Wiring easily removable AMPLIFIER rack for Car Audio

What if you could swap between an aftermarket car audio system, to a factory head unit powered system in seconds? This may be advantageous as it can free up space used for a subwoofer enclosure and amplifier rack in the cargo compartment of the vehicle. In this video I do just that as I build this easily removable custom amplifier rack that can go from a high end system to a stock powered system in seconds!
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Car Audio Fabrication - Master Car Audio - Design, Build, Install

[@CarAudioFabrication]

If you are interested in the wire cover I made I now have them here - www.caraudiofabrication.com/product-page/caf-wire-caddy-for-vxi-amplifiers 🔊 Need power wire, signal wire, or power distribution parts? Check out KnuKonceptz! Great gear at an amazing value! ✔️ www.knukonceptz.com/ Thank you to KnuKonceptz for being a sponsor of the channel 🔨 Related tools and materials - CAF Wire Cover for VXi Amps - www.caraudiofabrication.com/product-page/caf-wire-caddy-for-vxi-amplifiers KnuKonceptz 4 Gauge OFC - amzn.to/3UdvDap KnuKonceptz Power & Ground Distro Block - amzn.to/3UdvDap ⭐ Power & Ground Quick Disconnect - amzn.to/3WdoF80 Quick Connector Kit - amzn.to/4dhDLiP Quick Connector Crimper - amzn.to/3Uj6lI7 Wire Ferrules - amzn.to/49NLdPS RCA Covers - amzn.to/3xTt462 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@orvilleblack3774]

What gauge wire did you use for your power & ground going to DSP?

[@AnasSuhaimi]

What if I use aluminium plate instead of plastic board like the one you used? Is there a problem if the board is conductive? It would simplify grounding as every amp/dsp could just be grounded to the plate, and then the plate could be grounded to the chasis/battery with one cable. Reason I consider aluminium plate is because i need the amp rack to be easily movable (out from the car) because it will sit on top of my spare tyre compartment. Plastic need to be very thick (read: expensive) to be stiff enough, wood can catch fire.

[@christophercarson4310]

Absolutely Beautiful wiring job!! Every detail including the use of ferrules on each wire was much appreciated.. This instructional video is something many car audio guys need.. Many guys don't get trained sufficiently on how to wire 12V systems properly.. Great Job!! Please keep these coming.. Cheers!!

[@superclips4329]

I can never get enough of watching Mark's videos! So professionally done, so clearly explained, such a classy fit and finish. This, my friends, is what is called premium installation! Way to go Mark!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Wow, thank you!

[@FelixtheMetalcat]

I don't think I could have said that any better. When you find someone who REALLY KNOWS what they are doing you realize the value of a quality installation.

[@TimberTrainer]

I like the concept of using the same plugs for easily switching the wiring. SMD magnetic lugs are another great option for easy removal of sub boxes.

[@IcarusTECH]

This man loves his router :)

[@ZukiBiker13]

Great job. I really enjoy your posts. They are so informative. They have made me take my personal installations on my vehicles to a more professional state. Thanks

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Glad to help!

[@Person.555]

Making your audio setup like this is such a pain because of all the planning. It also ends up being more expensive due to all the small items that add up. BUT let me tell you, it is 1000% worth it. It's also very satisfying when you're finished!

[@thatguykai479]

Agree been adding little ground blocks but I ordered the wrong one thoight i needed 120 I need 100. LGD are not necessary I guess for every vehicle I stay in contact with kicker and they said I will not need one for my car luckily I asked before purchasing. Just got the ABS and now I’m planning where everything will go it’s gonna be hard bc I don’t have the height of the amp I’m going to add on my planning board and it’s a little difficult because it’s going under my seat. I’m gonna go with a DSP as well maybe NVX audio control is well worth it but out of my budget range. And I’m still debating to add a mono amp under the other seat but I already have a 5 channel so I’d basically have to buy a 4 then a mono running a 5 channel and a mono sounds stupid 😂 sorry for the rant

[@Person.555]

@@thatguykai479 it's not stupid. Even when doing this yourself, it's an expensive hobby. I used an older amp in my setup because I didn't want to tack on a other $500 for a brand new amp. However, I will say that the best way to do this to keep everything clean looking is to wait to purchase everything you need/want before starting the project. If it's expensive just wait and save for everything. Edit: it actually helps it look clean AND can make the planning and project easier. For instance, having all the same brand of amps makes it easier to route the wiring because all the terminals face the same direction.

[@wademesser1346]

Unreal... 😂 I pulled off an install like this in like 2007ish... Certainly not this high end, but it worked. This one was very nicely done. 👍

[@feeltheburntk9893]

Using the Deutsch connectors for easy removal and reversion to stock is awesome!

