After market head unit RCA line out to speaker wire bose amp
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From: West Los Angeles, CA
CLK55 / E350 Coupe
After market head unit RCA line out to speaker wire bose amp
At the moment i wanna ride on my bose amp and speakers. Want to get the most of what i got now.
Right now im getting alot of hiss out of my speakers cause i think my head unit is supplying a amplifed speaker feeds to my bose amp which is reamplifying it again. Can i simply rig a connection to the non-amplified RCA line out jacks from head unit and convert them to 2 speaker wires so i can feed the amp a cleaner non-powered signal?
or would i need something like this?
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_127OEM2...2.html?tp=3486
also does the bose amp have RCA out for a simple powered sub i can throw in? (have a infinity basslink sitting around) Neither feel like pulling panels till work slows down a month from now
Right now im getting alot of hiss out of my speakers cause i think my head unit is supplying a amplifed speaker feeds to my bose amp which is reamplifying it again. Can i simply rig a connection to the non-amplified RCA line out jacks from head unit and convert them to 2 speaker wires so i can feed the amp a cleaner non-powered signal?
or would i need something like this?
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_127OEM2...2.html?tp=3486
also does the bose amp have RCA out for a simple powered sub i can throw in? (have a infinity basslink sitting around) Neither feel like pulling panels till work slows down a month from now
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
The PAC OEM-2 is exactly what you need. The Bose amp is expecting a balanced, low-level signal. It sounds like it's seeing an unbalanced high-level signal. The PAC OEM-2 converter box will take the unbalanced high-level input and convert it to balanced low-level output.
I bought my OEM-2 for $15. Aside from being cheap, it was money well spent. What head unit are you running? Did you spring for the steering wheel control adapters too?
I bought my OEM-2 for $15. Aside from being cheap, it was money well spent. What head unit are you running? Did you spring for the steering wheel control adapters too?
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From: West Los Angeles, CA
CLK55 / E350 Coupe
The PAC OEM-2 is exactly what you need. The Bose amp is expecting a balanced, low-level signal. It sounds like it's seeing an unbalanced high-level signal. The PAC OEM-2 converter box will take the unbalanced high-level input and convert it to balanced low-level output.
I bought my OEM-2 for $15. Aside from being cheap, it was money well spent. What head unit are you running? Did you spring for the steering wheel control adapters too?
I bought my OEM-2 for $15. Aside from being cheap, it was money well spent. What head unit are you running? Did you spring for the steering wheel control adapters too?
Steering wheel controls i'll probably buy down the road. Hard to justify $100 when the voice controls/touch screen/and the new knob work well, i do miss it a little bit for volume adjustment but not for $100.
Hi Marcus,
Instead of the OEM-2 i cannot just use the low-level (pre-out) RCA jacks? Make my own connector RCA to speaker wires?
Im a bit confused with the pac oem-2. So it takes the high-level speaker out from head unit, to the pac then converts it to low-level back via speaker wire to bose amp. Why couldn't i just use the low-level out from head unit directly to bose? Is there a preout voltage that has to match that the PAC provides that my headunit does not?
Last edited by GiZzO; Oct 7, 2009 at 07:23 PM.
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
You can use the pre-outs, but Bose amps are designed to use a balanced signal interconnection. That is the main reason for buying an OEM-2. Most aftermarket audio systems use an unbalanced signal connection. The signal connection is independent as to whether the signal is low-level or high-level. The Bose amps will work with an unbalanced signal, but there will probably be a faint hum. Some people can't hear the hum until it's pointed out to them. I'm not a hi-fi nut, but when it was pointed out to me, it was obvious. The PAC converter box reads the unbalanced input, and produces balanced output. I used the low level output on my head unit (in addition to the RCA jacks, there's a low level switch on my Alpine) as input to the OEM-2, and the output from my OEM-2 feeds the Bose amps via a wiring harness adapter (free from Crutchfield). I could have used a high-level output from the head unit, but the guys at PAC Audio said the sound would be clearer if low-levels were used.
