When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
My factory head units ('99 XJR and XJ8) were putting out 35 watts per channel. They both had the premium system so not sure if this was the total output with the trunk amplifier but this is what is written on the head unit itself.
In my case I put in a new head unit and trunk amp that puts out 60W per channel. Some people prefer to keep it factory but the head unit is 20+ years old so new equipment sounds more crisp and has usb and bluetooth compatibility.
2426106[/url]]My factory head units ('99 XJR and XJ8) were putting out 35 watts per channel. They both had the premium system so not sure if this was the total output with the trunk amplifier but this is what is written on the head unit itself.
In my case I put in a new head unit and trunk amp that puts out 60W per channel. Some people prefer to keep it factory but the head unit is 20+ years old so new equipment sounds more crisp and has usb and bluetooth compatibility.
Must be underpowered then.
I’m looking to see if I can get away with keeping the stock unit as I admire the look. Now I need to find out if I can install an amp with this head unit. No idea where to begin..
Two points, firstly make sure you are talking apple and apples. Are your power ratings Peak or RMS? RMS is the meaningful value, but often not stated. Given the factory headunit is 35w max, it's probably only 15w RMS
You can look on Jagrepair.com for your wiring diagram, which might help, if you want to add an amplifier to your system. Most amplifiers have a high level input which you can wire directly up to your headunit
I have not tested the amp output power. But it might be more than regular 15W. Or it is just running class A or something like that. These radios tend to get very hot even when sitting on idle. These draw 1.8-1,9Amps at idle. This gives to me image of either bad design in the powerstage or powerful amplifier. X308 radio doesn't sound bad at all and I think it is more than cabale to run any door speakers. As mentioned before you dont need 60watts to drive 60watts speakers. My car had previowsly basic Kenwood 2din radio installed. Original radio beats that hands down on sound quality.
Ok, my maths may have been a little harsh. It's usually about a .7 conversion factor from Peak to RMS, so 35w peak is ~25wrms
Still about half of what I would consider 'adequate'. If you are able to add an actual amp, some of the modern, tiny form factor ones put out incredible, clean power, and are pretty cheap, and will absolutely be worth the upgrade
Specs for the factory radio?
