Connect your 2 channel HI/lo converter to a left and right output signal behind your radio. Attatch your RCA wires to that RCA channel and run that to the input section of your amp Run your remote wire from a source that has 12v only while the vehicle is running to your amplifiers remote input
How to install an amp in a car?
Pull out the wire, connect it to the positive battery terminal through your vehicle’s cabin, and extend it to where the amp is positioned or mounted. The next step is to get the ground wire connected accordingly. The ground wire comes with the amp installation kit.
What kind of wiring do you need for a car amplifier?
Car amplifiers don't come with any wiring included. You must supply the amp's power and ground wiring, an inline fuse, a remote turn-on wire, RCA cables, and speaker wires. The power and ground wires need to be thick enough to accommodate the amp's demand for electrical current or the amp won't operate properly or put out its rated power.
Can you add an amplifier to a car with a factory radio?
This article explains how to install an amp in a car with a factory radio. Contrary to popular belief and opinion, you do not need to invest in an expensive head unit before you can add or install an amplifier to your vehicle. On the other hand, adding an amplifier to a factory radio seems like a lot of work when you consider the process involved.
What does an amp do on a car radio?
What does an amp do to factory radio? The function of an amplifier in a vehicle is to take a weak audio signal and then amplify it. Usually, factory radios or CD players come with built-in amplifiers. However, these amplifiers are not powerful enough to drive the speakers.
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 a sub and amp to a factory radio?
0:236:05How 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.
How do you hook up an amp to a car stereo?
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.
What power supply do I need to run a car stereo?
The good news is that it's usually not hard to find the right kind of supply to power a car stereo at home. You'll need one with 2 main things: The right voltage: 12V to 13.8V. The right current (amps) rating: about 2 to 2.5A for most car stereos and towards 5A for some units that draw more.
Can you wire an amp to a stock 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 wire a RCA cable 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 an amp to a radio?
1:1514:22How to install an amp and sub in your car | Crutchfield video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe had an aftermarket stereo that stereo would have RCA preamp outputs already on it that we couldMoreWe had an aftermarket stereo that stereo would have RCA preamp outputs already on it that we could use you know connect RCA cables directly from there run them to the back.
How do you hook up an amp to a factory speaker?
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.
Where do you connect the remote wire on a stock radio?
2:275:08How to: Wire an amp w/ Stock Radio - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd now they give you a remote out source the remote out wire will plug in to the remote wire inMoreAnd now they give you a remote out source the remote out wire will plug in to the remote wire in your amp. So whenever this line up converter gets a signal.
How do you match a power supply to an amplifier?
3:498:52Amplifier to Speaker Matching Tutorial | UniqueSquared.com - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd so that brings me to the second rule of thumb match your speaker's ohms to the ohms that yourMoreAnd so that brings me to the second rule of thumb match your speaker's ohms to the ohms that your amp can handle now amps are generally designed to work with 4 8 and 16 ohm speakers.
What size power supply do I need for a car amplifier?
Power source: Unlike home stereos powered by an alternating current (AC) electrical outlet, car amps work from a +12V direct current (DC) supply. You'll need a +12V AC-DC power supply with enough current to run the amp.
Can you power an amp with a battery charger?
0:597:24Indoor car amplifier using 12v battery charger - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what how do we get 10 amps of 12 volt power to something and the simple answer is a batteryMoreSo what how do we get 10 amps of 12 volt power to something and the simple answer is a battery charger.
How long does it take to install an amp on a car?
With the necessary tools and adequate understanding of the project, it takes between 1-4 hours on average to complete the amp installation on your vehicle.
What is the function of amplifiers in a car?
The function of an amplifier in a vehicle is to take a weak audio signal and then amplify it. Usually, factory radios or CD players come with built-in amplifiers.
How to open up a speaker?
Carefully identify the wires that run through these speakers and use a wire cutter or stripper to open up the positive wire and negative wire.
What to do if you haven't gotten your amplifier yet?
If you haven’t gotten your amplifier yet, ensure you only invest in a model from a credible and famous brand.
How to connect speaker wire to stripped wire?
Run a line of speaker wire to each of the stripped wires, and use electrical tape to hold them together.
What is included in a wiring kit?
The kit includes the necessary wiring (power and ground wires), and it also comes with the fuses you need to complete the installation.
How to connect a positive battery to a car?
Pull out the wire, connect it to the positive battery terminal through your vehicle’s cabin, and extend it to where the amp is positioned or mounted.
Why do you need to keep factory amps?
Retaining the factory amp usually makes it easier to install a new stereo, and in some vehicles that's your only option. But your new stereo's sound is limited to what that amp can do.
Where is the factory amp located?
Michael, your factory amp is located behind the glove box. You can use our vehicle selector to find out more about gear that's compatible with your truck.
What is factory stereo system?
The factory stereo systems in many of today's vehicles include an external amplifier. This factory amp is designed to make cheap factory speakers sound better. But it doesn't do you any favors when you replace the stereo or those stock speakers.
Does a factory amp have a crossover?
