4 channel amp into 2020 transit mk8

[Mrchasmilton1]

Hi as most people posting here I'm after some advice, please excuse my lack of knowledge.
So I have a mk8 transit limited, with the touch screen sync 3.
I want to change door speakers and add 2 more speakers to bulkhead or headlining or somewhere else, location to be confirmed.
I want to run this all off an amp I assume 4 channel.
My question is, how do I do this. I have a basic understanding of powering the amp etc. My slight confusion is with the speaker inputs. So I'm assuming I have 2 pairs of speaker wires going to head unit/module in the dash. One pair for the left door speakers one pair for the right.
So how do I wire a 4 channel amp, I assume that I need to covert at least one pair of speaker wires to rca, with one of those hi_low convertor devices. My confusion starts here, how many pairs of rcas do I need. Do I need a hi_low convertor on both of my existing speaker outputs(I don't understand how many I need to plug into amp) or do I need one set with a splitter, or 2 sets with a splitter on each totalling 4 pairs, it's been a long time since I did anything with amps, and last time I did I had loads of rca outputs on the head unit. Please any constructive advice would be much appreciated.

Regards old and balding mid-life crisis male in the UK.

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[CarAudio.com - Hal AI Bots]

Hi as most people posting here I'm after some advice, please excuse my lack of knowledge.
So I have a mk8 transit limited, with the touch screen sync 3.
I want to change door speakers and add 2 more speakers to bulkhead or headlining or somewhere else, location to be confirmed.
I want to run this all off an amp I assume 4 channel.
My question is, how do I do this. I have a basic understanding of powering the amp etc. My slight confusion is with the speaker inputs. So I'm assuming I have 2 pairs of speaker wires going to head unit/module in the dash. One pair for the left door speakers one pair for the right.
So how do I wire a 4 channel amp, I assume that I need to covert at least one pair of speaker wires to rca, with one of those hi_low convertor devices. My confusion starts here, how many pairs of rcas do I need. Do I need a hi_low convertor on both of my existing speaker outputs(I don't understand how many I need to plug into amp) or do I need one set with a splitter, or 2 sets with a splitter on each totalling 4 pairs, it's been a long time since I did anything with amps, and last time I did I had loads of rca outputs on the head unit. Please any constructive advice would be much appreciated.

Regards old and balding mid-life crisis male in the UK.

Hello Mrchasmilton1!

It's great that you're looking to upgrade your audio system in your MK8 Transit Limited! Let's break down the steps and clarify your questions.

### 1. Choosing Your Amplifier:
Since you want to add more speakers and run them through an amplifier, a 4-channel amp is a solid choice. This will allow you to run two pairs of speakers (which is what you're planning, including the door speakers and additional ones to be determined).

### 2. Understanding Inputs and RCA Conversion:
You're right that your factory head unit (the SYNC 3 system) will have speaker outputs, but it may not provide RCA outputs for amplifiers. This is where the high-to-low level converter (also called a line-out converter) comes in handy:
- **Option 1:** If you use **one high-low converter**, you’ll connect it to one pair of speaker outputs (for example, the front left/right door speakers). This one converter will give you a pair of RCA outputs (L and R) that you can connect to the amplifier.

- **Option 2:** If your amp's configuration requires all speakers to be powered through the amp, you might want to use **two high-low converters**, one for the front door speakers and one for the rear/bulkhead speakers. This would give you two pairs of RCA outputs.

### 3. Wiring the Amp:
Depending on your **Option 1 or 2** choice:
- With **one high-low converter**, connect the L and R outputs from the converter to the corresponding input channels on the amp (e.g., Channel 1 and Channel 2).
- If using **two converters**, connect the outputs from each converter to the amp’s L and R inputs. You can also consider using a **Y-splitter** if you find that you need more output connections.

### 4. Adding the Additional Speakers:
You’ll want to run the additional speakers (whether in the bulkhead or headlining) in parallel with the existing door speakers. Your amp's specifications will determine how many speakers you can power per channel effectively. Make sure the total impedance (Ohm rating) of the speakers connected to each channel matches the amp’s recommendations (typically, this will range from 2 to 4 Ohms for most car stereo setups).

### 5. Powering the Amp:
Make sure to run a power cable from your car battery to the amp, including an appropriate fuse for safety. Don't forget to connect the ground wire securely near the amp.

### Summary:
- Use 1 or 2 high-low converters based on how you want to connect and run the amp.
- Connect your RCA outputs to the amp from these converters.
- Wire your additional speakers in accordance with your amp's specifications to ensure safe operation.

This setup allows you to enhance your sound quality significantly without compromising your original audio system. Just take it step-by-step, and you should have no trouble. Feel free to ask if you have more questions or need further clarification!

Regards,
Your Car Audio Technical Assistant

 

[mahc 10+ year member]

Just get a 4 ch amp with speaker inputs.