Replace stock stuff with stock stuff...

[rpeirce]

.. or maybe something better?

My 92 XLT has the premium sound system installed. I replaced the cassette player with a Sony CD unit. After a few years of reliable service, the sub woofer seems to drop out and then kick back in intermittently. Sometimes an increase in volume will bring it back. Sometimes not.

Also, I have an annoying static in the rear passenger-side speaker from time-to-time. I think I've got it isolated to some sort of loose connection behind the ashtray.

My thoughts are to replace the stock amp with another stock amp or something similar. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what would work besides a stock Ford amp?

Thanks.

-Bob

 

[JTang]

Hi Bob-

Your sort of problem usually is caused by loose wiring like you suspected, and grounding problems (loose wiring usually making contact with the chassis). This tends to prematurely shorten the life span of the amp. Unfortunately, even the static you notice in the rear speaker is a common problem for Explorer owners on this board.

If a junkyard, or someone is able to sell you a used Ford amp for really cheap, and you are content with the current sound then you could replace that. However, because you have a new head unit, there is no reason you can't get a new amplifier that will most likely work even better with your current system. Well, if you're happy with the current sound and are lucky enough to get another stock amp then that is fine, however, for the overpriced amount you'd pay for the same stock stuff at a dealer, than you might as well get a new amp for cheaper that will undoubtedly be better quality as well.

The current stock amp has little power, and so any small aftermarket amp will work just as well for a small sum of money for the same amount of power. Then add in an extra $20-$30 for an amp kit, and you're ready to install.

Jon