Hello everyone. Over the last few days I have been scanning though the various threads trying to learn what I can about the factory Pioneer "premium" sound system. My overall impression is that it does not sound much better than a stock 4 speaker system. That being said, I would like to do some upgrades but attempt to keep the factory head unit. So can you get quality sound from changing the door speakers, wiring in a replacement 8in sub with a aux amp and still have it sound good once the volume gets a bit louder. A few local shops have mentioned that the head unit is the biggest downfall, as when the volume gets higher it cuts the low frequencies so the bass does not blow the speakers? If this is true adding a line level to attach amps would still be plauged by the head unit? Also is there a list somewhere of what 8in subs will indeed fit in the factory box. Any input is greatly apreciated
Thanks in advance

 

I have the base sound system with four door speakers and two tweeters. I installed a line out converter so I could add an amp and sub without replacing the factory head unit. I've had it loud enough to win a local sound competetion and it never started cutting the lows out

 

I would suggest checking with crutchfield.com. They have a pretty good database of what will work (and won't) with your factory system. They also carry add-ons that bypass your factory unit so you can add amps, crossovers, speakers, etc. I have used them for years and their customer service is the best around. Good luck and post some pics when you get done!

 

I also added a line out converter, amp and sub with stock head unit. I replaced the door speakers as stock were total crap paperweights. The bass will be fantastic IF you wire the converter into the system BEFORE the amp. You must disassemble a good part of the rear compartment but it's worth it in the end.

 

Ditto. I can't say enough good about Crutchfield.

 

I recently added a sub using this product http://www.autosoundcentral.com/PAC_...oemgm1416a.htm the install is simple plug it in then run the rca cables and remote line back.

 

What converter did you go with? And did you just tap into the harness at the amp? Or would the PAC adapter that attaches to the back of the Head unit work the same? Also for those of you that that have the Pioneer sub, are you disconnecting it or running it along with the sub. Finally are you letting your door speakers run full range, or using something to block some of the lower frequencies that can blow or distort the speakers at higher volumes.

 

My Pioneer sub is still connected (although you would never know it), I tapped in at the amp; not at the head unit, Bass does not lessen a higher volume if you wire your adapter BEFORE the amp lead, I used an Axxess 2 channel device.

 

By chance did you take pictures of where you tapped into the amp at? Still trying to figure this out as to how this works. Also when you replaced your door speakers did you cut the factory wires, or use adaptors. According to the crutchfield site they do not have the adaptors that do not require cutting of the harness.

 

I cut the wires for the door speakers. I followed a thread in this forum for disassembly of the rear compartment and used a diagram of the wiring at the amp, also from this forum. Sorry, no pix were taken at the time. If you've installed car audio equipment in the past, you can handle this installation. When you get to the amp, wire the rca adapter into the input side of the amp vs. the output side. My old RF 250a2 belts out all of it's power to a single 10" Infinity Kappa without any compromise from the factory eqipment. If you decide to go this route , pm me and I'll try to help if I can.