What difference in terms of SQ is there between stock head unit & using an aftermarket one with all new front rear speakers 2 aftermarket amps & 12 inch sub? The audio shop I went to led me to believe that using the stock head unit with aftermarket setup would restrict a lot vs using an aftermarket head unit, but is this really true?

 

Depends on if you have the standard Pioneer, or the ML head unit. All i did was add a sub to my ML system, and the SQ is amazing. The factory Pioneer isnt too bad either..

 

I mean, as far as restricting the amount of bass you can produce with aftermarket subwoofers, a stock headunit will be just as good as an aftermarket one if you have the correct setup with a LOC and filters. As far as the aftermarket speakers go in the doors and rear deck, the only way to get truly great sound is to amp your aftermarket speakers with an aftermarket amp. A head unit, no matter how nice, can never provide the amount of power and clarity an aftermarket amp can provide. So theoretically, you could get two amps, a mono for the sub and a four channel for the mids and highs, and replace your stock speakers with a nice set of aftermarket and be better off than if you had replaced the factory headunit and just installed speakers.

 

Well I have the standard Pioneer. I have a full setup ready to go includes: front/rear comps, 12 inch sub, 1 400 watt amp for comps & 1 600 watt amp for sub. I wasn't talking about using an after market head units amp to power anything. My concern is using all the parts mentioned earlier in this post would there be a noticeable diff in SQ or power by using the stock Pioneer head unit or an aftermarket one?

 

I wouldn't think that their would be at all. As long as you have the amps setup right and crossovers in the right places, you should tell zero difference. An aftermarket headunit will offer tuning, but you can do this by using the before mentioned crossovers and amps properly tuned. Set your system in the car, wire it right, and take it to a knowlegeable shop to do your tuning. Those guys have been doing it for years, they will get you set up right if you go to a good one. Also, I would recommend checking out caraudio.com forums. I would sign up there and get some info from those guys. They are car audio GURUS!! They have offered me priceless info in the past.

 

I was thinking the same thing however, the audio shop kept telling me changing the head unit will make a world of difference....Im guessing they are trying to make $ off of me since they will need to make a custom head piece & also sell me one of there head units. They kept saying how they have better amps & speakers that I could use instead of the ones I have...I dont want to have to pay extra for an after market head unit if the stock one will sound just as good with after market speakers & amps.

 

They are trying to make a buck off you just as you mentioned earlier. The signal and tuning ablility is the only thing that a aftermarket radio provides an amp, and your LC8 will provide you with this. I have heard rumors of a dash kit coming out in a year or so, so I would hold off on the radio, for most installs I have seen of aftermarket headunits are very, very unclean and unfinished looking. I plan on waiting for a kit or just never changing my Pioneer factory HU. It makes no difference to me.

 

If you use a sound processor, it will provide as good a signal as an aftermarket head unit. Check them out http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...318850&tp=6870

 

So basically I should sell my LC8 and go for one of the ones in that link? Where do u think would be the easiest place to sell the LC8?