Amp in the back

[Ciscas]

Guys, I know there is a lot of info about the stereo, but I can't find much about the amp. sitting in the back.
Thing is I decided to change the HU because the original one is well outdated and radio is awful. So I've been studying schematics and wires and god know what else but nothing said about how the original hu is connected to the amp??
My new hu has got these fancy signal out wires like a "normal stereo" but it seems I might have to pull all new cables for that

[melchett]

On most amps the only connections to the HU needed are the RCA cables and the 'signal' wire (if fitted). It seems you have found the RCA outputs, one red and one white (or black), if thats what you mean by the 'fancy signal out wires'. They should look something like this:

www.caraudiohelp.com/car_audio_system/car_audio_system.htm

I dont know if the standard monaro HU has RCA outputs, so I dont know how the stereo signal goes to the amp. If you are going to the effort of replacing the HU I would fit new, good quality RCA cables! Standard OEM wiring is alway pi$$ poor, that also applies to the speaker cabling aswell.

The other wire I mention, the 'signal' wire is used to turn the amp on and off with the HU. I dont know if the Ro has this either, but it is likely that your new HU will have this output.

[Ciscas]

ah. thx

Yeah I think I will install some new cables for all of it. I did it on a previous car and it does make a big difference.

It seems the original radio sends the signal via the speaker cables to the amp somehow. There are no RCA's to be found so I guess just fitting those with a new HU would make a big improvement.

[hsv_rulz]

The only thing you need be concerned with is the wire from the HU main ISO connector that turns on/off the amp when HU on/off. The factory sub amps audio input is parelleled off the rear speakers and outputs to the rear deck subs. It is powered all the time, but as I said is 'triggered' on/off by the HU.

[melchett]

hsv_rulz said:

The factory sub amps audio input is parelleled off the rear speakers and outputs to the rear deck subs.

That is cheap N nasty! If you are getting a new HU then why not treat yourself to a proper install and bin the old amp.

[hsv_rulz]

melchett said:

hsv_rulz said:

The factory sub amps audio input is parelleled off the rear speakers and outputs to the rear deck subs.

That is cheap N nasty! If you are getting a new HU then why not treat yourself to a proper install and bin the old amp.

That is a legit (and common) way of doing it -called spkr level input.

If you were gonna do that, then new subs would be reqd also (factory fit - amp 40W, subs 2 x 25W [I fink]). Doubt if you could buy an aftermarket sub amp @ 40W. And then you may as well replace all the spkrs, as again factory fit are paper cones @ 20W ea. And depending on HU selected, an adapter or interface to get the steering wheel controls to work.

[Ciscas]

Thank you, I haven't heard about that before either.

I got the new HU (Clarion) put in and it plays much better even though it's just standard speakers. Just waiting for the PAC from the states to make finish that bit. New speakers, amp and sub will follow.

I gotta say without the info from here it would have been a nightmare, thx guys

[VXR Monaro]

i replaced my headunit with a double din pioneer satnav unit then put fusion way speakers in the front and rear using original wiring, then run new RCA power and signal to the boot for a new 500watt amp to drive two free air subs in the shelf sounds cool! cost about £1k in total.

just pulled the plug on the standard amp and the signal off the head unit was used to run the other amp