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From: West Los Angeles, CA
CLK55 / E350 Coupe
I used the low level output on my head unit (in addition to the RCA jacks, there's a low level switch on my Alpine) as input to the OEM-2, and the output from my OEM-2 feeds the Bose amps via a wiring harness adapter (free from Crutchfield). I could have used a high-level output from the head unit, but the guys at PAC Audio said the sound would be clearer if low-levels were used.
Cool so..
RCA preout from HU (unbalanced) to ->
Pac oem-2 low level speaker wire (balenced) to ->
Bose amp
Done?
Last edited by GiZzO; Oct 8, 2009 at 01:22 AM.
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
You need to add RCA males, but yes, that's it. You can download the user's manual in PDF format at www.pac-audio.com
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From: West Los Angeles, CA
CLK55 / E350 Coupe
You need to add RCA males, but yes, that's it. You can download the user's manual in PDF format at www.pac-audio.com
Good resource... also answered my other question about how difficult installing the pac wheel controls, its that easy huh.Oh and where did you find the oem-2 for $15?
Last edited by GiZzO; Oct 8, 2009 at 11:28 PM.
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
Sweet you know what i just read your signal to noise link on your sig, and that would have prevented me from posting this Good resource... also answered my other question about how difficult installing the pac wheel controls, its that easy huh.
Oh and where did you find the oem-2 for $15?
Good resource... also answered my other question about how difficult installing the pac wheel controls, its that easy huh.Oh and where did you find the oem-2 for $15?
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From: West Los Angeles, CA
CLK55 / E350 Coupe
Interesting find that you can run this backwards cause i don't see it mentioned in the diagram. But that is how im doing it
Im installing this right now does it need power? Im guessing its converting the low level balence by just its internal resistors and such....? so no power needed
Im installing this right now does it need power? Im guessing its converting the low level balence by just its internal resistors and such....? so no power needed
Last edited by GiZzO; Oct 21, 2009 at 09:57 PM.
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
According to the docs I got, the wires for constant battery, switched power, the ground, power antenna turn on, and illumination dimming all go directly through to the output side for the convenience of wiring. The docs also say the red (switched power) and black (ground) wires supply power to an internal low voltage trigger.
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From: West Los Angeles, CA
CLK55 / E350 Coupe
According to the docs I got, the wires for constant battery, switched power, the ground, power antenna turn on, and illumination dimming all go directly through to the output side for the convenience of wiring. The docs also say the red (switched power) and black (ground) wires supply power to an internal low voltage trigger.
Success! sounds sharp! Hiss is gone, great addon to what already sounded pretty good. Now i have to work my EQ all over again
. Definatly alot less distortion at high volume which i thought were the speakers themself. The bose system is pretty good if its intergrated right.Onto another **** issue
My volume seems a bit dim get this My max volume is 64; so 25-35 is casual volume, 35-50 windows down volume, 45-60 is loud.....in mind 64 is my max. So theres really no blasting it.Do you experiance about the same off your Alpine? (pots are turned up all the way)
Very happy with the install, maybe i blew out my ears some with my new sound enjoyment. I'll re-listen to it tomorrow maybe my HU has an advanced menu for lineout gain, does the bose amp have an gain controls?
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
Congrats 
I agree completely, the Bose system does sound pretty good. As you said, the key is proper integration. I don't have a problem with volume. I don't think I've ever turned mine all the way up. About 3/4 is about as loud as I want it.
I agree completely, the Bose system does sound pretty good. As you said, the key is proper integration. I don't have a problem with volume. I don't think I've ever turned mine all the way up. About 3/4 is about as loud as I want it.
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2001 E55
Same steps for the Z110BT?
Guys, thanks for all of this. It's very helpful since I'm looking to install the Z110BT in my 2001 E55.
The only difference regarding the installation between the Z110BT and the X910BT, from what I can tell, is that the Z110BT has 4V pre-outs instead of the 2V pre-outs for the X910BT. If I understand this correctly, the installation is exactly the same -- i.e. RCA pre-out from the head unit -> OEM-2 RCA input -> OEM-2 wires to harness -> harness into Bose input. Does that sound right?
