Speakers aren't loud enough

[Torri]

Ok, I searched 16 pages and nothing so here it goes. I'm getting ready to install my sub and before I put it in this week I want to make sure I know what my other problem is or where I should look first while I'm in there.

I recently replaced my speakers. Yet, my speakers still aren't very loud.. I have to crank it upand up after market HU just to get a decent volume. That is also the loudest I can go, because if I go any louder the sound will get scratchy/distorted. If I play it on the level that I do for too long.. it sounds like it's turning itself down.. and I can't turn it back up. The volume level stays the same and I can't turn it up higher because it will get scratcy/hissy. If it has any sort of hard drum beat in it, it will kick the volume down. I have to turn my volume to 0 for awhile before I can turn it back up to get any sort of volume again.

So, I'm wondering what my issue is? I drive highway mostly and I can barely hear the music at all. I can't find anything with my problem exactly.

Thanks guys.

[Torri]

Still having the same problem. I had the discovery that my factory amp is gone.

My question would be if the "amp bypass" may be causing it?
Secondly, I'm getting ready to toss my kenwood for an alpine.. while I'm in there should I reinstall the stock stereo connector/adaptor and reinstall the amp? Or will it do no good?

The stereo place down the street wants to charge me 80 dollars just to look at it before they start charging me to mess with the wires.