question about speaker replacement

[Titan Critter]

i read in an older thread that it was not a good idea to replace the speakers unless you replace the head unit (i can't find that thread now that i actually need it.) something about a difference in power, like the radio is not powerful enough for the speakers, and they would ultimately be damaged. any truth to this? i've always thought that the speakers make the music much more so than the head unit. if i'm keeping the RF head unit and amp, are there any guidelines to follow for aftermarket speakers as far as power? thanks. critter

[duffer18]

Critter, I kept the RF head added a LOC, Amp and new speakers. The key is getting rid of the stock amp.
The Stock system uses special speakers and amps so they dont require much power (Wattage). If you just replace the speakers you will probably blow them becouse you dont have enough power comeing from the stock amp to drive them properly. So the solution most of us have taken is to add a new Amp, LOC, and speakers. That way you have the power to drive them.
The problem is if you dont have enough amp you start passing raw current when you get above the max power the amp can gennerate this causes speaker damage very quickly.
I think I covered this correctly but there are several other treads on the topic if you want other opinions.

[bestatchess]

The stock speakers are 2 ohm - 35 Watt nominal - 50 Watt max - Clarion. The fronts are 6x9 and the rear are 6.5.

My understanding is that the stock amp starts "clipping" at even moderate power levels, sending distorted signals to the speakers, which will ruin them.

I am in the process of doing exactly what duffer18 did. I have been told that the RF head unit produces only .2 to .8 V out to the RF amp, so I have a Matrix pre-amp from AudioControl to go between the LOC and the power amps.

[Titan Critter]

thanks. i understand the process and what you explained about the power and the amp. what does LOC stand for?

[duffer18]

LOC = Line Out Converter, I think...