2 15" 400w amp - need to replace stock head unit?

[hydroxy]

I'm am not sure what to do. I am thinking of getting 2 15" eclipse subs, and a 400w Sony Xplod amp. I'd rather not spend more money then I have to, and was wondering if I needed to also upgrade the stock head unit inorder to use the subs to their fullest. Will upgrading give a noticable difference? I currently have a 1995 limited explorer with the premium JBL sound system. Would installation be extremely difficult? I do not want the subs to be permanent. I'm somewhat of a newby when it comes to car audio, so any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[leenjen]

upgrading the headunit will give you a cleaner signal and better performance, but it isnt necessary as long as the amp has hi level inputs.
BUT-- dont get the sony amp. their amps are way overrated and inefficient. they get pretty hot and dont have a long life span. they also sound pretty sh*tty.
why get great subs and feed them a crappy signal?

 

[hydroxy]

what kind of amp should i get?

 

[leenjen]

there are lots of good amps out there:
Audiobahn, Orion, Kicker, US AMPS, Earthquake, Rockford Fosgate, etc...

if you dont want to spend that much, then Profile and Lightning Audio make some good amps at a low price.

 

[DannyD28]

Get a new headunit. I have my system installed with the stock one but its hard as hell to install IMO.

 

[88vert]

Get a MA Audio amp 189 on ebay stable to half ohm great one channel mono block amp

 

[EliteConcept]

damn your a newbie to audio and you can afford to buy some "15" eclipse subs" wow wish i could just fork the money out for those like nothing....

 

[hydroxy]

I am not buying them at full price. I think I'm getting both for between $250-300. I'm friends with the previous owner, and he needs the money.