Kung

Short-term that will probably be what I do; long-term, I'll have it done anyways, simply because I also need to track down a rattle or two in the door. LOL

tuflehundon

Alpine speakers always sounded best with a sub to me. I used them in my vehicles when I have an amp and don't want much bass out of the other speakers. They don't have as much bass as Pioneer's, Rockford Fosgate's, or others. I used them because they has a cleaner sound.

Kung

This is true...I've noticed this as well. Ah well - at least this justifies me getting a low profile sub.

2016BoostedGreyGoose

iTrader: (1)

Sensitivity is NOT the OPs issue. The issue is that the factory speakers are playing near their limits and the new alpine speakers arent even imtimately luke warm running from the same power source. Amplifiers are not about getting speakers to play louder so much as they are about being able to reproduce a fuller, wider, more accurate frequency spectrum. If ALL you did was apply sound deadener to the inner/outer skin of the door under the door panels and covered and opening in the outer skin of the door you would notice a nice bump in mid bass response. As suggested, ad a small TRUE 50wrms amplifier or more, and set your gains correctly, you will easily out play the stock speakers at any frequency. Whenever I install a new system into a vehicle, the sub is always the absolute LAST part of the equation I add because I spend the necessary time tuning all of my speakers/amps to be very musical and accurate. When I do this, my sound stage is already setup very musical and life like to play down to what my speakers are rated at...then when I add a sub, its like an ampli-theater! Adding a sub at this point WILL make it sound better but is a poor band aide for a lack of proper setup. Just my .02

Kung

Well, the only issue with that (at least so far as I'm told) is the fact that I own the XLT 4.2" screen....meaning that if I want to add anything beyond something like an Alpine KTP-445U, I'd have to rip out the HU and add a Maestro, new HU, and then an amplifier for the 4 speakers.

Correct? Or is the KTP-445U (or something like it) worth doing for what I want? Keep in mind that I don't need a huge difference...I simply want

a) slightly louder speakers and
b) more bass.

I can take care of b) with a powered sub enclosure under my seat. Will what I'm speaking of above (a KTP-445U or something akin to it) achieve what I want?

2016BoostedGreyGoose

iTrader: (1)

You do not have to replace the HU. Where are you getting this info? Simply add a DSP like and Audio Control or other and whatever amp (s) you want. Even if you didnt add a DSP for better sound thru de-equalization, you can use the Parrot harness to allow you to add an amp via hi level inputs. (Def NOT the best way to go sound quality wise but can be done) both ways you keep the oem HU.

Kung

Getting it from all over the board. I'm aware I don't have to replace the HU, but from what I've read/what I've been told, you're stuck with the quality that the stock HU will put out, so therefore all an amplifier would do is increase the volume (which is fine) and a DSP wouldn't be all that effective as it's working with a (supposedly) crappy signal to begin with.

With the above said...as I've mentioned, I like the sound quality just fine right now, so I suppose there's no reason I couldn't add a DSP and an amp. LOL My assumption is that the opinions about 'crappy' sound quality are coming from people who are comparing aftermarket HUs/amps/DSPs/speakers to the stock, and from THAT point of view, sure, aftermarket beats heck out of stock...but when you're happy with stock and just want it to be a bit louder, a bit cleaner, with some more bass, there's no need to go crazy with a Maestro/aftermarket HU/etc.

2016BoostedGreyGoose

iTrader: (1)

A DSP will absolutely clean up the crappy signal from the oem HU. the better the DSP the better job it wI'll do. I have the Audison Bit 10 D, however the Alpine PXA-H800 is also excellent... then you have the Hi res audio ZapCo units hitting the scene soon....OEM integration at its best. I wouldn't change my HU if I could! Lol

Kung

Well then, that's the route I'll take...with that said, can't afford $600 right now. LOL I'll either have to go cheaper (e.g., AudioControl) or wait.

Wyo11Scab

iTrader: (1)

Try the harness first. They are only about $50.