n00b car audio questions

[0roo0roo]

No, sounds like a bad idea, you cannot separate one from the other.
An amp is only for good speakers, hooking up an amp to factory speakers is like hooking up ipod factory headphones to a headphone amp, without point.

 

[Special K]

Would it make sense to just buy a 6 channel amp now, that way I won't have to worry about adding another amp in the future? 6 channels would allow for front speakers + rear speakers + a sub, correct?

Bump - anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

Why would it sound different? Maybe a tiny bit louder or more in control, but it should sound as close as possible to the source.

Speakers - capable of changing sound the most because, well, they physically produce what your ear hears!

Amplifier - they have to drive the speakers, so they can affect the sound by how accurately they drive the speakers and how well they control speaker movement without distortion.

Source - unless you use built-in equalizers to actively change what the sound sounds like, the source should just pass the audio along.

because factory HU amps suck.

upgrading stock speakers would make the most difference though, because most cars come with crap speakers with paper cones.

 

[hanoverphist]

Bump - anyone have any thoughts on this?

my friend is telling me the same thing. i already have a 4 channel, and have been looking for a monoblock for subs to add as well. he keeps telling me to sell the 4 channel and get a 5 channel to save wiring, space and hassle. since he owns a shop that installs custom audio and video, i tend to believe his opinion.

 

[Smoove910]

Well, it would definitely be the easiest way. Get a 5/6 channel and be done with it.

If you upgrade the speakers and amp and still aren't satisfied, try upgrading your headunit to something with at least a 4 volt preamp output. In my experiences doing this has been the biggest difference in sound after you upgrade speakers and amp. Your amps will receive a stronger/cleaner signal, which in turn gives you more output that sounds cleaner.

Cheers!

 

[Special K]

Another question for anyone who cares to comment: when you sell the car, what do you do with all your amps, speakers, HU, etc? Take them out or factor them into the selling price of the car? Wouldn't it be a PITA to take an amp out, and wouldn't it leave drill holes, torn carpet, and other damage behind?

 

[0roo0roo]

Carpet shouldn't be torn.
Value of sound system generally doesn't factor into resale value, if you feel like replacing the old speakers that is your thing.

 

[Smoove910]

When installing from the get go, I consider that I will be taking it back out in the future. The wiring I would typically leave in the car, but all the other stuff I take with me. The stock HU is easily connected back to the factory wiring harness since I use an aftermarket wiring harness for the 'good' HU. Amps are usually mounted onto another board or the sub box, so no worries about ripped/torn carpet from that aspect. Sub box should be removable to an extent.