should i use my factory oem amps?

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=112225
Printed Date: September 18, 2025 at 5:17 PM

Topic: should i use my factory oem amps?

Posted By: pcguy760
Subject: should i use my factory oem amps?
Date Posted: March 09, 2009 at 12:36 AM

Vehicle : 2002 Cadillac Escalade with Bose system

I know this is kinda based on personal preference but I thought I would get some opinions from people who KNOW about this setup ...

I am considering using the factory amps and just changing the head unit (Pioneer Navigation setup) and the mid / high range speakers to something better. Maybe I will change the factory 8" subwoofer to something more sensitive and better sounding overall. How do you guys think a setup like this would sound? I am not looking for something ridiculously loud but something with great, clear full range sound and most of all the stock oem look (ie. no big sub boxes, big amps, etc.).

So, what are you guys opinions? Are the Bose factory amps good enough in terms of frequency response and distortion? BTW, I am not gonna be blasting this thing all the time lol. Thanks!

Replies:

Posted By: kassdog
Date Posted: March 09, 2009 at 1:15 AM

Definetely change the amp as well. I mean your already planning on changing all of that why skimp on the amp.

Posted By: aznboi3644
Date Posted: March 09, 2009 at 11:22 AM

Unless you can find out all the specifications on the amps than go for it.

Power output @ what loads??

Input Voltage??

Do the OEM amps have built in crossovers? High pass?? Low pass?? bandpass??

What drivers would work well with the amps???

I would scrap that idea.

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Posted By: pcguy760
Date Posted: March 09, 2009 at 12:20 PM

I have read alot of posts on the Caddy forums that most of them just replaced the headunit and speakers, and it made a big difference. Well, I guess I could try it first, see how I like it and then if I feel it is "lacking" maybe go with an aftermarket amplifier setup...

I noticed TIS audio makes a compact 5 channel amp which would be perfect for me to run my speaker setup but I do not know how good these amps are. I know TIS makes great wheels but I dunno about there amps... anyone?

Posted By: ragsports
Date Posted: March 09, 2009 at 1:17 PM

Look into the alpine PDX-5 You can pick it up for around 500 it seems like it would be a great match for your system. Small and compact with tons a clean power.

Posted By: pcguy760
Date Posted: March 22, 2009 at 10:28 PM

I decided to go ahead use my Directed 450d5 to power the entire system...

Posted By: flogger11
Date Posted: March 23, 2009 at 7:56 AM

Good call, factory sucks.

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