More audio upgrade questions

[jandr95]

2002 S with six-speaker amp system. I want to upgrade the hu to accommodate an ipod and Bluetooth for streaming and hands-free calls. Trying to keep this as simple as possible and within my limited skills. So, two approaches...

Just replace the hu. Is installation as simple as unplugging the old and connecting the new -- all at the back the of the new radio? This means I keep using the factory amp, which may be a really bad idea.

Or plug in a new hu with decent power and bypass/remove the amp, which, if I understand this properly, means pulling the speaker wires off the amp in the frunk and routing them into the car and into the back of the new hu.

If the new hu has decent power, is running it through the existing amp just a bad idea because it will actually make the sound quality worse?

Any advice? Any recommendations on head units?

[morgal48]

Yes. The 6-channel Haes amp is 40W per channel. Your head unit should be more than that, and hooking it up directly will be better. Are your speakers originals? If so, be sure to check the paper cones in the dash and shelf speakers. Mine had almost no paper left, and were replaced. Door subs are poly cones at 18 years are still good. Front and rear speakers are 4-ohm. Doors are 2-ohm. Make sure your system setup matches for max performance. Have fun! BTW, I kept my CDR-220 and installed a new amp. The difference in sound will surprise you.