I installed my avic-z2 last weekend using the metra mito-02. Everything went pretty smoothly, but now it doesnt get nearly as loud as the stock head unit.
The avic-z2 maxes out at 40. When driving with the windows down, cruising at around 55mph, I can barely hear my music.

Is this a issue with the factory amp being crap?

Also, the damn knobs to adjust the sub volume on my metra broke off!!
I hope I can replace this thing under warrenty.

 

Yes, the stock amp is the weak link in the RF system.

 

+1

i had the stock amp for about 2 days after i got the AVIC-z120bt

then i was pissed i wasted money on the mito kit.

 

Stock amp should be the first thing to go. It has volume limiting built-in, really no good comes from that amp. Replace that weak thing and let the speakers sing! (Though not a fan of the SSS speakers either).

 

Have you tried adjusting the EQ on your AVIC? Temporary fix of course but it might bring the volume up a bit until you get rid of the stock amp.

 

Thanks for the replys everyone.

Yea, I tried adjusting the EQ, and messing with some other settings, it has helped a little.
Looks like I'll be replacing the stock amp sometime soon.

 

It's a gain issue. Depending on your EQ, you could raise every band to the max and get more system gain. This won't work well with, say, a 5-band or a 7-band, but if you have a 12-band or a 15-band it's an OK temporary solution.