Originally Posted by jk_sea (Post 3799134)

I'm looking to do something similar with my stock HU, except even less than what you want to do, I'm probably just going to change out the stock speakers. Quadratec and others sell a drop-in speaker upgrade from Kicker and it's supposed to make a big difference. There's plenty of options for a stock speaker upgrade, check out Crutchfield.com. For guys that like big sound, just a speaker replacement is probably not enough, but my goals aren't to have a crazy sound system, I just want a fuller and brighter sound (being able to hear some bass, and having the high end not sound like someone singing over a telephone). I'm sure adding an amp and a boom-tube will help even more in your case.

Originally Posted by twotonevert (Post 3799139)

That is my plan, I am going to replace the stock speakers with Kicker and call it good.

Sent from my Jeep using smoke signals.

Originally Posted by mckgardon_19 (Post 3799180)

correct me if I'm wrong but, I've heard that JUST adding new speakers won't really do anything because of the stock stereo's limitations from the factory, which is why a line out converter.

Originally Posted by countrydude1992 (Post 3799224)

I have the very stock head unit (base model, no nav, no u connect, plain as they come)

I added a kicker marine amp and the kicker DS line (same model as the kickers quadratec sells) for all 4 speakers and let me tell you, it sounds so much better than stock.

I used the PAC AOEM-CHR3 adapter for $35 and that is the best LOC you can get as far as adding an aftermarket amp. Plug and play adapter that gives you a 4 channel RCA output with no cutting, splicing, etc.

Originally Posted by jk_sea (Post 3799254)

Neither the stock head unit nor the speakers are great. Just swapping out the speakers will give you fuller sound. But that doesn't tackle the fact that the head unit still isn't putting out a lot of power. The speaker swap option is for people that don't mind the stock head unit in terms of functionality, or listening within the volume range that the stock head unit puts out with stock speakers. The net result is a fuller, brighter sound within those volumes when the speakers are replaced with better ones.

If you want to be able to crank at high volume and have everything tight and crisp with really punchy bass, then yeah, you're going to want to add an amp after the head unit.

I've done this before on a couple of my cars, for example, a 94 Chevy Camaro with 4 speakers and the crappiest of crappy Delco tape deck. It really does make a world of difference when you just change out the speakers (which are often paper and have some weak cruddy surround, small magnets, etc).

Originally Posted by mckgardon_19 (Post 3799265)

So I would use the PAC AOEM-CHR3 in place of an amp? Or connect it between the hu and amp?