5 ch from stock headunit

Great site to all users!

I have a 03 F-250 4 door w/ factory 6-disc in dash.  I would like to run a 4 channel ( ~50wx4 RMS- nothing purchased yet) powering 3 way 6x8's in the doors ( maybe Pioneer TS-A6817R?) and a single 10".  How can I accomplish this while keeping my fader capability. 

I don't want to replace the deck- I prefer the factory look.

I'm not looking to win any awards or set any records, just want a better sound that stock.

Right now I have a Pioneer GM-3100T 2 ch bridged to 150wx1 RMS powering 1 sony 10" xs-l100p5w.  Running at 4 ohm w/ low pass filter on the amp.

Space is an issue, as all I can do is a slim truck box for a sub.

What's next for me? A 4-channel w/ an output?  Is that really as simple as it sounds?

Depending on the amp you get, it may have high level inputs, but some thing as simple as a sven4 (4 channel hi to converter from peripheral) would be ideal. Due to space constraints, I would look into a 5 channel amp, such as the new Arc Kar series 5 channel. Great power, small foot print.

I would ditch the 6x8's in the front and either buy an adaptor plate or fabricate one suited to fit 6.5's, for a 6.5 component set. 

I would consider the Pioneer's but they are a last resort option, as their performance is less than impressive. I would investigate other brands for this.

6.5" components over 6x8 components? 

I've never heard anything good about using high level inputs.  Any truth to that?- I've always used LOC's instead.  Can I get a 4-channel amp (w/ 1 rca output) for my mids and highs (4 doors) and link my existing amp and sub combo, which I'm basically happy with, to that? 

Basically, I've never used an amp w/ an output jack, and not sure if it is right for my application.

Thanks,

Abel 

You have at least 2 options that will work for you.  A four channel amp with an output would work. I know some of the older Rockford amps had an output, some Alpine amps as well. Also you said space was an issue, there are several 5 or 6 channel amps with a switch that allows the sub channels to get input from the front and rear input. The high level inputs on an amplifier use the same circuitry of an LOC. But with the Newer Output chips that are way easier to burn up, IMO it is much safer using an LOC mainly for not having a chance of shorting positive and negative wires together.  The LOC can connect at back of the radio and that is that, using high level inputs requires tapping at same place and running wire 10 or more feet, more of a chance to run a screw through the wire, or getting it caught in a seat track, etc.