How to install a car amplifier with a factory stereo | Crutchfield

[@Cully-Wully]

JR is the man! 25 years ago when he was my salesman he helped me tremendously with installs and he definitely knows his stuff. Crutchfield is the authority on aftermarket installations. Thank you to Crutchfield and their team of professionals.

[@crutchfield]

Thank you for the kind words. I agree totally, JR is the man! I am tickled to hear that he hooked you up and that you enjoyed the video so much. 🥰

[@joedurling2894]

I love the mix of the complex way to do it and the easy way. Great info, clean presentation, and seeing the wiring setup outside of the car was very helpful.

[@crutchfield]

Thanks! It's great to hear that you found it helpful! 🙂

[@102jackw]

Very detailed and organized, thank you! You uploaded this just as I started of my first install. More like Clutchfield 🙏

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! Sounds like perfect timing! 🙂 How did the installation go?

[@Jeff88534]

Amazingly done! This is perfect. Thank you Crutchfield! You and your Team are A+++. This was so helpful.

[@crutchfield]

Thanks for the kind words! It's great to hear that you found the video helpful. 🙂

[@akashad6755]

One of the best tutorial I have ever seen👌🏼

[@crutchfield]

Thanks! It's great to hear that you found it helpful. 🙂

[@silverb5s4]

Great video! JR is very well spoken and easy to understand. Thank you JR

[@crutchfield]

Thanks for the kind words! It's great to hear that you found the video helpful. 😃

[@Snicker60515]

I didn't watch the video, but I have a suggestion. Now that you've shown us how to run an amp off a factory stereo, now show us how to do it with an aftermarket head unit. I'm gonna spoil it though: It involves more wires than you ever thought possible. I'm going to be running just an external amp and a powered sub, but this requires no less than 7 wires, 16 if you count 8 speaker wires and the additional remote wire for the external amp. Those 9 seperate wires are bundled in a speed wire that Crutchfield do sell, when it's in stock anyway. Car audio installers have earned my respect and admiration during this installation process for my car.

[@crutchfield]

Thank you for your comment!😎

[@applejack2374]

Great! This came right when I needed it! Thank you for the upload!

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! It's great to hear that you found it helpful. 🙂

[@mateo_von]

“Sit back, relax and watch us make you even more confused than you were before you clicked on this video. LOL.”

[@coochiecrook7120]

Yeah it's like when you know something and the other person doesn't , you talk to them like they should know! "Bro, what's not to get!? You just take the J connection hook it to the cross drip emathic leak fueler and divide it by rizz compacitor in the fluk manual.....easy!"

[@silentk59]

You guys must be retarded. This is the most concise amp install video ive seen in KZbin, so far. And ive seen atleast 6-7 in the last few days, including CarAudioFabrications video/s.

[@TheNuclearBolton]

Ikr this is all common knowledge

[@whoseveret]

He explained this extremely easily tbh.. I mean this in the nicest way possible, if none of this makes sense to you, you need to do alot more research or just take your car into an audio shop

[@jbraMoVal]

It's not confusing when you follow it step by step. The sound system I installed from them It's awesome but it's missing that clear sound. The sound that hits the soul my friend.

[@marcjax77]

WOW! What a great video. Thank you for the clarity and thoroughness!

[@crutchfield]

Thank you for the kind words, and for enjoying our video!🥰

[@travisfrank4706]

This video is awesome ! Thank you !

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! It's great to hear that you found it helpful! 🙂

[@caughtafaygo]

Crutchfield for the win

[@crutchfield]

I am happy you enjoyed our video and found it helpful. Thank you for the kind words!😍🥰

[@RikAindow]

As always, I love your videos. I just wish you'd come to the UK 🇬🇧 😀

[@crutchfield]

Thanks, Rik! Sorry we aren't able to ship to you there. ☹️

[@Itz_luizzz]

If you have a aftermarket radio do you need the tuner? And if I want to have an amp for speakers and for subwoofers separate can I run both power cables through the same side or will it mess with the signal?

