Amp and Sub

[trkelly]

I know there was a ton of information on this subject at the other website no longer accessible. Anyway how to- set up an AMP with a sub and not lose any steering wheel or other factory settings, and where is the factory bose amp located anyway??
1997 SSEi 40th Anniversary Edition

[99ssei]

If the 97 trim is like my 99... The Bose amp is located under the back of the stock radio. If you crawl in head first, and look up between the center console (closest to the firewall), you should see the top of the Bose amp (mounted upside down).

Are you running off the head unit or replacing?

I replaced my factory head with a Sony. 3 outputs (1 F, 1R, 1S). Stock speakers off the head, Alpine 12 off the Alpine sub.
To keep the steering wheel buttons with aftermarket, you'll need a audio control interface:

http://www.pfyc.com/pc/GN8002/GPOTHER/P ... rface.html

Very easy to install and you program it so no excuses!

[trkelly]

I was hoping to use the factory head unit and just integrate the Amp and Sub into the existing system. So the audio interface is just if you change the headset to an after market system?
Is it possible to just patch in the Amp and Sub to the existing system without losing factory features?

[99ssei]

It is, but you need to run a high input (speaker level) to your amp. This is done by taking the signal off your speakers (literally tapping off the speaker wires) and sending that to your amp. Your amp needs to have those inputs for that to happen. Most amps made today only have the RCA connectors. There are some manufacturers that make the high to low (speaker to line level) line output signal converter.
Here's one I found on Crutchfield:

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/ ... C4&tp=1276

[glorkar]

I used a line converter for a while until I replaced my head unit. Worked pretty good. I just spliced into the rear speaker wires and hid the box behind the carpet in the trunk. I'm pretty sure I just bought mine at wal-mart. Can't remember the price though.

[99ssei]

The one I posted was $20.
Using the converter for a sub is fine, but I wouldn't recommend using it for your mids or highs.
The audio quality is usually less than desirable.
In audio, the adage is definitely true....you get what you pay for.

[trkelly]

I have an old Sherwood Amp, here is a picture of the front and back, I should be able to just patch in from the rear speakers and run a hot wire from the battery and ground?

[99ssei]

What is your line input connected to? (RCAs on the left) Ideally, that should come from your head unit.
Do you have the connector for the speaker inputs? If so, then yes, you can tap off the rear decks.
However, it's either one or the other (line or speaker input).

[Bugsi]

I was hoping to use the factory head unit and just integrate the Amp and Sub into the existing system. . .
Is it possible to just patch in the Amp and Sub to the existing system without losing factory features?

The PAC AOEM kits can provide line level front and rear outputs and a remote turn on wire for an aftermarket amp, while retaining your stock head unit and all Bose/HUD/Steering-Wheel-Controls/OnStar functionality. The AOEM-GM21 kit looks to be the kit for your car.
http://www.pac-audio.com/oem1kits/aoemr ... OEM-1+kits

I've found http://www.sonicelectronix.com to have good prices for those kits.

-Mark

[trkelly]

This setup was from my old aftermarket Pioneer stereo that had the RCA output. The factory stereo in the Bonne does not have these. I don't have the plug for the speaker input but I assume one can be purchased.

[trkelly]

I have looked at the AOEM-GM21 and maybe thats the easiet way to go they seem to run between $40 to $60, don't you need a female plug from the factory wiring harness then?

[99ssei]

This setup was from my old aftermarket Pioneer stereo that had the RCA output. The factory stereo in the Bonne does not have these. I don't have the plug for the speaker input but I assume one can be purchased.

Never assume.

Based on your last post, you won't need the speaker level input connector, because the AOEM-GM21 has 4 female RCA output jacks, which plug into the after market amp. The input connectors plug into the factory stereo on one end and vehicle harness on the other. This is probably all you'll need.

[trkelly]

True enough never assume I think the AOEM plug is the way to go. Thanks so much for your input and help