Hooking 4-channel amp up to factory speakers

[tommybrown 10+ year member]

I have a 2009 Camry with a JBL factory system...the speakers sound pretty decent but I'm thinking of hooking up a 4-channel amp to give them that extra power...Does anybody recommend this or do you think I should replace the speakers if I'm getting an amp?

Click to read more...

 

[DS Autosports 10+ year member]

Either leave the set up as is or change out the speakers and add a amp. Factory setups come with matching components, meaning that if the speaker is rated at 20watts then it's wired to a factory amp that does just that and no more. So your current speakers, although they say JBL are probably running the approriate wattage and it would be a waste of time and money to add a aftermarket amp just for "factory" speakers...IMO

 

[tommybrown 10+ year member]

yeah thanks. That's what I was thinking. Do you recommend changing the head unit as well? I'm not sure if the factory head unit has the right outputs for amps and subwoofers.

 

[DS Autosports 10+ year member]

Factory equipment is only good for the trash men to workout with... If you are looking to build a system a good/great head unit is where you should start. Rule of thumb is to plan your system out before you start buying or you'll waste money. You're in the right place to ask questions and find answers.

 

[RJesus 10+ year member]

what type of headunit is it?

some have a lot of extra features that will not work or will cause problems with the car if you disable the factory headunit.

Like the new lexus has a heat radar detector, which won't work without the factory gps/touch screen.

If your stock hu has a touch screen, temperature readings, etc. Then I'd keep it and get a PAC. a PAC is a box that connects to your factory headunit and allows you to add an aftermarket amp to your system. Or you could use speaker-in leads, I think this is of less quality though.

But if you have one of those throw-away headunits, then defiantly throw it away. On the mazda protege forums i frequent (i drive an 02 protege), you'd be lucky if someone is willing to pay shipping to buy a factory headunit.

Having said that, I'd recommend an alpine 9887. From the research that i've done, its better than the prs800.

 

[tommybrown 10+ year member]

It's An Ok Headunit That Plays Mp3's And I Can Change Tracks And Adjust The Volume From A Buttom On The Steering Wheel...if I Replaced It They Do Make Wiring Harnesses So I Can Still Control It From The Steering Wheel. It Probably Makes More Sense Just To Get All New Stuff For The Best Quality Possible.

 

[DS Autosports 10+ year member]

It's An Ok Headunit That Plays Mp3's And I Can Change Tracks And Adjust The Volume From A Buttom On The Steering Wheel...if I Replaced It They Do Make Wiring Harnesses So I Can Still Control It From The Steering Wheel. It Probably Makes More Sense Just To Get All New Stuff For The Best Quality Possible.

^True, I think the biggest thing you would have to worry about on your car is the factory amplifier; which will require an amp bypass harness and cost about $100...//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/eek.gif.771b7a90cf45cabdc554ff1121c21c4a.gif To overcome this overpriced technicality just run new wire.

 

[tommybrown 10+ year member]

Yeah that's true. I live in the Los Angeles, CA area, Northridge to be exact. Can you recommend a good stereo shop around here? So far there are nothing but crooks at the place I've been going to. LOL Thanks

 

[DS Autosports 10+ year member]

Sorry man, wish I could help. I've been to Cali only twice and never for leisure... Most of this stuff you can do yourself, with a little guidance. Plus I'm sure there is someone up here near you that can lend a hand if needed.