[@isidrov6850]

Could I in theory connect the 9 wire from my amp to my after market stereo harness and have an amplified signal output coming from my speakers through factory wiring. I would not need to connect the second line of 9 wire as I would be able to connect RCA's. Lmk your guys thoughts.

[@crutchfield]

You wouldn't want to connect the 9 wire cable to the stereo's harness. In vehicles that do not come with a factory installed amp, the 9 wire cable could be connected to the harness used to install an aftermarket radio into your vehicle. This can work with amps that output 75 watts RMS or less per channel.

[@isidrov6850]

@ bet that’s perfect my amp is running at 60 rms per channel so it should be perfect. thank you for responding so fast.

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! Glad we could help and that it was good news too :)

[@bigsmoke279]

Love Crutchfield

[@crutchfield]

Thanks for being our customer! Have you done this type of amp install?

[@janjohnny4945]

Amp+velcro looks easy to do, but I would be afraid it has been attached firmly. I glued wood board under the carpet and abc on the carpets and use screws to attach amp. Great video thanks

[@crutchfield]

When in doubt, use more Velcro lol We've done your method of securing wood to the floor and then securing amp to the wood often enough to know that works too!!

[@janjohnny4945]

@@crutchfield okay! More velcro 😀

[@crutchfield]

😀👍 Keep us posted!

[@RedX1080]

A question for setting gains: my setup includes a LOC that also has a gain setting knob on it for front and rear. I have a volt meter and I understand how to find out my desired volts for the amp, but how do I go about doing the gain settings between the LOC and the amp?

[@crutchfield]

You'll want to follow the instructions specific to your exact LOC for the gain settings. Most LOC's will have LED indicators for clipping or optimized signal that can be used to help dial in the right settings. You can also test your exact signal output in AC volts of your line-level RCA signal with your multimeter to help match it to the listed specs for input signal strength of your exact amplifier.

[@RIBBY_BOY]

Ur a pretty good speaker dude it's not easy making videos!!

[@crutchfield]

Thank you! JR has had made a lot of videos for us and it sounds like it shows :)

[@smb7304]

Thanks guys you really helped me out ❤

[@crutchfield]

I am delighted to hear you enjoyed our video and found it helpful. Thank you for your kind comments to let us know!🥰

[@dogwink]

This is the best amp to factory head unit install video I've seen. Question: Why were the rear speakers configured for high-pass filter?

[@crutchfield]

Thank you for the kind words, I am very happy you enjoyed our video🥰. The hi pass filter applied for the rear speakers tightens the sound and reduced distortion from low bass on the smaller speakers. The front 6x9"s can handle a full-range signal, no problem!

[@dogwink]

@@crutchfield Aha! Thanks. I didn't catch that the rear speakers were smaller ones. I initially thought the rears also full range, but after hearing about the high-pass activation, I thought I missed some detail where the rears were mid-high units and the plan was for a sub in the trunk because of the 6-channel LOC unit. :D

[@crutchfield]

No problem! 🙂

[@stephentrujillo7555]

Hello sir I've a 2010 Cadillac srx. It has a stock amo in it. With a stock radio. So I'm wondering if i just hook up a hi low converter to the speakers will it still work. Or will the stock amo interfere with it. Thx my friend

[@crutchfield]

You can install a line output converter in your 2010 Cadillac SRX. With most line output converters, you will want to get your speaker-level input signal from the amplified speaker outputs after the factory amplifier.

[@ultimateyoutuber6512]

Can i use the factory wiring in my 2021 honda civic with a 75 watt amplifyer? Or will i need to install larger speaker wires?

[@crutchfield]

We have done extensive testing with our Technical Support team on this issue, and we found that signal loss is minimum when using amps up-to 100-watts RMS with good condition factory speaker wires. You can install a 75-watt amp with confidence and have great results without re-wiring your vehicle's speaker wires! Anything over 100-watts RMS or for subwoofers, larger gauge speaker wire would be needed.

