What's the simplest way to wire an amp?

[DeadSpeaker]

I drive a 92 mazda mpv that does not have a proper sound system. The radio doesn't play cds and the speakers are blown, so I'm going to replace the speakers. I don't need a fancy in dash cd player. I want to buy this amp, and plug a portable CD player into it. http://www.parts-express.com/pe/psho...number=265-079

Now I am a bit confused on how to power it. Doesn't the van's stock radio have ground and a +12 volt wires? I'd like to know if I could just disconnect the radio, and use those wires from the amp. And what should I connect the remote on off too?

Thanks a lot.

[HK26147]

Car electrical circuits use the metal chassis as ground.
The wiring harness provides various + taps fused to different ampere ratings.
Get a wiring kit from PE as well - at least something along this capacity
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=269-904

[HK26147]

Use this:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=060-768
to switch another low current 12 V line for the remote on signal to the amp.
You can use the same red line ( 12v + ) that feeds the in dash radio; that way the line is always switched off with ignition.

[tsmith1315]

Originally posted by DeadSpeaker
I want to buy this amp, and plug a portable CD player into it. http://www.parts-express.com/pe/psho...number=265-079

A couple of notes here. First, internal head unit amplifier problems often present themselves in a manner that would cause you to suspect a speaker problem instead. Before spending money on speakers, you may want to investigate further.

Next, the stock head unit may have a CD changer input jack on the back, which could be usabe to integrate the CD player while retaining the stock preamp controls. It was there on the cassette players, not sure about the CD units. If you're just looking to get the CD capability back, this could be an easy way. Alpine made an adapter to facilitate this in 1992, it was... I think 4901MA or 4902MA. I have an old Product Guide at the office and can look it up for you tomorrow if you're interested in exploring that route.

Lastly, you will truly get tired of fooling around with a portable CD while driving. Seriously, it gets old. It may be worthwhile to look for a cheap indash CD receiver, which would take the place of the factory head unit, amp and portable CD.

[DeadSpeaker]

Thanks for the feed back guys. I managed to remove the stock radio and found that it does have two heavy ground and +12v wires. I read that the +12 on the cigarette lighter is low current. Can I use this for the remote on off?

[weesatron]

yes you should be able to just check that it only has power when the key is in.

[DeadSpeaker]

I have that wiring kit now. For the main power, I am suppose to wire it directly to the battery. Why is this so? Could I get the main power from the inside fuse box?

[HK26147]

Because an outboard amp is a power hog and requires a substantial amount of current (amperage ) vs the typical device on a fused car wiring harness.
Give it a clean dedicated power line to the battery.

[DeadSpeaker]

Ah, I see. Thanks a lot.