Last week we discussed how to know if a vehicle is equipped with a premium factory amplified sound system; a question that arises on a daily basis. Since it is such an important part of aftermarket radio installation, we believe it is also important to understand what it means to have a premium amplified sound system. Before even starting a search for installation products, knowing if your system is factory amplified will help to narrow the available options for radio wiring. From time to time, there will be vehicles that use the same wiring for both non-amplified and amplified systems, but the majority of vehicles have different wiring.
Having a non-amplified sound system doesn't actually mean that there is no amplifier present in the vehicle; it really means that the amplifier is built-in the factory radio. So when you hear sound, it is the built-in amplifier in the factory radio that is driving the speakers to make that sound. In amplified sound systems, a separate amplifier or subwoofer will be present somewhere in the vehicle. These amplifiers and subwoofers can be found underneath seats, in the trunk, behind the dash, etc. and their main purpose is to intensify the sound coming from the speakers...amping up the sound! In this case, when you hear sound, it is the separate amplifier that is driving the speakers to produce that sound. If the vehicle has an amplified system, it is going to have one of the following: 1) analog amplifier, 2) digital amplifier, or 3) fiber optic amplifier. Let's talk about the difference... Analog amplifiers input low-current signals and output more intensified sound of the same signal. These amplified systems require pretty basic wiring that includes RCA connections in order to retain the amplifier and produce sound through the speakers. With these RCA connections comes the potential necessity for a LOC (Line Output Converter), but we'll talk more about that at another time. Digital amplifiers take the incoming signal and convert it to a digital signal. These amplified systems require the use of wiring that includes a data interface in order to digitally convert the signal. They are more expensive than the wiring for the analog amplified systems because of the electronic data interface. Fiber optic amplifiers, the most complex of all, carry the signal by using light that is produced by tiny lasers in the wiring. There is no need for electronic conversion with fiber optics like there is with the digital amplifier, but an interface is often a part of the wiring necessary for installation. Fiber optic amplifiers are common among luxury vehicles such as Mercedes Benz, BMW, Land Rover, and Porsche, among others. They are almost never seen in standard makes. Does your vehicle come equipped with a premium factory amplified sound system? If so, then you'll need specific wiring for your aftermarket radio installation. The good thing is that now you know the different types of amplifiers and the wiring required for them. The even better thing is that you can visit Spiral Audio and find all of the wiring solutions for your vehicle!
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It is very important to know whether a vehicle is equipped with a premium factory amplified sound system before trying to install an aftermarket radio. One of the most common problems that we run into with our customers is that they purchase a wire harness that is only compatible with non-amplified systems and just when they are in the midst of installing the radio, they realize that something is wrong. Many times, but not always, the wire harness for non-amplified systems is the less expensive option and since it looks like it will fit, there is hope that it will work too! Unfortunately, just because a wire harness fits doesn't mean that it is going to function. Here are a few ways to help in determining if your vehicle is equipped with a premium amplified system so that you can save yourself time and be certain to purchase the correct wire harness for your installation.
1. The easiest way is to take a look at the front of the factory radio and/or the factory speakers to see a brand name or the word "premium". There are a lot of different premium brands out there, but the most popular are: Bose, Infinity, JBL, Mark Levinson, Harman Kardon, Boston Acoustics, Kicker, Rockford Fosgate, Nakamichi, Alpine, Monsoon, Sony etc. If you do not see any of the premium brands or the word "premium", you may want to check your owner's manual to see if there is anything there. 2. Verify if your vehicle is equipped with more than 4 speakers. Often times, if it has more than the normal 4 speakers, it is equipped with a premium sound system. This is not always the case though as the newer vehicles are coming with a standard 6 or 8 speaker system, so it is recommended to get confirmation. 3. In some extreme cases, like Saab vehicles, it is necessary to check the back of the factory radio. In these cases, there is no other way to verify whether the system is amplified or not. Whether you are new to car stereo installation or are having trouble verifying the sound system in your vehicle, hopefully these tips help out! But, if you need more help...give us a call or send us an e-mail so that we can point you in the right direction. Installing an aftermarket radio seems pretty easy, and it definitely can be, if you know exactly what you need and where to get started. Below you will find a checklist of the necessary products to get your new aftermarket radio installed.
Here’s what you need:
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