This subject went rather off topic didn't it? I do believe that there was a time when sony made quality products on all of its market ranges, head units are no exception. Many would argue however that Sony has never made a "top-of-the-line" model head-unit. To the point. Your newer xplode is certainly not an upgrade from the stock. If you have a monsoon system in the car the stock amp should run the alpines well enough. You may opt to get a new head unit though with multiple pre-amp outputs. I'm a fan of kenwood and pioneer head units myself.
