New Sub and Amp w/ Factory Deck

[Mark_s]

After a few months of listening to my blown to **** stock sub (JBL of course) , I want to replace it with an aftermarket amp and subwoofer. I read somewhere on here that the factory amps use a 5v turn on, which I guess I could get around with some weird relay work, but I've also read that they do use the normal 12v switch, does anyone know which it is?

Also, is the audio signal going into the factory sub amp already bypassed? If so, should I use that cut-off, or tap into the other speaker's signal and use my own cutoff?

Sorry for all the questions, I mean, I know the basics, like I have to run the power cable direct from the battery, and I'm going to make a box to (roughly) fit in the factory location, I just want to know how much work I'm getting in for before I buy everything.

 

[MADDOG11]

Replacing the factory deck will make everything so much easier as well as better sound quality!

 

[Phoenix]

After a few months of listening to my blown to **** stock sub (JBL of course) , I want to replace it with an aftermarket amp and subwoofer. I read somewhere on here that the factory amps use a 5v turn on, which I guess I could get around with some weird relay work, but I've also read that they do use the normal 12v switch, does anyone know which it is?

Also, is the audio signal going into the factory sub amp already bypassed? If so, should I use that cut-off, or tap into the other speaker's signal and use my own cutoff?

Sorry for all the questions, I mean, I know the basics, like I have to run the power cable direct from the battery, and I'm going to make a box to (roughly) fit in the factory location, I just want to know how much work I'm getting in for before I buy everything.

The way I did mine , I bought a little module that transforms the signal(speakers) from plain wire into RCAs , its like 20$.

I completly ditched the factory amp and its wires. Now the signal can be taken before or after the factory amp (the black amp) . I took the after signal , cause the before signal was too faint for me.

 

[Mark_s]

I completly ditched the factory amp and its wires. Now the signal can be taken before or after the factory amp (the black amp) . I took the after signal , cause the before signal was too faint for me.

Did you have any issues with the speaker signals lacking in bass? I thought the speaker amp had a cutoff, meaning the amplifier would only get high frequencies, and give little/nothing to the sub. Also, I guess that you've done this before, what did you use for the amp turn on?

Replacing the factory deck will make everything so much easier as well as better sound quality!

I am well aware that a new headunit would make everything easier, as well as sound better. But, I don't feel like shelling out over $150 for one that I like. I also like how the factory deck(s) look. I'll probably get one down the road, if I keep this car, but I don't really need/want one right now.

 

[Phoenix]

The bass cut off is mostly on the sub , still theres bass going in the speakers , since the speakers are not tweeters.

With alot of adjusting (gains - volume) you can achieve something nice.

For your question , do you mean like the remote? to turn the amp on? If this is it , I used the accessory power coming at the radio , so it turns on only with the key at acc or on.

 

[SuperHO]

any switched 12volt lead will work as a proper amp turn on thingy. as for signal, invest in a good set of line out converters, preferably ones with adjustable voltage levels. i don't know the intricacies involved with the adjustable ones, but using those with a stock head unit in a 99 cutlass really did wonderful things. don't forget...makes sure you solidly ground the amp and don't make your ground cable more than 3 feet long.

 

[Mark_s]

Thanks for the help, I think I'll see the results I that get without the Line converters, but I just found 3 sheets of MDF in my garage, so that frees up more money, so I'll probably get them at some point. Anyone have any brand recommendations?

How did your setup turn out Pheonix? Better than expected?

 

[Phoenix]

Thanks for the help, I think I'll see the results I that get without the Line converters, but I just found 3 sheets of MDF in my garage, so that frees up more money, so I'll probably get them at some point. Anyone have any brand recommendations?

How did your setup turn out Pheonix? Better than expected?

Turned out my amp is only at half its power and my 2 X 10" alpine subs are maxed out.

Its not the greatest sound out there , but it does the job while you wait getting an aftermarket unit.

It depend on your expectations , on a scale lets say its OK to good.