New head unit, OEM speakers

[StereoInstaller1]

Good deal. Someone (like me) has to have some stock tweets hanging around.

You should pull apart the stock mid adn see if the wires are connected properly.

It is confusing.

Luke

[cochran]

Install is all done.

After I got into it, I realized that the P.O. must have had an aftermarket stereo in this thing. All four speakers were rewired direct to the head unit area with Rockford Fosgate speaker wire. I verified that the tweeters were wired from the front speakers in the kick panels (they were) so I proceeded. Only problem now is that one tweeter is not making any sound. May need a new speaker.

Sound is really really good, even with the stock speakers. Decent bass and decent clarity. I'm satisfied. Also did the light bar replacement in the OBC at the same time.

[StereoInstaller1]

Cool. I forgot to mention...if you plan on trying to find new crossovers (go for Memphis, they sound great) go to your local car stereo installation shop...NOT a big box retailer, but an independant.

Walk into the shop (respectfully, of course) and ask the install manager if he might have a pair of crossovers to sell. Have 4 $5 bills in your pocket...Over $20 he is being a pirate (he has them left over from a previous job).

GL!

Luke

[cochran]

Thanks for your advice. Getting started on this shortly, so we'll see how it goes.

[StereoInstaller1]

Well, if you pull out one of your front speakers, you will see 4 wires attached. 2 come from the amp, 2 go to the tweeters. If you plus your decks wires into the two that come from the amp, you are golden.

If you attempt to change any of the configuration, you will have some shitty sounding tweeters that will blow shortly.

If I were doing that install, I would attempt to get you to go buy a pair of crossovers form damn near any set of seperates, but expecially if you could find some that use a "Mylar" cap in the tweeter crossover...then bypass the BMW crossovers.

Of course, all old school installers make their own crossovers...it is pretty simple, really. Finding the parts these days in kinda rough though.

HTH, GL!

Luke

[cochran]

What do I need to do with the front speaker/crossover deal you mentioned?

I just picked up the deck today - JVC KD-G320 and an iPod adapter, ready to install tomorrow.

[StereoInstaller1]

Basically, the deal is that the stock amp makes less than half the power of your new deck, plus it sounds like ass. Don't use it, just run new wires.

If your cabby has the stock premuim sound package, you will be pleasantly suprised by the sound.

You will need to hassle with the front speakers having the front tweeter crossover built in, but all is do-able.

If you need help, post it here!

Luke

[cochran]

I'm going to be installing a new head unit this weekend into my convertible (with factory premium sound pkg). Haven't selected brand yet, but will be CD (not changer), with iPod adapter and XM hardwired in.

I've read posts on this forum about eliminating the fader control in the dash, and I understand that if I don't, my head unit will have about half the normal power output.

Due to budget constraints, I have to leave in the original speakers for now and can't do an amp/sub package right now.

Can I wire a new head unit into the factory amp, as long as I take the fader out of the circuit, and still get good sound? If not, why not? Would I be better off eliminating the factory amp and running everything directly off the head unit for now?