I need to know how to install a Line output convertor into a 2003 L. Is there a way to do this without cutting factory wires? I am using it to get rca outputs to run to MTX mono amp to push subs. I am having to use factory head unit for now and want to leave it pushing factory speakers for now until I can get better stuff. OR should I use the speaker level inputs on the amp and if so would the sound quality be dramatically different. If this is the route I need to take what is the easiest way to do this?

Thanks for the help.

 

for subs i would always use rcas
as for the line level converter,
get some wire splicers from
radio shack, that way no wires are totally cut.

 

If I got those which wires would I tap into?

Sorry I do not have much knowledge in this area.

 

With either line level convertor or speaker level input, you will need to tap into the speaker leads from the head unit. You can just as easily tap into the lines off the rear speakers as you could from the back of the deck. Like trashguy said, go to Radio Shack and pick up some splice connectors (look like they have a blade in the middle that connect the wires) and they will not leave obvious connections on the wires.

As far as using speaker leads versus RCA connections, don't worry about it with subs. You would never know the difference. The quality difference between the two wouldn't be worth fronting the money to upgrade your deck. If you plan to upgrade later and amp your highs, then ABSOLUTELY buy a nice head unit. It will be worth it's price in gold to get high output RCA connections.

Just remember, the major downside to speaker level inputs is the distortion. You will not have to be too concerned with this on subs, but it will be extremely evident with your highs. The factory head unit probably has an awful THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) rating of like 5.0% if not worse. Your amp may have a better rating closer to 1.0%. If you take a signal that was amplified once by the radio with 5% distortion and add another 1% with your amp, then you have 6% (at least) distortion coming out your speakers. If you had just RCA outputs off an aftermarket radio, they have little to no distortion, so you will have an end result of only 1% distortion after your MTX amp. You get what you pay for as usual, but don't pay the cash if you are just amping some subs.

 

im looking at the wire adapter kit out of my
00 expedition but it should be the same.
the white solid and the white with the black line
the gray solid and the gray with black line.
im not sure which is left or right.

 

Left Front (+) Orange/Lt Green
Left Front (-) Lt Blue/White
Right Front (+) White/Lt Green
Right Front (-) Dk Green/Orange
Left Rear (+) Grey/Lt Blue
Left Rear (-) Tan/Yellow
Right Rear (+) Orange/Red
Right Rear (-) Brown/Pink

(for aftermarket adapters the colors are as follows)
From the drivers side front, go clockwise, WGVG, White/Grey/Violet/Green.

As always, use either stripe or solid as positive, just as long as you do the same thing on ALL the connections. Otherwise your speakers might cancel each other out with the wires crossed, and it will sound AWFUL!!!!!

 

Great inf0 you Said all the right things!!!! I have the wire colors to help you cdees...... oh k, Drivers side Rear Gray & Lightblue, Tan and yellow..... And the Passenger's rear is Orange& red, Brown & pink....... Their you go let us no how it comes out... Good luck bud

 

Thank you all very much for the information. It is exactly what I needed. I will keep you posted on how it turns out and how it sounds.

Thanks again,
Casey

 

I will use the line output convertor to get a signal to my amp to push my subs.. Do you think this is the best route? If so where should I mount it behind the factory head unit in my 03L or come off the rear speaker wires in the back of the truck?


Thanks audio 18 and dave and all the others for all your advice on this.

Casey

 

Which wire should one tap into for the remote lead to turn the amp on? I need to do this to since it looks like it might be a while before I get my headunit.

Thanks,