Adding aftermarket amp using PAC AMP Pro

[Rob VIllanueva]

Hi All,

My first post here. I gotta say this forum has a wealth of knowledge and I hope to contribute as I learn more.

Like the title says, I’m going to add an aftermarket amp using the PAC Amp Pro as it seems the easiest and cleanest way to do so.

Until I get new mid range and highs for the doors and dash, I want to use an amp to power the factory speakers.

My question is, would I have to run new speaker wire to the door and dash speakers or is there a harness that will allow me to use the factory wiring with an aftermarket amp?

Thanks in advance!

Regards,
Rob

 

[Kapt]

You might be able to tap into your existing wires, but it would be far easier to run your own new wires

 

[TomT]

Hi Rob, you didn’t say, do you have the Alpine system?

 

[adrianp89]

You might be able to tap into your existing wires, but it would be far easier to run your own new wires

Amplified or non Amplified - it is MUCH easier to use speed wire and use the factory wiring. I highly recommend this route unless you are running 200 watts to a speaker.

 

[Rob VIllanueva]

Hi Rob, you didn’t say, do you have the Alpine system?

I have the 7 speaker Alpine system.

 

[Rob VIllanueva]

Amplified or non Amplified - it is MUCH easier to use speed wire and use the factory wiring. I highly recommend this route unless you are running 200 watts to a speaker.

I’m sorry I don’t know what speed wire is. Please explain. Thanks.

 

[TomT]

What will you be using for a crossover between the PAC unit and your amp?

 

[adrianp89]

I’m sorry I don’t know what speed wire is. Please explain. Thanks.

Also called 9-wire, or multi-conductor wire. It is about the size of 4 gauge and contains 9 wires. (+/- for each speaker and a remote wire). Typically used behind the radio to amplify speakers in the car, instead of running new wire to every door. In this case, you would connect it at the factory amplifier.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/metra-...or-most-vehicles-blue/8267984.p?skuId=8267984

However, it is just flat out a bad idea to add an amplifier just for the factory speakers. If anything do speakers first then aftermarket amplifier. You are going to make things very difficult for yourself.

 

[Rob VIllanueva]

Amplified or non Amplified - it is MUCH easier to use speed wire and use the factory wiring. I highly recommend this route unless you are running 200 watts to a speaker.

Thanks for the recommendation!

 

[Rob VIllanueva]

What will you be using for a crossover between the PAC unit and your amp?

AFAIK there is no need for a cross over between the PAC and AMP.

 

[Rob VIllanueva]

Also called 9-wire, or multi-conductor wire. It is about the size of 4 gauge and contains 9 wires. (+/- for each speaker and a remote wire). Typically used behind the radio to amplify speakers in the car, instead of running new wire to every door. In this case, you would connect it at the factory amplifier.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/metra-...or-most-vehicles-blue/8267984.p?skuId=8267984

However, it is just flat out a bad idea to add an amplifier just for the factory speakers. If anything do speakers first then aftermarket amplifier. You are going to make things very difficult for yourself.

Thanks for the tip. I had no idea this speed wire existed. It makes for a clean wiring job!

 

[Rob VIllanueva]

To wrap up, I've used the PAC Amp Pro4 with positive results. It was unclear at first if it would work with the newest U-connect 8.4 radios with Carplay but every things seems to work fine. I would recommend to use the PC app to fine tune the frequencies but more importantly, to set the minimum volume as it was set too high. Install went smooth.

 

[TomT]

AFAIK there is no need for a cross over between the PAC and AMP.

The factory Alpine amp/processor has built in crossovers that split the frequencies between the appropriate speakers. If you are pulling a full range signal from the Pac and then using a new amp to power the factory speakers, be careful you don't overpower the smaller dash mounted speakers.

Depending on the power of the new amps and where you mount them (usually on the back wall), I would recommend running new speaker wires. It's more work up front but then you can use heavier gauge wires and have them all running to the amps in back.

Hit me up if you're heading to OC and I can show you my install as an example.