Quick Question with RF sytem - Upgrade?

TitanBry04 · 09-05-2006, 06:35 PM

Now I have decided to install the Pioneer Avic N1/N2 because im getting it for FREE as pay off for working in my brother's volkswagen.

My quick question is, I am already running an amp with a JL 10W3V3, Id like to just run the factory speakers off of the Avic N1, but I have the Rockford system.

Is this doable? I know the RF system uses an amp I think to power the doors, dash etc? I saw Crutchfield has the wiring harness kit, but this may only work for power, accessory etc??

Any info you can provide is greatly appreciated!

Thanks.-

grunge311 · 09-06-2006, 09:08 AM

You have a few options, none of them that great.

You can run the outs from the N1 to the RF amp, then you will gain no xover control, power, etc.. what you will gain will be a marginally cleaner signal.

You can run the outs from the n1 to the speakers themselves, you would gain all the advanced audio the n1 is capable, but you would run the risk of burning out your n1 as it was designed to power 4 ohm speakers, and the RF speakers are 2 ohm

You can replace the speakers with super cheap pioneers you can order online for like $50, then run the n1 to those, this would be an all around upgrade from the RF system, but will still sound like crap.

You can spend $300 and get the diamond audio d6 line of speakers, or the edi 6500 series speakers and completely upgrade the sound of the system.

bestatchess · 09-06-2006, 09:53 AM

eakes posted about making a bypass harness to jump around the RF amp using Molex pins. As mentioned above, this might kill your new HU because the RF speakers are 2 ohms. Although crutchfield sells bypass harnesses for other vehicles with external to the HU factory amplifiers, last time I looked they did not have one for the Titan.

I would also vote for getting a decent set of components & amp to drive them.

TitanBry04 · 09-06-2006, 02:05 PM

Thanks for the input, I definately see what you mean..... so, what if i use an existing afterkaroet 4 channel amp that i have to drive the stock speakers, is that still risky being that they are 2 ohm?

And in both cases if I use the aftermarket amp, and/or new speakers, do they make a wire harness? Or the harness would still be using the speaker signals that is going through the stock RF Amp eh? Therefore would have to run new speaker wire leads from the door, dash, and rear door to the amp or HU if i ran off the HU amp?

Thanks

bestatchess · 09-06-2006, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitanBry04

Thanks for the input, I definately see what you mean..... so, what if i use an existing afterkaroet 4 channel amp that i have to drive the stock speakers, is that still risky being that they are 2 ohm?

And in both cases if I use the aftermarket amp, and/or new speakers, do they make a wire harness? Or the harness would still be using the speaker signals that is going through the stock RF Amp eh? Therefore would have to run new speaker wire leads from the door, dash, and rear door to the amp or HU if i ran off the HU amp?

Thanks

1. Whether an amp can safely drive 2 ohm speakers depends on the specific construction of the amp. You can probably find the specifications of your particular amp on the mfg. web site.

2. IMHO, the best thing to do is disconnect the stock RF amp and pull new speaker wires. You can fish speaker wires through the door boots using a super-sized zip tie. I think maybe Sammy's sticky audio install thread has pics of speaker wires & making MDF speaker mounting plates (a/k/a baffles).

Inspector_Gadget · 09-06-2006, 02:34 PM

Wow, I have the same dilema today!
I contacted three installers (2 custom and Best Buy). The first custom installer got back to me. I will be his first Nissan Titan install, but he has done many Z1's.
He said for the Z1, Bluetooth, Backup Camera, and XM will take two days and he charges about $55 an hour. Basically, it will cost me around $1300!
I think that is way out of line.
He suggested that I cannot re-use my current amp and speakers either.
I have the LE model with the Rockford Fosgate 350 Watt amp. Others here have suggested it is all re-useable. That would keep my cost way down.
What do you think? At minimum, can I get new speakers (Polk DB series) and still use the same amp and wiring? YIKES! This is getting pricey!

TO TOP IT OFF: I have the rear seat DVD that I wanted to keep if possible....

The Infinity Reference 5761a is a 6-channel car amplifier stable to 2-ohms... Advice?

TitanBry04 · 09-06-2006, 03:11 PM

To install on this truck isnt that bad, InspectorGadget Id check around on that price, Im amazed at what people charge for install, Ive done on mine an aftermarket JL10, RF 2ch amp, Remote Start, XM etc. All easy installs with a bit of electronic/vehicle knowledge.

Well I have an older Pioneer 4ch amp and a Rockford 4ch. Im thinking it may be ok running the 2ohm speakers but not sure. Ill have to look up the specs, theyre a bit older amps but prob still specs available.

Even if I do an aftermarket amp and keep the stock speakers am I going to have to run new wires from the speakers to the amp, or can I pick them up with a wire harness before going to the stock amp? Arggh.

Inspector_Gadget · 09-06-2006, 03:22 PM

I hear ya.
You know, I guess my biggest question right now is:
Can I use my stock amp and speakers with the Pioneer Z1? I'm glad to upgrade the rest later, but I am into this around $2200 right now not including install.

TitanBry04 · 09-06-2006, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inspector_Gadget

I hear ya.
You know, I guess my biggest question right now is:
Can I use my stock amp and speakers with the Pioneer Z1? I'm glad to upgrade the rest later, but I am into this around $2200 right now not including install.

Im going to guess no with that, but, technically you could using line level inputs, but it would be prob jsut as involved.

TitanBry04 · 09-06-2006, 05:21 PM

Found the specs on my one Pioneer Premier 4ch amp. It has a load IMP of 2-8ohm. It may be ok to run it on the 2ohm stock RF speakers til I get around to replacing them.

**t22a80** · 09-06-2006, 05:53 PM

You should be able to run the 2 ohm speakers with that amp just keep the gains real low because your amp will probably produce way more wattage than the factory speakers can take.

One side note does it say 2 ohms stereo or mono... that will make a difference!

TitanBry04 · 09-07-2006, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t22a80

You should be able to run the 2 ohm speakers with that amp just keep the gains real low because your amp will probably produce way more wattage than the factory speakers can take.

One side note does it say 2 ohms stereo or mono... that will make a difference!

Ok thanks, I couldnt find anywhere either if it said stereo or mono, the amp is a few years old so the info I was able to get was a bit dated/limited.

I figure so long as I keep the gains back and set the crossover to High Pass we should be ok. Then if the stock speakers eventually get worn, I can replace them.

Inspector_Gadget · 09-07-2006, 06:19 AM

I'll let you know how my install goes & if I what I need to replace. Thanks for the info!