Aftermaket head unit with factory amp

[saucy]

I've got a 94 with premium sound. The system sounds great but no cd player. I want to install an aftermarket CD player but since the factory speakers sound so good on the factory amp I want to keep it that way. Can I plug the new cd player into the factory harness under the dash "with jumper harness's" and have it play through the factory amp? Also want to splice in some ford factory surface mount tweeters to the front speakers, will this negatively affect overall sound quality. I don't know how sensitive the factory amp is.

 

[30footSHO]

Depends on whether or not you have the JBL premium sound, or the plain ol' premium sound. If it's the latter, forget the factory amp. It sucks. If it's the JBL, you might be OK. I have an Alpine running the speakers with my 10" subs and I'd really be much happier without that factory amp that I thought I wanted. I can't get past 16 on the volume without distortion, and those suckers are crossed over at 160 Hz!

Just my $0.02

Dave
1993 black/black ATX

 

[saucy]

It is the plain ole premium sound with no sub, but I think it sounds good as far as factory stereo systems go, especially Ford. They have never had great sounding systems IMO. But I do think that keeping the factory amp would be the best way to go unless I plan on replacing the speakers too. I just don't see the need. I will be running 2 12" subs with a Bass boost crossover so I can keep the bass down on the head unit.

 

[30footSHO]

I got confused with the dual posting, saucy.

I suppose you'll be OK, but my experience has told me that higher output aftermarket head units tend to overload the signal to the amp, causing distortion. Hope all goes well with your install.

Dave
Alpine CDA-7892
stock fronts
Kenwood 6x8 rears
2x 10" Kicker s10d solobaric
Kicker xs50 amp (750 watts max) running 2 ohm
(makes about 350 watts or so)
beer

 

[LOUDSHO92]

There is no amp in the premium system unless they upgraded it past 92. You can have an aftermarket cd player play through the amp though it would be pointless. You would have better sound through the aftermarket only. If you do splice tweeters in hte front you can do it on an aftermarket head unit but the head unit will heat up more as u are doing something it was not meant to do. If there is an amp do not do it. It will not work.