Thread: pairing amp to speakers.

*Original post* 120 rms Energy 6"x9" rear speakers
85 rms Energy 5.25" front speakers
both 4ohm

Looking at buying Pioneer class FD 4channel amp model (gm-d8604)
rated 100 rms x 4 @ 4ohm
paired with after-market Pioneer head unit 122 rms x 4

(Will this be too much power for my speakers? Also can I use existing wires and just connect amp to head unit harness input and output?) - Fixed - won't be too much power, but need new speaker wire)
Thank you all for input and help

-Link for amp http://www.crutchfield.com/S-uI3Pkq2...-GM-D8604.html
-Link for head unit http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...rs/DEH-P6900UB
-Link for front speakers http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/produ...58ba7b72a5en02
-Rear speakers http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/produ...754d1e96daen02

Pontiac Grand Prix SE 2003
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...-GT5-2500.html
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...-GM-D8604.html
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...ries/GM-D7500M

Without knowing what you own (carwise) it's tough to give you much advice.

I wouldn't suggest hooking up a head unit to an amp via factory wiring, but then, I'm not a audio guy. I followed the advice of buddies and ... let's say 3 years later I'm still very happy.

The power will be fine. Just adjust your headunit more to the back a few clicks.
Dont use factory wiring. factory speaker wire is like 22-24 gauge. Pick up a roll of 14-16 gauge and spend an afternoon running fresh wire.

Originally Posted by douger

I'm installing that very amp now.

You won't, of course, be able to use the factory power wire. That amp requires a 8 gauge cable for both power and ground.

I'm running RCAs to the amp for its input, and I'll be using 14 gauge wire for the speakers.

Okay I looked at my headunit
link for head unit
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...rs/DEH-P6900UB

It looks like it has 3 RCA pre-outs (1 I hooked to sub already) I can use RCA cables for input of amp like you're doing. For the output of amp should I take 14 gauge wire to my old wire and pull it through dash then hook to amp? Also, where is a good spot to mount a 4channel amp for main speakers/ where are you putting yours?

2003 grand prix SE

One more thing. Where is the head unit's amp? Will I miss the power from it or will the signal be automatically paired together since the RCA inputs for my new amp are coming from my head unit?

Originally Posted by Car Splicer

Sorry I don't quite understand, "Just adjust your headunit more to the back a few clicks." Does this mean don't put the volume too high? However, thank you everyone for your input! I will definitely look at buying 14 gauge speaker wire.

No what i meen is the front speakers have a lower rms than the rear, therefor you want to adjust the fader on the headunit like 2-4 clicks towards the rear so those put out more than the fronts.

If you'd like nice wiring check out Knuconceptz, here's there amp kit page
http://www.knukonceptz.com/productMa...llation%20Kits

I called up because what I wanted wasn't listed quite the way I wanted it. I added more of their speaker wire, one double rca cable (did front/rear preouts) and one for the subs. The amp wiring (4 gauge) Then 80 feet of speaker wire. I had very little speaker wire left after doing all four and the sub. All the wiring was awesome quality and in three years, I've never had a single bit of dimming etc. That's running everything off one amp.

As for install... see if your amp needs a certain orientation, if possible invert it and mount it below the rear deck. Keeps it out of the way.

Hold on for about 30 minutes. I'm logging into PB. Yes.. up under between the rear deck speakers. I don't compromise about having room and fold down rear seats. In my case, it had to be out of the way.

This is looking into the trunk while crouched down.




Backseat down and looking out from inside the car


Some of that wiring




I may have gone overboard.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

Hold on for about 30 minutes. I'm logging into PB. Yes.. up under between the rear deck speakers. I don't compromise about having room and fold down rear seats. In my case, it had to be out of the way.

This is looking into the trunk while crouched down.





Backseat down and looking out from inside the car


Some of that wiring




I may have gone overboard.

Thank you! This is very helpful. Unfortunately I may have blown my tweeters. I'm not sure.. So I'm looking into the problem before buying an amp :/ sorry to ask more, but do you know how to test if your tweeters are not working properly? It seems to me like they aren't emitting very much sound. My woofers still sound great and are putting out good vocals at least. I do have a crossover in door as well. I think I put my head unit a little past 3/4 max to like 5/6 max when testing my sub out for a good full test drive and may have had slight clipping of my stock amp :'( do you know how to go about getting replacement tweeters? Also, would my rear 6x9 tweeters be blown as well if my front speaker tweeters are blown? It is very hard to tell in the rear as getting to the speakers requires taking out the entire back seat...

-Link for speakers
http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/produ...58ba7b72a5en02

Sorry.. I don't, but someone will .

Originally Posted by Thompsju

Very clean install Bill.

Wanna hang out some time? =)

Thanks and you don't know the half of it. Most of it's not even in the pics. My power wire actually is run in the factory loom on the right side of the car because I took out the 30 Monsoon wires. I put the LED turn signals and puddle lights/door light wiring into the factory connector where they were on previous years etc.

On the hanging out, I'll pass. You have too many spare brackets still.