Factory stereo + amp?

[g0thiac]

Hey all, I'm pretty uninformed with stereo equipment. Grandpa's '84 factory stereo works fantastic, and with one of those cassette tape adapters I can plug in my phone for tunes. I recently worked out a trade for a pair of shallow 12" woofers in a box that will fit perfectly behind the seat in the trunk. I kinda like the fact that the factory stereo looks and works great so if I can, I'd like to keep it rather than swapping in an aftermarket head unit. Can I hook an amp to it to run those speakers? I ask mostly because someone told me I can't use that stereo because it doesn't have RCA jacks. Thanks for insight!

View attachment 169821 View attachment 169822

Funny you mention this, I literally just got my Cerwin Vega setup hooked up last week.

All you need to make this work on the GM factory radio, would be something you call a line output converter.

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/e2-speaker-level-line-out-converter-0350066p.html?_br_psugg_q=line+out+converter

You simply can wire these to your rear speakers, and do a Y split basically from them, to this particular device. You can then use your RCA's as normal.

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[fleming442]

I said high level inputs on the amp because line converters are prone to noise induction. The circuitry built into the amp itself is usually better, but either will work.

 

[jlcustomz]

Note several edits on my first post.

 

[SRD art]

Thanks everyone for the input, this is exactly what I needed to know. I'm going to start a build thread here soon so I'll post up what I do once I get to that portion of the build.

 

[motorheadmike]

Here's what I have in my TBSS:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IIL0LW0/?tag=gbody-20

 

[g0thiac]

Here's what I have in my TBSS:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IIL0LW0/?tag=gbody-20

Pretty good box, but I got to say it's gonna be a bit overkill unless you are driving a heavy wattage system.

You will be spending alot of time tweaking those settings, the ones on the amp itself and if your GM radio has it - the equalizer as well.

I'm running x2 Cerwin Vega's (10 inch) at 1500W, and the little line output converter I use works great.

Regardless, have fun and I hope you get the sound you're looking for aha!

 

[motorheadmike]

Pretty good box, but I got to say it's gonna be a bit overkill unless you are driving a heavy wattage system.

You will be spending alot of time tweaking those settings, the ones on the amp itself and if your GM radio has it - the equalizer as well.

I'm running x2 Cerwin Vega's (10 inch) at 1500W, and the little line output converter I use works great.

Regardless, have fun and I hope you get the sound you're looking for aha!

It was what was recommended at the time for the vehicle. It's paired to a single pre-amp'd Pioneer 12". Plenty enough thump for my wrinkly old *ss listening to gangster rap.

And...

 

[fleming442]

Pretty good box, but I got to say it's gonna be a bit overkill unless you are driving a heavy wattage system.

You will be spending alot of time tweaking those settings, the ones on the amp itself and if your GM radio has it - the equalizer as well.

 

[SRD art]

Lol!! You guys are too funny.

I read the specs on that unit Mike and I think now I know how my wife feels when I start talking cam and engine specs with my son. That was all pretty much Greek to me, lol. Looks like I've got some learning to do.

 

[g0thiac]

It was what was recommended at the time for the vehicle. It's paired to a single pre-amp'd Pioneer 12". Plenty enough thump for my wrinkly old *ss listening to gangster rap.

And...

Hey you can only go with what information you were given at that time. And as far as the gangsta rap goes?

I'm 26, and still play my Ice Cube, Wu Tang, Mobb Deep, G-Unit, 2Pac, Biggie etc on a regular lol.