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 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.
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 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 I connect my speakers to my amplifier?
If your amplifier has an internal Hi Lo you will need to cut your speaker wires and attach them to the amplifier input wire harness listed in the parts list at the top of the page. Run those wires to the amplifier and connect them into the input section of the amplifier

Can I hook up an amp to my factory 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.
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 you hook up amps and subs to a factory radio?
3:236:05How to: Add Aftermarket Subwoofer and Amp to Factory Stereo. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou would run cable that goes from that and plug directly into here I have speaker inputs and so nowMoreYou would run cable that goes from that and plug directly into here I have speaker inputs and so now what that does is it allows you to tap off of a speaker wire.
How do you hook up a RCA adapter to a stock radio?
0:126:03How to add RCA Pre out adaptor to a factory car radio guide - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's part number pc2 so one and what that is is basically it's got speaker wires on one end withMoreAnd it's part number pc2 so one and what that is is basically it's got speaker wires on one end with an earth and RCA connectors on the other end that you can plug your RCA cables into.
How do you hook up subs to a factory car stereo?
As shown in the diagram below, to receive an input signal from your factory car stereo you would just need to tap into your rear speaker wires. Then, you would run RCAs from your LOC to your amplifier. Finally, connect your subwoofer to the amplifier using speaker wire as you would normally.
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.
Do you need a line output converter for subwoofer?
A: Yes, definitely. Amplifiers that offer speaker-level inputs don't require a separate line output converter to tap into existing speaker wires to get their signal. Many powered subwoofers offer this feature, too. The speaker-to-line level conversion is done inside the amplifier.
Do I need a new head unit for subs?
You won't get the exact same sound quality from your subwoofers as you would if you had an aftermarket stereo (like Alpine or Kenwood) in your car. The reason is that you're not enhancing the voltage of the stereo, and therefore aren't giving it the proper “juice”.
How do you hook up a converter to a factory radio?
0:398:28How To Install a Line Output Converter (LOC) To Any Car (Simple)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo for this install you're going to need your line output converter I would recommend picking upMoreSo for this install you're going to need your line output converter I would recommend picking up electrical buck connectors. And electrical wiring cutter. So you can splice your wires.
What are the RCA jacks on the back of my car stereo for?
RCA jack (line-level) connections RCA cables (line-level connections) are the preferred way to connect a signal to your amp if you have that option. RCA jacks on the rear of a Pioneer head unit. This is the ideal way to connect your amplifier's signal inputs, if available.
How do I connect my amp to my RCA jacks?
Connect the cables based on their colors – red cable goes to the red socket, white cable goes to the white socket. Connect the RCA cables into the amplifier input sockets, following the color of the cables. The red cable also goes into the red input socket of the amplifier.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
