Pros and Cons: Keep RF HU + Upgrades VS New Head Unit + Upgrades

markinho · 06-16-2005, 04:27 PM

I have done some searches around the forum looking into information on how to upgrade the stock Rockford Fosgate system while maintaining the existing head unit. I do realize that these RF questions keep coming up repeatedly and I want to avoid creating a redundant post.

So here's my question:

To those individuals who have upgraded the Rockford Fosgate system by keeping the existing head unit and adding a LOC, new amp(s), and speakers, what is your impression of your new system's relative sound quality versus swapping out the entire system?

My impression of the RF system's design is that the amp, speakers, and subwoofer with their 2 ohm impedence--not the headunit--are the weak links in the chain. Audiophiles may quibble over the quality and features of the RF head unit, but if one competently replaces the amp, speakers, and subwoofer with the right components and connecting hardware (LOC, harnesses, cables, etc.) how comparable is an upgraded RF HU-only system in sound quality? Obviously an aftermarket HU will outperform the RF HU in a head-to-head (bad pun) competition, but when you consider the fact that one saves some money by not having to buy a new HU, the stock look is retained (for better or worse), and one maintains functionality with NAV and DVD, a slight performance decrease with the RF HU might be negated.

This forum is loaded with plenty of helpful "how do I" information on this topic, I'm just hoping to hear from some folks who have upgraded the RF HU with better componentry to answer the question, "Should I upgrade everything but the RF HU, how will the system sound, and is it worth it in the end?"

Any thoughts, tidbits, ruminations, or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Mark

Justintoxicated · 06-16-2005, 04:44 PM

I don't think keeping the RF or non-RF 6 dics changer saves any money. In fact it would have cost me quite a bit more to keep it. You have to get more than a LOC to get decent sound, you need something like the LC6 or the JL Converter to get a good signal out of it. Both of which cost as much or more than a new HU and Bezel and harness etc. And even then they will not sound quite as good although possibly close.

Now aftermarkey Nav is quite a bit more expensive, I think if you boguht into the factory nav you should probably keep it. and look into the JL unit to get the best sound so you can run amps etc, without throwing out the factory nav....Unless of course the factory nav is not connected to the CD-Player, I don not have it so I am not sure.

Don't forget the HU is also made for a 2 ohm load not a 4 ohm load. Im running the stock speakers in Series to make them 4 ohm then to 1 channel on my eclipse and the sound is more clear although I think there is about the same amount of power running to each speaker. I would tell a difference and I get better radio reception as well. Not to mention I can play MP3's and copy CD's to the memory stick in MP3 Format right from the HU. And it will have some of the most cleanest Pre-outs low ohm high voltage (well 5V) pre-outs. The HU cost me about $230...while the JL unit is about $400. I refuse to run a regular LOC to expensive amps and equipment, thats like putting a 4 cylinder ingine in your titan IMO, when your upgrading the rest of the system.

I wanted to keep the stock one but it was just too expensive to work with for a decent signal...It is loaded with feaures, but without pre-outs it pretty much had to go.

markinho · 06-16-2005, 05:00 PM

Justintoxicated,

Now that's the kind of convincing conviction I was looking for!

Clancy · 06-16-2005, 05:00 PM

I was under the impression that the RF headunit had line level outs as it's already feeding a seperate amp. If that is truly the case, then I can't see where you could go wrong just replacing the amp & speakers (no LOC required). And if that sucks, all you have to replace is the HU...

Clancy · 06-16-2005, 05:02 PM

And if you have nav/dvd then I can't see where your wasting the first cent to upgrade the amp & speakers. At worst, your out $10 for the harness...

bestatchess · 06-16-2005, 05:17 PM

I would agree that there is no reason to retain the RF HU unless you need to maintain integration with OEM NAV and/or DVD.

markinho · 06-16-2005, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bestatchess

I would agree that there is no reason to retain the RF HU unless you need to maintain integration with OEM NAV and/or DVD.

Exactly.

I'm debating between getting a LE CC model that may have the stock RF system with NAV and/or DVD or then again it may only have the RF system only. I was planning on upgrading the entire system (similar to what I've read you've done to your truck bestatchess--though probably not to your high level of skill, execution, and artistry

), but if I get a CC with NAV and/or DVD, it would be a waste to ditch the HU because it would render the former useless.

bestatchess · 06-16-2005, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markinho

Exactly.

I'm debating between getting a LE CC model that may have the stock RF system with NAV and/or DVD or then again it may only have the RF system only. I was planning on upgrading the entire system (similar to what I've read you've done to your truck bestatchess--though probably not to your high level of skill, execution, and artistry

), but if I get a CC with NAV and/or DVD, it would be a waste to ditch the HU because it would render the former useless.

I will defer to Sammy on the artistry (check the gallery for his RF refit pix) and to you on pre-purchase investigation. I wish I had investigated the matter before buying OEM RF + NAV + DVD.

Justintoxicated · 06-16-2005, 10:17 PM

Don't get either buyt he $50 bezel and drop in the new eclipse Navigation all in one unit! Just make sure it will fit. I'm sure it's far better than the stock stuff!