I'm trying to go ultra budget on my sound system right now, just because a) I just spent a bunch of cash this summer, and b) I want some money left for performance mods. Ergo, I have bought a JBL GTi 15" sub with a Soundstream 500W 2 channel amp used for $600 Can, and now, I'm looking to fun a 4 channel 100-200W per channel amp for $400-500 Can on the stock speakers, and if possible, off the stock deck.

I'm just wondering if anyone has/is running external amps off their stock head unit, and if so, how they did it. I have never removed the stock head unit, so I have no idea how the stock deck is wired.

 

Is your a BOSE system or not?

If it is not a BOSE then you can install like any other vehicle radio by using a adapter.

If you have a BOSE system, then if you look closely at the Bose speaker in the back, you can splice the positive and negative and install the adapter to run the amp off the BOSE system.

I just did that setup and using the adapter is not effective at all but more bass to the BOSE system that I have.


good luck!!!

try doing a search for "amp to BOSE system"

 

like tvn said, they make a "line level converter" that you can use to splice into your factory speakers and it converts the sound into an rca signal..it really isn't the best thing to do but can be done..
also, depending on the amp, if it is a "real" 1-200w x4 amp, it will send those factory speakers to the moon even the bose...

 

$1100 ultra Budget

 

I don't think mine is a BOSE. No mention of Bose anywhere. It has the two tweeters and mids in the fronts and the two shelfs in the rear.

 

I'm pretty sure mine isn't a Bose as I have no Bose insignias anywhere, which is AWESOME because I won't have a problem with the ohmage of the Bose system.

However, as for wiring the non-bose to two external amps, what kind of adapters will I need? I spoke to someone at a sound shop, and they said something about needing a high level or something. Does anyone know?

 

They are right on. You will need a Line Signal Converter that removes all the power from your speaker terminals and runs a "close to normal" signal into your amp straight from the speaker.

Here's the thing... You have to find a GOOD ONE. There are many out there, and some have gain conrols on them. Go to a high end stereo shop and ask for the best they got, whic may not necessarily be the most expensive (should be around $30 to $40). I ran my stock system over my amps for about a year, and then decided to go with a real Head Unit. NOTE: This setup will eventually fry your speakers due to the fact that you are pumping serious wattage which will be amplifying a significantly distored signal.

It isn't unbearable, but the stock stereo actually diminishes the bass signal the more you crank the volume. You will be able to overcome this with the setup you have, but be aware that you are amplifying filtered distortion. Just take it easy with your setup until you can get a solid head unit.

Good Luck!!

 

Thanks for the info. BTW, I'm not interested in the damage I am doing to the speakers, as long as they last about a year. After that I'm going with some VERY high end stuff with 3" voice coils, polygraphite cone, etc, for the mids, and I havne't quite decided on the tweeters yet. Yes, I am VERY picky.

BTW, will I only need ONE of these convertors? They gave me the impression that I would need two.

 

If you want fader control (front/back) you will need two, one for the front and one for the rear. Otherwise, you could just get an RCA splitter and run it to the separate amps.