Audio Newb

[slow98SVT]

Hey guys, I am looking to swap from my factory headunit to an aftermarket unit and I am wondering if I need to bypass the factory amp? I read about it in the FAQ but I don't know why it needs to be bypassed? I was thinking that it was for adding an aftermarket amp. I have never had a aftermarket head unit in any vehicle I have ever owned, and the only reason I want one is to have MP3 jack, I am currently running a FM transmitter and it isn't the greatest quality. Does anyone have a recomendation for a good headunit, I don't wan't to hook up any subwoofers or anything like that so I'm not worried about any capability like that. Any help will be appreciated

 

[BrApple]

aftermarket radios have built in amps that put out alot more power, relatively, to the factory amp. running that higher power through the factory amp decreases the sound quality.

 

[slow98SVT]

Ok that was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks

 

[2000SVT449]

You definitely want to by-pass the factory amp, most after market head units will sound better that that P.O.S.!!! There is a wiring kit you can get from Best buy for $15-$20 makes it a lot easier. Also there is a how to in the Audio section that has step by step instructions on what to do.

 

[CarpePoon]

think of it this way. you have your normal voice (unamplified) if you want to amplify your voice you can talk into a megaphone (amplified) since you would be putting an amplified signal into an amplifier, its like putting a megaphone upto another megaphone. It will sound like crap and give you no volume adjustment.