Can i use my stock HU and use a aftermarket 4 chnl amp? Is this possible if so could someone please let me know.

 

It's definitely possible. You have a couple of choice about how to hook it up: high-level (speaker) or low-level (RCA).

To go with high-level, you need an amp that will accept high level inputs (not all amps do this. Check first)

To go low-level, you will need to step the signal down using a converter. You can probably pick these up at any Car Audio Shop (since you're in Ottawa, check Joe's, Derand, etc.)

To the best of my knowledge, the advantage to using RCA inputs is better noise rejection. Using speaker-level makes this more likely.

Hope this helps!

 

Dru, knowing this much have you ever done it? What is your email address i would like to ask you a few questions.

 

Check your private messages.

 

Both the line-level converter (converts highs to RCA) and the high-level amp input are options. If your amp has a high input, i would use that.

RCA's do have better noise rejection, but only when running from jack to jack, the connections you make with the wires to the converter will actually cause more noise than if you ran the wires straight back to the amp. the RCA's cant make the signal any better than it is, only preserve its initall quality. If you are just connecting wires, then the audio signal the RCAs recieve will alreay be distorted somewhat.

 

Like others have said before, try and find an amp that accepts high level inputs. The low level adaptors tend to cause a lot of noise and distortion. Keep in mind that the sound quality won't be as great, as the distortion of the head unit amp will be amplified as well.

 

RCA outputs have a set voltage level that they send to your amplifier some are as little as 1.5 volts and some can be as much as 5-7 volts, the more voltage you have, the less that your amp has to work to step up the power to send to your subs.
It's kinda like if you use rabbit ears on your tv instead of using a cable or satellite, your eyes have to work harder to see the picture clearer.
The line converter will only step it to RCA's but then it will be variable as you change the volume level.
Best idea, get a cd changer with RCA outputs so that way you retain the stock headunit but get to use the cd changer for your amp and subs...sure it may only work with the cd changer but it's better than a lot of distortion with your stock headunit with a line converter.
Good luck

 

But the only way you can get a CD changer with outputs (???-they all have outputs; how do you think the sound gets from the CD to the speakers?) to work with a factory radio is to use one with an FM modulator. That would be a loss in sound quality as well. Also, if you hooked up the CD changer directly to the amp, how are you going to connect the headunit to the speakers? You won't be able to just wire them in, that would put quite a load on the amp and cause a whole ton of distortion. You also wouldn't be able to control the volume either, as the CD changer would only have the output of around 500mv.

Basically, if you want to amplify your stock headunit, go with an amp that accepts speaker level inputs (very common on most amps today, better choice between the 2 options), or use a line level adaptor (not exactly the best way, but gets the job done).

 

umm high level is crap

DECK w/ 5% THD --> highlevel inputs on amp --> Amplified signal w/5% THD = crap sound
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i've done it. see sig.