For those of you with an electronics background & have taken apart the stock deck, would it be difficult to tap into the preouts before it goes into the amplification stage? When I took the deck apart, the cd-player section of the "module audio" system just plugs into a main unit which I'm assuming is the amplification section. The player itself is actually pretty simple & I noticed that on the circuit board, it has labeled: L ch, R ch, 8v, Grnd, etc. I do have a Sony C910 kickin' around but would prefer to keep the look of the car as stock as possible for security reasons. Now, one thing I noticed was that there was no L ch pos/neg, just L ch which I'm assuming is the left channel positive but where's the negative? Is it just the common ground? I know this seems like a log of work for nothing but the curiousity is killing me & I'd like to retain the stock deck if possible if it sounds good. Hope somebody can help.

 

Sorry cannot answer your question, but I can offer alternative-install aftermarket deck in glove compartment and run wires to it. You will have quality of aftermarket and looks of stock.
There's one drawback-too far to reach, but some Sony models used to come with wired remotes...
Alex

 

I will hook the deck up on my bench this weekend and post where you should hook up for pre out. You can always use a high to low level converter.

 

I've thought about a common trick used by some SQ competitors who use their vehicles as daily drivers as well. They install an aftermarket deck (nice one of course), then cover it with the stock face. Of course, that will involve taking apart the OEM deck & some modifications to the dash.

ZZOOOMM,

Hey, big thanx man! I was thinking about using an LOC (line output converter) but I'd prefer to bypass the noise of the stock amp altogether if possible. I have amps that do accept speaker level inputs as well as an EQL which also accepts speaker level inputs but still want the best SQ with the stock deck as possible. Thanx again!