The car I have is a 2001 Hyundai Elantra 4 door sedan. I have factory speakers. I recently replaced my Pioneer DEH-P2500 (which was stolen) with a Pioneer DEH-P4700MP. One thing I noticed right away was the speakers at similar volume levels were not nearly as loud as my old reciever. On the old one when I had the volume around 13 it was extremely loud, but I can crank this unit up to nearly 30 before it gets close to that loud. Both are 50w x 4. I have all the features selected that increase how loud the music is.
Is it just a matter of how the volume level is calibrated, ie. 13 = roughly 30 for the volume setting?
I'm in the process of deciding whether I want to buy new speakers to improve the sound, or if an amp by itself will do the trick.
Thanks
It could very well be some difference in the "features selected that increase how loud the music is". Head units, the old one or the new one, have a very limited amount of power to deliver. The difference you hear is most likely the built-in EQ, the sound expander, the loudness...those features that manipulate the frequency output to make you believe the deck has more power than it does. Or it could be as little as 1 watt.
On a forum like this, who collectively appreciate the power and great sound of aftermarket amplified car audio, you will find the opinion that you should wise up to the limitations of a factory speakers/any deck combo. I suggest you look around at the aftermarket systems being used and picture yourself in that category of musical sound enjoyment. That would include, at a minimum, new front speakers and an amplifier to power them.
...and don't forget the security system!
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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.