Current setup in my 2004 S:

- Pioneer DEH-X9600BHS using Modifry PnP + DCI

Thinking of adding the following:

- Alpine KTP-445U
- HAT Imagine VII 6.5

With minimal amount of wire splicing; how do I connect the Pioneer HU + Alpine amp + speakers?


My initial thought was:
- Keep existing HU connection to OEM harness via PnP
- Tap PnP power to amp
- (Here is where it gets foggy for me) RCA out from HU > amp > aftermarket speaks via ??

TIA

Best,
-a

 

you really dont want to use the factory wires to hook the speakers to an amp, theyre just too small. its not that hard to run thicker wire through the doors from the speakers to the amp. you should run RCA cable from HU to amp, then new wires form amp to speakers. you can still leave the factory wires in place if you ever need to go back.

 

With the alpine 445u you can just run the amp off of the radio harness

 

Having 2nd thoughts on the 445U. I have no clue how I would attach aftermarket speaker wire to the unit.

With that, I'll probably research a more traditional amp and run RCA to the amp and run new speaker wires. Planning to mount the amp in the spare tire space utilizing DarkKnights wiring DIY write up.

 

as the other member mentioned, don't splice into the stock wiring or harness to hook up an external amp. you need to run dedicated ground and power wires for optimal performance, sonically, & to protect all electrical components, incl the amp and your electrical system. it's not that difficult, but it is time consuming to do right, esp in an s2k, which isn't the easiest car to work on because of the tight cabin. shouldn't cost much to have a shop do it. head unit is easy to install yourself, but might as well just have them do it w/the amp and speakers. $200-300 for everything should cover it.

i'd go w/a traditional amp, instead of the Alpine power pack, esp if you plan on getting the Hybrid Audio Imagines. they need more power than the power pack. an external amp will give you room to grow if you want to add a sub too. i considered Hybrid Audio, but I didn't want to wait for them to be shipped all the way from the other side of the country. i'm happy with my Hertz HSK-165XLs.

 

Thanks for the reply Curtis.

I'll end up doing the install myself. The OCD in me can't stand sloppy wiring / routing. I'll just take my time, research DIY threads. Probably have better satisfaction as well!

 

no prob, Alex. you should be able to manage those installs. they're basic and straightforward if you do your homework. just be mindful of where you run the wiring or you can get ground noise. run a dedicated fuse to the battery for the amp too. using some sound deadening in the doors will really help sound quality in the doors too.

if you decide you want to have a shop do it, my friend is a highly regarded installer for one of the top shops around.

 

I JUST saw a new place in Milpitas; Simpicity In Sound. Really good reviews and super detailed oriented. I might just go with them since they're local too.

 

Simplicity Sound is another excellent choice. my friend knows the lead guy/founder there. he took on a partner recently and opened the shop. he used to do installs out of his garage. they do nice work. did another friend's NSX showcar.