Car audio question... using the stock radio..

[BoBbOrAzE]

I'm looking to get some new speakers yet I'd like to keep my factory head unit as I really like the stock look and matching illumination.

From what I understand, if the RMS value per channel coming out of the factory head unit is within the range of the new speaker's rated RMS values, they will sound decent... otherwise they'll be underpowered and won't reproduce sound accurately.

So lets say my factory head unit is at maybe 8rms and the range for the speakers is 6-60rms. Since its in range, would the speakers sound as they should, just not capable of getting as loud?

 

[4g63eagle]

they will sound fine just not living to there full pottential they will only not reproduce sound properly when they are overpowered causing distortion if you still want to leave your stock head unit in but get more power to the mids n highs you can go get a line level output conv. and run a small amp thats the best and most accurate way but the stock head unit will work fine tho just dont run the wires backwards or it will be out of phase causing it so sound bad hope that all helps good luck

 

[BoBbOrAzE]

Thanks for the help, yeah I had considered putting in an amp yet I know I won't feel like running the speaker wires.

I'm still curious how it all works though, as my stock setup gets more than loud enough. (though they distort at high volume) Would more power with the new speakers produce a better sound? Or simply allow me to turn it up more... And would the stock distortion be due to crappy speakers at max or due to the head unit's internal amp pushing hard?

 

[chuckd]

you would be super suprised how much better your factory speakers sound with a properly adjusted aftermarket radio.. i suggest getting the radio over better interior speakers.

and line level outputs aka line drivers are only good for upping your rca output voltage. aka using a alpine 2v preout radio and wanting to make those rca outputs deliver more than 2 volts.. makes life easier on your amp because you wont have to crank the gain all the way because of the low rca output voltage

 

[BoBbOrAzE]

This is actually for my second vehicle(dodge ram). The front 2 speakers are blown so I have to replace them anyway, and the rears distort at high volume and generally sound awful. Again I'd like to keep the stock head unit...
(and line level converters are normally used to create RCA components off a standard audio signal)



Still open for all input on this!

 

[spyder420]

Since you know about high level low level converters you could up grade your speakers till the factory radio cant take it then just add an amp

 

[chuckd]

this is what i was talkin about. AudioControl Overdrive 2-channel line driver at Crutchfield.com

that isnt really needed until you have a system..

what kinda component speakers are you lookin at ?

 

[BoBbOrAzE]

Since you know about high level low level converters you could up grade your speakers till the factory radio cant take it then just add an amp

yeah might do, yet I don't really want to rewire the speakers...

I'm still curious what the sound will be like with the stock radio. aka nice speakers with a low power input and how they would compare to an aftermarket H/U pumping more power.

this is what i was talkin about. AudioControl Overdrive 2-channel line driver at Crutchfield.com
that isnt really needed until you have a system..

what kinda component speakers are you lookin at ?

ooo line drivers, yeah won't need just yet.

The fronts hold 6x9s yet I'm looking to throw these all around. Polk Audio DB651 such awesome reviews, and to make up for the loss of bass I'll likely throw in a sub tapped into a rear speaker.
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I've decided for now to go with some sonys from walmart.. It'll all be under $100, I can always change things up in the future. (hate sony, yet really good reviews and specs)

They don't list the lower RMS rating, yet I'm just going to try them and find out.

6x9 4-way XSR6943

6.5 4-way XSR1643