Please Help - Want to Upgrade My Stock '97 System!

[rpr]

I need suggestions. I am not happy with the stock system on my '97 XLT.

I'm not even sure if I have a base system or a premium system. However, I do have an old Kenwood amp I was thinking I could hook up to it. Does the stock head unit have pre-outs?

What about speaker upgrades? I'm looking at the Pioneer TS-A6867. Any opinions on these?

Tx for any advice!

 

[NaplesBill]

First question, how much do you want to spend?

I would start with the head unit. Scrap it! I would get either an Eclipse, Clarion or Alpine. These are high sound quality decks. Pioneer makes some nice decks but they're only good for moderate systems. If you plan on creating and high-end system I would stay away from Pioneer(just my opinion).

The Pioneer speakers are good if you aren't going to run them off an amp. There are better choices if you plan to use an amp for the fronts.

If you want a decent sub for little cash, MTX is a good choice. I'm sure there are others but I had some MTX 10s and they did quite well for the price.

You can spend a little bit of money and get a decent system. Just don't get sucked into buying a head unit because it looks cool or has all these great features that you will never use. That is why I would suggest getting the brands mentioned above. No matter which unit you buy of these brands, it will sound good.

Take your time and good luck.

 

[leenjen]

in addition to what bill said, a good 5.25" or 6.5" component set will sound much better then a pair of 6X8s. better highs and midbass response.

 

[rpr]

Thanks for the replies.

The most I want to invest in this is a few hundred, or less. That's why I figured I would just go with the Pioneers. I can get 2 sets for $140 out the door ($70 for each pair).

Regarding the stock head unit, I'm still trying to figure out if I can connect my Kenwood amp to it. Does the HU have RCA pre-outs?

Also, I just realized I have an old Kenwood receiver/CD controller lying around that was a high end unit about 6 years ago. Would it be worthwhile to replace the stock HU with this? I just don't want to do major dash modifications. When you guys say replace the stock HU, are the replacements you get specifically designed for the Explorer dash, or are you doing major dash modifications? Tx.

 

[leenjen]

no the headunit does not have preamp outputs. but if your kenwood amp has hi level inputs, you can connect it.

 

[NaplesBill]

You just need a $15 dash kit. It fills in the opening left by going to a single din(half the height of your factory radio) HU.

 

[rpr]

Sorry for all the questions, but what about wiring harness adapters? Do I need any? Do they come with the dash kit?

A local reseller said they have a dash kit for $20, but he couldn't say what was included with it. Any particular brands/types I should avoid, or look for?

 

[NaplesBill]

Metra and Scosche both make kits. You will need wiring harness adapters.