Newbie Amp Question
October-3rd-2002, 08:22 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Saratoga Springs, NY
Posts: 33
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...
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...
October-3rd-2002, 09:32 AM
#2
Protege Owner
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 720
Re: Newbie Amp Question
Originally posted by swank
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...
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...
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.
October-3rd-2002, 09:44 AM
#3
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Saratoga Springs, NY
Posts: 33
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!
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!
October-3rd-2002, 09:59 AM
#6
Protege Owner
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 720
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.
October-3rd-2002, 10:04 AM
#7
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Saratoga Springs, NY
Posts: 33
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....
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....
October-3rd-2002, 10:16 AM
#9
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Saratoga Springs, NY
Posts: 33
"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.
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.
October-3rd-2002, 12:56 PM
#10
Protege Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 28
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
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
October-3rd-2002, 01:46 PM
#14
Protege Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 28
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.
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.
October-3rd-2002, 01:57 PM
#15
Protege Owner
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 720
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.