[@MatthewFournier-m8j]

Good Afternoon, I was wondering what gauge wire you had run from the amplifier to power the LOC. The small red wire, additionally what resistance fuse was used as well. Also, what T-harness was used in this video? its not relivant I just want to know which specific one was used on this video so I can futher my research. Thanks

[@crutchfield]

For any LOC's and processors, we use this low-current wiring kit in the link below. For compatible select Subaru Crosstrek vehicles, the PAC LPHTY01 in the second link below is used in the video. www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc166/p_700DSPLOC/Wiring-Kit-for-Processors-and-Low-Current-Devices.html www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc166/p_541LPHTY01/PAC-LPHTY01-LocPro-Advanced-T-Harness.html

[@MatthewFournier-m8j]

@@crutchfield Thank you

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! 🙂

[@naufalqnw]

What's the limitation for the stock speaker wire? Usually what's the maximum speaker wattage you can use with stock speaker wire? Thanks.

[@crutchfield]

We typically only suggest using stock speaker wire with amps rated at 50 watts RMS or less per channel.

[@naufalqnw]

@crutchfield thanks for the reply. My speaker rated at 80w rms. I really should use new cables then. Thanks you so much for the tips.

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome. If you need anything further, please let us know.

[@BalgamFeel]

i have Land cruiser lc300 2024. it came with only 7 speakers is it enough to upgrade and get better audio quality? by changing car JBL speakers+ amplifier

[@crutchfield]

Yes, replacing your speakers and adding an amp is the best way to upgrade your sound. What type of setup did you have in mind?

[@BalgamFeel]

@@crutchfield i still dont know, but i want to install best type of JBL speakers and idk about the amplifier. because there is famous shop in my town will do it

[@caughtafaygo]

I respect my mans quality cable style lol. Velcro is a nice hack tho

[@crutchfield]

I am happy you enjoyed our video! You mean using something like the Velcro ties below? www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc166/p_407HL80Q/Grizzly-Supply-Black-Hook-and-Loop-Cable-Ties-8-x-3-4-25-count.html

[@LansaDiag]

Hi folks! Is it safe to use 3ohm speakers on a 2 /4 ohm amplifier? If so, is there anything special i need to pay attention to? Thank you kindly.

[@crutchfield]

Many popular speaker brands like Infinity and JBL offer 3-ohm speaker options, and those are totally fine to use with amplifiers that have a 2-ohm minimum impedance. The amplifiers will deliver a little bit more power than the 4-ohm RMS wattage ratings to those speakers, so making sure you are using an amplifier that does not overpower your speakers RMS wattage ratings is a good idea.

[@danielmuljadi]

If my car is equipped with a factory amp, should i use the low level input or high level input when connecting signal wire to a aftermarket monoblock amp to drive my sub?

[@crutchfield]

High level inputs should be used in cases like yours when getting the audio after its been amplified.

[@allencross8613]

I am most likely going to be installing an amp in my 2023 kia forte gt line, its a newer car so I am a bit worried for the amount of cables and stuff that I'd need to mess with and unplug. Ive been going through many crutch field and other installation content online however even choosing the right amp and sub for my car is difficult. My future plan is to install a possibly 5 channel amp for my 4 speakers front and rear while saving another channel for a future subwoofer. Are there any tips I could get about choosing the right amp and subwoofer? I will be purchasing everything through crutchfield as well since a lot of comments recommend the expertise that comes with your website. LOVE the content keep it up

[@crutchfield]

Thank you for the kind words, we appreciate them🥰. The AudioControl LC7i PRO from the video is needed here if you plan to keep your factory radio in place, and it does need to be wired in to your vehicle. The Audison SE 5.600 in the link below would provide the extra 5th channel for your subwoofer when you decide to add it, plus is provides robust clean power. You'll want to make sure you choose speakers that can handle 75-watts RMS or higher and a subwoofer that can handle 550-watts RMS at 2-ohms or higher. www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc166/p_302SR56002/Audison-SR-5-600.html

[@88elbron88]

Thank you so much! Great tutorial!

