I've read a bunch of threads on this but haven't found all the info I need.

I want to replace head unit and amplifier -

First, are the individual speakers wired optically on MOST ring, or do I just need to run wires from HU to amplifier, and can then use existing speakers/wires?

And second, anyone have a replacement single amp recommendation that can power all speakers?

Thanks!

 

to replace headunit and amplifier,

replace the radio, run output of radio, RCA or speaker level out to the new amp. from there you can utilize the factory speaker wires off the old amp harness to make life easier

For 1 amp for everything, my personal and professional opinion from top down

Audison Voce 5.1k
Audison SR5
JL Audio HD5
Alpine PDX5

 

What a relief, that's the info I was looking for. Couldn't find clear info on what all was on MOST as most people that go that far are running new speakers too. Thanks for a start on amp recommendations too.

 

I would also recommend the Audison Thesis HV Venti amps, but you can probably buy a new car for the price of a pair of those

http://www.audison.com/

 

haha I can do without that level I think. It does seem like I'll need more than one amp to drive all speakers though, and saw some posts on all stock speakers being 2ohm which complicates amp choices (I don't want to replace speakers, just head unit, amp, and likely adding an additional sub). More researching...

 

I have used the audison Sr5 amplifier before in your style of vehicle, it will be fine for what you need, actually perfect, don't worry about the ohm load as it should be 3 ohm and the amp will work well with the factory speakers

 

What do you do about the center speaker though? 70w x 4 for front and rear doors, 260w x 1 for stock sub leaves the center lonely.

 

center channel... connect the wires to the front speaker left + and right - wires for a mono channel. I also have done this on Kenwood and Alpine radio speaker output power with no issues. I usually pull it off the radio since it is right there above the radio pretty much

 

Hm, forgot about direct HU output, that would probably suffice. Thanks!

 

Does the center speaker have a passive crossover? Going with the Kenwood DNX9990HD I believe. The 8" Alpine HU looks nice but from install pics I've seen, I don't think an 8" would fit the space.

 

It will take some modification to get it in there. center I forget if it has the capacitor on it or not.

 

So I've started ordering stuff - HU and parts, still deciding on amp.

I know I can get some PAC modules to retain steering wheel controls - however, there's signficant integration with the instrument cluster. Is there any way to retain some/all of that? Station / track display, the buttons not adjusting the audio when you're working settings menus, etc? Stock I think the track up/down arrows only work when you've used the menu buttons to select audio display, and when on the settings display you use the volume -/+ to adjust things.

Seems like it would suck if the modules are "dumb" and just pass every steering wheel button press to the HU. Would also be sad if you didn't get any audio info display there.