Amp installation question

[jkess27]

I just had the four factory speakers replaced in my car with the after market speakers. They are currently getting nowhere near the necessary to power to run at full potential. I would like to add an amplifier, but keep the factory receiver in place. I read that . "If you're adding an amp to a factory receiver, make sure you select an amp with speaker level inputs; you'll need those to accept the speaker level outputs from the receiver (aftermarket receivers use line level outputs which work with all amps)." My question is will this downgrade the quality of the sound immensely by using the speaker level inputs. I'm going to have it installed at circuit city or one of those places. Will I still need to buy one of those required wiring kits they make you buy for $60 to have it installed. Example http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Tsunami-Amplifier-Power-Kit-AMP350AGU/sem/rpsm/oid/71671/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

or is there a cheaper one I can get that will give them everything they need for my case like these http://www.crutchfield.com/S-OfDNByUQ96L/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=711&I=575RFK10

Thanks

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[blackbonnie 5,000+ posts]

well first off, what amp are you gonne be running? you do not need one with speaker level inputs, because you could use a line out converter (LOC) to give your RCA's that will plug right into your amp. but you will need one of the amp install kits (the links you gave us). now the reason i asked you what amp you are running, is because not all power kits will be able to be used with that amp. you will most likely need bigger wire then 10 gauge. so no you will not need one with speaker level inputs, but yes you will need one of those kits (but you dont have to buy it from them).

 

[blackbonnie 5,000+ posts]

and welcome to the site

 

[jkess27]

Thanks for the response. I was looking at maybe getting this amplifier if you think it is good for the 4 polk db650's, has a little extra power too.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-YRcBqIKIGzx/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=120&I=489AP1040

It has the speaker level inputs as well as the preamp-level adapter included, the question is which one do I go with. I am very new to this but I figured the preamp level adapter for the rca would be better but someone told be this below

"I recommend getting the high level inputs of the amplifier since, line converter add noise, distortion, and if no installed properly engine whine. Using the amplifier input is better in terms of sound quality and wiring connections, and there's no such a big difference in the quality compared to RCA inputs.

Source(s):

10 Years of Xperience

Electrical Engineer

Also which wire kit would you recommended for this amplifier and hopefully I can find one that's not too expensive.

Thank you very much for your help.

 

[Stel 10+ year member]

There's probably no need for the converter. Stock head units don't usually have much power, so it probably will be sending a distorted signal through the highlevel outputs even at moderate volume settings. Set your gains so the external amp is doing rated power while the HU volume is at it's highest none distorted level.