[@pmoul01]

I bought these speakers primarily based on this video. A week later, i had to order the BasX A3. My receiver could not keep these fed well enough. The rest of my 7.1 surround is Klipsch with an SVS PB-1000 PRO sub. The highs really float in space incredibly. I love the more neutral tone of these compared to my 24 year old Klipsch RF3 towers these replaced. I really enjoy this real-world format of a review. You still provide plenty of info for me to make an informed decision. Thank you.

[@artiemcbride629]

You're giving Dean a run for his money. Beautiful art work✌️

[@damonrice8469]

Your work is like a art project. Very nice!!

[@Mr_Tuesday_Night]

Incredible work! And incredible strength to whoever is repeatedly removing a loaded MDF sub box lol.

[@ZZZFest303]

Making amp mounts and wiring the components is my favorite part of car audio builds.

[@TexMexJoe]

I was once thinking of something modular like this and you made it a reality and showed me it's possible! Great work can't wait to see it all in action

[@fire_breathing_hamster]

This is one hell of a system looks so clean and professional great job!!

[@sydneydalpe7818]

Great video! I would put some foam in the concealing box squeeze the wires just a bit to prevent buzzing sounds. Might not be necessary but just in case..

[@slomojethro7403]

I love watching this channel because it truly shows what experience, thoughtful planning, and the right tools can accomplish. Keep up the beautiful work Mark!

[@FelixtheMetalcat]

I 2nd that thought.

[@danielsleeper]

Wow, is like you make this video just for me, i was about to try to do this but a million times more complicated, thanks Mark

[@felixtorres7641]

Clean set up. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@emmanuelH.]

So good. Watching from Brazil.

[@brianpeschke]

Nicely done, quick connections are nice. I take it those are Deutsch connectors. Very clean with the wiring.

[@thatguykai479]

Been waiting for this build to finish can’t wait to see the final product as you give me great ideas for my own amp rack 5 channel build you are a master craftsman in the audio industry any time I’m recommended anyone it’s you.

[@athienit]

Same here. Would love to see the final installation with battery hookup.

[@FixitFred]

This is such an awesome idea. Such a clean and nice install. First time I have seen deutsche connectors used for audio and I think its a great idea😊

[@retorq]

Needs a quick round-over on that sub speaker hole to be perfect. 😎😍

[@CarAudioFabrication]

I'll hit it with a countersink bit. Good call!

[@user-lb1mz3rd4n]

Thank you, great idea! I just put a 4channel amp into my car, with an ISO connector to plug into the stock wiring.

[@zeus.edwards2662]

love vxi amps... awesome to play around with

[@Elcangridc]

I enjoyed watching this video, I would love too see a part 2 showing how to connect everything up in a car

[@mosesizeta8902]

I'd like to see the final installed product. Great video. Wish I knew what most of those things do. Way more advanced than your older quick disconnect system.

[@JMC8415]

I love all of your videos because you challenge everyone to take their installs to another level. With that said, even though there was a ton of effort to show all your wiring and have it "neat" i would encourage to condense an install like this by hiding all of the wiring. I LOVE that youre using deutsch connectors and making it all quick-disconnect!

[@boywonderrr71]

Thats sick! I have a simple amp & sub setup similar to this. Big power iack adapter Quick Disconnect plus remote on bullet QD then the sub inputs

[@RyanBassForLife]

I enjoyed watching.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thank you

[@richardpaine5372]

Awesome rack setup Mark, quality video skills. I would like to ask to recommend using a stepper drill bit to tidy up the edge of sub cable hole, for a smooth finish. I’m a a fan, love your work.

[@bigg_50_jonn]

AWESOME VIDEO!!! I'm going to ATTEMPT to try something like this in the trunk of my car

[@CarAudioFabrication]

You got this!

[@corystock1569]

Awesome!

[@ngraves1002]

I did this same type of connection to my 2024 silverado 2500hd last year. Even used the same plugs. After market to stock in seconds.

[@Racer_kmk]

This is making me want to spend thousands building my dream audio system for my truck… 😩

[@raider3164]

Smart man

[@keithcarlascio8970]

Great video... What did u use for the power side for the disconnect?

[@b-luv339]

Great videos. Do they make the quick disconnect for bigger wire. 4, 0 gauge?

[@D3thM3tal]

I've always wanted to make a setup quickly removable as I've got multiple identical vehicles - I had the subwoofer side figured out but using the deutsch connectors to either provide input/output or a straight pass through when not in use is genius! On a more simple setup with an aftermarket head unit (think 90's sindle din stuff) would a guy even need the load generators or is that more for the integrated "smart" setups in new vehicles?

[@SinisterBlackShadow]

Man, the idea to remove the rack and then plug the speakers in again, is sick. I'll have to keep that in mind when I'm doing a build.

