diagnostic and recommendation

Hi Audio Experts. Need a bit of help. I'm a bit of a home audio guy on a budget but not quite as into car audio. Just don't have the time or budget for a big overhaul. 2002 Avalon - Factory JBL 5 Way system. Reconed the Sub a while back and it worked great. recently noticed I had a "pop" in the left rear speaker. Sounds great, then will occasionally pop. Wanted to upgrade the speakers anyway (figured this was not a speaker issue) so I just put in a decent set of Kickers using the factory enclosures. Of course, the pop is still there and getting worse. Not sure if the issue is caused by the Amp (under the passenger seat I think) or in the radio. I don't mind upgrading the radio to something more modern/better. Does anyone have a suggestion on what is causing the issue, how I can check it and what I should consider replacing? No way am I paying $500 to replace the factory Amp. I've been told I can replace the radio and bypass the amp but i would think it would sound weak as I understand a new radio alone would not be able to power the sub. I'm sure I'll have a question to any reply but I would really appreciate any help from you car audiophiles out there. Thanks!Charbear

Replacing the radio and bypassing the amp will make the 4 speakers sound fine as long as they are 4 ohm. Sometimes you can get away with 2 ohm speakers but the max volume before the radio overheats will be much lower. Less resistance = closer to a short to ground. There really is no way to keep a factory sub without putting in an aftermarket amp. By then you will be well over the $500 mark. You could try to get the factory amp repaired but after shipping you may be near $300 and right back where you were, with an amp that will eventually go bad again.To master and control electricity is perfection. *evil laugh*

I would spend the money towards a 5 channel amp like the mrx-v70 or whatever is the newest model this year. Not so much for the wattage power for the speakers but mainly for the crossover, and obviously the ability to keep the sub as well.To master and control electricity is perfection. *evil laugh*