There are 3 basic ways to get a signal to your 4 channel amplifier:
- Connect speaker outputs to your amp’s speaker level inputs
- Connect a line-level adapter to the radio then use RCA cables to the amp
- Connect your radio to the amp using RCA cables directly
How do you hook up an amplifier to a factory radio?
Another popular way to connect an amplifier to a factory radio is to use something called a line output converter. It connects to the factory radio's speaker wires and converts the speaker-level signal to a preamp-level signal. This lets you use RCA cables to run that signal to your amplifier.
How do you hook up a car AMP to a car?
Now connect your second harness to the speaker wires that lead into the dash and run them to the output section of your new amplifier. Connect your remote wire to a 12v switched source that only powers when the car is running and run that down with your other wires to your amp and connect that to the remote wire input on your amp.
What is an RCA adapter for a stock radio?
This RCA adapter for stock radio that converts the high-voltage, speaker-level signal to a preamp-level signal that’s acceptable to a power amp. A “LOC” as they are known, consists of a transformer and a high-voltage resistor, and connects to your amp using a standard RCA patch cable.
How do you hook up a 4 channel amp to a stereo?
Usually, you'll be installing a 4-channel amplifier with speaker-level inputs. The best way to connect it to a factory system is to tap into the stereo's speaker outputs for the amp's input signal. Then send the amp's outputs back to the stereo's harness, and on to the speakers through the factory wiring.
How do you hook up amps and subs to a factory radio?
0:036:05How to: Add Aftermarket Subwoofer and Amp to Factory Stereo. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the first thing you do is you want to run your power cable. So you'll see there's a fuse. So ifMoreSo the first thing you do is you want to run your power cable. So you'll see there's a fuse. So if you get an amp wiring kit it'll come with that.
Can you hook up an amp and subs to a stock stereo?
Adding a subwoofer to a factory stereo is an excellent method to boost your sound while retaining your factory controls. The nifty devices can produce bass and sub-bass sounds at low frequencies. Thankfully, it's pretty simple to wire one into an existing car stereo system.
How do I connect my amp to my radio?
2:064:34How to install a car amplifier | Crutchfield DIY video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe turn on wire is included in your amp wiring kit. Run these cables behind the dash to your stereoMoreThe turn on wire is included in your amp wiring kit. Run these cables behind the dash to your stereo. The turn on wire connects to a remote turn on lead in your stereos wiring harness.
How do I connect my amp to my stock speakers?
10:5015:38Wiring a 2 or 4 channel amp to your stock speaker harness ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou have the option of using a second set of rca's from the rear RCA output to the rear RCA inputMoreYou have the option of using a second set of rca's from the rear RCA output to the rear RCA input you can also just use a single set of RCA.
Can you hook up an amp without RCA cables?
Don't worry as you can still install an amp without using RCA cables. You just have to make sure that the factory radio can accept speaker-level inputs or line-level connections. Aside from that, also check the root means square power or RMS power of the amp.
Do I need to bypass factory amp?
By bypassing the factory amplifier, the music sounds more detailed and clear than it did when he used the amplifier integration harness. Whenever there's one available, we recommend bypassing the factory amp to get better sound. If you're considering a new stereo for your vehicle, keep this option in mind.
How do you hook up a RCA adapter to a stock radio?
3:386:03How to add RCA Pre out adaptor to a factory car radio guide - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere we go so what we've done this is your adapter with the RCA s on the end yeah we've crimped inMoreThere we go so what we've done this is your adapter with the RCA s on the end yeah we've crimped in the RCA speaker end we adapt to speaker end into our wires that we've cut and stripped.
Do I need a capacitor for my amp?
A cap prevents the sound from deteriorating due to under-voltage, but doesn't actually improve the sound. It supports the amplifier by feeding it the power it needs for short bursts. So, while not improving sound quality directly, a cap does make it easier for the amp to perform its best.
What do I connect the amp turn on wire to?
1:185:02What is an Amplifier Remote Turn-On Wire? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're just going to wire up color for color here you're going to go blue with white to blue withMoreYou're just going to wire up color for color here you're going to go blue with white to blue with white it's your simple just connection made for your patent for your amplifier.
How do I make my stock radio sound better?
Here are four different ways you can make your factory stereo sound better....4 Small Upgrades That Will Drastically Improve Your Factory Sound...Replace Your Factory Speakers. Most brand new cars come with the cheapest possible speakers. ... Add Satellite Radio. ... Add A Subwoofer. ... Install Sound-Deadening Mats.
How can I make my stock car speakers louder?
If you want louder and better sound, you'll need an external amplifier — one that easily integrates into an existing system. If the sound quality of your car audio system leaves you wanting more, adding an aftermarket amplifier is a sure way to get it.
What is bridging an amp?
