Will hooking up 12's and a amp to a factory stereo sound like garbage?

Question

I'm considering hooking up an amp with 2 alpine 12's, but I do not have an alarm on the car, so I'd like to keep the factory stereo in.

I know it can be done, I bought the adapter already, but my question is, will it sound horrible if I have an amp hooked up to the factory stereo? I mean the factory stereo plays pretty clear and has good clarity in bass and everything.....

Answer 1

if you hook it up right and have the gain and bass and crossovers set right it should sound good,
and its 12", 12' is 12 foot

Answer 2

It all depends what kind of factory stereo and amp they are. Even if its a good head unit and good subs, bad amp=bad bass. Its not going to sound as good as if you had most decent aftermarket stereos but it all a matter of personal cost-effectiveness...Have you considered a detachable faced deck? Havent seen too many friends' detachable head units stolen. If sound quality is important to you, youre gonna need to upgrade it eventually. Good quality head unit can make a world of a difference in all areas of sound quality.

Answer 3

I've installed literally hundreds of amplifier/subwoofer systems into vehicles with factory radios. If it's done correctly, there's no audible difference between a sub amp connected to an after-market deck, and one connected to a factory radio. You just have to be sure you have a decent quality line-out converter, and that you're connecting it to a speaker line that carries the full audio signal (or at least a full bass signal).

Answer 4

"but I do not have an alarm on the car, so I'd like to keep the factory stereo in"

what does that mean?? people can still steal your speakers!

if you buy a new deck it will probable have a removable faceplate..

factory stereo systems with "security" just means if someone steals the stereo they can't use it.

either way.. it will sound fine!!

Answer 5

I wouldn't say garbage, but it surely won't be as clear as using a decent head unit.

Sound systems, like anything really, are only as good as the weakest link. In your case, the radio.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

you need a sound enhancer to get the best sound quality from your factory system, go to www.crutchfield.com and look for sound enhancers