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View Full Version : H/K Amp Wiring Speaker Level vs. RCA Out


sprtwin1
08-24-2006, 06:43 PM
I have a 98 M3 Coupe with the harmon kardon sound. My head unit is crapping out on me, so i need to get a new one. I am pretty much decided on the Clarion DXZ-845MC. It matches and I can get it for 200 on woofersetc.com

My question is, what are the pros and cons of giving the factory amp a speaker level signal vs a pre-out?


Also, i have found a wiring harness that would make it real easy to give the amp pre-outs. Here is the url:


h ttp://www.installer.com/item/display_item.php?it=70-8591

Thanks,
Dan



Also, what do you guys think about that head unit?
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yellowman328is
08-24-2006, 08:12 PM
rca output will provide a better clean signal as oppose to the speaker level. I have only used the speaker level output once about 12 years ago with a crappy stereo and a swap meet quality amp (1 million watts of power).

But as time evolved, I gained more knowledge and experience installing sound systems that I only use rca outputs.

I am now considering trying it again (being lazy) due to the fact that the battery in my 328IS is in the trunk and convenience location of the rear speakers. I'll bet that it will sound much better than the stock, obsolete and abused HK.
Daved
08-24-2006, 08:14 PM
It's very likely that your stock amp will go bad.

Happened to me and another members in this board.
Daved
08-24-2006, 08:36 PM
^ I forgot to say that would happen if you use speaker level outputs. I don't know if the amp would work well or not with the preamp outputs.
sprtwin1
08-24-2006, 11:07 PM
bump
sprtwin1
08-25-2006, 09:41 AM
double bump
vrsixer
08-25-2006, 10:04 AM
It's very likely that your stock amp will go bad.

Happened to me and another members in this board.

+1 My amp died 1 day after I bought the car. It was at 52k miles.
mmm635
08-25-2006, 10:26 AM
I have a 98 M3 Coupe with the harmon kardon sound. My head unit is crapping out on me, so i need to get a new one. I am pretty much decided on the Clarion DXZ-845MC. It matches and I can get it for 200 on woofersetc.com

My question is, what are the pros and cons of giving the factory amp a speaker level signal vs a pre-out?


Also, i have found a wiring harness that would make it real easy to give the amp pre-outs. Here is the url:


h ttp://www.installer.com/item/display_item.php?it=70-8591

Thanks,
Dan



Also, what do you guys think about that head unit?
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I installed the DXZ745MP using a harness I purchased from Best Buy that uses the factory wiring. All I can say is that it sounds great using the stock amp. However, whenever I upgrade to an aftermarket amp in the future it will definitely be hooked up using the pre-outs.

The unit you are looking at is actually refurbished. Are you aware of that? The following link has one for new at $150 + $22 shipping.

http://cgi.ebay.com/CLARION-DXZ845MC-CD-MP3-SIRIUS-Player-Receiver-Stereo_W0QQitemZ230022223892QQihZ013QQcategoryZ505 58QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem