Hu Question

[Jamesr316]

Is it possable to get the same or better quality of sound with a stock head unit? I have an aftermarket unit, and it is great, but I hate removing it everytime I get in and out. Also, stock looks much cleaner.

I plan on having all speakers powered by an external amplifier anyways, so would a stock HU with some converters be just as good or better than an aftermarket unit?

[sandt38]

IMO no. A good aftermarket unit will allow you considerably greater controll of the system as a whole. Interface will be simplified tremendously. Also, continuous hi/lo and lo/hi level conversions raises the noise floor, and offer more room for noise introduction.

[Jamesr316]

any other opinions?

[ASM]

I agree with Seth 100%.

I think you're gonna have a hard time finding someone that will say using the stock unit is good.

[The_Ancient]

Originally posted by Jamesr316@Sep 11 2004, 08:03 PM
Is it possable to get the same or better quality of sound with a stock head unit? I have an aftermarket unit, and it is great, but I hate removing it everytime I get in and out. Also, stock looks much cleaner.

I plan on having all speakers powered by an external amplifier anyways, so would a stock HU with some converters be just as good or better than an aftermarket unit?

Quoted post

1> Why are you removing the HU everytime you get out???????

2> If you use a proper Install Kit, an aftermarket Unit will look every bit as good as stock in almost all cases, it is just a matter for getting the right kit .. Metra has better looking kits most of the time than American international, or Schosce

3> I agree with everything already posted as well

[Poseur]

You can get an eclipse, they have thier ESN which is a security system that doesn't require removing anything.

[hobbes26]

Originally posted by sandt38@Sep 11 2004, 06:51 PM
IMO no. A good aftermarket unit will allow you considerably greater controll of the system as a whole. Interface will be simplified tremendously. Also, continuous hi/lo and lo/hi level conversions raises the noise floor, and offer more room for noise introduction.

Quoted post

I agree that you'll get much more control over the system - usually you'll get some kind of limited EQing, crossovers, perhaps time alignment, etc.. with a standard mid-line deck.

I don't get what you mean by having a simplified interface... usually b/c of so many of the features, you'll have quite a complex interface...

[sandt38]

Originally posted by hobbes26@Sep 13 2004, 05:29 PM
I don't get what you mean by having a simplified interface... usually b/c of so many of the features, you'll have quite a complex interface...

Quoted post

Compared to attempting to interface with a stock deck. Crossovers, sub output controlls, etc., where interface would all have to be at the amps or processors likely located in the trunk

[Jamesr316]

1> Why are you removing the HU everytime you get out???????

I remove the head unit everytime I get out because I am a college student and am susceptible to breakins. I do not keep my car in a garage nor do I have an alarm. If someone is going to steal the Unit, they are NOT getting my faceplate!

2> If you use a proper Install Kit, an aftermarket Unit will look every bit as good as stock in almost all cases, it is just a matter for getting the right kit .. Metra has better looking kits most of the time than American international, or Schosce

I have a silver, metali-like finish on my player. (I know I could have found a black one but I got a deal on this one) My entire dash is black and this bright silver thing doesnt make it look good at all, and I really dig the stock look. My player does have red lights on it which somewhat match my orange lights on dash. In my bmw, i think stock looks the best. Ill take a photo of it tomorrow and show you what i mean.

You can get an eclipse, they have thier ESN which is a security system that doesn't require removing anything.

I have not heard of this, does the ESN stop a theif from ripping the unit out?

Compared to attempting to interface with a stock deck. Crossovers, sub output controlls, etc., where interface would all have to be at the amps or processors likely located in the trunk

I actually like having all of the controls in the trunk. Once I set it up I shouldnt have to mess with it anyhow.

[Jamesr316]

here is a dash pic.. it sut doesnt look correct.

Interior