Adding a Second head unit?

[TheFiverMan 10+ year member]

Ok i have a 2013 ford fusion and i dont want to take out myford touch factory radio since it controls everything. I cant add an amp to it and i dont want to use an inline converter because they sound pretty bad. I was wondering how i could go about installing a second head unit. Id like to only use the sub and amp when the second head unit is on, but i want to also still hear sound from the factory speakers when the factory radio is off and second head unit on. Is there anyway i can do this?

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[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

Use a high quality line out converter or add a factory integration DSP. You're asking about a huge headache that is already solved by the aftermarket.

 

[TheFiverMan 10+ year member]

Use a high quality line out converter or add a factory integration DSP. You're asking about a huge headache that is already solved by the aftermarket.

Which do you suggest?

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

For a DSP my suggestion is the JBL MS-8. For a line out converter it's the Cache CLOC+D. You can use an inline knob such as the Axxess AALC to remotely control the bass level in case your amp doesn't include one.

The MS-8 will radically change the sound of the entire system in addition to giving you a subwoofer output. It's not a simple installation but there should be a shop near you that can install and tune it.

 

[TheFiverMan 10+ year member]

For a DSP my suggestion is the JBL MS-8. For a line out converter it's the Cache CLOC+D. You can use an inline knob such as the Axxess AALC to remotely control the bass level in case your amp doesn't include one.
The MS-8 will radically change the sound of the entire system in addition to giving you a subwoofer output. It's not a simple installation but there should be a shop near you that can install and tune it.

Yeah i just want to keep the factory speakers hooked to the factory radio and jump them over to the aftermarket unit and run my amp and sub off the aftermarket RCA inputs. Ill just use my aftermarket head unit when i want to run my amp and sub and be able to turn one or the other off and still have factory speakers working.

 

[PSturmer 10+ year member]

yeah you can do it. when i would compete i would disconnect my door speakers from my HU with the flip of a switch. what you wanna do is only one step further. by using relays you can have your door speakers connected to your factory HU as long as your second HU is powered off. then once your second HU powers on the amp turn on lead (the blue wire coming from the second HU) can be used to power a system of relays that first breaks the connection between your factory HU and door speakers and completes a new circuit between your second HU and door speakers. you could use relays like this:

12 VDC Automotive 5-Pin Relay SPDT 30/40A Bosch Type 330-073

each door speaker will require i believe 4 of these.... so with four speakers a total of 16. then to power all of these relays i wouldn't use the second HU as a power source, but rather use another relay. so a total of 17 relays. PM me if you would like specific help with the wiring diagram.

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

Honestly, if you came into my shop asking for this I'd look at you like you were crazy. Use an LOC and let the sub amp play along with the factory system. This doesn't need to be so hard. Take your car to a reputable shop, get yourself a system installed in a few hours and enjoy the music.

I talked to Tony at Xtreme Autosound. That shop came up in my search as a very reputable place and they have some installers with quite a bit of experience. They're a Hertz/Audison shop and I'm confident they'll get you set up with a good sounding system. ph# 502-493-0011

 

[TheFiverMan 10+ year member]

I heard using a LOC on a factory system you lose output compared to an aftermarket unit

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

I heard using a LOC on a factory system you lose output compared to an aftermarket unit

I'm telling you this is wrong if it's set up correctly.

 

[Popwarhomie 5,000+ posts]

I agree with trumpet. Use a quality LOC..

 

[TheFiverMan 10+ year member]

I heard on these new factory decks when running an amp to them they like to cut out the low bass. If it wasnt for that i wouldnt have a problem using a loc.

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

Call the shop I told you about.