Why does sound quality improve with an aftermarket Head Unit
- Thread starter Rudy23
- Start date
jersey_emt
Member
- :
- 04 MSM #1089
Better & more powerful amp is the main reason.
- :
- MP5T / 944
Better Harmonic Distortion rating. Higher Power Output of the headunit will also allow the unit to work less to make the volume as loud with less distortion. Better Bass, More control over Mid and Trebel. Bass Boster... Better I/O processor for the CD.
jersey_emt
Member
- :
- 04 MSM #1089
Rudy23 said:
Possibly not. People have gotten excellent results with new speakers, a separate amp, and a LOC (line output convertor, converts the powered speaker level outputs of the stock head unit into a low power signal to plug into the amp)
- :
- MP5T / 944
The added features of a good head unit are woth the money alone. Plus having better sound from a set of entery level speakers is money well spent and easy to install yourself.
I have already replaced the front and rear speakers with 3 way Pioneer ones. It was a big improvement on the stock speakers and fairly reasonable mod(CDN $230 or $190 US). The rear doors were a %$#@ to do.
I am not looking for a lot of power, just clear sound so I opted to stay away from an amp. I would like a newer head unit with MP3 capability but needed a good reason to spend more money.
I am not looking for a lot of power, just clear sound so I opted to stay away from an amp. I would like a newer head unit with MP3 capability but needed a good reason to spend more money.
ALot of times the good results are simply pshychological. Of course it's better if you jsut dropped a couple bills on a new toy... Stock HU's are actually made VERY well. In most cases better than most aftermarket ones taht ppl replace them with. I can't remember, but they're either made by Pio, Clarion, or umm, I forget the other. eitherway, nothing bad by any means. The main reasons for upgrading would be MP3 capability and ease of amp connections plus controls for said pre-outs.
If your'e simply wanting better sound, I'd highly recommend the amp+LOC route. same or less money and you're getting 3times the power not to mention retaining clean non-thief-friendly looks.
If your'e simply wanting better sound, I'd highly recommend the amp+LOC route. same or less money and you're getting 3times the power not to mention retaining clean non-thief-friendly looks.
jersey_emt
Member
- :
- 04 MSM #1089
Rudy23 said:
You need a lot of power for clear sound
But I think a new deck is the first thing for you. MP3 capability is awesome...don't know how I got along without it!
alpine, eclipse, and JL are solid reliable to start the search with.
I DO have a huge thing for MP3's and don't want to discourage new deckdom just based upon that alone. MP3's rule.
Butyes, clean sound is a function of power. Just because you have more power doesn't mena you're using it to get louder. but an amp with more power will have more control over the speaker. Think of an amp as muscle. grab a shot put, try to wave it up and down as rapidly and controllably as possible. Then try it with a tennisball. With the tennisball responce is faster and more accurate were you to try to stop at a specific point, right? it's a matter of the strength you have comparative to what your'e trying to move. int he case of a speaker. tha tlittle cone has to move back and fourth very rapidly and cotrollably. the more muscle you have over it, the quicker it gets to the right positions and the cleaner it stops and changes direction, etc.
Heck, I've got a 4x110w amp for my front stage alone, and I'm quite likely going to be adding a 2x150-200w ish amp to it as well shortly. Not that i EVER listen to thigns deafeningly loud, or tha tI'm even using them to half of their potential, but having that reserve is good if you're responsible with it.
Thatsaid, there ARE a few Headunits that hav esome decent power to them now. Alpine's Vdrive HU's put out a legit 20+ watts of REAL power, and now panasonic's got a D class HU which reportedly pushes close to 30. These will indeed help, but still closer to 50w is what I'd really prefer for speakers, and also, dunno if you've seen the countless discussion on it, but Really only worry about your front speakers.
I DO have a huge thing for MP3's and don't want to discourage new deckdom just based upon that alone. MP3's rule.
Butyes, clean sound is a function of power. Just because you have more power doesn't mena you're using it to get louder. but an amp with more power will have more control over the speaker. Think of an amp as muscle. grab a shot put, try to wave it up and down as rapidly and controllably as possible. Then try it with a tennisball. With the tennisball responce is faster and more accurate were you to try to stop at a specific point, right? it's a matter of the strength you have comparative to what your'e trying to move. int he case of a speaker. tha tlittle cone has to move back and fourth very rapidly and cotrollably. the more muscle you have over it, the quicker it gets to the right positions and the cleaner it stops and changes direction, etc.
Heck, I've got a 4x110w amp for my front stage alone, and I'm quite likely going to be adding a 2x150-200w ish amp to it as well shortly. Not that i EVER listen to thigns deafeningly loud, or tha tI'm even using them to half of their potential, but having that reserve is good if you're responsible with it.
Thatsaid, there ARE a few Headunits that hav esome decent power to them now. Alpine's Vdrive HU's put out a legit 20+ watts of REAL power, and now panasonic's got a D class HU which reportedly pushes close to 30. These will indeed help, but still closer to 50w is what I'd really prefer for speakers, and also, dunno if you've seen the countless discussion on it, but Really only worry about your front speakers.
Last edited:
