Head Unit Question
 

I about to add 4 speakers, subs and an amp to my 2003 4x4 Ranger.

Do i really need to replace the cd deck with an aftermarket head unit to really get the full power of all the new speakers?

I like the unit that my Ranger has now and would like to keep the stock cd player.

Is this a bad idea?

take it to the audio forum

yes...i honestly don't think that there is anyway that you can wire into your stock head unit without chopping up the factory harness...and believe me, you don't want to cut any factory wires till the warranty is completely gone. I would suggest a new head unit, or leave the stock and just go with new door and rear speakers....

This is a Yes and No question.

It's a bad idea because you wont be getting the max output and quality from your speakers. Also an aftermarket always has better EQ's and neat little features like a built in SX or Sirus radio tuner (or both). There are sometime 1-3 outputs for amps which makes it simple to hook one up. Where on a Stock there is no outputs so the amp input will be coming from the rear signal. Also most head units have a cd changer that can be used from a 6-disc to a 12-disc.

It's a good idea beacause a decent head unit doesnt cost $100 think more of the $250-$800 range. You can get a really nice pair of speaker with the money saved. Look for speakers with low RMS like 2-40 RMS. Check out the speaker sensitivity to find the most efficient speakers for your vehicle. (For instance, a speaker rated 3 dB higher than another will require half as much power to produce the same output.)

Need more info? Go to the link I provided below from Crutchfield.com they have great info.

What to look for when choosing a speaker/head unit

You can tap into the stock speaker wires with wire taps, but you gotta be careful. Every connection is liable to pickup RF interference, but it may turn out ok for you. And if you had to undo it, then the original wiring will not be interrupted (there would only be a small cut in the insulation.

It's just so much easier to hook up RCA cables, and there are less things to worry about.

and I fixed the duplicate thread... No biggie, just try to create one thread. Trust me, someone will see it and respond.

i have the factory HU and amped speakers.

1. forget rear speakers. take the money you would spend on two sets, and get one set of nice components for the front and you don't need them.

2. they make adapters for the factory HU for a amp. the adapter is like $40, they have them at best buy and tweeter.

after the front speakers are on the amp, the only thing the HU affects is EQ (and you can manage that on most amps). the speakers aren't being powered by the HU anymore, so the low power of factory HU is n/a.

so the answer to your question is: it's fine to use the stock HU, as long as you power aftermarket speakers with an amp.

for more detailed info (what brands are good and such) please give more details like reg/ext cab, and your price range. but remember, opinions on speakers are OPINIONS. a lot of guys on here swear by pioneer, but i absolutely HATE pioneer speakers...so try and hear the set before you buy. (i.e. go to best buy and listen to the set, then buy them off ebay for 1/2 the price!)