i was wondering has any one added an amp to the factory radio...

if so..is there rca ports on the back of the stock pioneer headunit?

buddy of my was telling me he swore that the already came pre wired..

 

on the upgraded units they have RCA but the base does not.

 

damn...

is the upgraded radio a direct plug in?? ive found a few on ebay

 

yeah it is a direct plug in, you need the pioneer upgrade head unit.

Here are some pictures of the one needed:

 

looks like ill be on the hunt then ahahha...and time to save some cash

 

You can still use subs with the base unit, you'll just need a Line Out Converter (commonly called an LOC). That's how I have my subs setup. The only downside to this is that since you can't control your sub's volume from the head unit, you'll have to tune your subs at the music volume that you normally listen to.

For example, I usually have my volume set to 45 so I tuned volume on the amp to sound best when music plays at 45. So if I go lower, say 30, then there is too much bass. If you don't mind that one problem, then subs w/ base HU would be fine.

Also, I put an on/off switch for the subs in the front so I can still listen to music without the heavy bass. Something to think about.

 

good call im gonna have to look into that!

thanks

 

Equinox,
So does the upgraded head unit have a built in crossover for those different pre-outs? That would be ideal for my purposes. I've got a separate crossover, but it's only a 2-way, so I wouldn't be able to fade or adjust the sub gain independently. I'm looking to buy an xd and I need to decide if I'm going to get the base head unit and replace it with an aftermarket or go with the upgraded OEM head unit.

 

This is what I used to add an amp to mine for sub; http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toyot...mZ350118540313

 

I don't know, but I would think it would. Someone else might know though.

 

Ok, I think I'll just go with an aftermarket head unit. I've read that the stock head unit restricts the ways in which you can control an ipod while driving. And most of the aftermarket head units I've found are quite a bit cheaper than the upgraded OEM head unit

 

some/most amps also have a 'line input', so you can just run wires from your speakers or back of the head unit straight into the line inputs on the amps... but again, doesnt allow you separate control over the subs.

 

While I appreciate the suggestions, I think it should be noted that using speaker level inputs with an amp, or using an adapter that converts speaker level output from the head unit to the a line level signal, can add considerable distortion, becuase the signal gets amplified twice (in the head unit, then again in the amp) the upgraded head unit should be fine as it has line-level RCA outputs. if there's not a crossover built in, most amps have a cross over already. but I would encourage anyone with the base head unit to purchase an aftermarket head unit prior to purchasing any amps or subs