I just received my pioneer head unit off of amazon. It's only a cheap $50 dollar one. Nothing too exciting. My dad has a 600w multi channel Sony xplode amp in his 4 runner that came with it. He doesn't use it and said I could have it if I could figure out the wiring.

Is it worth the hassle? Seems kinda complicated for a newbie to wiring and sound.

 

amps are easy to wire in but usually you hook it up to a sub because most stock speakers with an amp would blow. Also Sony xlpod isn't necessarily something to brag about but I'd bet it's better than nothing. Once I put a sub and amp in my truck I can't go back

 

Which amp does your Pioneer have? Is it the Mosfet 22W X 4? What model is it?

I've really been happy with the power of the Pioneer decks I've owned. I put a Kenwood in my Expedition that doesn't have very much power.. kind of anemic sounding, lol.

 

Multi channel makes me think 4. Can you post a pic? 4 channel amps are usually used for the full range speakers (smaller ones in the doors) but can be bridged for a subwoofer or two.

How much do you like music? Loud music surely isnt for everybody. But for those of us who love it well never be able to go back. I hate, I repeat, HATE driving my wifes minivan bc it sound like ish. Even with what I call good music.

 

Do it! It will be a night and day difference. Your speakers will be louder and sound better if you adjust the amp accordingly, if your using your stock speakers make sure the gain is set way down or you'll blow em out prettt fast.

 

Sony amps are pretty much junk. Sony anything car audio is pretty much junk. But if it puts out some power, it will be better than head unit power. What model amp?

 

^^^
Hell yes it is. I love their TV's, Home Stereos, and the Play Stations. But Sony's car audio is garbage. It took me 3 or 4 decks to finally admit that and go to Pioneer.

 

Funny, Id say the same about Pioneer lol.

 

Interesting. What brand do you prefer? I've had Sony, JVC (which is far worse than Sony), Kenwood (JVC's sister), Blaupunkt, Jensen, and Pioneer. Never had a single issue with Pioneer.

I've got a son-of-a-bitchin 2014 model Kenwood in my Expy that won't hook up to an Android phone. I hook my 2009 model Pioneer to my phone and it plays just fine.

 

Well, the Pioneer that came with my truck is a top of the line for its day AVIC D3 w/ Bluetooth adapter ($1200 MSRP). I cant access the navi menu without the dvds which means I cant change to daylight savings, prioritize my phone, mute the beep, basically half of my settings.

My phone will tell me its connected even though its not. Tell me "connection unsuccessful" even though I wasnt able to input my pin yet. Sometimes after I take a call when the music comes back on it sounds like a CD skipping and I have to disconnect the Bluetooth then reconnect.

I think that about covers it. Sonys alright. I have a nice little Sony HU in my old Explorer thats digital player only. Id like to try either a Kenwood Excelon or the high power Sony (50w RMS/ channel). I had an Alpine as well that was niceish. Back when all we had were CDs to listen to I preferred Sony or Alpine bc of the good signal to noise ratio.

If I didnt just spend so much on wheels and tires Id probably go Kenwood just to mix it up a little. I know you have to make sure that the HU you pick is compatible with your specific phone.

Sorry for the thread derail OP.