I've always had systems in my cars so I'm not new to them, but I can't seem to find the part that allows you to keep the factory head unit and put in a system. I searched the forum but I don't know the name of the part so...

Any help would be appreciated

 

Not sure what you mean by "system" but Is this the type of device you are looking for? this converts speaker level out to line signal for input to an amp.
Scosche LOC80 2-channel line output converter at Crutchfield.com

You can get these just about anywhere including places like Wal-Mart

 

I believe that is what it is.. By system I mean hookup a capacitor, amplifier, and subwoofer.

I've never had this problem before because I always put in an aftermarket HU.

 

A better option instead of using a line out converter (LOC) is to use something designed to integrate into the OEM headunit. I've been looking into 2 options but there are a few more out there by other manufacturers.

1. MTX RE-Q and RE-Q 5
2. Rockford 360.1 or 360.2

Both need amps but if you wanted to put in a system you're probably already looking at amps.

 

here check out this site. they claim its not speaker level inputs and it integrates the stock harness... im looking into this as well. i want to push my punch 10" with a 1000w. kenwood mono amp. a little dated but it runs good. I hope that and some new speakers in the front will satisfy me. www.autosoundcentral.com

pac aoem-hon17
amplifier adaptor

 

I already have a couple amps laying around from previous systems I've gone through. I just wanted to know the best route as far as hooking up a sub/amp/capacitor combo to the factory radio.

 

If you know what you're doing you'll get the Rockford 360.2. I would consider it as the best for OEM integration. You connect via laptop & bluetooth to change EQ settings. Its capable of an Active front stage and provides very nice pre-amp voltages. It also features Time-Alignment too.

I however, DONT know what I'm doing when I change all those settings above so I'm gonna get the RE-Q5. I find the EQ settings on the Factory Unit sufficient. I like the presets on the fit already.

As you might've noticed. The MTX is >$100 bucks on ebay. It does the job if you read the crutchfield and sonicelectronix reviews. The 360.2 is upwards of $360. I wouldn't really go with 360.1 as its missing the cool features of the .2 that really make it shine (IE: time-alignment, ability to go active, etc.)

 

I do know a fair amount about audio controls and the differet setting but am not that concerned about changing all of the settings as I'm not planning on puting a show stopping sound system in the car, I just want a little more bass.
Going to look into the re-q5

 

if you have an amp capable of hi-level inputs just tap the rear speaker harness in the B-pillar area. I ran it like that for a while and it gave pretty decent bass. It just takes a little time to tune everything to sound balanced.. crappy stock h/u doesnt produce nice bass sometimes

 

How exactly did you do that, accordintakeguy?

 

umm there was a thread on here that explained exactly what color the wires were in the harness for the speakers.. I pulled out a few panels to get to the B-pillar and near the floor there is a mess of wires, just find the ones that power the rear speakers and splice into them, then run it to your amp + wire the power lines to your amp from the battery, ground and you're done!

But actually if you have a GE newer fit than reaching the rear of the H/U is MUCH easier, you can just tap from there and run 2 sets of wires back if you dont mind spending a little extra on cable, that'll simplify things a bit and then you only have to pull apart one side of your car and run all the wires together

 

id be careful messing around the b pillar. isnt the airbag junk tucked in there?

 

I have my 2x 12" on the base head unit I went to the local audio shop and he hooked me up don't have a part number thoe but any good shop should be able to hook it up

 

yeah it's kinda like a time bomb, cut the wrong wire and POOF! haha but really i was REALLY afraid of the same thing, now i have millions of wires all over the car.. it just takes some time to get comfortable with

 

... Ok.... So... I've gone back and forth a couple of times about whether I was to get a double din or if I want to just use the stock radio with a line output converter..

If I get a double din the sound quality overall will be awesome compared to the stock radio, and I'll be able to turn the sub off thru the deck.

If I go oem w/ output converter, I save buku bukks.. Ughh
please help me decide!

 

Go oem I have my 2 12s and it sounds clean much cleaner then most who went after market but I installed the subs and ran the wires right my friend just got a 10 in his fit stayed oem and sounds great do it oem and if u don't like it save up and change it later it's not that big of a deal

 

Sound quality will come from amplification and better speakers (incl. installation of those speakers. You can turn the sub off with the MTX RE-Q and even the Rockford 360. They both come with Sub controllers that mount remotely. Double din you get a new look, GPS, a big screen and ipod/hd radio/ satellite integration. I just need beats so OEM integration is my way to go. Double din in my hood is asking to be jacked

 

I was looking at possibly getting the schosche line output converter thing because I can get it locally... Or should I go ahead and get the RE-Q?? I've never done the oem thing so I don't know how this works. If I use the line output converter can I just put an online switch like you can with a remote wire?

Also, which door speakers and such would you guys recommend? Not satisfied with the stockers...

 

if you're gonna change speakers you might as well go head unit first.. it'll completely transform your sound! more power, Clearer, crisper, more clean and controlled highs and lows... there is no losing with a H/u

 

Like all the control you get with a head unit, and double dins look so clean.. Plus crime isn't a huge prob where I live . "I live on an island, Atlantic in my back yard" - lil wayne .. Anyways... Going to be in o town today so I'll prob go find a HU and some door speakers.. What size do the doors take??