For those keeping stock head unit and using aftermarket amps...how long were your RCA cables? I think most of you have the LOC hooked up right next to the Bose amp with your aftermarket amp close by in the trunk.

How long were your RCA's?

 

Just did mine and used 3' to keep the cabling distance to a minimum. Any reason for the question?

 

Just wanted to have all cabling ahead of time before I get my amps, so I don't have to wait on anything on install day.

 

I ran the high-level speaker wire from behind the non-Bose stock deck to my AudioControl EQL (Under the driver's seat). I used a 6' shielded Monster Cable Car Audio Interconnect between my EQ and the amps.

Good luck with your install!

 

This is what I used:
Wire taps.

RCA plugs.


If you have the Bose HU, you don't necessarily need to use a LOC. You tap into the wire harness coming from the HU in the trunk. My RCA cables where only 3 ft long using this setup.

 

Hmmm, I haven't seen someone do that yet...most everyone recommends using an LOC. I'm sure that cost you only like $5.

 

I take a bit of issue with that statement. I am an 18-year pro and I don't say that you need to use an LOC, and many LOC's are sources of both alternator whine and background hiss.

Many, many amps will take the OEM HU output just fine. Some amps use a signal grounding scheme that is intolerant and might be noisy. But many, many amps will work just fine.

I would ask people what amps they've used in this manner.

 

If I can go w/o an LOC, then I would do it. I just haven't seen anyone tap into exisiting wire like that. If I knew where to tap, I would attempt the same thing that Espresso did.

 

i had 3' cables at first but they were too short so i went back and got 6' cables

 

if you use an LOC then I think you should send signal to an eq so you can fine tine your stero and use regular rca cables. I will post some pic soon

 

i did not use a LOC (on my final install)..........i ran RCA cables from the trunk all the way to the HU.....right down the middle of the car, away from the power cables on the right side and the speaker wires on the left side........no noise and the after market amp will take the output from the stock HU........i measured the signal with an osciliscope and it was only 2.2 V peak to peak.......

 

It all depends on where you tap the signal - either behind the HU (PAC AOEM-NIS2) or in the trunk (w/ or w/o LOC). You will need 17 ft if you tap behind the HU and about 3 ft if you tap in the trunk. Maybe slightly longer for the latter if you mount the amp on the seat back.