Head unit install utilizing factory amplifier/SOEM-4?…totally confused!

[Aahj]

I know this is my first post and yes, I've done extensive research with no luck in finding a solution…this is also my first E30 which I just purchased Monday.

I purchased a Pioneer head unit from crutch field. It recommended some kind of cross over module when purchasing the unit because it has premium sound. It's called a PAC SOEM-4 and should allow me to keep the factory amplifier.

I pulled the factory tape deck out and there is a blue and yellow wire. One for the right channel, one for the left channel. Each wire has two prongs. When I purchased the head unit, it came with an adapter to split these into a Gray and Gray/Black as well as a White and White/Black for Left Front +/- and Right Front +/-.

I hooked everything up per instructions on the SOEM-4 and the unit powers up, but no sound.

From the research I've done, I seem to see examples of e30's with factory twisted wires to the factory head unit which doesn't seem to be present here.

I don't want to hack the factory harness at all possible and am asking for help from the group. What am I missing here?

Here is a link to some pictures of what I've hooked up thus far.

http://gallery.me.com/ajnealey#100214

Thank you all for any help you can provide!

All the best,
AJ

[TurboJake]

You really, really don't want to use the factory amp. It's crap for everything except stock equipped head unit.

Plus, it's a lower output than your new HU.

[AndrewBird]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=191119

Follow everything in that thread and you will be golden.

[Aahj]

Alright, I slept on all the information I gathered. The thing that was confusing me in the sticky article was the fact that I had no Brown/Orange wires. I ran 4 wires from the head unit back to the trunk where the factory amp and finished the rest of the project and chucked the PAC SOEM-4 module thing…why did they sell me that? What a waste.

Anyway, I dismantled the old amp to salvage the plug, soldered the wires together and plugged it into the factory harness so I didn't have to cut anything. Working great now!

Thanks for your help guys,
AJ

[AndrewBird]

The wires are there, you just have to strip back the tape on the wires until you find them.