I think I have a good one for you all. I want to keep my stock head unit and replace the JBL amp with a new amp. I am also going to replace the stock blown speakers (and add a subwoofer for good measure). My question is this... is there a way to use the stock wiring from the head to the amp to get the audio signals from the head unit? There is a blue cable that goes between the stock head unit and the JBL amp, it is an 8-wire cable with quick connects. (diagrams K17557-A and K-19442-A) In my Lincoln service book, it shows that cable as carrying the audio signal from the head to the amp. The book says there is 4 pairs of Speaker voice coil feed and return. I would think those wires would be simple right, left, front and rear signals? I know the stock amp has a built-in crossover which is why I am trying to get the audio signal from the head unit where I assume it will be a raw composite signal with no crossovers in the way? Can anyone tell me if I can get the audio signals from that blue cable? My intent is to keep the stock head and 10-disk changer for now and add the new 4-channel amp with new Infinity speakers and a 200 watt amplified sub. I selected the Infinity Baselink 2 because it is self-contained and will take up only a small space in the trunk. Any help is appreciated.
Radio JBL amp new subwoofer
- Thread starter ruswin
- Start date
No responses to this question yet? Well I did a little testing and it does seem that the blue cable is pre-amp outputs from the head. I connected a small speaker to the wires and heard some sound. I will be attempting to hook up the amp to it once I get some rca cables spliced into the cable. The other question I have is what are the 2 relays on the amplifier tray in the trunk?
playboy4aday
Well-Known LVC Member
What your are asking is very do-able just go to a reputable car stereo shop and ask for the amp bypass plug for the JBL system in your car. I am doing the same thing right now only I have 2 Diamond audio amps and Pioneer Rev highs, 2 12 inch Pioneer premier 3000SPL subs, and I have a 2 DIN Pioneer Premier deck.
I was just looking for confirmation that the blue cable carries a pre-amp output from the head unit. I could not find any other threads that mentioned that. I have already cut the cable and installed a 8 position terminal block so I can splice the cable from the head to the rca cables going to the amp. I will follow up with the results. By the way, I called Crutchfield but they said their kit would not work to bypass the amp? Thanks.
playboy4aday
Well-Known LVC Member
Well the one i have works fine. But Crutchfield is like a gay Wal-Mart for stereo. LOL. But who cares what I think.
Well here's what I found. The blue cable can be used to carry pre-amp signals to an amp in the back however, my 10-disk changer just died so I am going to end up replacing the head unit with new one and gutting the old amp / changer and head unit. In the process I am going to do it right and just run new wires to everything... so much for shortcuts?