Hooking up a new stereo

[Prophet1234]

Is there any way to use my stock stereo and hook up an amp?
And If I have to switch the deck out, does anyone know if there is a way to keep my satellite radio that came with the car? the only reason I dont want to replace the stock deck is because I love the display and remote from the stero wheel.....anyone got some input...I drive a 3, 2006

 

[menus87]

yeah JL audio makes an OEM audio interface which converts ur speaker wires into rca outputs just go to http://mobile.jlaudio.com/index.php i've been reseaching it for my 06 5dr and if ur wanting to keep the stock radio its ur best bet.

 

[chuyler1]

If the amp has speaker-level inputs you can connect the amp directly to the speaker output wires of the factory headunit. If the amp does not have speaker-level inputs you can use a line-out-converter (http://www.davidnavone.com, $20-30) to convert the speaker-level output of the headunit to line-level for the amp.

The JL audio Clean Sweep is very expensive and is more worthwhile if your car has built-in navigation, eq curves and other features. For less money you could upgrade to a better head unit than what comes with the Mazda3.

If you switch out the deck you will still be able to use the steering wheel controls if you choose the right unit. Most Alpine units have optional adapters. I'm not sure about other brands though.

You will not be able to use the factory satellite radio feature with an aftermarket headunit. Instead you will have to purchase a unit that will work with your new stereo.

 

[tsunami]

yeah either the clean sweep or the LOC is your best bet if the amp doesn't take direct speaker inputs... ask any more questions or do a search as numerous people have probably asked the same question before....

 

[hyck]

I too have a question.., I really don't know much about hooking up amp and ...., so a friend of mine will help me. I have an amp and 2 subs, and my question is what else do I need to hook it up to the stock HU. I think I have to buy that line-out-converter, but what else do I need ... Thanks.

 

[chuyler1]

You will need an amplifier wiring kit, speaker wire, and possibly a LOC. The kit you choose depends on what you need. With the LOC you need one with RCA cables but if the amp has speaker-level inputs you don't need the RCA cables. Pay attention to the gauge wiring that comes in the kit and buy the one that best matches the total RMS output of your amplifier(s):

10 gauge: 1-250w
8 gauge: 250-500w
4 gauge: 500w-1000w
0 gauge: 1000w+

 

[BrianG]

And just for the record, you can use your factory steering whell controls on almost any remote-capable aftermarket deck with the PAC SWI-X: http://www.pac-audio.com/products/productsCatagory.asp?mmSearch=Steering Wheel Interface (at the bottom). There are some other brand-specific models too...

 

[hyck]

I see, thanks for the help

 

[Operator]

That cleansweep is nice but very pricey.

 

[chuyler1]

The stock unit doesn't sound that bad with a LOC. And if you don't like the sound you can always hack the factory unit to get a cleaner signal...

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123618904&highlight=line+stock+head+unit

I know it looks complicated but it's a much cheaper alternative to a CleanSweep.