Line level input vs. RCA

[talltigeguy]

I think I know the answer I am going to get here...but here goes.

I bought a 2010 Toyota Tundra.

The problem is that the speakers are in dire need of some amplification and probably are a bit inadequate. Some local audio places have told me that getting an amp alone to the same speakers makes a huge difference and has been adequate for most folks. The problem is that the stock unit has no RCA outputs. Having researched this stuff in boats a million times, I have never seen a boat hooked up to a line level input, but to keep my stock HU, that is what I would need to do. I understand Kicker and others make amps that have a line level input.

I really like the stock head unit. The controls are easy and it looks great on the dash. Of course, the HU has a wierd shape, so swapping another HU is going to be a far from factory look. Also tying in the steering wheel controls to a new HU might be another bunch of money, if it is even possible.

Another issue is the money. I am not invested in the truck stereo like I am in the boat. I really don't want to spend 1K or more getting a new HU and amp and lose some of the functionality and looks of the stock unit. So I want to go ahead and try a new amp only...am I going to be disappointed if it is run off of a line level input instead of RCA's like we are used to on our boats?

[chpthril]

You can also get hi-level (speaker output) to low-level (RCA) converters. They are cheap, like $15 ea for a 2-chnl.

[raythompson]

Radio Shack sells an attenuating plug with RCA connections that you can put inline that will do the trick. Only a couple bucks each.

[Jason B]

I have no idea about the stereo, but it's a bad azz truck!!!!! Congrats!! I'm due for one myself---just can't get over the lust for a red Cayman S.....sooo much hotter than another truck.

[talltigeguy]

I think I didn't make the question clear.

Will I notice a sound quality difference if I run the amplifier from line level inputs instead of directly off of a head unit with RCA jacks?

In the case of an amplifer with line level inputs, the last thing I would want to do is add another component to plug the line level inputs into an RCA converter and then to the amp. Just adds an extra place to have a problem.

[larryueckert]

i went with the stinger no motor noise and over all it sounds good.i have a dodge charger with stock boston accoustic speakers
http://cgi.ebay.com/Stinger-Hi-Lo-Co...item1e5a11ad76