It's not just about the power. The factory amp can also include a filter or crossover network for specific frequencies that may not sound optimal with a new system. By bypassing the factory amplifier and feeding the JVC receiver's power directly to the speakers, Dave also bypassed any filters in the factory amp, sending a pure, full-range signal to the speakers.
Does Dave's Highlander have a factory amp?
We noticed that the stock system in Dave's Highlander included a factory amplifier, and Crutchfield offers ways to either integrate or bypass the factory amp in this Toyota. We decided to use this opportunity to test our theory that it's always better to bypass the factory amp. We connected Dave's new stereo both ways to see what really sounded the best.
Where is the JBL amp on a Toyota?
There it is! The Toyota's factory JBL amp is mounted under the rear seats. It doesn't have to be removed to be bypassed, which saves some time.
Did Dave change out the speakers before installing the new stereo?
Dave changed out the speakers before installing the new stereo so they'd be ready for the test. The right pry tools and comprehensive Crutchfield MasterSheet™ instructions led him through the procedure, and once he had the first door speaker done, the others went smoothly.
When Do You Need To Add an Amplifier To Your Factory System?
Simply put, whenever you want. Generally speaking you should consider adding an amplifier whenever the clarity and/or volume inst to your liking . You can also consider adding a subwoofer amplifier to your system paired with a nice subwoofer to bring the bass presence up to your liking.
What Amplifiers Can You Add To Your Factory Audio System?
The short answer is, any. 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.
What is a kicker hideway?
The Kicker Hideway is a self powered subwoofer. Meaning, it is a subwoofer in an enclosure with an amplifier already built in. This type of unit makes these types of installations a lot easier because of its wiring options, size and small footprint.
How to connect remote to amp?
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 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.
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, ...
Where is the turn on wire on a car stereo?
The turn-on wire (also called the remote wire) is located behind the stereo. On aftermarket stereos, it's usually a blue and white wire. The remote wire will "tell" your amplifier to turn on whenever the stereo is powered up (usually, whenever the vehicle is turned on).
What wiring and accessories do I need?
You must supply the amp's power and ground wiring, an inline fuse, a remote turn-on wire, RCA cables, and speaker wires.
Why do you need to conceal wiring for amplifier?
Wires should be secured so that they do not interfere with safe vehicle operation. Depending on the location you choose for your amplifier, the wiring may need to be run under the dash, door scuff plate, pillar trimpanel, or kickpanel.
What is running wires?
Running wires is all about finding the best path. Here, we're running a bundle of speaker wires across the backseat to the amp in the trunk.
Where to put subwoofer amplifier?
A compact subwoofer amplifier mounted in an out-of-the-way nook in a trunk with plenty of air space for cooling. Good locations to install an amplifier include: On the firewall (passenger side) Pros: You can use short wires and patch cords. You won't have to remove a seat or climb into the trunk.
How far away from battery is in line fuse?
The in-line fuse on the main power cable, mounted within six inches or so of the battery connection, is essential for protecting the wire, your car, and you from a catastrophic fire in the event of a short circuit. Each wire manufacturer rates their wire's current capacity differently, but as a general rule, for a typical 16- to 20-foot run, you'll be safe using a:
What does setting amplifier gain mean?
Setting your amplifier's gain, or input sensitivity, matches the amp's input level with the receiver's output level, resulting in maximum distortion-free music and minimum background noise.
Where to mount amplifier on car?
Typical amplifier mounting locations include under the passenger side dash, under a seat, or in the trunk or hatch area. There are pro's and con's to each choice. Under the dash or seat keeps the wiring to the receiver shorter, but can be awkward to install. The seat may need to be temporarily removed.
Where do you run wires for an amplifier?
With the amplifier location decided, you must now plan the running of wires from it to the battery, head unit, and speakers.
Why do amplifiers have cooling fins?
Amplifiers have slotted cooling fins on their surface to release internal heat that builds up. (Power amps can get quite hot to the touch.) When you select a location, make sure the cooling fins have plenty of space around them to dissipate heat which will radiate upward. The fins should face the sides or top of the amp. Mounting an amplifier upside down is a no-no, because the cooling fins will be on the bottom and dissipated heat will radiate back up inside the amplifier unit where it can't escape.
Why do stereos have RCA jacks?
Many stereos are equipped with RCA type output jacks for connecting signal wires to the amplifier. Signal wires and power cords for amps should always be run on opposite sides of the vehicle to prevent electrical noise and static.
Why is my stereo sound bad?
According to experts, loose or poor ground wiring is a leading cause of stereo sound system problems and underperformance. (Interestingly, it's also the #1 cause of any electrical issue on a vehicle.) All amplifiers require a separate ground wire, so it is important to find an ideal spot to make that connection.
What is a mono amp?
A system with two amplifiers: a 4-channel amp for two pairs of speakers, and a mono amp for a subwoofer.
How far away should a fuse be from a battery?
The industry standard is that the fuse should be no further than 18" from the battery; less than 12" away is preferable. Cut a 12-18" long section of power wire, attach it to one end of the fuse holder, and attach the other end of the cable to the other fuse holder end.