So I see there are threads about how weak the radio is. I have the Navi package with the RF system. Now I was thinking , what if I were to replace the factory amp under the seat with an upgraded amp with more power. Would my stereo get louder? It should but then again I'm no genious when comes to hooking these things up. I fine with the bass output, but with regards to volume, it doesnt get loud enough and I thought it might be an easy fix?

I'm no genius either, but it doesn't matter how strong your amp is... it's all about the speakers bud!

You'd have to upgrade the speakers to support the additional load from your new amp. Personally, I would love to add another RF sub in the trunk, but I don't think the stock amp is strong enough to handle the load. I wonder if we can actually just swap the amp out...

Hmmmmmmm...

Also since it is a OEM radio, they have some sort of (governor) to help not overpower the speakers amp and sub, or else it would blow your whole system, that it why when you turn it up it seems like nothing changes. Get and aftermarket headunit and watch that all change and make sure you get one where you can customize your EQ for more bass or what not.

Yea, I went to a custom shop today and they told me that they could easily swap the amp out under the seat and put in the aftermarket amp and that there would be a huge difference in sound. Total cost for amp and install would be around 400 from what he quoted me . Sounds good, but I want to make sure he isnt BSing me.

What kind of amp? $400 for amp and install is a big number.

Well just went to another place today and was told a 5 channel amp would be the fix to my problem. They recommended the Alpine PDX5 for $400, which I looked online and could not find for much cheaper. The cheapest I found for this amp is $340 but then $30 for shipping. Now I have a friend that could install the amp for free but I was told this amp would give me the sound I want from the car. The amp is 4 x 75 rms + 1x300rms for the sub channel. Sounds good no?

I agree with the sound not being loud enough. When sitting in the car with the windows up the sound and bass are great. But when your driving, especially if you have the windows down it just isn't loud enough. I would love to get another RF sub on the opposite side of the car, as well as a better aftermarket amp. If I don't have to replace the factory headunit I will be stoked!!

Yea Im going to get the Alpine pdx5 and install it in the vehicle sometime this week or the next. I will post the results and let everyone know how it turned out.

Actually, the amp has a hell of a lot to do with it.

If it didn't then every 50W amp would cost the same.

Take a big heavy amp with a hugh torrodial transformer. It will have a much higher current output that gives it better control of the cone and hence a much cleaner sound.

You don't have to upgrade the speakers either. You should however match them. Now that is not saying that a 100W amp needs 100W speakers. Your amp will never ever get to full volume without clipping and destroying your speakers (even if they were 200W rated).

A good quality amp with your existing speakers would be the first step, followed by a speaker upgrade in the future.

There is no reason why the amp cant be removed. The headunit will have a factory plug and not RCA connector and so does the amp, but it is line level so you only need to cut the plug off at the amp and solder on some RCA connectors to use an aftermarket amp.

Mick

I have not logged on in a long time and kind of forgot about this thread. Let me just say that the ALPINE PDX 5 in the car makes a huge hell of a difference! Whatever limit that the radio had on it before from 35 to 45 is completely gone, but let me just say that at 30 the system is serious! My next project is to upgrade the speakers next month because the gain on the amp is set so low, with ugraded speakers the system will be KILLER!

We appreciate you visiting us... but you already mentioned this on another thread.

Actually this is the only thread that I mentioned it on. I think you need to start reading from the top.

Never go by what the amp watts peak at, look into the RMS if u wanna know how much it will handle safely with any amp

The ONLY thread? You sure about that?

Alpine PDX 5 DOUBLE POST

This may be a dumb question to you car guys...but would the New Alpine amp...void my warranty...Sorry I'm new at this? But i don't want headaches later if something should happen 4 years down the line!

ONLY if u blow your stock speakers and/or subwoofer. they wont warranty it