Would adding an amp or eq improve stock radio?

[zoomie]

I'd like to get a more fuller sounding stereo but if it blows I'd just need to replace the speakers right?-cheers

[Laserbeak43]

in my '06 some filter cuts the bass off after the volume reaches a certain level, I think an external EQ would fix that, but i don't know for sure.

[jscherf92]

theoretically you could remove the stock amp and replace it with a more powerful one, but you would have to take into account the pre-amplified signal from the stereo as well as the 2 ohm resistance from the speakers, and a mess of wiring with those stock stereo harnesses. I dont think an EQ would completely solve your problem because it wouldnt add any power, it would just control the amout of power the different frequencies, you may notice a difference but i dont think it would be as different as you seem to want it.new head unit and 4ohm speakers are the way to go, just save up and do some research

[09Vibe]

I had a Bazooka Bass tube installed in our hatch area (10 inch amplified model), that did wonders for the stock system. Got it on sale and was only $40 to install at the local box store (unit comes with all the wiring etc.) The stock system has enough on the high and mid end, just had no Bass of course... those tubes are pretty awesome for the price. Tech said the radio came out very easily, all the wiring tucked under the carpets easy too. Whenever I need to remove it for heavily packing the hatch area - it simply comes out of its straps and unplugs.

[cptnsolo77]

If you are looking for a wider range of sound, just replace the factory speakers. A new amp will give you more volume, but not nessessarily more clarity & depth. A EQ would probably clean up the sound but you will still be running out the crappy factory speakers. I have the M&T setup and was amazed by the clarity from just replacing the speakers & still running the factory amp.The Polk DB series are a great buy.http://www.crutchfield.com/lea....htmlh ... ea....html

[audiovibe]

Would adding an amp or eq improve stock radio? To answer your question would be, a yes and a no.By adding an amplifier you could greatly improve the sound from the stock radio. The dynamics would be greatly increased because you would be adding more power. There would be more overhead to supply the speaker the power it is asking for creating less distortion. The speakers would be snappier as once again the more power the more control you will have over the speaker to a point.A quick reason an amplifier would not improve the sound is because the precautions you will need to take to get any life out of the stock speakers. you will need to up the crossover points so the mid does not play as low, the lower it plays the longer the stroke the speaker plays. if it plays to low to loud for to long you will have a speaker that will come apart somewhere mostly the spider will separate from the basket. With to much power you can have the same effect as to little power and cook the voice coil on the speaker by meeting the thermal limits of the speaker.I have went this route before adding an amplifier to the stock speakers and it worked great for that application. Now would I recommend it to someone? Depends on the circumstances, if you like to crank on your music I would say stay away from this solution. If you just want a fuller sound and are happy with the way the stock speakers sound then give it a shot. Most newer cars have a built in defeat feature that blocks lower frequencies as the volume rises so that is another hurdle you would need to clear. Some cars that happens in the amplifier, some it happens in the factory headunit. I believe the Vibe has this feature in the headunit so the only way to truly bypass it would be to also use one of the pieces such as the JL Audio cleansweep or the MTX RE-Q to restore the original non EQed signal.Doing a unit like the Cleansweep might work with the factory amplifier, it would still remove the factory eq settings, but I am not sure if it would have enough voltage to drive the stock amplifier. I am not to familiar with those units as I have never used one just some quick reading a couple years ago.To add an EQ you would probably have to use a unit like the JBL MS-8 you would be able to use the powered outputs to drive the speakers and you would have an auto EQ and time alignment feature. The down side would be the price.As mentioned earlier some replacement speakers could be an option or you could add a small sub for some low end. If you are happy with the way the mid and high frequencies sound that is what I would try, a little low end makes a world of difference.