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Hi All,

I just joined about 10 minutes ago and this is my first post. My question is probably a very simple one for the audio experts here. I've never installed an amp before. I'm not even 100% sure how they really work. I just know they make speakers louder.

Question: Before an amp is installed the speakers are hooked up to the back of the head unit Correct(Somewhere in that wiring harness)?

So when an amp is installed do you disconnect the speakers from the Headunit and hook them directly into the Amp? Then you run RCA Patch Cables from the Amp to the PreAmp Outputs.

I don't know if this helps but the Speakers I want to hook up to the amp are just the rear, front, and dash speakers.

Also the CD player I'm looking into getting has 3 PreAmp Outputs.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-ulYW3O6r55 ... DCX990#Tab

Thank you for any answers/comments you may have and for taking the time to read this.

First let me say welcome... and never be ashamed to ask (that's how you learn)
Overall you have a decent general knowledge of how an amp works, but the RCA's on the back of a head unit of that type (multiples) will require that you make sure that you plug into the right ones. There will be one for front, rear, and sub on the back and this allows you to control fade and particulars of each.
Before you get started, check out the FAQ's threads and websites that they lead you to... I'll warn you ahead of time it's alot of reading, but well worth it in the long run :)

Side note: Hopefully you do not plan on actually buying that h/u (head unit) from crunchfield... way over priced... and you may want to look at some other brands as well, cause alot out there now have many of those same functions that are a little easier on your wallet

If you give us a general idea of what you want to spend on each peice of your system, we can get you pointed in the right direction and give you the how to on hooking them up

Hi,

Thanks for the welcome and reply.

Well here is a quick break down of the situation:

Car : 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS With Infinity System
Rear Speakers: 6x9 Pioneers (Can't Remember if they are 3 or 4 Way)
Door Speakers: Size Unknown...Infinity Brand
Dash Speakers: NONE ... were cut out by previous Owner
Amp: Bazooka... That's all I know about it
Subs: 2 MTX 12's ... Overkill Because I only Listen to Rock/Alternative..Not 2 Much Bass

And The Reason I can't tell you any more specifics is because I'm unable to look at the Moment. I'm in Iraq doing this War thing.

So if I read your reply Correctly.... I will do the Following

1. Unhook Old Speaker Wire Running From Head Unit Harness to Speakers

2. Run New Speaker Wire From Speakers to New Amp

3. Run RCA Patch Cables From Amp To The Correct PreAmp Outputs
On the Back of The Headunit

So I just leave the Old Speaker Wire where it is? It will still run to the Harness, but speakers won't be hooked up to it Correct?

Also... When I install Dash Speakers... Do they splice into the Door Speakers and Then run directly to the amp? The Dash Speakers are little speakers... According to Crutchfield.. 4" speakers.

By the way Has anyone ever purchased anything from 6ave.com Also Known as 6th. Ave Electronics City.

http://6ave.com/product.jsp?x=KDCX990


I'm a little "iffy" about ordering from them. They are an Authorized Dealer though... I just don't know how good the warranty service would be from them....

Thanks for taking the time to read this Book I just typed!

Check out the FAQ section for full amp install instructions... I just did it yesterday and had one of the mods put it up... simple, step by step