Newbie need help with stock head unit

[Randy77]

Hi I am new to car audio, know a little not alot. I just bought a new 2008 Mazda 3for my daily driver and want better sound. I like the look of the stock head unit, it flows nice, the aftermarket stuff I have seen doesnt seem to look good, and you have to get rid of the LCD temp display, plus lose the steering wheel controls. Is it possible to keep the factory head unit and still make a kick *** sound system? Using a factory crossover? the car has 4 door speakers that i want to replace plus add an amp and subwoofers.

Thanks for the help

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[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

you could replace the factory speakers and install an amp to run them:idea:

 

[hemi=22s 10+ year member]

x2

replace the speakers and use a loc to convert your factory stereo outputs into a rca line out (not the most effective way to reproduce sound but it will work) and then install a small 4channel amp to run your mids or get a 5 channel so u have a sub output channel as well

 

[Randy77]

So it is possible to keep the stock head unit and get a good sound system? a local stereo install shop is telling me i really need to change the head unit, it is not about money as much as it is about keeping the dash looking nice.

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

So it is possible to keep the stock head unit and get a good sound system? a local stereo install shop is telling me i really need to change the head unit, it is not about money as much as it is about keeping the dash looking nice.

do not listen to shops....most of them are just trying to get money from you

and yes you can do pretty good with comps and an amp (LOC if you need it)