[@magnuswf]

Really nice amp rack. I bought a big plug for my own amp rack, and i wanna ask, is it safe to connect/disconnect the power plug without taking off the ground terminal on the battery? Couldn't it create a spark, if I've got a power capacitor installed on the amp rack?

[@b-luv339]

Great video. Where can I buy the board you used?

[@jabez1409]

New to the car audio. Im currently working on replacement my OEM speakers, with no additional amps/sub. But ive been brainstorming the possibilities of having a removing unit for the amp/sub if i was to fit it in my trunk, just like this cause there may be some instances for i require more space. This definitely solves that issue or will inspire me to make this kinda build eventually. Do you guys have an instruction for that cable line coming from the OEM head unit to the back.? I may need to do that line/cable work before attaching this to a removable unit like you did here.

[@mikeberndt181]

Hey where did you get the oem harness connectors from that you can wire up manually. I know you can buy a harness but you have blank harness connectors That I’m interested in

[@neilharrison3664]

Hi Mark, what is the purpose of the pully at the end of the wire wrap process as opposed to a fixed object?

[@SoloTheDolo]

I’m curious on your opinion of the Audison Forza vs. JL Audio VXi. Comparison video maybe?

[@disneybaker5165]

Have you done anything with a Buick envista yet, I’m thinking a 5 channel amp, and a single down firing 10” sub between rear wheel hubs

[@Pheniel123]

Have you ever done something like this for a BMW E46 convertible?

[@davidr.1517]

Nice!! Is it okay to add battery terminals that have a multiple post and add your amp wires, LED wires and such or is it best to set up a Bluesea fuse box set up for example? I'm thinking the battery terminals with multiple post would be fine, as long as all of your wire harness have a fuse in them , correct?

[@jvsyoutube3298]

ha! this is more or less exactly the same idea i had with my latest build. The car aint worth more then the stereo, so, i did everything on a new "wall" in the trunk, amps and dsp, so that everything is "easy" removable when i sell the car and just lift it over to the next car. This is the way im gonna do all builds in the future.

[@robertsussland1876]

When doing the Deutsch connectors, it's a good idea for the hot side of the connection to be female, so that it is harder to touch a hot wire if the connector is disconnected.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Which is exactly what I did.

[@SunsetSlimess]

Does the Fix 86 allow factory 911 integration and steering wheels controls? I have the DSR-1 in my Focus, it does that. I am looking for something to upgrade my new RAM truck with the factory uConnect system with active noise cancelling.

[@chriscuthbertson]

Can the DSP in the amp not 'correct' the signal from the head unit?

[@WBG123098]

Here to figure out how you turned the rca connections into a DT style connector. Having to unplug every rca + unscrew every set screw/terminal screw + main power/ground on the BACK of the board makes removing my amp rack a 20 minute task, reinstalling ususally takes longer. Im using 1/2×15×22" HDPE sheet with tapped holes for amp screws/distro blocks

[@BroVCam]

I follow a lot of your awesome informative videos. Question, and not directly in line with this one: If you have a standard 2-way crossover with a high pass and low pass but with the high pass (which is meant for a tweeter) connected to a full range capable driver like a full range 2.75" speaker. And you connect an in-line capacitor made for full range frequencies, will it bypass the tweeter frequency allowing full range frequencies? My reason for asking is because I am trying to share the 2 rear channel on a 4 channel amplifier between a 3.5" woofer and a 2.75" woofer, trying to get mid/full range frequencies from both. And I can't find a dual midrange pass crossover! Any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!

[@MsGrendor]

Will that bypass the mazda 6 2015 OEM boss audio ?

[@drdiezel1969]

Will mounting this to a sub box cause the amp to go bad from the vibration?

[@Thizz2979]

Can I use that fix 86 for a 4 channel amp and a 1ohm mono amp

[@jsfkmm]

What can i purchase for my 2018 gmc sierra truck to bypass my stock bose amp so i can run a aftermarket amp

[@marcuslinton310]

Those fuse blocks are total junk! The pair I had fell apart just trying to get everything mounted and put in them. Had to get the beefier ones and they worked out much better.

[@jabez1409]

Is there a reason you didn't use the RCA SUB outs from JL Audio FiX™ 86?

[@BSTatonka]

Do you sell complete racks? It would be cool if I could buy a custom rack like this. I would share my vehicle so you could match connectors and wire length.

[@muzzammilamjad943]

What is LOAD GENERATING DEVICE (LGD). What is it use for?

[@Nightfreed]

how would this work in a 6 speaker setup with 2 dash tweeters, and 4 woofers plus a sub? the FiX 86 removes 2 channels right?

[@ballor_013]

So I’m gonna get a 13w7ae and a hd1200/1 I’m looking for a wiring kit and I don’t know what to get, can I get some help or a recommendation?

[@HelloNotMe9999]

This is how things are supposed to be done.

[@charliejr.8308]

why did you add the distribution block on the ground wire?

