Wiring to the factory amp
#1
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Wiring to the factory amp
I wanted to post something and see if anyone has either done this or would know how to do this. It would be useful to anyone trying to install an aftermarket head unit while powering their system with the factory amp.
I am planning on installing a head unit into my 95 LS 400, and I want to see if I can just use the pre-outs on said unit, and wire them to the appropriate inputs on the factory amp (nakamichi). In theory, this would be great, but you need to figure out which wire sends which signal. I am guessing a multi meter is necessary. I'm pretty much resolved to the idea of panning and fading, then testing the line to see if there's signal.
Anyone have ideas or more in depth technical expertise that could shed some light onto this concept?
I am planning on installing a head unit into my 95 LS 400, and I want to see if I can just use the pre-outs on said unit, and wire them to the appropriate inputs on the factory amp (nakamichi). In theory, this would be great, but you need to figure out which wire sends which signal. I am guessing a multi meter is necessary. I'm pretty much resolved to the idea of panning and fading, then testing the line to see if there's signal.
Anyone have ideas or more in depth technical expertise that could shed some light onto this concept?
#4
it would be good to hook up to the output wires of the amp (the wires going directly to the speakers) rather than to the line level inputs. This will give you a direct connection to each speaker and theoretically remove the amplifier from the system (which is what you want when replacing the unit).
you may be able to simply buy what's called an amplifier integration harness and plug it in behind where your factory radio already exists.
i will post wire colors later if someone else doesn't beat me to it. GL
you may be able to simply buy what's called an amplifier integration harness and plug it in behind where your factory radio already exists.
i will post wire colors later if someone else doesn't beat me to it. GL
#5
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bypass the amp?
All of the install guys in my area said you need to bypass the amp all together or your burn it out and could damage your head unit. Has anyone else heard this?
#6
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I call shenanigans!
In a round about way, I'm trying to say that you'll be fine, and be wary of retailers trying to make you buy gear. Heard and experienced many horror stories of big retailers selling their installation and then doing a crap job (not all the time though, let's be fair)
Either way, I think I'm going for a separate sub configuration. The stock sub was weak in the nakamichi system anyway.
#7
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there is no problem integrating an aftermarket deck into a factory amplified system. when you integrate using facotry amp use the low level, RCA outputs. this way your new stereo is not using the internal amp. it is only sending the signal to factory amp.
when you bypass the amp you use the high level, speaker line, outputs and use the amp built into the aftermarket deck.
i have done both methods in just about every car there is and it will not cause issues.
when you bypass the amp you use the high level, speaker line, outputs and use the amp built into the aftermarket deck.
i have done both methods in just about every car there is and it will not cause issues.
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#8
there is no problem integrating an aftermarket deck into a factory amplified system. when you integrate using facotry amp use the low level, RCA outputs. this way your new stereo is not using the internal amp. it is only sending the signal to factory amp.
when you bypass the amp you use the high level, speaker line, outputs and use the amp built into the aftermarket deck.
i have done both methods in just about every car there is and it will not cause issues.
when you bypass the amp you use the high level, speaker line, outputs and use the amp built into the aftermarket deck.
i have done both methods in just about every car there is and it will not cause issues.
And throughout the years I've noticed some engine noise when using the factory amp with an aftermarket headunit when the volume is turned down all of the way. Gets a little annoying so I usually bypass the amp anyway. Some don't have the problem, so if you don't, you shouldn't worry.
Just using the integration harness will be fine and you won't have to worry about "burning" anything up or hurting anything despite what those installers tell you. I am a Master Installer for 7 years now and can tell you from experience.
#9
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would the quality of sound be better without the factory nak amp? because i recently bought a kenwood deck with the metra 70-8112 amp integration wire harness...it really doesnt sound different...
#10
you probably won't be able to notice a sound difference with the volume up. turn the volume all the way down to maybe 1 or so and roll up your windows. if you can hear a whining noise coming from the speakers as you accelerate, then you need to bypass the amp. otherwise,
#12
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alright ill try that and get back to you...i also noticed that it doesnt really get that loud =\ lol...ive turn my deck all the way up (35) i was hoping it could be louder.
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hey so i found out that the metra harness that i bought...i could actually split up the rca wires into + and -...so what i did was take them apart and wired them up correctly to the aftermarket HU...sounds so much better! louder etc.
#14
Good job on figuring it out! details please! did you take the rca's coming from the aftermarket hu and wire into the factory wiring? or you cut the rca ends off and wired them directly to the speaker outputs from the aftermarket unit? if you did the latter of the two, i would be careful. it's going to be very easy to blow your speakers and amp... it's louder, but at the expense of pushing everything up to and past it's limits sometimes....
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Good job on figuring it out! details please! did you take the rca's coming from the aftermarket hu and wire into the factory wiring? or you cut the rca ends off and wired them directly to the speaker outputs from the aftermarket unit? if you did the latter of the two, i would be careful. it's going to be very easy to blow your speakers and amp... it's louder, but at the expense of pushing everything up to and past it's limits sometimes....