556

I had a 2012 factory base stereo. I loved the sound but wanted Bluetooth and android options. I had a Kenwood DDX903s installed and it does not sound as good as the factory unit. I only changed the head unit. I'm using factory amp and speakers. The base stereo had much harder hitting and crisper bass. Will I get this back if I go to a aftermarket amp, or do I have to change everything.

Homer3D

Well there's your problem.

If you don't want to spend too much more money, you could just replace the speakers and wire them directly to the head unit. Will most likely sound better than what you have now.

If you are willing do spend more I would do it all. An amp, high end components in the front, coax in the rear and a sub.

Heavy Vetting

I am in exactly the same boat, 556. I now feel compelled to go all the way as Homer suggested. What happened? Why would it sound worse with a quality Kenwood head unit? Are the speakers somehow tuned to perform best with the Bose radio such that they sound crappy with anything else?

WoodyJohnson

Can you power the door subs from the head unit ?

0Double D Mods

There is no way when properly installed and using correct accessories will it sound worse than stock radio.

If we sent this to you then call me. as I can ask you questions on what was done on install and your settings.

0Double D Mods

yes of course. When using correct harness and wires correctly

Homer3D

Hard to say. In my 2005 I replaced everything at the same time. I do that with all my cars when I do audio upgrades. I never know how the stock items will work in conjunction with aftermarket stuff. So I save myself the worry and just upgrade everything. Aftermarket will almost always sound better than stock.

In fact I will probably be hitting up Double D for their rock in a box packages soon for my 2013.

markcz

Make sure HU is putting out a full signal to the fronts (HPF is off).

If that's set, most likely it isn't installed properly.

Heavy Vetting

Could you please explain further? HPF?

Thank you.

ralphsmithiii

HPF may be referring to the High Pass Filter setting, if included, with your head unit.

bartsky

If not wired up properly, I believe the door subs won't come on. Have to make sure amp trigger wire is wired correctly. I have put the same Kenwood in many C6 Vettes, and it always improves the sound over factory.

Ghostnotes

I still have the factory head unit. I used an LC8i inbetween the factory amp and my aftermarkets, then put a crossover between my door subs that were replaced by 6.5's and the tweeter. Works fine.

Pb82 Ronin

This thread is 4 years old bro.