WHY BYPASS FACTORY AMP

The Great Debate: Factory Amps vs. Aftermarket Amps

For many car audio enthusiasts, the question of whether to stick with their factory amplifier or upgrade to an aftermarket amp is a topic of great debate. While factory amps are designed to work seamlessly with a vehicle's existing audio system, aftermarket amps offer a wider range of features and customization options. In this article, we'll delve into the pros and cons of factory amps and aftermarket amps, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.

Understanding Factory Amplifiers

Factory amplifiers are built into a vehicle's audio system, typically located in the trunk or under the seats. They are designed to provide adequate power to the speakers and are usually tuned to match the specific acoustics of the vehicle's interior. Factory amps are typically non-adjustable, meaning you have limited control over the sound quality.

Advantages:

• Integration: Factory amps are seamlessly integrated with the vehicle's audio system, ensuring compatibility and ease of installation.
• Convenience: Being built-in, they require minimal effort for installation and setup, making them a convenient option for those who prioritize simplicity.

Disadvantages:

• Limited Power: Factory amps often lack the power needed to drive high-performance speakers, resulting in underwhelming audio performance.
• Lack of Customization: With factory amps, you have limited control over sound quality and fine-tuning. The system is designed to provide a generic sound experience rather than catering to specific preferences.

Exploring Aftermarket Amplifiers

Aftermarket amplifiers are external components that can be added to a vehicle's audio system to provide increased power and control over the sound quality. They offer a wide range of features, allowing for precise adjustments to various aspects of the audio signal.

Advantages:

• Increased Power: Aftermarket amps deliver significantly more power than factory amps, enabling them to drive high-performance speakers with ease. This results in a louder, clearer, and more dynamic sound experience.
• Customization: Aftermarket amps provide extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor the sound to your liking. These amps typically come with adjustable crossover frequencies, equalization settings, and bass boost controls, giving you complete control over the audio experience.
• Flexibility: Aftermarket amps offer flexibility in terms of installation location, allowing you to choose the most suitable spot for optimal performance. They also come in various sizes and designs, catering to different vehicle types and aesthetic preferences.

Disadvantages:

• Installation Complexity: Installing an aftermarket amp requires technical expertise and careful planning. Improper installation can lead to damage to the audio system or even electrical problems.
• Cost: Aftermarket amps, along with the associated installation costs, can be significantly more expensive than factory amps.

Choosing the Right Amp for Your Needs

The decision between a factory amp and an aftermarket amp hinges on your specific requirements and preferences. If you're content with the sound quality of your factory system and prioritize simplicity and convenience, sticking with the factory amp might be the best choice. However, if you're looking for more power, customization options, and the ability to create a truly immersive audio experience, investing in an aftermarket amp is the way to go.

BYPASSING FACTORY AMP: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Car Audio System

Choosing an aftermarket amp presents a new challenge: bypassing the factory amp. Factory amps often have built-in signal processing and speaker-level outputs, making it difficult to connect aftermarket amps directly. To overcome this, you'll need to utilize a line output converter (LOC) or a high-to-low converter.

Line output converters are devices that convert the speaker-level signals from the factory amp into low-level RCA signals, which can then be connected to the inputs of an aftermarket amp. High-to-low converters perform a similar function but offer additional features like adjustable gain and equalization, allowing for more precise control over the signal.

Conclusion: Embark on an Audiophile Journey

Ultimately, the decision between a factory amp and an aftermarket amp, along with the process of bypassing a factory amp, boils down to your desire for an exceptional audio experience. If you're willing to invest in higher-quality sound and the customization it offers, venturing into the realm of aftermarket amps and LOCs will unlock a world of sonic possibilities, transforming your car into a personal concert hall.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use an aftermarket amp with my factory speakers?
Yes, you can use an aftermarket amp with your factory speakers. However, it's important to note that aftermarket amps deliver more power than factory amps, so you may need to upgrade your speakers to handle the increased power.

2. Is it difficult to bypass a factory amp?
Bypassing a factory amp is not overly difficult, but it does require some technical knowledge and careful planning. You'll need to use a line output converter (LOC) or a high-to-low converter to convert the speaker-level signals from the factory amp into low-level RCA signals that can be connected to an aftermarket amp.

3. What are the benefits of bypassing a factory amp?
Bypassing a factory amp offers several benefits, including increased power, improved sound quality, and the ability to customize the sound to your liking using an aftermarket amp.

4. Can I bypass a factory amp without a LOC?
It is not advisable to bypass a factory amp without a LOC or a high-to-low converter. The high-power signals from the factory amp can damage the inputs of an aftermarket amp.

5. What is the best way to choose an aftermarket amp?
When choosing an aftermarket amp, consider factors such as the power output, the number of channels, the features offered, and the brand's reputation. It's also important to match the amp's power output to the power handling capacity of your speakers.