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! It's great to hear that you found it helpful. 🙂

[@cpouk8285]

A normal volume knob control is ok with my pioneer 12 inches double speaker which is 1200 watt? i lost original volume control for the sub

[@crutchfield]

If you have lost your original bass control knob, you will need to source an exact replacement that is compatible with your brand and model amplifier. If you are using a line-level RCA signal input to your amplifier you can also use the PAC LC-1 Remote level control in the link below. The PAC LC-1 works with any RCA line-level output. The LC-1 would need an extra RCA 2-channel cable for installation into most existing subwoofer systems using RCA line-level outputs to your amplifier. www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc166/p_541LC1/PAC-LC-1-Remote-Level-Control.html

[@cpouk8285]

@@crutchfield Thank you so much for your kind help bruv

[@jbdiagnose]

i have a 35mm² power wire going to the back of the car, is it possible to connect a 10mm² that then goes to the amplifier?

[@crutchfield]

A distribution block can help connect a smaller gauge wire to a larger gauge wire that's already been ran to the battery. The link below will show you one that works with the wires sizes you've listed: www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc227/p_120VDB4/item.html

[@xSpaceKhajiit]

I have a crosstrek with the exact same stock stereo. Can you please link the wiring harness used in the video?

[@crutchfield]

Hi Megan, we're glad to help. What year is your vehicle?

[@mjb.vision]

Hi, great video! Very informative. Question, if my amp has high level input, can I just use that instead of getting an LOC? Pioneer GMD-9705 Thank you!

[@crutchfield]

Thank you! 🙂 Yes, with an amp that offers speaker-level input capability, you wouldn't need a line converter to connect the amp to a factory stereo.

[@mjb.vision]

@@crutchfield Amazing! Thank you for your response.

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome!

[@toolie1019]

Which is better Blam Relax 165 R2S or Alpine S2 S65C? Thanks in advance for your input.

[@crutchfield]

We cannot compare products like the Blam brand speakers that we do not sell and have not tested. The Alpine S2-S65C's below are very impressive with great sound quality, one of our top sellers. They are Hi-Res rated with a response up to 40K and can handle 80-watts RMS power, making them a good match for a wide variety of systems. www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc166/p_500S2S65C/Alpine-S2-S65C.html

[@jose9899]

this was a great video .... thanks !!!

[@crutchfield]

It's great to hear that you found it helpful! 🙂

[@zach6121]

Trying to install an amp in my 1997 LS400 Nakamichi system, no t splitter unfortunately available, cutting is scary too haha

[@crutchfield]

If there is no PAC T-harness available for your specific vehicle, you will need to splice/wire in your line output converter/amplifier for install. We provide lifetime Technical Support with every order. If you decide to tackle the job yourself, we can always assist.

[@Ace88s]

I’m looking to add a 4-channel amp to my factory radio. I have the t-harness and the required speaker to rca cord for the amp. Do I also need the 9-wire or does that rca attachment take care of that? I guess I’m confused because the speaker to rca is only 12”.

[@crutchfield]

It sounds like from your description you are using an amplifier that has speaker-level inputs but needs the speaker wire-to-RCA adapter to connect to the RCA inputs on the amp, with no processor or line output converter. You will still need the 9-wire, as the 9-wire's job is to take the amplified speaker signal from the amp back to the PAC LOCPro T-harness to splice back into your vehicle's original speaker wiring. This allows you to add the amplifier without re-wiring the speaker wires through your entire vehicle. If you need additional length from the T-harness to your RCA input adapter you can also use the 9-wire to extend the speaker-level signal from the harness to the inputs of your amplifier.

