95GreekMaxSE

Yup.. i swapped may NON BOSE cassette player with a stock CD/AM/FM radio from a 95 240sx. Harness specs are the same so it was a direct swap. One problem is really bugging me, so any stereo experts please help. I turn the volume as far as it would go and it sounds like it its at mid way (doesnt sound loud). All speakers are ok and when i switched back to the maxima stereo everything works good. Im thinking i need an amp. Is there something im missing. the 240sx radio looks really nice and blends in well with the dash, and the built in CD player works great.

95GreekMaxSE

yes. im on a budget

95emeraldgxe

maybe its just that that stereo isnt as powerful as the maximas? check your balance and fader settings?

95GreekMaxSE

i apprecaite the quick repsonse. I did check all settings. I plated with fade and balance, but even if it is weaker then the max stereo it shouldnt sounds this low. I mean it sounds pretty low for maxed out volume. If i turn the air conditioner on i can barely hear 50 cents.

Kojiro_FtT

Maybe the 240SX had an external amp?

95GreekMaxSE

that what im thinking. I observed both stereos and noticed that the MAX stereo has heat sinks attached to the back, if im coreect this usually indicated a built in amp while the 240sx doenst. Will an aftermarket amp work on such an "OEM" environment???

Thanks for the help and the responses

Kojiro_FtT

Sure it will. Get one with line-level inputs and the install will be a breeze. Most major brands have amps with line-level input (also called speaker-level input). An Alpine MRP-F240, Pioneer GM-X374, or RF Punch 300X would be a good choice, all of which are about 40w x 4, speaker-level inputs, and under $200. The Pioneer amp is more like $140. Lot's of options.

95GreekMaxSE

i found one for 104 its a Pioneer GM-X374. wat do i need to install. I place quoted me 150 just to install and siad i need 4 new speakers. Heelllppp??

Kojiro_FtT

Good price for the amp, but $150 to install? You need an amp install kit, and you can do it yourself. Some people on the org have bought kits for a good price on eBay. Anyone wanna chime in with which kit you got? Should be able to get one for less than $40 - Single amp kit, 8 guage wire. Gotta pull up a lot of trim panels to install though. Slight PITA, but worth saving the money.

95GreekMaxSE

im used to pulkling out my panels.. amp will probly be under passenger seat but you have convinced me to by this product and crutchfield sells the amp install kit for 20 bucks so im jumping on everything rite now. Any more tips... Everyone thanks for replying.. great help

Kojiro_FtT

Oh and as far as "needing" 4 new speakers: eh. Try it, and then decide. Just be aware that there is the possiblity that the extra power could blow your stock speakers, depending on the volume that you play it at. You can always upgrade the speakers later. Those are also easy to install yourself. It's also easy to get hooked and buy a ton of car stereo stuff and next thing you know your wallet is empty.

95GreekMaxSE

can i keep the volumke at a low for now until i have money for the speaker upgrades???? ans will this def solve my volume problem???

Kojiro_FtT

Absolutely. If you just don't blast it, those speakers will last you forever at normal volume levels. Just because you have the power available, doesn't mean you have to use it.

jargoone

Uh, no, you're confused. Line level and speaker level are not the same. Line level inputs are driven by low-voltage pre-amp outputs. They are connected by RCAs, typically. Speaker level inputs are driven by speaker-lever (high voltage) outputs.

Kojiro_FtT

I stand corrected. I always called RCA inputs low-level inputs.

95GreekMaxSE

one more thing.. is it possible for a intergrated amp in a stock HU to be partially blown to cause low volume.