whats up? i have the Mach 1 sound that i purchased with my escape it was nice when i first got it, but now its way too weak for me. Im getting a nice alpine system w/ 2 subs from a frined for free, so i want to hook it up. One can i use the same head unit? or do i need to change it all out? and what about wiring and all that? is it an easy task? i understand that im going to have to do a lot of running wires and **** thats not a probs since i have a fully heated garage and the time to do it and learn it. I just want some tips and ideas i knw some of you have done some sweet sound upgrades.

 

So basically you got two subs with box and an amp? or two amps speakers and subs with box?


If you want to use your factory stereo there are two things you need to look at. First, does it utilize an amp for the speakers mounted somewhere in the car. If it does have an amp you will need to get an amp by pass harness. Then after that is completed you will need one line out converter for each amp your using. Basically these turn your speaker wires into rca inputs for the amps. Install your amps where u want run your wires (positive to the battery and negative grounded by the amp. Keep the positive and negative wires separate and the speaker wires separate so as not to cause interference. Pretty straight forward, hook up the line out converters and just connect it all together and run and hide the wires. If you purchase an after market stereo make sure it has either one set of pre-amps or two depending on how many amps your using. Factory stereos do not have pre amps and this is the reason for using the line out converters.

Typically, this is a time consuming job even for a professional especially if there is an external amp. If you just have two subs a box and an amp just take it up to a stereo shop and ask them to install it. Might be best to call around as well and just say you need to get an amp installed and that you will need a line out converter. This is not too time consuming - should take a professional about 1.5 to 2 hrs to complete. If you are doing the work be prepared to spend some time working on it.

If you do the work go purchase an amp kit and a line out converter and get after it.

Hope this helps

 

hey it helps a ton thanks for the info..and yeah i'll try to do it myself..one of my good friends who knows a lil more than me..will help me with as well..and the time is no issue..so i'll give it a try..thanks a lot...i'll let u know how it goes...