Newbie Amp Question
 

My buddy claims to know how to do this stuff, but I want to make sure we do it right...


I want to add an amp w/subwoofer to my stock P5 factory deck....I've got a decent speaker, but need to figure out the amp and wiring...

I assume there's no pre-outs in the factory HU?

Do I just splice into the rear speaker wires?

Do I have to make sure the amp has..."speaker level inputs?" What else do I need to know?


HELP!!!!!!

Thanks....

PS: Is it tough getting into the door-mounted speakers if I want to swap them out? I always hate pulling apart all that plastic/press fittings etc...

:(

Re: Newbie Amp Question
 

The stock deck does not have RCA outs, none do. You have 2 options:
1. Get an amp with speaker inputs, usualy this is the better option
2. Get a high to low converter. these vary in quality with price. basicly they take in speaker wires and give out RCA's

Splice into the rear speaker leads, then run them to either amp or high to low converter. If using HIghto low run the RCA's to the amp.

Also you will need to run a turn on wire for the amp. It should be spliced onto the ignition AKA switched power wire behind the radio.

Also if you friend didn't know any part of this, KEEP HIM THE HELL AWAY FROM YOUR CAR! HE DOENS'T KNOW AUDIO!

This is actualy very simple for even a basic installer. Yiu may want to think of having a shop do it for you.

Actually, he's already told me all of this...but, seeng as my P5 is my baby, I'm checking up on him to make sure!!!

Between talking to him, reading these posts, and your reply, I'm feeling much better about it....

he's helped me before with success...I should be a little more trusting, perhaps!

Thanks!:D

There are actualy atleast 10 other members that have already done this upgrade or are in the process of doing it some whould be able to get you the wireing colors.

That would really help, eh? Make things a lot easier/cleaner/less risky...


Any suggestions on how to find out? Just search through the forums?

yep, you should find alot of posts about this. Just PM some people that say they have done it. I know Sir Nuke will be doing it soon so he may be able to tellyou also. Bare in mind colors are different year to year so ask someone that has the same car you do.

Thanks alot!

I'm sure glad I found this board...I was stuck in a pretty crappy Mazda board for a while! This one is much easier to use, and everyone seems pretty helpful so far....

which one was that?

"Mazda Club Discussion Board"
http://www.network54.com/Forum/15854

No search functionality, no categories, you start or read a thread and then a few days later can't find it again...junk.

There was another one (I forget where) that looked better, but this one still has the better organization, members, etc.

Speaker Polarity
 

Might be able to save you some time. If your're looking, got this from Crutchfield about 2 weeks ago:

Speaker Polarity on 2002 P5

Front Left + Black/Red
Front Left - Black/White

Front Right + Red
Front Right - White

Rear Left + Brown/White
Rear Left - Brown

Rear Right + Green
Rear Right - Green/Orange

Ignition Pink/Black

the pink/black would be spliced into for your amps remote turn on Swank

wow...

Very cool, guys. This will help alot. Thanks!



So what's up with Sony, 1st MP3???

They suck, why you didn't know?

Remote Turn On
 

One other thing to try is a remote turn on trigger. Instaed of wiring the amp to the ignition (in which case it is on whenever the key is turned), David Navone makes a remote trigger that swithces on only when it "senses" speaker level signal. So the amp isn't powered on when the radio isn't on. This switch provides a 12V remote lead to be connected to the remote turn on of the amp.

As for sony, I have some sony amps that never give me trouble -5+ years running in the trunk of a black miata in the AZ desert without a single problem. Now they live in my P5.

That reminds me alot of amps with speaker level inputs also have signal sensing. As for the Sont. I am mostly disguested with new stuff, last 2 years or so. I don't have alot of eqperience with the older equipment so I won't comment either way.