Help on running amp with factory head unit

Chanks7 · November 7, 2005

I would like to try keeping the factory 6-disc in dash CD player and run an amp for a sub or two. What do I need to do this? I guess I just dont know where the RCA's and remote wire are supposed to connect on a factory deck. Thanks.

WVUtruckin · November 10, 2005

I would like to try keeping the factory 6-disc in dash CD player and run an amp for a sub or two. What do I need to do this? I guess I just dont know where the RCA's and remote wire are supposed to connect on a factory deck. Thanks.

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Hooking up an aftermarket amp to your factory head unit is pretty simple if you have the non-bose head unit or the Bose premium unit. For a non-bose you just need a line converter which converts speaker wire output to RCA output. The bose premium units use an adapter that plugs into the back of the factory head unit creating RCA outputs. This is a plug and play device no hard wiring needed, very quick and easy. On the other hand if yours is like mine and had the standard bose system it is a pain in the !@#. You have to wire a line converter after the factory Bose amp to pick up a signal to convert to RCA output. My understanding is that the signal coming out of the head unit isn't strong enough until it is amplified by the Bose amp to be converted by the line converter.

So start with determining whether you have a premium Bose head unit or a standard Bose head unit. If it is a standard bose system (more probable), I recommend having a professional installer at least hook up your converter. I am fairly experienced in stereo intallations and I threw in the towel on mine. I hooked up everything else myself and just had them wire the line converter and plug in the RCA's. The factory bose amp is in the center consol and and they used the factory subwoofer speaker wire coming from the Bose amp to get a signal for the converter. As far as the remote wire they recommended running it to the fuse box to the windshield wiper power source. This is a power source that turns off when the ignition is off.

Chanks7 · November 10, 2005

Thanks for all helpful info. I have two more questions for you. How do you determine if I have the premium or standard bose system? and where did you get the line converter from? Thanks again, Chris.

camel · November 15, 2005

i bought a line converter today from a local hobby electronics store, but they do have them on ebay. i plan on doing the same thing as you, just need to find a wire that makes 12v when the key is turned on and you're set. if you amp has speaker level imputs then you can skip the converter if you wish. mine has adjustable attenuation. its just a cheap unit, it was like 9 bucks canuk.

Tamale · November 15, 2005

What if your amp has the little screws that clamp down on the wire. I would assume there would be no need to convert to RCA right? Is there anything special about using RCA's?

camel · November 16, 2005

it should say right next to the inputs, if they are infact speaker level inputs. i have only seen amps that take a female blade type connector or comes with a plug that you wire up. i don't think the rca's are necessary, i am using them with a convert just for the adjustability.

WVUtruckin · November 16, 2005

Thanks for all helpful info. I have two more questions for you. How do you determine if I have the premium or standard bose system? and where did you get the line converter from? Thanks again, Chris.

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What I was told is to turn the radio volume up and down quickly if it responds immediately then it is standard if there is a slight delay it is the premium system. Most local stereo shops will carry a line converter, Best Buy/Circuit City or check the internet.

WVUtruckin · November 16, 2005

i bought a line converter today from a local hobby electronics store, but they do have them on ebay. i plan on doing the same thing as you, just need to find a wire that makes 12v when the key is turned on and you're set. if you amp has speaker level imputs then you can skip the converter if you wish. mine has adjustable attenuation. its just a cheap unit, it was like 9 bucks canuk.

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The guys that installed mine used the windshield wiper power source in the fuse box.

WVUtruckin · November 16, 2005

What if your amp has the little screws that clamp down on the wire. I would assume there would be no need to convert to RCA right? Is there anything special about using RCA's?

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The RCA's are what gives the amp the sound signal from the head unit. Some amps now have line level inputs so you don't need the RCA cables. I have just always used RCA cable not sure if there is really any difference.

Stocklook · November 25, 2005

I will be doing the samething, but a small system 6 1/2's componits if front and eather one 10 or two 8's off factory deck with one 4 ch amp.

the question I have is the door buzzer (low fuel,lights on, old man blinker bell) how can you retain this. with an amp install you run new wires, is there seperate wires for this to the drivers door