Car Stereos: factory head unit with amp install, line output converters, rca cables

Question
i have a 08 ridgeline and i want to keep the factory head unit for now but, i want to add an amp to pump up interior sound cause lack of quality on my ipod. So... what is the the best and cheapest way to run the wiring from the factory head unit to the amp and speakers?  Thanks brother

Answer
Hi Mike,

If the sound from the iPod is much worse than the radio or CD sources, there's likely to be some other problem that won't be fixed by adding an amplifier.  (I'm assuming you're using an auxiliary input jack for your iPod connection).  

The main obstacle to using an amplifier with a factory radio is the lack of low-level RCA outputs on the factory system.  The solution is a device called a line output converter.  This connects to the factory speaker wiring, and converts the high-level speaker audio to low-level RCA outputs.  

If you're planning to add an amplifier that will run your front and rear speakers, then you'll want to purchase a 4-channel line output converter.  This will be installed behind the factory head unit.  You'll need to cut the speaker wires behind the OEM radio.  The wire ends coming from the radio will be connected to the line output converter's inputs, and will provide a signal source.  The wire ends coming from the speakers will be extended to the amplifier location, so they can be connected directly to the amplifier's outputs.  You'll need two pairs of RCA cables to run between the line output converter and the amplifier.

There are quite a few different 4-channel line output converters available.  I'd recommend a model with adjustable output levels.  You might want to look at the N-RHL4 from David Navone, available on this site:

http://www.davidnavone.com/cart.asp?24&cat=7

The nice thing about this converter is that it includes a remote output voltage, which will automatically turn your amplifier on when it senses an audio signal from the head unit.

This should be all you need to install a basic 4-channel amplifier and speaker upgrade with the OEM head unit in your vehicle.  However, if you're thinking of going for more of a high-end audio system, then you might want to consider an OEM integration processor instead of a simple line output converter.  Some examples of these are Rockford's 3Sixty system, JL Audio's Cleansweep, or a variety of components from AudioControl.  You'll find these much more expensive than a typical 4-channel LOC, however.

Hope this helps!

Brian