High level inputs for amp

loadswine · April 4, 2006, 22:47

I wanted to run an amp from the stock headunit (2000 my) to power a pair of comps in the doors and 6x9s in the luggage compartment doors. I think later models may have preouts to run RCAs, but I wanted to keep the H/U if possible, so intended to run the speaker outputs from the H/U to high level inputs on an amp.Does this sound okay?
I have seen a 4 channel line output convertor on ebay and didn't know if that was the way forward. I don't have any desire to run subs, just wanted to give the speakers some grunt.
Any advice appreciated, thanks.

markiii · April 4, 2006, 22:55

if it's the stock sony double din it may well have preouts

Anonymous · April 4, 2006, 22:56

Yes it has pre-outs

loadswine · April 4, 2006, 23:09

Cool, that gives me a few more options then.
Thanks guys.

loadswine · April 5, 2006, 01:23

Any idea how they are identified? I don't suppose they have RCA fittings?

markiii · April 5, 2006, 07:07

would expect they are RCA

Anonymous · April 5, 2006, 09:24

Yeap - two RCA preouts I believe..... Oh hang on - could be one. The other might be for the CD changer input..... s:? :? s:?

Definately RCA though.

Anonymous · April 5, 2006, 09:50

IIRC its one....... cant remember for sure though

Anonymous · April 5, 2006, 12:18

You have two RCA pre outs and another set for the CD changer.

loadswine · April 5, 2006, 13:48

Thanks for the info folks. Most helpful.

loadswine · April 7, 2006, 15:21

Following the help that other members have given me on this, just thought I'd put up a pic of the rear of the stock h/u out of my 2000 uk supplied car.

Your help has enabled me to check out amps and source a decent wiring kit.
Thanks again.
PS anyone able to help in identifying the wire that I need to use from the existing to switch on the amp?

kanujunkie · April 7, 2006, 17:08

as far as i'm aware Nigel, theres no remote amp switch on that unit. In theory you could use the aerial up wire, but you'll need to check the voltages are the same as the amp

Anonymous · April 19, 2006, 08:09

There is indeed a remote amp switch; I will have to check my install which cable it is though.

loadswine · April 19, 2006, 08:38

Any clue you can give will be a help. Thanks.

loadswine · April 23, 2006, 10:00

Well there was indeed a remote switch cable leading out from the plug on the back of the unit . It was blue and white , found using a basic circuit tester. For reference , this is a 2000 my car and it is the Sony double din stock head unit.
This is now wired up to an alpine amp (modest 360W) and Focal K series comps up front with Pioneer basic 6x9s (3 way) in the storage compartment doors.
Excellent sound now, very clear, I think the Focals do the majority of the work to make it sound this good, but having just something behind the seats fills the sound out and completes the effect.