No Amp + Aftermarket Speakers=Crap

[traben27]

Title kind of explains it. When I bought the truck I had an aftermarket head unit, panasonic something (it folds down and stuff) and some infinity reference speakers. It all sounds okay, but it's very empty sounding because there is almost no bass and it gets distorted very easily. It looks like it had an amp, but they took it out before they sold the truck. It's got all of the wiring, including a red and white( maybe its black?) ended cable hanging out under the dash which also has two ends in the back, along with a large wire (for power i'm assuming) in the back under the carpet. I hate electrical stuff of any kind although I did help my friend put 4 new speakers+headunit+amp in his 94 pickup. Does it sound like this is just sub wiring or if i bought a 4-channel amp would it in anyway help out the other 4 speakers?

[Good Times]

I wouldn't try to use existing wiring that the previous owner left behind. You just never know where it goes and what's connected in the middle (i.e. heck maybe it's two diff lines that's cross tied?).

I'd start from scratch to ensure that everything works properly the first time around.

good luck

[traben27]

I wouldn't try to use existing wiring that the previous owner left behind. You just never know where it goes and what's connected in the middle (i.e. heck maybe it's two diff lines that's cross tied?).

I'd start from scratch to ensure that everything works properly the first time around.

good luck

Good point, I didn't really think of that. Plus I was thinking, shouldn't there be 4 more cables somewhere coming from each of the speakers or is that only the case with some amps/hu combinations. I know on my friends pickup we had to connect each speaker directly to the amp.

[Good Times]

each speaker should have 2 cables coming out of it. the amp should have 3 lines (power, ground, trigger to turn on from the radio) and 2 rca cables (or some other audio cables) from the radio to the amp. Not sure what other cables you'd have.

[Bob98SR5]

traben,

look on my website 4runners.org and there's a writeup on setting up a complete stereo system + amp + component speakers. it should give you an idea how these things are pieced together by the wires.

bob

[traben27]

Thanks guys, I'll look at it later this week. I hate how exams come in waves...one week everythings going great the next you're pulling your hair out from the stress.

[traben27]

Not yet, haven't had the time. Been super busy with midterms for school plus work. I had to squeeze a trip out to do some wheeling to relieve some stress but I have two more on monday, so looks like tuesday will be the day. I'll update then.

[traben27]

Well I ended up buying an amp today from someone on YT. It's a Clarion APX4240. I wasn't quite sure on the quality of the brand, but it got some pretty good reviews. I don't care all that much since I'll be putting the truck up for sale next August/September, I just can't deal with the speaker output anymore.

I'm just going to end up rewiring the complete stereo set up with the help of my friend (we did it in his pickup a few months ago). I'll let you know how it all goes.

[traben27]

I got the amp today, I'll probably be doing the install Friday morning until class, then after class until work. Hopefully that's all it will take.



I'll update once it's in and tell you how it sounds.

[traben27]

Got everything in today, it sounds much better than before, a lot fuller and doesn't get distorted at such low volumes. Only problem is i'm getting a high pitched interference noise when it's on. My friend that helped me on it couldn't quite remember what causes it..something with the power wire and another wire crossing?