I’ve been searching all around but haven’t found my answer so reaching out…so many car audio installs involve replacing factory H/U but I AM KEEPING the factory H/U. My confusion is with the little silver OEM amp and how/where to reroute the wiring. I am hoping someone can shed light on this before I start snipping wires tomorrow…

I am in the middle of this install. I am upgrading speakers all around (Alpine S-series). Instead of using factory speaker wires I am using new speaker wires and running them directly to the new amp with RCA cables. Installing JL Audio XD700/5 v2 amp and Kicker Hideaway 8” subwoofer.

I Have Metra 70-1761 harnesses. Smaller one handles the rear speakers. Larger one handles the front speakers and everything else. Wires run from H/U…to OEM amp…then from amp into vehicle. Not sure if I’ll need the harness after all.

1. With bypassing the amp, do I just unplug/snip strictly JUST the 8 speaker wires and run them directly to the new amp, while keeping the other wires still running through the factory amp? And…does it matter if the wires are snipped between the H/U and amp, or between the amp and vehicle? An installer guy said I could just remove/snip the harnesses underneath the factory amp but I’m not sure because I could’ve sworn I read somewhere something else. It seems to make more sense that the amp is not getting bypassed if I cut wires after the path of the amp and not before.

2. Since I am keeping the factory H/U…I assume that I should NOT remove the OEM amp? Or…if I can do I just snip ALL the wires before/after the amp and splice them together? The 70-1761 connects to the harnesses that come out of the bottom of the OEM amp so that would give me extra length wires to work with.

Well anyways, sorry this is getting long and by now you probably get where I am coming from. In advance, thanks for everyone that can shed light and/or point me in the right direction!

 

I've thought about this before but can't remember all I learned. I was going to install a spare HU from a 2000 4runner into my 89 model and wanted to do the HU only without the amp. For some reason, I didn't end up doing it and I think it was because I was going to have to use the amp as well and didn't really have room for it. That being said, I believe you do all of your connections downstream of the amp.

How are you getting your sound signal to your amp? Line converter? Where are you going to mount your amp? Just curious. I may go through my system in my 02 at some point.

 

Yes, for sound signal I am using 2 pairs of JL Audio XD-CLRAIC2-SW line converters (one for each of my 4 speakers). Mounting JL amp below driver's seat and Kicker sub underneath passenger seat. Also installed JL Audio HD-RLC remote level controller knob using the blank directly below the tailgate switch where my hand automatically falls when using the center console armrest.

The Alpine speakers just by themselves are a HUGE improvement over the stock speakers (installed them couple months ago using factory wiring but now am rewiring them directly to JL amp and routing wires through door boots/grommets).

 

May offer some help - https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f96/...d-unit-105243/

 

Rock Slide: Thanks for the link! I read through it plus bookmarked it in case need it going-forward. Weather was horrible today (TONS of rain) so did not get as far as wanted on install. But...think I crossed the point of no return so will continue on as planned and see where everything stands when the dust settles...thanks again!

 

Well, everything is hooked up. Not having any problem with noise like you had, Rock Slide...instead...I am not getting any sound at all! Amp powers up just fine but nothing comes out. I brought T4R to audio shop and they were kinda scratching their heads on what the problem could be. In Rock Slide's link nearer the end there is talk about a line-out converter but in the instructions of my amp says shouldn't need one... "Line output converters are usually not needed with the XD700/5v2. If you find that the output cannot be reduced sufficiently with a direct speaker level signal applied to the amplifier and the “Input Voltage” switch in its “High” position, you may use a line output converter or voltage divider to reduce the signal level."

Before I go order a line-output converter anyone have any other ideas on things I should try?

 

Just thought I'd follow-up for anyone else ever in this situation. I finally ended up doing all my connections downstream from the stock amp and that fixed everything. Months later, everything still sounding awesome and so much better than before. Plus both amp and sub hidden underneath front seats so super clean install overall. Very happy with everything. My plan is to continue running the stock HU until it finally dies, then maybe aftermarket then.