RemoveGiantWingOnYourCar

just got a 2014 Accord Sport and wondered if I can hook up an amp to the factory stereo?

GoLowDrew

If you are going to get amp and sub, your best bet is to get an aftermarket HU. It will have a feed out sub and the controls. Yes, you'll spend more, but you will be 100X happier.

Yes I know this. After my HU was stolen (Civic), I put the stock radio back with my amp, sub, speakers, etc. It was useless and made it sound worst. It sounded worst then OEM set up no matter how I adjusted it. It was just all wrong (mismatch).

The OEM Honda audio sound like garbage unless one steps to a higher line model. Honda did this on-purpose.

If you are not an audio guy, a new HU would make you very happy. It will add some meat to your music. There are many options today. That's the way to go - start.

Then better speakers. I would take it step by step, before adding amp and sub. Today's audio HU is much better than the past from 20 years ago.

Todd00

Why not just try a powered subwoofer? The mids/highs are ok...the factory system is missing low-end.

That would be a ton easier than replacing the factory head unit.

GoLowDrew

Yes, that is an option. And still keep that OEM look.

However, if that was to work, I would assume one would need to tap from the rear speaker line. Not sure if there will be enough signal, low signal, to really feed a sub, since the OEM stereo does not have a separate control.

It's been 15+ years since I last had a system. That road is addictive. With one foot in, you would want more and more.

Todd00

I have an older amp'ed Bazooka 6.5" model (before they went cheap) that has both line-level inputs and RCA's. I was going to try to add it to my '14 Sedan just to see how that would work.

And yes, I'd tap into the rear speakers to get the signal. As long as the OEM headunit is not throttling lows to the rear (which is a concern of mine).

I wanted to see someone else try it first, though.

Reprise

But you can't upgrade to an aftermarket head unit (HU) because there's no DIN dash kit out to install it. Well, I guess you could get the Scosche HA1717B, but then you'll lose the screen and steering wheel control.