Help with aftermarket HU install

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  • idickers
    Member
    • Sep 2011
    • 92

    #1

    Help with aftermarket HU install

    I have a 1991 318is with non-premium sound system. I've removed the stock headunit, run new wires, added an amp, but am now stumped. I've got a JVC KD-HDR52, and the HU slides into a receiving frame that is to be mounted in the dash. What holds the receiving piece into the dash?

    It looks like there are just a bunch of tabs that I bend to hold the bracket in place. Supposedly this HU fits into my car with no extra installation kit. Is there some bracing that I'm missing?
  • grc
    Noobie
    • Dec 2010
    • 22

    #2
    I just bent the tabs until it it stopped wiggling

    Comment

    • dwvw
      Wrencher
      • Sep 2011
      • 234

      #3
      Yup just bend the tabs.

      Comment

      • idickers
        Member
        • Sep 2011
        • 92

        #4
        Okay, it. Seems I'm over-thinking the problem. I'll bend tabs and get on with it.
        Thanks!

        Comment

        • idickers
          Member
          • Sep 2011
          • 92

          #5
          Okay, I've got the head unit mount sussed, but I've got some amplifier weirdness that I could use help on. I have an old Linear Power 45 watt/ch amp that was great when I took it out of service 10 years ago, and I want to use to LP amp to drive the front speakers. I am using the head unit to power the rear speakers via the stock wiring, and for the front channels I ran RCA cables to the trunk to feed the amp along with new 16 ga wire to feed the front speakers. The signal goes RCA to trunk-mounted amp, back via new speaker wire to behind the head unit, where I connected the new wire with the stock front wiring, and from there to the speakers. The problem is that the front speakers still sound really weak compared to the rears, even though the rears only have 20 watt from the head unit compared to the fronts that should have 45 watt from the amp. I grounded the amp to the floor with 10 ga wire, and have 10 ga wire going to the positive post on the battery. I measure 12 v at the battery between terminals, 12 between the ground and the positive post of the battery, and 12V at the amp turn-on wire (and the power antenna goes up).

          My hunch is that the amp is working because I do get a signal, does the kick panel location suck this badly with non-premium speakers?

          Comment

          • DRTSRFR
            E30 Mastermind
            • May 2008
            • 1836

            #6
            You've already played with the gain on the amp?
            Suspension tips here...
            http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/album.php?albumid=757

            sigpic

            Comment

            • idickers
              Member
              • Sep 2011
              • 92

              #7
              No gain adjustment that I can see on the amp.

              Edit: Okay, I'm a dope. I forgot where the gain control was located; unfortunately, twiddling with the gain did not help. It's looking like I just have sucky aftermarket front speakers.
              Last edited by idickers; 10-15-2013, 04:11 PM.

              Comment

              • StereoInstaller1
                GAS
                • Jul 2004
                • 22679

                #8
                Only part of the story. The deck is basically running a more aggressive "gain structure" (they all do) compared to the amplifiers. That and the fact that the fronts are so acoustically inefficient means you need roughly 3X the rear speakers power up front.

                Two issues: most of the problem is where the speakers are located. The other is that you cannot adjust the gain of your deck, you would be fine if you could. Some deck, for example Kenwood (high-end only) can, but neither of those issues are all that easy to change in your case.

                Maybe power the fronts with the deck and the rears from the amp?

                GL...and at some point, just spend $200 on a decent 5 channel. It is money well spent, you get a LOT of power, useful tuning and great sound.

                Luke

                Closing SOON!
                "LAST CHANCE FOR G.A.S." DEAL IS ON NOW

                Luke AT germanaudiospecialties DOT com or text 425-761-6450, or for quickest answers, call me at the shop 360-669-0398

                Thanks for 10 years of fun!

                Comment

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