Hi everyone,

I want to upgrade my factory system but I have several concerns and I hope you guys can chime in as I have been out of the car audio scene for a very long time.

1. I want to retain my factory head unit because aside from wanting to retain the factory-look, it integrates with several systems of the car. The unit does not have RCA outputs and has very little in terms of tuning capabilities. My understanding is that some processors like the Bit Ten and H800 have speaker level input, RCA outputs, and a good amount of tuning options. In this regard, will I still be able to use the volume control of my head unit without affecting the tuning of the system?

2. Is there a way to connect the processor without splicing/cutting the wiring harness of the car. Specifically, my factory speakers connect to the wiring harness of the car via plugs. Would it be possible to use the plugs of the stock speaker and extend the wiring all the way to where the processor will be placed (under the seat or the trunk)?

3. My front speakers are composed of door-mounted woofers/midrange and A-Pillar-mounted tweeters. I want to retain the stock locations. I understand that having speaker pods and the like is better in terms of sound quality but will I end up compromising too much by using my stock locations? Can tuning make-up for the compromise?

4. My rear speakers are composed of door mounted woofers/midrange (lower part of the door) and tweeters at the top part of the door near the lever for opening the door. I understand that people have different opinions on what speakers to put in the rear but in my case, I need to have decent sound at the back. Should I assume that I should target matching my rear speakers with my front speakers?

5. How big is the difference in sound quality by ditching the passive crossovers that come with component sets and using a separate amplifier channel for each speaker?

6. I see a lot of Class D amplifiers and they seem to be very small relative to the amount of power they can put out. Class D amplifiers did not exist when I was into car audio (just shows how out of the loop I am) and I'm wondering if they are a big compromise versus the usual Class A/B designs. Since Class D amplifiers are more efficient, does that mean they put less strain on the alternator?

7. This is probably a very subjective query but I just want a system with good SQ at volume levels that are safe for driving with a little bit in reserve. What's a good target for amplifier power given moderately sensitive speakers.

8. Lastly, is there a big difference with using two subwoofers in stereo versus one in mono. I would like to use the smallest subwoofers possible. I'm thinking along the lines of either a couple of 6.5 inch subwoofers from JL or a single 8 inch subwoofer.

Thank you and I hope to hear from the experts.