QuestionI have a 1990 Cadillac Seville with a factory radio. I want to install an aftermarket head unit however i have been told that the stereo has an "internal amp" that must be wired around. Can you tell me if this car definitely has the internal amp and if so where it would be located.
AnswerHi Shaun,
Your vehicle may or may not be equipped with factory amplifiers, depending on whether it's equipped with the optional "Delco Bose" system.
If you have the Bose radio, then you should see the Bose logo on the radio or speaker grill. A Bose system uses a separate factory amplifier at each speaker location. If you're keeping the factory speakers in place, then you'll need to keep the Bose amps working; it's not practical to bypass them, because the Bose speakers are usually a 1-ohm or 2-ohm design. An after-market head unit can't be connected directly to the speakers, so the Bose amplifiers have to be kept in place.
To install a new head unit into a Bose-equipped Seville, you'd need a premium sound interface adapter. Here's an example: http://www.amazon.com/PAC-Premium-Sound-System-Interface/dp/B000CEG3LO
Some version of this can be found at just about any car audio shop.
Many installers will tell you that it's not possible to integrate a new head unit with a Delco Bose speaker system. They might tell you that you'll need to replace all the speakers and run new wiring to the speaker locations. This is not correct. I've used interface adapters with Delco Bose systems many times with good results.
If your Seville is not equipped with a Bose package, then there shouldn't be any factory amplifiers to worry about. You can just use a standard installation kit and wire harness with your new head unit.
Hope this helps!
Brian
