So while I don't want to go crazy on the sound upgrade on this car. I do want better sounding speakers. I already got the HK Ipod system to play through the radio, but the crappy fm sound quality just sucks. I'm pretty sure the stock speakers can play halfway decently if they just get some more power from an aftermarket deck and I can get the HK system to input through an aux-in input line instead of the FM.

SO, the question is two fold.

-Is there ANY way to still utilize the stock sub and amp when moving to an aftermarket head unit? Can maybe the output line for the sub just be crossed spliced with say a rear speaker line in order to get an audio output to the sub?

- How does the stock system sound without the stock sub, is there ANY bass output from the speakers?

- I'm thinking of just getting 2 way 5 1/4's all the way around and just crack the baffles and just mount them in.

Any help is appreciated

 

You'll want a seperate amp for the sub. I've yet to see a head unit that could adequately power any sub. Most decent aftermarket head units will include a set of pre-outs for sub woofers. Just get a small amp as you'll be running the rest of the speakers off the head unit and you won't want an overpowering bass in your car.
I personally think my car sounds like @$$ without a sub. But I've always had a system of some sort in every car I've owned.I'd personally go with 6-1/2"s if they'll fit. But that's just me.

 

Dont think 6.5's will fit. 5.25's are a stretch too.

 

Looks like you'll have to make custom baffles for the 5-1/4s, and the sticky makes it look like 6-1/2s wouldn't be a problem.

 

Sorry for the stupid questions. I'm still confused here, isn't it that the stock sub is being powered by the stock amp? If we will just replace the stock headunit with an aftermarket, then we can still use the stock amp, can't we?Can the gurus shed some lights on this? Thanks!

 

I have the same question about aftermarket head unit and stock amp.

My 2002 GS is currently in the shop as I am getting ready to install an aftermarket navigation system (Kenwood DDX6019). I was told that the factory amp won’t work on the car once an aftermarket head unit is installed. Dose anyone know a of a way to get the factory amp working again?

Thanks in advance.

 

I'm sure it's possible to make the factory amp work if you really want to. But why? Just buy a small mono or two channel amp for the sub. Most factory amps aren't worth a spit compared to almost any aftermarket amplifier.