View Full Version : how to install amp with stock stereo???
jason01cougar
03-16-2004, 03:00 PM
ok, i know its possible, but how do i run RCA cables to my amp since our stock stereos do not have RCA preouts???
01blkcat
03-16-2004, 04:12 PM
There are devices available that will step speaker outputs to RCA - check your local Radio Shack, or CC/BB.
jason01cougar
03-16-2004, 11:29 PM
do you know what they are called by any chance? thanks though for the help...
01blkcat
03-16-2004, 11:39 PM
high to low signal level converter
billet350
03-19-2004, 10:52 AM
Circuit City and Best Buy has the device,,, its called an RCA adaptor make sure to tell them its for the car
Excelcier
03-19-2004, 11:43 AM
It's also known as a "power to line level converter".
EricF
03-22-2004, 06:32 PM
Another option is that some amps have "low level" (speaker line) inputs.
jason01cougar
03-28-2004, 02:07 AM
so how does this thing hook up? does it hook up to the rear of the deck or what? anyone know what they cost, ive never heard of them before...
billet350
03-28-2004, 02:23 AM
at circuit city and best buy they are under 25 bucks,,, they hook up to the speaker wires behind the cd player,,,
silverfrost99
03-30-2004, 02:44 PM
I used to have one before I got a headunit. It just splices into the speaker wire and then there is a box with RCA cables on the other end, mine had an adjustent on the box for volume. But let me tell you, doing this is no where near as good as a headunit with preamp outputs. The preamp outputs are much better in sound volume and quality.
CougarXR02
06-25-2004, 04:26 AM
If your car has the separate factory amp, I am not sure if all our cars do, I have been told by stereo shops that the ford head unit preamp outputs that go to the factory amp are at the same volts, etc. as after market RCAs. If this is in fact true just locate the wires, use a meter and find which wires are for which channel, then buy 4 RCAs and solder them in, or crimp them in.
Blackedoutcat
06-28-2004, 01:20 AM
You cannot use the high level inputs on your amp! If you try you will overload a protection circuit in your radio! Luckily this just resets itself when you A) Turn the radio off then on again after unplugging your amp or B)Unplug the High level inputs going to your amp! Best idea is to use a line level converter! Get your left and right from the back speakers! That's what I did! I learned that the hard way!