Primarily a live sound term, “bridging” is a means to configure a 2-channel amplifier to drive a single loudspeaker with more power than the two original channels. For example, a 100-watts-per-channel amp may output a single channel of 300 watts after bridging.
How to connect an amplifier to a factory radio?
Another popular way to connect an amplifier to a factory radio is to use something called a line output converter . It connects to the factory radio's speaker wires and converts the speaker-level signal to a preamp-level signal. This lets you use RCA cables to run that signal to your amplifier.
How does a factory radio work?
Behind the factory radio, you can access all of the speaker wires in one place. The radio's wiring harness delivers power to the radio and sends its output to the speakers. You'll need to identify which wire goes to which speaker. Positive leads are usually solid-colored wires, while their accompanying negative leads tend to be the same color with a stripe of a second color.
What type of wire is used for Crutchfield speaker wire?
We also carry a selection of highly conductive, pure copper speaker wire, available by the foot, if you prefer that.
What does it mean when an amp turns on?
Amplifiers that have speaker-level inputs also feature "signal-sensing turn-on." The amp turns on when an input signal is present. This means you don't use the ninth wire (the blue wire) of either cable for this installation.
What is line output converter?
A line output converter offers some advantages, like the ability to sum and control signals of a multi-channel factory system. So if you're upgrading a complex system, using a line output converter might be your best option.
Is a simpler set up more reliable?
That's awesome. A simpler set up is usually more reliable. And less components often mean less distortion. :shrug:#N#I'd also check if that amp could be set to recognize sound input to remote turn on the amp? That will save you the hassle of wiring the remote turn on lead.
Can you use a LOC to hook up an accessory?
You can use a LOC and hook up to an accessory source however the down side to that is that when the amplifier powers up and then the source unit finishes its startup process (basically a computer) you will get a turn on pop.
What Is A High-Level Input On A Car Amp?
Because factory radios don’t have dedicated outputs for amplifiers “RCA” or “preamp outputs”, most outboard power amps come with high-level inputs, which enable you to tap into the factory speaker wires for signal flow.
How To Wire A High-Level Input On An Amp
The installation of an amplifier using high-level inputs isn’t much different from the procedure used when wiring one with preamp outputs. Before anything is even attempted, it is always advised that you disconnect the negative terminal from your battery to protect against a possible short circuit.
What Is A Line Output Converter?
This RCA adapter for stock radio that converts the high-voltage, speaker-level signal to a preamp-level signal that’s acceptable to a power amp. A “LOC” as they are known, consists of a transformer and a high-voltage resistor, and connects to your amp using a standard RCA patch cable.
What Does An LOC Do?
As we touched on in the above section, a LOC converts the high-voltage, speaker-level signal to a preamp signal that a power amp can use. This is especially helpful when installing a two channel or monoblock amplifier to an existing factory radio (or even some aftermarket systems).
How To Hook Up A Line Out Converter (LOC)
Here’s an in-depth step-by-step guide for installing a Line Output Converter…
How to connect speaker wires to amplifier?
Run those wires to the amplifier and connect them into the input section of the amplifier. Now connect your second harness to the speaker wires that lead into the dash and run them to the output section of your new amplifier.
How to run a remote to an amp?
Run your remote wire from a source that has 12v only while the vehicle is running to your amplifiers remote input. run power wire from battery to amp. Run ground wire from proper chassis ground to amp. Run speaker wire from amp to subwoofer.
What are the different types of amplifiers?
But, there are a few styles of amplifiers that make it a lot easier to integrate with the factory system without the need to replace any existing things. Subwoofer Amplifiers – Amplifiers dedicated to powering subwoofers. 2 channel amplifiers – Amplifiers that power 2 speakers. 4 Channel amplifiers – Amplifiers that power up to 4 speakers.
What is Alpine Power Pack?
The Alpine Power Pack is another amplifier that has made factory integration way easier! it has a internal Hi/Lo and comes with an input and output harness that will usually allow you to install it without any additional parts even. Its considered a mini amplifier because of its small footprint and can generally be installed into hidden locations around your car.
What is a 2 channel amplifier?
2 channel amplifiers – Amplifiers that power 2 speakers. 4 Channel amplifiers – Amplifiers that power up to 4 speakers. 5 channel amplifiers – Amplifiers that power up to 5 speakers including 1 subwoofer. While almost every amplifier is capable of being installed into a factory audio system when paired with the right accessories, ...
Do all amplifiers need the same parts?
Its important you know that not all amplifiers require the same parts during installation. For example, the Alpine Power Pack 4 channel amplifier comes with the mounting parts, wiring and fuse needed to install right out of the box while standard amplifiers might need a few more things.
Do you need RCA wires for a subwoofer?
This channel usually takes the sum of your rear/front or both amplifier inputs to create a proper subwoofer output channel. You won’t need anymore RCA input wires, just a bit of subwoofer speaker wire.
