Hey all,

I`m just trying to understand the limitations of the stock stereo system in my KF Verada..

Is it true that when you turn the volume up and the speakers distort, that it`s actually the fault of the headunit not being able to properly power those speakers?? (rather than the speakers themselves being the problem)?

Reason I ask is I`d like to keep the stock headunit and speakers in my Verada (mainly due to money restraints among other reasons) but I DO have a 4 channel amp that could easily power the speakers, so even with the factory headunit & speakers would amplifying them result in a decent gain?

I also have another amp and sub that will also compliment the system..

I guess what I want to know is will amplifying the factory speakers be worth it or are they of dubious quality and likely to give up the ghost?

Cheers for any info..

Id be interested in the results, I think it really depends on the quality of the stock gear.

Its true, the deck amp distorts, thats why when you buy soem speaker capable of handling 3 x the power of the deck amp, it still distorts well before full volume. Stock speakers cant usualyl handle much volume, arent designed to as they are only pwoered by the deck which is probably less than a aftermarket deck.

So I think you would get a decent increase in volume and sound over stock, but dont expect great sound. I think being a latish model verada, the speakers are OK for a stock system. Since you have the amp, it wont cost you much, and it can only make the system better, maybe not much better, but I think an appreciable and worthwhile difference.

Not sure hwo you can go for connecting the amp to the stock deck though, as i guess there woudl be no pre out. I think there may be an inferior way of using the speaker outputs instead. Maybe someone else can shed some light on this....

Ollie

The stock output of the headunit is matched with the stock speakers, so if you're getting distorting it's because you're hitting the limits of the speakers. Even using an after market head unit has the potential of blowing the stock speakers quite easily, amping them is not a good idea unless you had very strict control of you gains, but the amps not going to be doing much more than the standard head deck can.

Unless you have the 10 speaker set up like the GTV I wouldn't bother. You will get much better results amping $50 sony speakers. The only plus you will get is ( hopefully ) a HPF. However these days it is nothing you can not get in a headunit.

Put it this way, would you give a 50WRMS / 200W max full range speaker 200WRMS everyday and expect it to last?

I guess my main thing here is I want to keep the stock headunit, but don`t mind replacing and amping new speakers.

So what about: stock Verada headunit, new set of 6 inchers in front and 6x9s in rear, all amped, PLUS another amp and sub as optional?

That would have to be a decent enough increase even with the stock headunit yeah?

using a processor like these is probably a little over the top, but will give you much more tuning ability from the stock headunit.

http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/product_details.asp?cat_id=1&series_id=49&family_id=50&item_id=106185&locale=en_US&p_status=

otherwise, many amps have high-level inputs (which would be used to power a 4ch speaker amp, then run the RCA-out from that into a sub amp)

i'm not sure how 5ch amps work, if it creates a sub channel from the speaker inputs? if it does that would be a good option too

Any reason why you want to keep the stock headunit?

Any reason why you want to keep the stock headunit?

Mainly because I`m lazy, don`t have another headunit readily available and also the stock one fits well, whereas I`d have to install an aftermarket one then dress up the remaining area left by the double din unit..

but mainly because I`m lazy ;)

It`s easier for me to change/add amps and speakers - some of which I already have.

Anyway, I`ve gleaned a bit of useful information here that I can go and try a few combos - cheers all!

Get a new headunit dude, its so much easier in the long run. All you need is an Aerpro single din pocket thing. That will mean you will have your sound and more storage :D

did I mention how unbelievably lazy I am?:P

Get a new headunit dude, its so much easier in the long run. All you need is an Aerpro single din pocket thing. That will mean you will have your sound and more storage :D
Agree with Mr ©harisma. Plus most aftermarket HUs these days play MP3 CDs and give you the option to control yor iPod with the correct interface cable.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v124/mohit/Verada/kenwoodhu01.jpg

hmm.. interestink..

How much of a headfok is it to wire up an aftermarket headunit? (I`ve never seen the wire situation behind the stock unit)

pretty straight forward to put a h/u in
if you want the easy way out areopro make harness that attach to your stock harness then another one from the new harness to the new h/u
always you'll have to cut all the wires, attach the correct wires together, soilder them togerther and then tape them up

Vote 1, solder headshrink and cable ties. :D

If you are that lazy, usually someone will do it for you for about $60-100. :D

hmm.. interestink..

How much of a headfok is it to wire up an aftermarket headunit? (I`ve never seen the wire situation behind the stock unit)
Installation is a piece of piss. As mentioned by Mr_Roberto, you can use the wiring harnesses made by Aerpro for a plug and play installation. This is exactly what i did when i installed this HU in my Verada. All you have to do is attach the ground wire from the wiring harness to a clean metal surface. I just screwed it to one of the screws that hold the stereo bracket in place (refer to blue arrow in the pic below).

Then just get a single DIN storage pocket from any 3rd Gen with climate control to finish it off.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v124/mohit/Verada/kenwoodhu02.jpg