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Mayor79
Dodge Dakota
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8/14/2002
14:12:33

Subject: Replacing the stock system
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I'm trying to decide what to do about the "upgraded" Infinity system in my 02 dak. It sounds OK but if I have the bass and volume turned up to high I get bad distortion. I dont have the money to put everything in at once so I'm trying to figure out how to go about adding stuff in.

I've heard people say you should do the speakers first because the factory head unit doesnt put out enough power to blow them (as could happen if you put a new head unit in first) How true is this? I'm looking at some Pioneer stuff specifically the DEH-P7400MP head unit, the RMS power-out is 22 W and the peak is 50 W. What can the infinity speakers handle, also what kind of amps come stock with the truck (any specs on them)? Would I be better off replacing the speakers first then getting the new head unit?

What are some good speakers to use, a lot of my friends seem to like Pioneer. What would be some other good choices (not subs, I'm still trying to figure out how to get those in without taking up the whole back bench, and yes I've already looked at the MTX Thunderforms), not cheap stuff but not top of the line. (most bang for my buck)

Any help? Thanks!

-Mike



john ramsey
Dodge Dakota
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11/25/2003
19:02:10

RE: Replacing the stock system
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The end result is you would like to have the head unit and speakers replaced. As for which one first? Its like the chicken and egg theory. My suggestion, get a good head unit. The one you mentioned will do. Then purchase a quality set of front speakers. You can add rear speakers a little later. The reason for the fronts is that since you're not getting everything at once you want the new speakers to be in front of the cab.
If you replace the rears first, you'll have too much sound coming from the rear. After the fronts are replaced, you might not want to add rear replacements after you hear the substantial difference in sound quality. I recommend Audiobahn(because they never blow trust me!) I don't care how much power you send them they are crystal clear.






Jim Z
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11/25/2003
21:03:40

RE: Replacing the stock system
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"I've heard people say you should do the speakers first because the factory head unit doesnt put out enough power to blow them (as could happen if you put a new head unit in first) How true is this?"

I'd agree, but with a couple corrections. The Infinity system has an external amplifier, which takes speaker level input from the head unit. So, even if you add an aftermarket head unit, you won't get any more power at the speakers.

The other thing is that even a low-power head unit can burn a speaker, because a clipped signal is far more damaging to a speaker than even moderately overpowering them. This is less of an issue with modern Chrysler head units, as they have limiters that keep the radio from clipping. Aftermarket head units typically do not have limiters.

"OK but if I have the bass and volume turned up to high I get bad distortion."

The ultimate problem with this system is that the speakers are not capable of much excursion, and the speakers overtravel during heavy bass notes (causing the distortion.) I replaced the Harman speakers in my '03 with some 6.5" speakers which are capable of higher excursion, and I can push the system a lot harder now without distortion.

"I'm looking at some Pioneer stuff specifically the DEH-P7400MP head unit, the RMS power-out is 22 W and the peak is 50 W. What can the infinity speakers handle,"

35-40 watts peak or so, which isn't much. That's why the factory amp makes them overtravel. But then again, if you just plug the head unit straight into the dash harness you won't get any more power out of the system. You'd either have to bypass the factory amp or run new wires to the speakers.

"also what kind of amps come stock with the truck"

IIRC it's a single 6-channel amplifier, about 30 watts RMS into 2 ohms.





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