| Author |
Thread: Can I install new speakers & a sub but keep the factory radio? |
    
New member Username: Jgkc9ayc
IL
USA
Post Number: 2
Registered: Feb-08
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| Posted on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - 09:24 pm: |
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I just got a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GT.
It doesn't have the Bose stereo, but it does have the OnStar as well as steering wheel controls.
My budget forbids me to replace the dash unit at this time, however I have the 5 1/4" & 6x9" speakers from a previous install as well as a 4 channel amp (RF 200a4) & a 2 channel amp (RF 200.2) and an old RF sub (Punch DVC).
Is there anyway I can hook up my aftermarket speakers to those amps as well as the sub & leave the factory head unit & still utilize the steering wheel controls & the OnStar?
If so, what do I need?
Thanks in advance. |
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Silver Member Username: Exige
Post Number: 156
Registered: Nov-07
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| Posted on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - 10:16 pm: |
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you'll need a line out converter, but yes you can hook that stuff up. shouldn't be too complicated. are you planning on doing it yourself or having a shop do it? have you worked on your stereo before by hand? |
New member Username: Jgkc9ayc
IL
USA
Post Number: 3
Registered: Feb-08
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| Posted on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - 10:23 pm: |
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I don't think i'll tackle it myself.
Crutchfield said i'd have to tap into the wiring harness to hook up the line out converter. I was hoping there'd just be an adapter of some sort I could get to plug into the existing harness.
I was also told in order to hook up the sub amp, i'd run an rca cable from the outputs of the 4-channel to the inputs of the 2-channel. Is this true? |
Silver Member Username: Mmaudioconcepts
Post Number: 370
Registered: Jan-07
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| Posted on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - 11:48 pm: |
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i would suggest a line driver to be put in line after the line out converter. |
New member Username: Jgkc9ayc
IL
USA
Post Number: 4
Registered: Feb-08
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| Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - 05:23 am: |
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What's a line driver & where do I find them? |
Gold Member Username: Nd4spd18
Northwest PA
Post Number: 6512
Registered: Jul-06
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| Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - 02:06 pm: |
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Why would he want to do that. The RCA voltage from the LOC would be sufficient for any amplifier. |
New member Username: Jgkc9ayc
IL
USA
Post Number: 5
Registered: Feb-08
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| Posted on Thursday, February 28, 2008 - 06:31 am: |
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What about what Crutchfield told me about having to tap into my existing wiring harness...is this true?
I'll still need to run new wire from my amp to my speakers, won't I? |
Silver Member Username: Mmaudioconcepts
Post Number: 381
Registered: Jan-07
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| Posted on Thursday, February 28, 2008 - 11:07 am: |
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cheap LOCs have a voltage of 2Vmax not rms and dpeending on which one he gets it might be way below 1V rms. I have seen major differences in sound just form a Line driver. JL sells a line driver that has two inputs and 7V output. |
New member Username: Jgkc9ayc
IL
USA
Post Number: 6
Registered: Feb-08
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| Posted on Friday, February 29, 2008 - 12:39 am: |
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"JL"?
So i'd need a LOC AND a line driver? |
Silver Member Username: Mmaudioconcepts
Post Number: 382
Registered: Jan-07
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| Posted on Friday, February 29, 2008 - 05:40 pm: |
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you dont have to have it, MS is right, but i have perosonally seen differences and the line driver can be found on ebay for like $43 |
New member Username: Jgkc9ayc
IL
USA
Post Number: 7
Registered: Feb-08
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| Posted on Friday, February 29, 2008 - 06:14 pm: |
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What's a good quality LOC brand?
What about what Crutchfield told me about having to tap into my existing wiring harness...is this true?
I'll still need to run new wire from my amp to my speakers, won't I? |
Silver Member Username: Mmaudioconcepts
Post Number: 384
Registered: Jan-07
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| Posted on Friday, February 29, 2008 - 06:58 pm: |
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yes u will have to tap in to the wires or u can tap in to the speakers in your rear deck. and yes u will still have to run wires from amp to speakers |
New member Username: Jgkc9ayc
IL
USA
Post Number: 8
Registered: Feb-08
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| Posted on Friday, February 29, 2008 - 10:40 pm: |
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So the LOC requires me to tap into the wires going to the speakers, yes? It doesn't matter whether it's the front or rear?
What about hooking up the 2nd amp for my sub? A friend said I could go from the rca out on one to the rca in on the 2nd...Crutchfield said i'd need a "Y" adapter. Which route is best? |
New member Username: Loudazzaltima
Brooklyn,
NY
Post Number: 2
Registered: Mar-08
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| Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 05:49 pm: |
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most amps have a output line just so u can split the signal , but using a y adapter is the same, but i strongly suggest on gettin a aftermarket radio in the future, the sound quality wdifference will be huge |
Bronze Member Username: Superrober
Post Number: 47
Registered: Jan-08
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| Posted on Saturday, March 22, 2008 - 12:24 pm: |
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I tried both options and at the end my factory head unit sounded a 100 times better than an alpine 9885. I never knew why. With the alpine radio I had to turn the volume to the max and sounded as loud as my factory head unit at 50% volume. I tried changing settings and gains but nothing. |
Silver Member Username: Invictuz
Seattle,
Wa
Usa
Post Number: 208
Registered: Jan-05
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| Posted on Friday, June 13, 2008 - 12:51 am: |
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Audiocontrol is your best bet for line converters...they are quality and great customer service (you can actually ask them questions and get real answers).
http://www.mobileaudiocontrol.com/dept.asp?d_id=17612&l1=17612 |