Also, there was mention that RCA males would need to be added. When does that come into play?
Sorry if this doesn't make sense, but I've been doing a lot of reading on the board and am trying to get my head around it before ordering parts.
Brian
The only difference regarding the installation between the Z110BT and the X910BT, from what I can tell, is that the Z110BT has 4V pre-outs instead of the 2V pre-outs for the X910BT. If I understand this correctly, the installation is exactly the same -- i.e. RCA pre-out from the head unit -> OEM-2 RCA input -> OEM-2 wires to harness -> harness into Bose input. Does that sound right?
Also, there was mention that RCA males would need to be added. When does that come into play?
Sorry if this doesn't make sense, but I've been doing a lot of reading on the board and am trying to get my head around it before ordering parts.
Brian
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CLK55 / E350 Coupe
Yep grab 4 rca male to male adapters from your pac vendor or radio shack. The come into play as the HU has female connectors and so does the pac.
I did talk to a PAC rep about my lower volume. Its mixed results doing it the reverse way discussed above.
If lower volume exist just use the speaker out leads from head unit -> pac -> bose. (normal installation)
No quality is lost, just adjust the pots accordingly where half volume is loud and no distortion.
Either way use the PAC sound quality is greatly improved either way you wire it up!
Did you have any challenges finding a mounting kit for your pioneer unit? (pioneer does not provide one with hu)
I did talk to a PAC rep about my lower volume. Its mixed results doing it the reverse way discussed above.
If lower volume exist just use the speaker out leads from head unit -> pac -> bose. (normal installation)
No quality is lost, just adjust the pots accordingly where half volume is loud and no distortion.
Either way use the PAC sound quality is greatly improved either way you wire it up!
Did you have any challenges finding a mounting kit for your pioneer unit? (pioneer does not provide one with hu)
Last edited by GiZzO; Nov 6, 2009 at 09:09 PM.
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2001 E55
Awesome, those instructions are very helpful. I'm going to give it a go with the RCA inputs and see if it works.
I actually haven't pulled the trigger on buying the HU yet. I've been trying to figure out how the installation will work and peoples' results so far. I didn't know that Pioneer didn't make a mounting kit for our car. I'm trying to do the cleanest install as possible (similar to tacjam's Eclipse w205 installation). How did you end up mounting the HU and did you have a plastic gap between the wood and the HU screen?
I actually haven't pulled the trigger on buying the HU yet. I've been trying to figure out how the installation will work and peoples' results so far. I didn't know that Pioneer didn't make a mounting kit for our car. I'm trying to do the cleanest install as possible (similar to tacjam's Eclipse w205 installation). How did you end up mounting the HU and did you have a plastic gap between the wood and the HU screen?
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CLK55 / E350 Coupe
Heres some pics from the install. With our consoles which i think also applies to your 01 E55, it will take a double din no problem just need a cage + bezel. With Pioneer this kit is a seperate purchase fits all current models.
Only simple mod to do, since i did not have the command unit i had to cut off some plastic if you had a single din unit with the map pocket.
^Need to move that mic to the ceiling console peice. Easy install, i've only done a few car stereo installs. Color of the button when the light up match the instruments, one big reason why picked this model.
Only simple mod to do, since i did not have the command unit i had to cut off some plastic if you had a single din unit with the map pocket.
^Need to move that mic to the ceiling console peice. Easy install, i've only done a few car stereo installs. Color of the button when the light up match the instruments, one big reason why picked this model.
Last edited by GiZzO; Nov 9, 2009 at 01:18 AM.
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2001 E55
Perfect, this definitely gives me a rough idea of what it would look like in my car. I have the comand right now, so hopefully I won't have to trim anything down. Is this the kit I'd need for the cage and bezel?
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130ADTV...3.html?tp=2114
Also, I was hoping the screen would take up more space in the bezel so there would be less trim plastic showing. I'm guessing this is what it will look like, which is very similar to how yours came out (the picture is from a 2004 CLK). Does the plastic bezel clash too much for your taste with the cars plastic, or are you happy with it?
