How Install and Amp

[Boston NX87]

I have a 2005 Mazda 3i 2.3 Litre... i was wondering if anyone knew how to connect an amp to the factory head unit and if this is wise to do. I want to run an MTX sub off of this alpine amp i have and i was hoping someone could explain how to do this. The only reason i do not want to purchase an aftermarket headunit is because since i got the car every interior piece i have purchased for the interior of my car (neons, dash plates, pedals, shift knob etc...) has matched the red interior and to lose the factory dash would really change the apperance of my car. So if someone could explain how to do this i would be greatful... thanks again everyone!... you guys have been extremely helpful.

 

[mazda3zoom]

I have a 2005 Mazda 3i 2.3 Litre... i was wondering if anyone knew how to connect an amp to the factory head unit and if this is wise to do. I want to run an MTX sub off of this alpine amp i have and i was hoping someone could explain how to do this. The only reason i do not want to purchase an aftermarket headunit is because since i got the car every interior piece i have purchased for the interior of my car (neons, dash plates, pedals, shift knob etc...) has matched the red interior and to lose the factory dash would really change the apperance of my car. So if someone could explain how to do this i would be greatful... thanks again everyone!... you guys have been extremely helpful.

Yea it sucks they made the factory setup look sweet like they did. I was gonna get an indash touchscreen but didnt wanna change the looks. Anyways they easy way to hook up an amp is to buy an LOC (line out converter) which splices into your door speaker wire and converts it to RCA. So after you run the wires out of your speaker you just run an RCA from the LOC to the back of your trunk and plug it into the amp. Then you have to run a remote wire from the back of the radio to the amp, im not sure if the factory headunit is a blue wire like aftermarket radios or if its orange or sumthin (search button comes in really handy here).

 

[chuyler1]

You can pick up a LOC from www.davidnavone.com. Your amp might actually have a built-in LOC. Check the instruction manual and see if you can connect speaker-level inputs. If so, you can just run speaker wire to the amp from the rear speakers or the back of the head unit. If you can't find the instruction manual it is probably available on Alpine's website.

For the remote turn on, I usually splice into the acc. power wire for the factory radio and use a 0.5a fuse. This will turn the amp on when the car is on.

Many factory stereos have a remote turn on that is used for a power antenna...but I don't believe the Mazda3 has one (and I know the Proteges don't have one).

 

[mazda3zoom]

yeah what he said (thumb)

 

[tsunami]

mazda3i 2.3l????

is that possible?

EDIT*** since your question was allready answered (use the navone loc or speaker level inputs) i had to ask....

 

[SkeeM]

i'm tryin to install a amp and a sub too...but i also got a headunit...and i'm also tryin to install it myself (with no experience)...so inorder to instal the sub i have to open the rear doors and hook up wires to the the rear speakers..and when i say open the rear doors i mean take out the covers or panels(dunno wut u call them)

 

[chuyler1]

It's easier to tap into the rear speaker cables from behind the head unit. Check out the wiring harness stickie thread for information about what color wires you want.

 

[mazda3zoom]

i'm tryin to install a amp and a sub too...but i also got a headunit...and i'm also tryin to install it myself (with no experience)...so inorder to instal the sub i have to open the rear doors and hook up wires to the the rear speakers..and when i say open the rear doors i mean take out the covers or panels(dunno wut u call them)

if you've gotta head unit too you dont need to do that. Just run the RCAs right outta the sub output on the back of the aftermarket headunit.