Questions on Installing speakers and amp with Stock HU

[used2bedomestic]

I have been reading about how to install aftermarket speakers and amps with stock HU's...my eyes are crossed and I have a few questions.

First, I'll lay out my speakers and amp I already own. I recently purchased this 08 LX and pulled the speakers and amp from my old Integra LS.

Speakers:

Polk Audio Db6500 Component Speakers, 6.5"

Rockford Fosgate T162C 6.5" two ways

Amp:

JVC KS-AX4550 Bridgeable 4 channel amp.

Now my goal is to use the factory HU with these items. I am not looking for earth shattering bass but a nice upgrade without having to replace the HU. I like the look of the dash and really don't feel like purchasing a new HU. I usually run my ipod or Pandora so it is mainly for better sound, not stereo competitions..LOL!

1) I have read that a LOC can be used to hook up the amp but I am confused as to whether I need to get a mercman harness or not?

2) Can I tap into the rear speaker wires and install the LOC and run RCA's to the amp? ( Fosgates would go in the back)

3) Do I need to tap into the front speaker wires as well and run a LOC to the amp? I would guess so since I would want a more true stereo sound. (Polks with the included crossovers woudl go in the front)

4) Can I install a sub and amp later with the other speakers and amp hooked up? (most likely not without switching out the HU)

I appreciate your input as it seems A LOT of people have upgraded their speakers.

Thanks for checking out my post.

[papasin]

Originally Posted by used2bedomestic

1) I have read that a LOC can be used to hook up the amp but I am confused as to whether I need to get a mercman harness or not?

You don't need it. mercman harness is only used on premium audio HUs (standard on SIs, optional on EX coupes only).

Also, you won't need LOCs as looks like your amp has high-level input. If wanting to keep stock HU, use your speaker wiring directly into the amp's high-level input, and wire the speaker wire output of your amp into your speakers.

Originally Posted by used2bedomestic

4) Can I install a sub and amp later with the other speakers and amp hooked up? (most likely not without switching out the HU)

You'll likely need a new HU (which IMHO is what you should do first)...but if you're set on keeping the stock HU, you could also get a different amp (i.e. 5-channel where the 5th channel can drive a sub).

Lots more to be gained though about a good install (i.e. sound-deadening your doors, proper speaker placement and installation techniques, etc.) and tuning the audio system. Lots of folks I know don't compete, and 90% of the time, doing these two things make more of a difference than upgrading speakers. However, IMHO it's not worth it to keep the stock non-premium HU as its tuning capabilities (i.e. setting EQ levels) are very limited.

[used2bedomestic]

Also, you won't need LOCs as looks like your amp has high-level input. If wanting to keep stock HU, use your speaker wiring directly into the amp's high-level input, and wire the speaker wire output of your amp into your speakers.

Thanks for the help. Would there still be a lot of ground noise(alternator whine) hooking up the speakers directly to the amp? Would a LOC reduce or filter that ground noise out?

[papasin]

Depends entirely on the install. More important to make sure amp is properly grounded and power wire is clean and isolated, speaker wires run away from power wire, etc. IMHO. Using LOCs can yield its own set of issues.

[used2bedomestic]

Great. Thanks again for the info.