[@Ace88s]

@ thanks a lot for the detailed response. One last question, how would adding a LOC change this set up? If at all? I’m planning to purchase that prior to install

[@crutchfield]

You're certainly welcome! What type of amp do you have? What's the year, make, and model of the vehicle?

[@Ace88s]

@@crutchfield Kicker 46CXA360.4T. 2021 Toyota Tacoma SR (non-jbl, 7in screen)

[@crutchfield]

The wiring change that would happen is that RCA cables are needed to carry the audio from an LOC to the amp. The potential changes in the audio are endless and only really limited by the abilities of the LOC you choose.

[@tannerjones1610]

Can I run 4 kicker speakers with the amp, without the lc7i pro and add that later?

[@crutchfield]

Some vehicles can work directly with amp's that have speaker level inputs without requiring a device like the LC7i Pro. We are happy to check. To get started, what is the year, make, and model of your vehicle?

[@hartlandgamer]

I’ve been watching this video and my question is can I use a 5 channel amplifier? It has speaker level inputs so I wouldn’t need the LOC right? Can I also tap into one of the speaker wires to use a speaker to RCA connector for the subwoofer input?

[@crutchfield]

Since the LC7i has 6-channels of output you can use a 5-channel amp. Using a processor like the LC7i will correct the poor EQ and restore missing bass from your factory radio. If you have speaker-level inputs on your amplifier you can directly connect, but your system will sound much better when using a processor like the LC7i.

[@hartlandgamer]

@@crutchfield thanks

[@hartlandgamer]

@@crutchfieldthe thing is this amplifier has a subwoofer output. Can I use this LOC to get signal to the sub input?

[@crutchfield]

We are here to help anytime!🥰

[@crutchfield]

The AudioControl line output converter would provide signal for the RCA inputs, including subwoofer. If your amplifier also features a subwoofer output RCA, that can be used to provide line-level signal to a separate subwoofer amplifier.

[@clarkking2137]

Got a question. I want to set my head unit and amp up on the bench like you did. Bought from Crutchfield, but you are denying me tech support so I can access settings on the head unit on the bench. Why are you showing a video that sets up an amp when I have emails from Crutchfield saying I must do this after installing into my car?

[@crutchfield]

Hi Clark, sounds like you're working on a cool setup! We were not able to find an order matching the name you used here; but please give our Tech Support a call as they can review the installation and notes with you. Their direct number is on your invoice. Thanks!

[@alejandrosotelo5176]

If you wanted a subwoofer it would be the same but a 5 channel amp instead of 4 an connect sub to amp ?

[@crutchfield]

That is exactly correct. You would need to connect an extra pair of RCAs from the subwoofer output channels on the LC7i to the subwoofer inputs on your 5-channel amp.

[@helpsleepingrelaxing7933]

I’m curious can you just piggyback from the lc pro to the amp speaker wire for the front & back speakers

[@crutchfield]

I am not quite sure what you are asking. The AudioControl processor uses speaker-level input signals from your factory radio to convert to line-level RCA for input to the amplifier. There is no use for any "piggybacking" when installing your gear according to our instructional video.

[@thickyeet4029]

Do I need a 6 channel line output converter for a 5 channel amp ??

[@crutchfield]

Yes, a 6-channel will be ideal. What is your exact setup and amp model? What is the year, make, and model of your vehicle?

[@tylerrussell7983]

Do I need a line out put converter if I’m useing an after market stereo

[@crutchfield]

No, you wouldn't need a line output converter when installing an amp with an aftermarket stereo. You can connect the amp directly to the aftermarket head unit's RCA preamp outputs.

[@m1gz883]

Great tutorial! my question is, where do i need to connect if im adding a powered subwoofer?

[@crutchfield]

If you are adding a powered subwoofer to the system pictured in the video, you will connect an RCA output connection from the subwoofer-specific outputs on the AudioControl line output converter to the inputs on your powered subwoofer, then run power/ground and amplifier turn-on connections to your powered subwoofer.

