I'm getting an Alpine CDA9866 head unit which I think is 50 watts output.

Crutchfield says to use low level and retain the Infinity separate amp behind the glovebox. My installer isn't sure and initially recommended splicing in around the separate amp, using the head unit's amp.

Crutchfield says although the stock radio isn't very good, the Infinity 240 watt separate amp is a keeper.

Thoughts?

 

I kept the factory amp on my landcruiser and used a head unit with 4 volt preouts and WOW did it make a huge difference. Way better then the stock head unit ever could have done by itself. Plus you get the added bonus of the new head unit does not run nearly as hot. I say keep it.

 

The stock radios are the same if you have Infinity or not. It's the amp and speakers that makes it Infinity..

 

What I'm running into is finding out the facts about the options we have and how to implement them.

From what I gather I have two choices..

1) Use the new head unit's amp and bypass the Infinity 240 watt amp.

2) Use low level out from the new head unit and retain the Infinity amp.

The problem I think you have if retain the Infinity amp is the interface. I read somewhere that there is a digital interface between the Chrysler HU and the Infinity amp. I believe Crutchfield sells an interface for $159 that allows you to use the Infinity amp.

I'm not real happy with my audio store as they didn't seem to know the options and gave me the feeling they were making assumptions. I don't know why I have to do the research and tell them what works and what doesn't. That's why I'm posting these questions.