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How do I run an aftermarket amp with factory head unit

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Old 05-02-2006 | 06:21 PM
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slamed87lincoln's Avatar
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From: Branson Mo
How do I run an aftermarket amp with factory head unit

im just wanting to keep the factory head unit for now but am wanting to run an amp and 2 12s...what do i need to get to run the rcas to the amp?
Old 05-02-2006 | 06:37 PM
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A high-to-low level converter. I suggest you use a PAC unit, but your amp probably has high-level inputs as well. You would t-tap the lines going to your door speakers, usually the rear set (most people fade to the rear in stock form). If you've got the factory amp, you t-tap off it's outputs.
Old 05-02-2006 | 06:41 PM
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There is no right way. I did hook up my RCA's to the wires that go to the factory sub. It worked for me untill I ripped all of it out. I don't recomend doing this.
Come on CH I know you have something to say about this.
Old 05-02-2006 | 06:51 PM
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Tokyo nailed it, that's the best way. Even though the mono amp I am going to use to drive my sub has high level inputs I am still using a line level converter. To my knowledge using the high level inputs on the amp can lead to more clipping as opposed to using the RCAs. I could be wrong but that's what I gather.
Old 05-02-2006 | 08:04 PM
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I used the line level converter also..
Old 05-02-2006 | 10:09 PM
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From: Branson Mo
well im wanting to keep the factory amp to power 7 speaker system from the factory.....im just wanting to add 2 12s....where do i get the converter?
Old 05-02-2006 | 10:12 PM
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A car audio shop. Even Walmart has them.
Old 05-02-2006 | 10:21 PM
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From: Branson Mo
ok ill look into it
Old 05-03-2006 | 07:38 PM
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Smile

I used rca's and tapped into the speaker wires between the deck and stock amp. I have not had any problems.
I have the premium sound and didn't use the line converter because the wiring diagram says they are low level inputs.
Old 05-03-2006 | 08:18 PM
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From: Branson Mo
Originally Posted by JT's HHR
I used rca's and tapped into the speaker wires between the deck and stock amp. I have not had any problems.
I have the premium sound and didn't use the line converter because the wiring diagram says they are low level inputs.
what did you do to "tap" into the speaker wires....how would i connect the RCA into the speaker wire?


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