Car Stereos: help with subs and amp, 2005 cadillac cts, sony amplifier

Question
Hi i just purchased a 2005 Cadillac cts and i do not want to take out the stock stereo as it controls a lot more than just the radio/cd player i have a Sony xplod 1200w amp and 2 Sony xplod1300w subs im taking out of my other car and i was wondering how to install them in the new cts without messing up the factory system if thats possible thanks for your time

Answer
Hi Robert,

You can connect the Sony amplifier to your stock audio system using either the amplifier's high-level input plug, or a device called a line output converter.  Either way, you'll be making connections to the factory speaker wiring.

A high-level input lets an amplifier get an audio signal from the existing speaker wires, rather than through RCA cables.  If you're missing the amplifier's input plug, you can use a line output converter.  This connects to the speaker wires and converts the audio signal to a low-level output, which can be connected to the amplifier using RCA cables. Line output converters are available at just about any store that sells car audio equipment.

In your car, the speaker wires you need are the ones leading from the factory amplifier to the factory subwoofer.  The stock amp should be located in the trunk, behind the trim panel on the left side.  There are four wires leading to the factory sub:  one pair that's dark blue/white (+) and light green/black (-), and another pair that's dark green (+) and light blue/black (-).  These four wires are located side-by-side in the plug at the amplifier.

You don't need to disconnect the factory subwoofer to attach the wires from the high level input or line output converter.  Just strip the wires without cutting them, and tap in your new wiring.  You can also use a device called a T-tap to connect your wires.

Hope this helps!

Brian