How to Hook Up a Car Stereo Amp to Speakers

Car stereo enthusiasts are not the only ones who can appreciate an amplified car stereo system. Amplifiers not only make car stereos louder, they enable the speakers to deliver a crisp sound that interprets the sound at a high level throughout the sonic spectrum. This means that an amplified stereo system will deliver a full sound, bringing out the total experience the musicians intended. You can have an audio professional connect an amplifier to your speakers, or you can do it yourself and save the cost of labor.

Things You'll Need

• Speaker wire
• Trim panel removal tool
• Speaker wire harness
• Amplifier wiring kit
• Drill
• Rubber grommet

Instructions

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the vehicle's battery using a Phillips-head screwdriver. The negative battery cable connects the negative battery lead to the frame of the vehicle.

2. Connect the amplifier ring terminal (from the amplifier wiring kit) to the positive lead of the battery. Run the power supply cable from the ring terminal to the amplifier. Drill an opening in the firewall of the vehicle to access the cabin from the engine compartment. Place a rubber grommet in the new opening to protect the cable.

3. Remove the vehicle's stereo. Specific removal instructions vary. Consult your vehicle owner's manual for instructions. Disconnect the wire groups in the rear of the stereo and reconnect them through a wiring harness adapter.

4. Connect the turn-on lead and signal cable (included in the amplifier wiring kit) to the wiring harness adapter and run them to the amplifier. Make sure that the signal cable is routed on the opposite side of the vehicle from the power cable to avoid interference.

5. Remove the coverings for the speakers you wish to have amplified. Specific procedures for speaker removal vary among vehicles. Consult your vehicle owner's manual for exact instructions.

6. Disconnect the speaker wire to the speakers.

7. Connect a speaker wire harness to each speaker.

8. Run the speaker wire from the location of the amplifier to the speakers. Use a trim panel tool to remove any panels that secure the carpet to the floor of the vehicle. Lay all of the wiring (speaker wire, signal cable, turn-on lead and power supply) beneath the carpeting and replace the panels by hand.

9. Connect the speaker wire, the signal cable, the power cable and the turn-on lead to the amplifier.

10. Connect the speaker wire to the speaker wire harness connected to the speaker.

11. Replace the stereo in the dash of the vehicle. Reconnect the grounding cable to the negative battery lead post. Tighten the cable's clamp using a Phillips-head screwdriver.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that the output of the amplifier is within the acceptable range of the speakers.

References

• Amplifier installation Guide.
• Car Stereo Installation Guide.