Stock Head Unit, Aftermarket Amp/speakers

[FryLoch]

Been searching for a couple days and haven't found anyone was has ran a stock first gen mark VIII HU with an aftermarket amp and speakers. Is this even possible has anyone done it?

 

[chris2523]

yes, its possible. no, its not really worth it.

JBL system or base system?

 

[FryLoch]

JBL system, I'm wanting to retain stock appearance it has a tape deck so I can use an adapter for iPod...

 

[chris2523]

the JBL system head unit has the four channel pre-amped outputs. so you'll need to wire RCA plugs to those wires and run the RCA cables to your amp in the trunk (or wherever you put the amp).

you will also need to replace the speakers as the factory JBL system is a component set up and the factory amp does all the signal processing.

you can use some cheap 3 ways if you want. 5x7s i think.

this will probably work til the factory head unit dies.
which might be soon, or might not. but i've seen enough blown HUs to think it will pop eventually.

why are you going down this road anyway?

 

[FryLoch]

I want to retain stock appearance. The car is a one owner garage kept 58k mile survivor.

 

[dnsherrill]

replacement stock head units should be readily available and inexpensive...keep replacing them as they die on ya?

 

[FryLoch]

So let me get this strait. I will need

4 5x7 speakers
4 channel amp
Wire
RCA connectors

Optional
2in tweeters

 

[dnsherrill]

and crossovers?

 

[FryLoch]

Do I need one?

 

[chris2523]

if you're using separate tweeters.

 

[FryLoch]

Ahh, I think I'll skip the tweeters, I'll post up pictures of the car soon.

58k miles
black/gray int
original paint
garage kept
1 owner

2500+TTL Only thing that doesn't work is the stereo.

 

[chris2523]

well. i do hope its the amp that went bad and not the head unit then. they both go bad.

i lost two amps and one head unit before i switched to aftermarket (mostly alpine and kicker) equipment.

 

[FryLoch]

Ended up being the Headunit... So much for looking stock, just swapped a Kenwood Headunit and called it a day. Speakers aren't blown and amp is good.