[@m1gz883]

thank you so much I appreciate it 🍻

[@crutchfield]

Thank you for enjoying and commenting on our video, we are happy to help!😃

[@YellowSn0man]

Why did you choose the Lc7iPro over the Lc5iPro?

[@crutchfield]

We could have used that one as well in this install. The benefit of the LC7i, in this case, is the second subwoofer preamp output that can get even stronger level audio into an amp powering a subwoofer should one ever be installed.

[@comfortablynumb8832]

Hi I installed a 4 channel amp to my factory radio using a hi low converter, my problem is the factory stereo has gone from a 4 speaker output to a 2. So as before I could shift the sound from front to back, all the speakers work but now I can only use left to right. Do you know the cause?

[@crutchfield]

It could be one of many reasons like the LOC summing the signals, the amp set to the wrong inputs, or the wires connected to in the vehicle. Which LOC *hi low converter) did you use? Which amp? What vehicle is this in?

[@comfortablynumb8832]

@@crutchfield I read I need to ad a second loc as it’s a 4 channel amp, currently my loc is spliced into the 4 channels from the rca

[@crutchfield]

We're glad to recommend a good match. What model is your amp? What is the year, make and model of your vehicle? Any plans to add as second amp down the road?

[@PaytonnManning1503]

I have a 2021 blazer 2lt with factory radio. I have a dsp would i need a harness?

[@crutchfield]

Did your 2021 Blazer feature the Bose premium audio package from the factory?

[@darrellcosey3855]

Water Leaks in firewall: Be careful with Drilling☺️

[@wolfmanking100]

what all would i need to do a 2016 ram 2500 add a 4 or 5 ch amp with the factory stereo

[@crutchfield]

What is your cab style, radio size, and total speaker count in your 2016 Ram 2500?

[@wolfmanking100]

@@crutchfield crew cab its the 5 inch one it has 6 speakers thank you

[@crutchfield]

The cart link below contains the package compatible with your truck. Using the AudioControl LC7i PRO, vehicle specific adapter harness, and 9-wire you can install the Pioneer GM-DX975 5-channel amplifier into your 2016 RAM 2500. This allows you to choose speakers that can handle at least 75-watts RMS and a subwoofer that is rated for 600-watts at 2-ohms. Using this loadout is the recipe for a fantastic sonic setup! www.crutchfield.com/I-rXYEc222/cart/EmailCart.aspx?emKey=3448388

[@ricardoaragon1409]

What's the difference between lc7i and lc7ipro

[@crutchfield]

They are very similar, but the LC7i Pro includes their ACR-1 wired bass level controller, and it also offers selectable load impedances for better factory radio integration with many newer vehicles.

[@stingk5295]

How to do a C 7 Corvette . Adding an AMP! to a BOSE on board AMP

[@crutchfield]

Much of the same principles shown in this video still apply with the change being that you pick up the audio at the Bose amp instead of at the radio. Also, gear purchased from us comes with our lifetime technical support and they can help guide you through the install. Their phone number comes included on the shipping label used to get the gear to you

[@MOOOHA]

How do I know if my car will have bass roll off ?

[@crutchfield]

If your vehicle still has the factory radio installed, then it most likely has a bass roll off feature built-in to the factory radio. Using a high-quality processor/line output converter is the best way to ensure the highest sound quality when using amps with your factory radio.

[@jjgonz98]

You did not explain setting the levels for each channel on the LC7i

[@crutchfield]

The adjustments on the LC7i Pro are very straight forward especially when using the maximized LED indicators. If you need information on how to set those correctly, check out the owner's manual link on the AudioControl LC7i Pro product page below! www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc166/p_161LC7IPRO/AudioControl-LC7iPRO.html

[@jjgonz98]

@@crutchfield so I assume you would set the LC7i after tuning all the other stuff you mentioned?

