How many watts does a stock radio put out?

[Stroker01]

I have a 2001 f-250 and I was wondering how many watts does the stock radio put out? I know most aftermarket radios put out 45-50 watts. Would the stock radio be able to do just as good? I am also looking at replacing my speakers with aftermarket ones for a better sound.

[Eric]

Stock radio usually puts out about 10 watts. When looking at aftermarket cd players, the wattage is rated in "peak watts". Split the watts in half and that tells you the "rms" wattage or constant wattage :thumb;

[Dirk]

Originally Posted by whitelongbed

Stock radio usually puts out about 10 watts. When looking at aftermarket cd players, the wattage is rated in "peak watts". Split the watts in half and that tells you the "rms" wattage or constant wattage :thumb;

Correct. 15-20w is common for aftermarket unit. Higher end units are a bit less, but the output voltage is higher to amps.

high end = 5v or higher

standard = 2-3v output.

Pretty simple, the higher the output to the amp, the stronger the signal will be. The Sony mobile ES and Eclipse units I had/have are like that. They are not designed to drive speakers. Only to drive multiple amps.

[Stroker01]

So would I be fine using the stock radio with aftermarket speakers and then geting a adapter to run an amp and a sub?

[Eric]

Originally Posted by Stroker01

So would I be fine using the stock radio with aftermarket speakers and then geting a adapter to run an amp and a sub?

I would rather run stock speakers and an aftermarket head unit. With an aftermarket head unit, you're at least doubling the power going to the speakers. If your stock speakers are blown, then that's a different story.

[huhner5]

Yup do the head unit first.... Alpine or eclipse will give you the best sound quality

[Stroker01]

Well I guess I would do a head unit first then work my way to speakers then a sub and an amp.

[Eric]

Originally Posted by Stroker01

Well I guess I would do a head unit first then work my way to speakers then a sub and an amp.

You're on the right track

[Dirk]

Originally Posted by Stroker01

Well I guess I would do a head unit first then work my way to speakers then a sub and an amp.

Oh noes.

Aftermarket head unit + stock speakers = same crap, just louder.

The speakers is the BEST bang for the buck. As with a aftermarket head unit OR stock, you will destroy your speakers (stock or aftermarket) if you don't protect them with bass blockers or frequency cut outs of some sort. Distortion will kill a speaker quicker than wattage any day. Yet the 2 go hand in hand.

Stock paper cone speakers distort very quickly. If you are on a tight budget, save up for the best speakers that you can afford that sound the BEST to you. The MB Quart setup I took out of my other vehicle and put in my truck didn't sound as good as the kenwood or Infinity's that I installed later (or the kevlar's I run now).

Just get a good mid range polypropylene-mica speaker. 70-100 bucks a pair will do nicely. Spend more on your front door speakers than the rear. You will hear more of the tonal qualities from the front than the rear even if you balance the power more towards the rear.

[Stroker01]

Thanks Dirk. Your explaination is valid. I will replace my speakers first or at the same time as the head unit.