The stereo and amplifier in a car audio system rely on each other. The stereo sends a preamp signal to the amplifier for amplification as well as a turn-on signal that tells the amp when it's time to power up. These connections are simple to make, but vital in ensuring that your amp and stereo work together in harmony.
Instructions
1. Pull the stereo out of the dash, so that you can access the rear panel connections. The method you'll employ varies greatly from vehicle to vehicle, depending on the vehicle in question and the type of receiver that's installed. You can skip this step if the stereo isn't installed in the dash yet.
2. Route an RCA patch cord from the amplifier location to the back of the dashboard where the receiver will be installed. There's no one correct method, since amp mounting locations will vary depending on the vehicle and your installation. It's best to route the RCA cord along the inside edges of the passenger compartment, under the carpet and then up behind the dash.
3. Route a turn-on lead in a similar way from the amplifier to the receiver location. The turn-on lead can be an insulated wire of 16- to 18-gauge diameter.
4. Slide one end of the turn on lead into a butt connector, and slide the turn-on lead wire attached to the receiver into the other. Crimp the connector with a crimp tool to clamp the wires together. Consult the receiver's manual for the color-code of the receiver's turn-on lead, which is usually blue with a white stripe.
5. Plug your patch cable's RCA plugs into the RCA output jacks of the receiver. Place the white plug in the white jack, and the red in the red.
6. Loosen the screw for the REM input on the amp and slide the end of the turn-on lead into the opening. Tighten the screw to hold the wire.
7. Plug the RCA cable into the amp's RCA input jacks, matching red to red and white to white.
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