[@crutchfield]

You would want to set the LC7i prior, you can dial in the optimization lights first with an audio signal even before connecting the RCAs to your amp for an audio signal. Once that is dialed in you can use your voltmeter get exactly the right AC voltage output on each speaker channel. It's crucial to adjust the LC7i first as those adjustments can affect the amplifier's output signal. AudioControl makes it super easy with the LC7i!🤘

[@rickysreviewsandhowtos]

Can crutchfield get some T-harnesses for newer Kia’s with the Bose system so I don’t have to splice into my seltos 😂

[@crutchfield]

We tend to offer T-harnesses when they are available. With some vehicles splicing will be required when installing aftermarket gear. If you have to splice, make sure to leave plenty of wire to work with and also save your factory plugs in case you need to re-attach them at any point in the future.

[@heavychevy4616]

thank u

[@crutchfield]

Thank you for enjoying our video and commenting!🥰

[@denisgabriel5]

why 75% volume on the head unit?

[@crutchfield]

This is a good place to be for high-volume listening without distortion. Anywhere above that level most any aftermarket radio will start to "square off" and distort the signal or produce clipping.

[@johngillies8591]

8 gauge wire is not big enough for 60 amps per NEC. 60 AMP uses 6 wire. Unless it is a long run, in that case wire has to be increased in gauge

[@mandytuning]

Your right ,but on the music world, you are not at a constant frequency at max volume so you never pull max rated amp. Probably peaks.

[@tralfazz7579]

I have questions

[@crutchfield]

What are your questions?

[@me4654]

I need someone in central il, like Morris otherwize bye by car

[@crutchfield]

You can enter your zip code on our site here to see if there are any known installation shops in the area: www.crutchfield.com/LocalInstaller/InstallerSearch.aspx?installType=0

[@DGGuaglianone]

Piercing tool and wire worm, I just use a screwdriver and some duct tape.

[@crutchfield]

We've had success doing it your way also! And an old wire coat hanger can work well as a worm.

[@DGGuaglianone]

@@crutchfield ooh the coat hanger, that’s a good tip

[@ricshuttleworth1609]

Alright, now do a 2020-2024 Explorer with B&O system.

[@crutchfield]

Hi Ric, amp installation is not vehicle specific, though we may have some vehicle specific interfaces for signal depending on the exact year, make, and model. Are you looking to add an amp to your Explorer?

[@ricshuttleworth1609]

@@crutchfield I'm going to be replacing the B&O so I know I'll need the Maestro A2B and the harness that goes with it. What I'm unsure about is how to power the front 3 way active and the rear 2 way active while keeping the center and rear surround speakers for factory sounds (chimes etc.) A monoblock for the sub will also be used.

[@crutchfield]

What exact year is your Explorer, and do you have the 10.1" radio or the 8" radio?

[@ricshuttleworth1609]

@@crutchfield 2020 , 14 speaker B&O with 10" screen

[@crutchfield]

Thanks! We looked over the iDatalink gear and it is not set up to run an active system. But it can create the preamp outputs needed to run to active crossovers for an active system. We do not have a device that can create the 5 pairs of outputs needed to run 3-way active in the front and 2-way active in the rear. But two devices could be used for this as well as blending in a subwoofer. The smallest (since you will need 2) of this type is the JL Audio TwK 88 found here: www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc227/p_13698101/item.html

[@CurryinaHurry369]

Teach me Daddy JR

[@bradenchumbley307]

This makes me just want to spend the 250 to have it done

[@crutchfield]

Is there one specific part of this process that's making you shy away from doing it yourself?

[@roddyrod4922]

Dont use a volt meter. Use an oscilloscope. Volt meters arent always accurate

[@crutchfield]

What's your preferred oscilloscope brand to use when setting up an amp?

[@roddyrod4922]

@@crutchfield I have a $30 one from Amazon. It's not about the brand it's about if it can do the job.

[@crutchfield]

Nice! What kind of jobs do you perform where you absolutely need the additional accuracy? For most of our customers who are not professionals and are do-it-yourselfers, the multimeter is a great move.