input of the LOC, the output of the loc, the input on the amp, and the input on the sub. Then you gotta set the crossover points, "bass boost" etc.

AndyB

I have an Alpine 4x65 amp with RCA inputs and I am driving it fine (through a 4-channel LOC). I still have full fade and balance control from the HU.

RitchieZ

Its a plan

bshockley

AndyB,

I almost copied your setup, without even knowing it. If you are having good luck, then I hope to as well. Here's mine:

Stock BOSE HU -> CableLink -> AudioLink PD4 LOC RCAs to Alpine MRV-F450 -> 4x Infinity KAPPA 62.5I and 1x Infinity PERFECT 10.1T

My Question is: What are your settings on your LOC and AMP? I haven't got mine installed yet, and I know it's going to be a little different, but if you can tell me your base settings, maybe I could work from there or at least get a starting point.