I have looked round at posts for specific info on putting in the premium sound system into the standard jag, but have failed, surprisingly to find a definitive procedure.

Firstly, if any one knows or can point me to the link for this, it would be much appreciated.

From the drawing below, the power amplifier looks like it may connect with the right cable?

I hope i dont need a different head unit?

 

Hope you can see this clearly

 

I believe there's a switch on the side of the headunit to chose the type of output, so it's the same headunit for normal & premium systems.

That's only from reading on here about replacing faulty headunits though so don't take it as gospel because I've not done it myself.

 

Thank you for reply, you mean Head unit in dash? a switch, what's it switching?

to rear amplifier?

 

Yeah, I believe there's a switch on the side of the headunit. It changes from the headunit's own amp output that'd go direct to the speakers or RCA? out to feed the amp.

I've no idea if all the wiring to/from the amp & for the extra speakers is fitted to every car though. You might find it easier just to fit better speakers as several people have done, I believe the fronts are quite shallow but that's all to watch out for.

 

I'm pretty sure that the PREMIUM SOUND harness is NOT installed in the standard audio system sedan.
It was NOT a dealer added option but a FACTORY OPTION.
Good luck.

 

So even the earlier Harmon kardon amp system won't fit in, is that what's being said, let alone the Alpine. There must be connections for the HK amp, even if I had to run a single cable for the sub woofer rear parcel shelf speaker.

Dave

 

Switch is at the bottom of the headunit. Harness is not installed on std sound car as Bob mentioned.

 

Maybe I'm over simplifying this, but the standard sound system is just a Stereo output with tweeters fed off the main speakers. So surely I can cut into the two sets of speaker outputs on both sides in the doors, run a cable from those outputs to the amp, then attach a cable to the amp and run them back to the speakers in the doors and parcel shelf.

So remove door cards, pull up carpet on both sides. What a pain, a job for the summer , would that work?

Sorry, just did this on my phone, difficult to draw 😅

Dave

 

Ofcourse hacking speaker outputs and feedng them to the amp hi input will work. But should you do it is the question. Usually doing it like that will result not good sounding system. If you plan to do it. I suggest that you do the hacking behind the headunit. There you have all the wires exposed and do not need to go to the doors at all.

Remember that the speakers in doors are weak and because mounting is kinda stupid, there is no mid bass at all. Playing loud with bass boosted will kill any speaker.

 

Hacking, good word, I presume there is no amp control, sound goes streight through and output to the speakers. As for the speakers I would upgrade them anyway, ony issue is getting hold of rear amp connectors.

 

I have been looking round for amplifier upgrades and there seems to be a BRIDGING AMPLIFIER, this looks like it can be fitted directly from the head unit and has a stereo input & output to the speakers.
obviously update your speakers and this should work much better, any body done this or isn't it feasible, thanks for any comments.

Dave

 

My experience of playing with car stereos years ago is amps that use normal speaker outputs as their input don't sound as clean & quality. As they'll be amplifying any impurities in the headunit's amp's output too. It might not be noticeable these days though as that was 25-30 years ago.

 

These days....My Alpine plays my Mp3s (bluetooth) flawlessly and I am uncertain that
I would be able to discern any better quality by any available system. I am probably
at the limit of my hearing acuity.