Hi knwldg thanks for the Alpine link. I researched the Clarion XC1410 Compact 4-channel car amplifier — 50 watts RMS x 4 at Crutchfield.comAlpine power pack should be plenty - 45w rms
Alpine KTP-445U Power Pack Upgrade any car radio to 45 watts RMS X 4 at Crutchfield.com
Clarion makes a similar product but the RMS ratings are slightly higher. both can be affixed behind the head unit (factory or otherwise) and concealed in the dash
Thanks for that tip. I've been rethinking the amp vs. OEM speakers thing, and now I'm thinking that I'll replace the OEM front door speakers first, before (or maybe not even) getting an amp. (I've already replaced the rear door speakers with Kicker components.)^ crutchfield is also currently having a sale on all alpine speakers (buy one pair/sub, get another half off)
I know it was ur goal to maintain the factory speakers, but i have always been told that the Type S speakers are decent and a good improvement over most factory sets; they are good without an amp, and most likely even better with a small 4 channel. just something to consider. you can get 2 pairs (one coaxial set, one component set) for under $200.
The base OEM Scion/Pioneer head unit that came on my 2011. It has pre-amp outputs that I'm using for my subwoofer, and no bluetooth. See the picture in this article:What head unit do you have?