Hi,

I was wondering if I changed the head unit in my AUII XR8 with a aftermarket would it sound any better? Still running through factory speakers.

Thanks,

Hoich

Usually the only thing gained from aftermarket head units is extra features or pre amp outs etc. It is almost always the factory speakers that are of questionable sound quality....

It'll sound a touch clearer with a new HU, but the speakers are where the let down occurs. Upgrade both and well, its normally beyond comparison.

All things being equal the differences are minor and if the factory has pre outs it will be quite similar to lower end aftermarket units, the trouble is that most factory units don't have pre outs, sometimes these can be added to the factory units as I have done in the past.
The internal amplifiers are more likely to be poorer in performance compared to aftermarket units but then if you use internal amplification you generally are not that interested in audio performance anyway....

Personally, I don't think the AUII system sounds all that bad. The 5x7s give a hell of a good bass considering they are factory fitted. To answer your question though, the head unit has a power rating of 100w total. If you were to fit a 4x45w or 4x50w aftermarket unit, it should make those speakers hit harder since they are recieving twice the power.

Only problem with this is that a speaker has its limits and since I haven't ripped out an AUII head unit and replaced it with an aftermarket one, I really can't tell for sure the difference it will make. I would imagine though that distortion won't occur as readily, hence you will be able to increase the volume to higher levels.

Keep in mind though that the speaker's are factory speakers and that they aren't exactly 100% bullet proof. Giving them that little extra power may result in them blowing up on you - for a better word. But you should replace the speakers aswell if you are going for better SQ since the speakers in the AUII aren't exactly the most crisp things running around.

To get the biggest benefit - change the speakers instead.

Also, the factory deck tends to have better radio reception than aftermarket.

Thanks for the replies.

I will look at buying some speakers on the weekend. 2 questions though:

How easy are speakers to install?

How to remove door trims and parcel tray?

Thanks,

Hoich

They are about the easiest things you can switch in a car!

To remove AU doortrim:

1. Remove 2 screws under plastic covers along bottom edge:
Use a small flat screwdriver to lever up the covers.

2. Lift out the power window controls:
Use a flat screwdriver to lever it up from the rear edge.
Unplug it and remove.

3. Undo the screw that this uncovers.

4. Remove the plastic trim around the door handle:
Pry it off with a flat screwdriver.
If this reveals a screw -undo it - I can't remember.

5. Remove round plastic cover at front edge of door.

6. Undo the screw this uncovers.

The trim is easy it's those damn speakers you'll have fun with
They are reverse torx screws or something... no match for my pliers!

One more thing - the door speakers are 5x7 or some wierd size... you'll probably buy 6" ones which will need a spacer made up for them. I just cut them out of MDF for mine and it worked a treat.