jonb2

Hi,
Have stock radio (non shaker) in 2013 Mustang V6. Would like to install aftermarket amplifier. Is there any way to bypass the amplifier in the factory radio? Is it internal and therefore can't be bypassed?

thanks!

jz78817

it has an internal 4 channel, 16 watt/channel amp. You either need line-output converters (LOCs) or an amplifier which can take speaker-level input.

jonb2

Thanks for the reply. So I can get a 4 channel amp with speaker level inputs and take signal from HU go thru this external amp and then to 4 speakers correct?

Also do you think that would sound much better than the current HU by itself? Just trying to see if it's worth the money to amp the factory radio.

jz78817

total waste of effort.

jonb2

Ok. Currently I have replaced all 4 speakers with aftermarket Pioneer and added Infinity Basslink. Want to keep the factory head unit. Anything else that can be done to improve the sound quality--not looking for a louder system, just more clarity. thanks.

WJBertrand

Shelby-Kicker make an upgrade amp for the standard audio systems. It's a bit pricey at $500, but it's straight plug and play. It has four main channels and an output signal for a sub (i.e. 4+1)

http://www.shelbystore.com/product-p...1-AMP2013B.htm

I am well pleased with the one I installed in my '13 with Shaker system.

jz78817

oh, I forgot about your other thread; I thought you were asking about amping up the stock speakers. yeah, boost up the speakers if you want. it won't make them sound "better," but you'll be able to push them louder with more headroom.

jonb2

Ok so the way I understand is that the sound "quality" won't show much improvement--just the volume. So if I amp the aftermarket Pioneer speakers, and basically listen at low to moderate volume levels, I probably won't hear much improvement--correct?

If so, anything else that can be done to improve the sound if I want to keep the factory head unit? thanks.

Chromeshadow

This would be one choice. Btw, having more power will probable help out in the low-mid range. Adding a sub would help as well.

I replaced the factory 8" subs and amps in my 2012 Shaker 500 with the Shelby Kicker 8" subs and a Sony amp, sounds really good. I really trust the Shelby-Kicker products.


I have a similar system to yours in my 2013 F150, I changed the speakers to Pioneer 4 ways without telling my wife or daughter, they both asked what I did to make it sound so good. I'm adding an under seat sub(Kicker 11HS8) from Crutchfield after Christmas, if you're interested I'll let you know what they both think.
I picked a smaller sub because I think it will add more of the low-midrange. I like the thump of the 12" subs, but I think the low-midrange needs to be added first.

jonb2

Thanks Chromeshadow! I will check out the Shelby system too.

I actually have a Basslink subwoofer that I purchased from Crutchfield and installed a couple weeks ago. It definitely helps the low end punch which was the one area really missing after I replaced all 4 speakers.

At this point, its either a "tuning" issue where I need to get the whole system adjusted properly based on the new speakers and Basslink.... or look into something additional to purchase to improve the overall sound without necessarily replacing the factory head unit.