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130ADTV...3.html?tp=2114
Also, I was hoping the screen would take up more space in the bezel so there would be less trim plastic showing. I'm guessing this is what it will look like, which is very similar to how yours came out (the picture is from a 2004 CLK). Does the plastic bezel clash too much for your taste with the cars plastic, or are you happy with it?
Last edited by mu_brian; Nov 9, 2009 at 01:46 AM.
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CLK55 / E350 Coupe
I think the flash on my camera make the texture of plastic differences stand out. Its hardly really noticable, its acceptable. Its a great start, if i really wanted to i could repaint the out bezel or plus a platform to wrap it in birds eye wood. In the 3rd pic that pretty much what it looks like its not far off.
And yes thats the kit i used.
The kit was intended for the previous F and Z series but fits the new X series. The X series the HU is glossy so it a slight mismatch so If your getting the Z with the hard drive that will match the interior and kit better.
And yes thats the kit i used.
The kit was intended for the previous F and Z series but fits the new X series. The X series the HU is glossy so it a slight mismatch so If your getting the Z with the hard drive that will match the interior and kit better.
Last edited by GiZzO; Nov 9, 2009 at 02:27 AM.
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2000 CLK320 Coupe & 2010 GLK350
I'm planning on getting a Pioneer HU as well for my 2000 CLK320. I read through this thread and I appreciate all the information. Helps a lot
The HU I want to go with is this one:
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...s/AVH-P3100DVD
Hope the install wont be too difficult
The HU I want to go with is this one:
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...s/AVH-P3100DVD
Hope the install wont be too difficult
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2000 CLK320 Coupe & 2010 GLK350
ya im hoping it will be a breeze. my parts are coming in tuesday, i'll probably install it sometime during week. i'll be sure to post some pictures.
BTW does your HU have that stupid parking brake feature that doesn't allow you to view dvd's while the vehicle is in motion. if so, how did you bypass it? some sources say to just tape it off or ground the wire. i dont think it will be that simple
BTW does your HU have that stupid parking brake feature that doesn't allow you to view dvd's while the vehicle is in motion. if so, how did you bypass it? some sources say to just tape it off or ground the wire. i dont think it will be that simple
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From: West Los Angeles, CA
CLK55 / E350 Coupe
ya im hoping it will be a breeze. my parts are coming in tuesday, i'll probably install it sometime during week. i'll be sure to post some pictures.
BTW does your HU have that stupid parking brake feature that doesn't allow you to view dvd's while the vehicle is in motion. if so, how did you bypass it? some sources say to just tape it off or ground the wire. i dont think it will be that simple
BTW does your HU have that stupid parking brake feature that doesn't allow you to view dvd's while the vehicle is in motion. if so, how did you bypass it? some sources say to just tape it off or ground the wire. i dont think it will be that simple
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HL5pkAKkkA
The only tough ones depends on the year model of your car, different locations for your +battery feed. For me i had to tap into the cig lighter. Aniother note you probably have read already yellow and red wires are reversed on our cars, so red=yellow and yellow=red.
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CLK55 / E350 Coupe
Without the oem-2 theres no way i could turn it up as loud, it distorted way early = bass sucked.
Last edited by GiZzO; Nov 25, 2009 at 07:25 PM.
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2000 CLK320 Coupe & 2010 GLK350
Just take the mute wire and move it to this location shown in the video ground both green (parking brake) and the mute wire new location. Ground both wires and thats ALL!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HL5pkAKkkA
The only tough ones depends on the year model of your car, different locations for your +battery feed. For me i had to tap into the cig lighter. Aniother note you probably have read already yellow and red wires are reversed on our cars, so red=yellow and yellow=red.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HL5pkAKkkA
The only tough ones depends on the year model of your car, different locations for your +battery feed. For me i had to tap into the cig lighter. Aniother note you probably have read already yellow and red wires are reversed on our cars, so red=yellow and yellow=red.
thanks for the info but im a little confused here. the vid shows to yank the mute wire and insert it into an empty slot. but my harness has no empty slot. maybe because its a different unit. however i found some other videos that show how to bypass is with my specific unit. i'll see what i will do come installation time...
