I plan to use my stock head unit and power components with a amp. The amp I have has speaker level inputs. The problem I have is what do I use for the amp remote wire?? Any suggestions?

Another thing is, will the sound quality be any good in this set-up or should I stop being cheap and get a new head unit?

Thanks in advance!

 

If you look in the diagram below (shamelessly stolen from modifry), there is a White/Red wire that is the ignition switched wire. You should be able to tap into that for your amplifier. That would turn it on any time your ignition was on. The Green/Red wire may even be the better choice, but I'm not sure what to interpret from "Radio remote switch input". Someone may have better insight as to what that is...



As for what this will sound like... I think many folks have done this. Will it be as good as an aftermarket HU with RCA outs? No, but it's worth a try for free... Good luck!

-Garrett

 

Tap the '1' -- Yellow/Green -- that's the power wire for the antenna's amplifier. It should only be on when the radio is on. If you're concerned with overdriving that circuit (remote turn on of an amp should be no problem though), you can use that wire to trigger a relay .

 

You can use the ignition wire as mentioned or there is also a specially designed relay out there for this application too - I can't recall who makes it, but it connects to a pair of stock speaker leads - then gives +12v when the speaker receives a signal.

I had one in my previous car - I think it was about $10-$15 and it works perfectly.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SC_Highlander
Tap the '1' -- Yellow/Green -- that's the power wire for the antenna's amplifier.

 

Just to add, remember the basics of any audio system

"GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT."

Invest in a nice head unit. You upgraded everything, so do it right.
Just .02

 

I have the stock headunit in my 02 and I just use the antenna output (yellow/green) and it stays on whenever the headunit is on regardless of the source selected (radio/cd/cd chg). I use it to control my Kenwood powered sub and it works flawlessly.

 

Does anyone know how, to pop open the wire retainer clip on the stereo harness so i can pull wires out and replace them cleanly?

 

if you take a tiny (jewelers) screwdriver and insert it along the pin
you want remove, you can release the locking mechanism for that
individual wire/pin. Alas I don't remember if you insert from the
wire side or connector side, nor do I remember if you go in above
or below the pin, but you'll figure it out I'm sure.