How to install a car amplifier with a factory stereo | Crutchfield

It's getting harder to replace your factory stereo as time goes along, with many systems integrated through the built-in interface. However, you can install an amp to get better sound quality, while keeping your factory look and feel intact. We'll show you step-by-step how to install an amplifier in this video.

We'd like to thank our friends ‪@KICKER-AUDIO‬ for sponsoring this video. Thanks, Kicker! We love Kicker gear, it sounds great and lasts a long time. Livin' Loud, baby.

Note: If you have an aftermarket stereo, the steps in this video are the same, except: 1. You'll use RCA cables coming from the stereo's preamp outputs to get your music signal to the amplifier. 2. You don't need a line output converter.

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Read our article on getting the most out of your factory stereo: https://www.crutchfield.com/i-rYTVc30...

Why add an amplifier to your system? There are a few reasons. One, it allows you to upgrade to your choice of speakers and power them without straining. Two, amplifiers don't just make your music louder, they breathe life into it and bring out excitement and detail from all frequencies. And three, maybe you want some big bass, which requires an amplifier.

Our Car amplifier buying guide goes into greater detail about the benefits of amplifiers, plus gives you the information you need to buy the right amp for your project: https://www.crutchfield.com/i-rYTVc30...

In years past, when building a car audio system it was common to install a new stereo as part of that system, but today more and more cars aren't giving you that option. With so many controls ported to the touchscreen, it's just not practical to change the head unit in many cases. Instead, the factory stereo stays in place and we put amps and processors to take over the "brains" of the system, plus add more power.

This video shows you how to get the music signal from your factory radio to the amplifier, plus how to power the amplifier by connecting it to your car's battery. Then we have to send that signal from the amplifier to your speakers and subs. It's all very straightforward, but we'll show you some tips and tricks to help ensure your installation goes smoothly and your system puts a smile on your face.

And if you get stuck along the way, if you bought your gear from Crutchfield, we're available 7 days a week to help. Our award-winning tech support comes free for life with all Crutchfield purchases. https://www.crutchfield.com/i-rYTVc30...

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0:00 Intro: Why add an amp, anyway?
0:40 We're putting in a Kicker system
1:08 What tools will I need?
1:42 Find a location for the amp
1:54 Running the power wire to the battery
2:24 Getting through the firewall
3:48 Connecting to the battery
4:05 Choosing the proper fuse
4:49 Making a good ground connection
5:56 Running signal from preamp outputs
6:38 Getting signal from your factory radio: 9-wire cable is key
8:19 Remove the factory stereo, connect T-harness
9:48 Run signal cable away from power cable
10:23 How a line output converter can help
12:09 Connecting everything to the amp
12:47 Getting power to the line output converter
13:15 Making connections to the line output converter
14:05 Adjusting line output converter settings
14:25 Setting amplifier gains
14:53 Using a voltmeter to set gain
16:45 Setting gains by ear
17:30 Setting crossovers
17:46 Setting the AccuBASS on the line output converter
18:21 Cleaning up your installation
20:06 Recap