[@jvsyoutube3298]

and those quick-connectors, aint they called Doytch-connectors? watertight for automotive under hood and alike?

[@Living_EDventures]

How ironic that you just made this video. I was just searching disconnects as I'm planning to do this setup.

[@V1N_574]

Where can I find the turning wheel at 11:15 and how is it called??? asking for a friend 😂I'm sure you have mentioned it on other videos but I don't know how to even search for it. I mean my friend... he doesn't know...

[@chrisderulo95]

Dear CarAudioFabrications. Why is FIX86 needed in this setup? As far as I know, the VXI has a DSP processor, so what's the point of another one?

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Recommended by JL to go this route as it frees up more processing power for the audio correction side rather than bringing the signal back to flat. Both ways would work.

[@nathangardner772]

Never seen anyone spin an alen/hex wrench like that, and I’ve been using them my whole life 😂

[@angeloschiafone6467]

Did the battery disconnect have a mounting bracket?

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Negative, could probably fab something up for that though if need be

[@mikeberndt181]

Got new car can’t use my old head unit. The entire front dash needs to come out to get to the factory unit. What a pita!! I’ve done this myself for me & friends for 25 years. My new dash is the most time consuming I’ve ever seen. I’m talking probably a 10hr job

[@mustbeviv]

I am seeking a solution where the car speaker initially runs from the factory output signal, but switches to the amplifier output once the car engine starts. This setup aims to conserve the car battery by preventing it from draining power when the car is not running, while still allowing me to enjoy music from the factory radio, as it consumes less power.

[@bulletproofpinata2328]

Hey i just got a 1600w 12inch skar vented subwoofer at 800w rms wired to 1ohm but i ordered a 1200rms 1600w peak skar amplifier and now im worried the amp is wrong for the sub cause of the rms on the amplifier is higher then the rms on the subwoofer which i can do 800w rms on the amp only at 2 ohms but i wanted to keep the subwoofer at 1 ohm how can i run this amplifier at 1ohm 1200w rms without damaging my sub running 800w rms

[@grandpixel]

Where can I find HDPE or ABS sheets?

[@ugas17]

Hi Mark I just want to ask you how to connect a croover a 4 channel amplifier and a bass amplifier or someone who can help me please I would appreciate it thank you

[@alwayswill315]

the let down of those vxi amps is lack of integration. The fix should have had its integration portion built into the VXI.

[@tristanmolina894]

Can anyone help me out. I have a 2024 chevy traverse LS and I want to grade the audio system all around. Where do I start? I feel like all the advice he gives are for vehicles that lack technology or have no audio system inside. Indont wanna waste money. I'm near San Antonio, Texas if anyone knows a audio installation place

[@mikeallen3815]

Why did you not use ferrules at the amp side of the power run?

[@jasx1485]

Why would he?

[@j.wright5918]

@@jasx1485 same reason he used them on the other end lol

[@jasx1485]

​@j.wright5918 other end? You mean the distribution block

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Amplifier terminal is a "sandwich style" which works great for stranded wire as is.

[@johnbengson2588]

You can use a deburring tool to quickly clean up your plastic edges without having to set up a router table.

[@JonathanDFielding]

Love the videos, but why would anyone want to remove the amplifier panel? I can understand wanting to remove the subs for extra trunk space, but the amp rack is so minimal. Surely anyone could sacrifice the relatively tiny space of the amp rack and keep that in, but then only remove the subwoofers. That just doesn't seem practical. I at least would never do that.

[@scotttucker2557]

Would this work with a tesla

[@retorq]

No I doubt it, you wouldn't be able to hear the Tesla owner brag about how he owns a Tesla with a stereo like this.

[@MoToArchY]

@@retorq 🤭🤣

[@robsoultrain1061]

💪🏾💪🏾🔥💯

[@darthmaul9911]

so i decided to finally take care of my car after she was looking beat up after five years it's 2002 Chevy blazer and now I have a major car audio addiction it all started with Sony speakers in every compartment and then somebody said hey you got this thing clean and sound good now you need subs so give me free shitty random subs and then became a better amp then I blew those subs went through three upgrades in the same week till I ended up on dual kicker q's 1800 kicker amp 2 pioneer 4 channel amps 2 optima yellow caps new set of kicker speakers trying to find a way to keep the sonys in it a huge audio equation i have a red leather back topped off with stuff to hook up which i cant till i make a audio board of large enough size anywhere I go now the average person is jaw dropped everything is ignorant powerful and I'm so far in I can't stop I have to go all the way I'm a lot of money and my mom even tried to count the other day and I had to stop her ive got like every square inch deadened underglow and inner glow and im on probation soooo not good i just need a dmh-810 but so expensive and I'm gonna need way more intense subs even though I have kicker Q 2 ohms in a vented qbomb