Speaker hookup question w/oem radio/amp

[zoomahh]

Hey gang,
Been reading the crutchfield site and a few threads here as well.
I have a specific question about the amplifier stage of the install....
Let me explain;
The first stage of my stereo mod will be alpine comps in the front to swap out the oems... Then a pair of infinity refs in back to swap out the oem rears...
Second stage (probably in a week or 2) time permitting, will be to hookup the power amp and add a LOC behind the stock head unit n run the rca's to the amp ...
Now for the question;
When I hookup the power amp, DO I DISCONNECT the speaker connections to the head unit so the power/connection is ONLY COMING FROM THE AMP right?
Ie; I DO NOT want a speaker connection/power to come from BOTH the head unit and amp correct?
Thanx in advance for any advice/help :)

[stevenma188]

Yes you will want to disconnect the speakers from the Stock headunit so the flow will go to this:

Stock HU <-> LOC <-> Amp <-> Speakers

The speakers will only be connected to the amp.

[zoomahh]

Awesome!!! That's what I thought, thanx Steve :D. And if u have any tips to pass on... Feel free

[Default User]

Stock HU <-> LOC <-> Amp <-> Speakers



Best reference image ever! LOL

I suggest you do this all in one shot
installing the components first and then going back a week or two later to hook them up to the amp is a time killer.
You'll end up having to pull the door panels off twice

[zoomahh]

+++111
Ya ur right.... Makes sense... Also more chance of breaking the cheap retaining clips holding the panels on too When hauling installing hauling installing :-/
K that's what I'll do then. TYVM guys :-)

[woodsball_delight]

The clips literally take 30 seconds to take off. But i'd agree.... if anything wire/test your amp first.

[zoomahh]

So I'm looking at a pdf of my amp (Kicker KX-600.4), and apparently it can handle either high level (only speaker wire required to connect to amp and speakers), or low level inputs (Line output Converter required to connect to stock head unit, running RCA connections to amp, then speaker wire to the respective speakers).
Now if anyone with amp install experience can chime in.............. if you were installing an amp that can take either high or low level inputs, and you were hooking it up to a stock head unit, what would you do?

A) get a LOC, use the RCA connectors, run it to the amp, use the low level inputs on the amp, then run speaker wire to the respective speakers and go that route
or
B) Use the high level inputs on the amp and connect all the speakers using only speaker wire (ie from the head unit to the amp, then amp to the speakers

It would seem to me the easiest (and economical) way would be "B" right? Since I would not need a LOC, NOR would I have to use RCA cables either. Just more wires to run through the car :rolleyes
Question;
Is there a sound quality difference by going with either one? Or is that just a matter of preference?

Points to note;
I do have all the RCA wire connectors (alpine) if I had to go that route. I bought a wire kit from a friend that had his rig removed from his ride a while back.
I also have the 4 gauge power wire with an inline fuse, and ground wires to power the amp.

Speakers I will be using are;
Alpine Type R comps with crossovers for the fronts
Infinity reference for the rear doors

Thanx for any help/advice you can throw my way :)