Stock hd-unit with aftermarket amp?

**schoo510** · 02-08-2006, 12:11 AM

Hey guys, got a question. I drive an 2002 Audi A4. As of now the stock head unit with stock speakers sounds ok. I want to make it better. I want to install a 4 channel amp to power the 4 speakers with the stock headunit, will the addition of the amp to my stock headunit make a big difference for the sound? My main concern is that with the Audi's stock headunit, if i add an amp will it make a big difference to the sound? I really dont wanna change the headunit because it matches the interior of the car. I dont mind changing the speakers though if i need to. Please reply and let me know guys....thank you!!!

**Genesisfactor** · 02-08-2006, 01:16 AM

4 things to consider:
1) will adding more power blow the stock speakers.
2) if you're upgrading your speakers, or it won't (doubtful) you will need an amp with high level, or speaker level inputs. THis requires you, usually, to bypass the stock amp by cutting the wires and splice the wiries for the high level inputs...which voids your warrenty rather nicely.
3) If you want increased sound quality, without removing the head unit, the best thing to do is to change stock speakers ith your amp. Amp's main purpose in life is to amplify the signal, ie, give power, allowing you to play your music louder and clearer without discernable distortion, but that extra power is no good if you don't have the equipment to handle it correctly (the aftermarket speakers).
4) For best results, seriously, change everytihing, head unit included. Find one that matches your car interior

.

**schoo510** · 02-08-2006, 11:38 AM

Thanks for the reply. I think I will just put in the 4 channel Alpine amp first with my stock headunit and my stock speakers, see how that sounds, if the quality is not that great, I will consider changin the speakers.

**Genesisfactor** · 02-08-2006, 12:08 PM

Welcome. Just remember, that will only work if you havehigh level inputs to your amp, unless your stock unit has preamp outputs AND, you assume the outlined consequences

. I really would warn against it as you really could blow your stock speakers.

**gnomad** · 02-08-2006, 12:09 PM

If you can tell the difference between distortion in the amp and distortion in the speakers (or can find someone who can) you'll know exactly which you should replace first.

BTW, if it is your amp that is clipping, then you are actually *less* likely to blow your speakers with a more powerful amp, within reason, of course. It is not pure power that blows speakers, it is the clipping caused by driving them with an underpowered amp driven too hard.

-g.

**DavC** · 02-08-2006, 01:17 PM

upgrade your speakers first and see how that goes, for the following reasons:
1) Its easier
2) Its Cheaper
3) You will most likely end up doing it anyway if you are to get an amp installed, so most sensible to do it the other way around

**xtraxmechx** · 02-08-2006, 02:08 PM

get rid of your stock head unit.

1. You'll get a better signal then your stock HU

2. It comes with a 4 channel amp. It's not alot, but it doesn't take a whole lot to have decent sound.

3. Easier. If you replace your speakers you have to rip apart half of your car to get to them. With a amp, well you still have to run abunch of wires to run it. With a new HU it damn close to plug and play.

4. Yes it may be more expensive but you get WAY more bang for your buck. $200 could land you a good HU, maybe even less on e-bay.

5. As far as cosmetics, change it and in about a week you'll forget what your old one looked like.

just my 2 cents.

j

**Genesisfactor** · 02-08-2006, 04:59 PM

I thought i posted my reply...apparently not.

Sorry for not being clear on why the speakers would blow, i just doubted he would have cared. I prefer safe than sorry, that's why i stated it the way i did. I doubt that the speakrs are capable of more than 75W. I never asked for specs on the amp and shouldn't have assumed.

**Will Albers** · 02-08-2006, 09:15 PM

The stock radio in the a4 is a decent radio. Its actually a damn good radio. If you want the biggest change in sound, then add a sub. Stay stock with everything but add and amplifier and a single 12 or a couple of 10's. They way i would put it is that adding a sub is a "300% difference". All of the other swap outs (new speakers, amp) are minor improvements

**schoo510** · 02-09-2006, 11:57 AM

Yes, i agree the stock headunit on the A4 is not bad at all, but Im greedy I wanted more...

. Anyways, I wanted to add more treble to the sound, the stock subwoofer that came with the car sounds ok, Im not too crazy about the bass, I want to improve more on the treble of the sound. With the installation of a 4 channel alpine amp V12, will that give it more treble for the sound? And has anyone installed an amp with there stock headunit in there audi 2002 A4?