Simple Wiring Question -- car audio newbie

[Kellen850]

I recently bought an Alpine Type R 12", it's boxed and mounted on the box is a 1600W MTX Thunder 801D. I have a '97 Volvo 850 with the factory deck in it.

I'm looking at buying a "Brand New Rockford Fosgate Rfk4x 4 Gauge Amplifier Install Kit Made of 100% Pure Crystal-oxygen Free Copper" off amazon to wire it all up.

In order to hook up the factory stereo to the amp i was told i would need one of these: "Volvo Stereo Radio-Add an Aftermarket Amp Cable", you can google it to view it, it's on ebay.. i can't post URL's on these forums yet.

Keep in mind the amp is in the trunk, is this all I will need to wire everything? I have a buddy who can help with the set up.. Is the aftermarket amp cable long enough? Will everything hook up? Thanks in advance.

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[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

the cable intercepts the audio signal and turn-on wire between the HU and factory amp.

i agree this would make your life a lot easier.

you need to get a left/right audio signal from the factory head unit. you could use high level inputs or a LOC.

you also need an amplifier turn-on signal from the factory head unit. this is typically more difficult to get and requires some basic knowledge of electricity. don't use an ignition wire for amp turn-on.

i agree that cable is a good idea (assuming it does actually fit your year/make/model).

you do still need to ground the amp to the chassis with the wire in the 4awg kit. that small signal ground is only for the turn-on signal (and may not even be needed).