Line level wiring...................

[bentwookie]

As for the afformentioned, how is the quality? I do not intend on separates, a sub is possible. And, how difficult is it to wire line level? Do I have to do all the splicing behind the HU, or can I get a Harness that will make life easier? If anyone has to/can reply at length, feel free to email me.

My intentions are to keep the stock unit and changer, add a Kenwood 4 or 5 channel depending on $ flow and swap the speakers to either Clarion 5X7 plate separates or regular 5X7s such as Kenwood, Polk, Infinity, etc.

Thanks,

 

[Hijaak]

Behind the head unit is the best place to splice when keeping the stock head unit. Try to keep track of the colors of the wires for each speaker if you put the speakers in first. EQ's and Signal processors can add noise to the system, usually you don't need one. If you're going to do the speakers and the amp in one day try to allow 8 hours to run new wires from the high level in's on the amp to HU and the wires from the outs on the amp to the original speaker feed wires behind the HU. All the wires can be pulled down through the center console and then under the carpet.

 

[JTang]

The quality difference will negligible, if even noticable in most cases, with even less chance with road noise entering the picture. As with the case of the above mentioned post, I think that the signal right behind the stock head unit won't even be amped, so it shouldn't create additional distortion. In most cases, the main concern is just to run the signal wire in the best way to avoid main areas of power where electromagnetic interference may occur. They all work in the same way and there's really not much competition between brands here, so anything you pick up should do well.

 

[fd97exp]

you may not be able to get your speaker wires behind the head unit. most explorers have the jbl sound system in it. if yours has this, than there will be a gray cable behind the radio that you can not splice into. however you can find the factory amp behind the rear panel on the passanger side. you should be able to find your wires there.

 

[QuadCam]

stock head unit has low level outputs!!

the outputs behind the stock head unit are low level.

If you insist on using a high/low level apadpter, you will need to get the speaker outputs after the factory amp.

If you are just trying to add a sub amp to your factory system, you can cut off the ends of an rca cable. then splice the 4 wires on the rca (L+,L-, R+,R-) into the correct positive and negative outputs from the headunit.
because the factory headunit has a high voltage/low level output, your sub amp will seem as if it is making more power than it's rated at. adjust your gains accordingly.

have fun,

Andrew

 

[Rob2000XLT]

So if you just want to add a sub, would you splice some of the speaker wires on the back of the headunit, then run it to the amp, which already has a line level converter?? Does it matter if you are going to install 1 or 2 subs. I also have a lot of questions.
Thanks for the input.
Rob

 

[QuadCam]

no, the splicing into the wires behind the ford explorer radio is for low level inputs (RCA).

If you are going to use the high level inputs on your sub amp (if your amp has them), get the speaker wire leads off of the ford factory amp (which is behind the passenger side cargo trim panel.)


Andrew

 

[justin146]

If you are gonna use a line converter for a sub amp and you have the factory subwoofer, just unplug the factory sub and put the line converter on its wires. YOU MUST WIRE THE CHANNELS OF THE CONVERTER IN SERIES!!!
If your converter can't handle the power (like my first one) you will set it on fire(seriously) if you wire the channels parallel!!!! I honestly dont know of a converter that can handle the power.There will be no need to use a crossover since this signal is already low pass.