Upgrading your car’s stereo system is a popular way to enhance your driving experience and enjoy superior audio quality. However, if your vehicle comes equipped with a factory amplifier, integrating it with an aftermarket stereo can be a bit more challenging. While retaining the factory amp can simplify the installation process, it can limit the performance of your new stereo.
The factory amp is designed to work with the original stereo, and connecting it to an aftermarket unit requires careful consideration and proper wiring techniques. In this guide, we will explore the steps involved in using a factory amp with an aftermarket stereo, providing you with the knowledge and insights to successfully integrate the two systems and achieve the best sound possible in your car.
How to Use a Factory Amp with an Aftermarket Stereo
Using a factory amp with an aftermarket stereo requires careful consideration and the use of additional components to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. That said, here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a factory amp with an aftermarket stereo;
- Identify the factory amp- Determine the location of the factory amp in your vehicle. The amp is typically installed in the trunk, under a seat, or behind the dash. You can refer to your vehicle’s manual to help locate the amp.
- Check compatibility- Confirm that your aftermarket stereo is compatible with the factory amp. Some stereos may have built-in compatibility with factory amps, while others may require additional components for proper integration. To be on the safe side, you may want to consult the stereo’s documentation or contact the manufacturer to ensure compatibility.
- Gather the necessary components- Depending on your specific vehicle and stereo setup, you may need additional components to connect the aftermarket stereo to the factory amp. These components may include a line output converter (LOC), a wiring harness adapter, RCA cables, and speaker wires.
- Disconnect the factory stereo- Remove the factory stereo from the dashboard by following the manufacturer’s instructions or using the appropriate removal tools. Disconnect all the necessary wiring connections, including the speaker wires, power, ground, and antenna.
- Connect the aftermarket stereo- Install the aftermarket stereo by connecting the wiring harness adapter to the stereo’s wiring harness. This adapter allows you to connect the aftermarket stereo to the vehicle’s wiring system without cutting or splicing wires. Follow the specific wiring diagram provided with the adapter and stereo for proper connection.
- Install the line output converter – If your aftermarket stereo does not have built-in compatibility with the factory amp, you will need to install a line output converter. The LOC converts the speaker-level output from the stereo to a preamp-level signal that the factory amp can accept. For this step, you’ll need to connect the LOC to the stereo’s speaker output wires and then connect the RCA cables from the LOC to the factory amp’s inputs.
- Connect the factory amp to the speakers- If you are using the factory speakers, ensure that the factory amp is properly connected to them. If the aftermarket stereo has built-in amplification, you may need to bypass the factory amp and connect the stereo directly to the speakers.
Bypassing Factory Amp
Bypassing the factory amp when using an aftermarket stereo involves rerouting the audio signal directly from the stereo to the speakers, bypassing the amplifier altogether. Choosing to bypass the factory amp can help to optimize your audio system and ensure a truly immersive and high-quality audio experience in your vehicle, regardless of the speakers you have chosen to install.
To bypass a factory amplifier when installing an aftermarket stereo, you can start by disconnecting the wiring harness that connects the factory amplifier to the vehicle’s wiring system. Next, get a bypass harness or amplifier bypass adapter that is compatible with your vehicle’s make and model. This harness is designed to directly connect to your aftermarket stereo and bypass the factory amplifier.
The harness features a plug that matches the factory amplifier’s wiring harness. All you need to do is to plug one end of the bypass harness into the factory amplifier’s wiring harness socket. The other end of the harness should have a plug that matches the wiring harness of your aftermarket stereo. Connect the plug from the bypass harness to the wiring harness on your aftermarket stereo, and you are good to go.
Advantages of Bypassing the Factory Amp
- Improved sound quality- Factory amps are often designed to work with factory speakers, which may not provide the best audio quality. Bypassing the factory amp allows the aftermarket stereo to directly power the speakers, which can result in better sound clarity, detail, and overall audio performance.
- Enhanced customization options- By bypassing the factory amp, you gain more control over the sound settings and equalization options offered by the aftermarket stereo. This allows you to fine-tune the audio output to your specific preferences and achieve a more personalized listening experience.
- Compatibility with aftermarket upgrades- If you plan to upgrade your speakers or add additional audio components in the future, bypassing the factory amp ensures compatibility and flexibility for future modifications. Aftermarket speakers and components often require more power and control than what the factory amp can provide.
Disadvantages of bypassing the factory amp
- Loss of factory-specific features- Some factory stereos come with unique features or functionalities that are integrated with the factory amp. Bypassing the amp may result in the loss of these features, such as built-in equalizers, signal processing, or vehicle-specific audio settings. That said, you may want to consider whether these features are essential to you before deciding to bypass the factory amp.
- Additional installation complexity- Bypassing the factory amp requires extra steps and components, such as a bypass adapter and extra speaker wires. This adds complexity to the installation process, and depending on your vehicle’s wiring setup, it may require more time, effort, and technical knowledge.
- Compatibility challenges- Not all aftermarket stereos are designed to bypass the factory amp easily. Depending on your specific vehicle and stereo combination, you may encounter compatibility issues or require additional adapters or harnesses to ensure proper connection and functionality.
Should I Bypass or Keep the Factory Amp?
The decision to bypass the factory amp or keep it depends on various factors, including your specific audio preferences, the quality of your factory amp, and your intended upgrades or modifications to the audio system.
For instance, if you prioritize achieving the best possible sound quality and having greater control over the audio settings, bypassing the factory amp can be beneficial. Aftermarket stereos often offer more advanced equalization options and customization features, allowing you to fine-tune the sound output to your liking.
In addition, if you plan to upgrade your speakers or add additional audio components in the future, bypassing the factory amp can provide better compatibility and flexibility. Aftermarket speakers and components often require more power and control than what the factory amp can deliver. Bypassing the amp allows your new equipment to reach its full potential.
Some factory amps may have limitations in terms of power output, signal processing capabilities, or compatibility with certain speakers. Bypassing the factory amp can eliminate these limitations and provide a cleaner, more powerful signal directly from the aftermarket stereo to the speakers.
However, if your factory amp is integrated with specific features or functionalities of your vehicle’s audio system, such as built-in equalizers, signal processing, or vehicle-specific audio settings, you may want to keep the factory amp to retain those features. Bypassing the amp could result in the loss of these integrated functions.
Retaining the factory amp can also make the installation process easier, especially if your aftermarket stereo has built-in compatibility with the factory amp. The best part yet, you can simply connect the stereo to the existing wiring without the need for additional components like a bypass wiring harness or adapter.
The Bottom Line
Using a factory amplifier with an aftermarket stereo can be achieved through proper wiring and connections, ensuring compatibility, and making necessary adjustments, However, if you prefer to bypass the factory amplifier entirely, you can disconnect it and utilize a bypass harness or adapter to establish a direct connection between the aftermarket stereo and speakers. This approach simplifies the wiring setup and allows for greater control over the audio output.
