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#228395 - 24/07/2004 23:04 hello new install
iopcool25
new poster

Registered: 09/06/2004
Posts: 43
Loc: New York
Hi im install my mkIIa in my chevy malibu. I got the kit in and sled also everything is execept the wires from my 3rd party wire harness to the sleds iso adapter (the one with 4 wires on the bottom and two on top) I can solder the wires together no problem but i just to be sure about where each wire goes. My harness has 12 wires in total two green (+ and - left rear speakers) 2 light purple( + and - right rear speakers) 2 white (+ and - left front speaker) 2 dark gray right front speaker(+ and -) 2 orange one postive dimmer and other illumination 1 yelllow batt/memory 12 volt 1 red (igition) 1 blue (power antenna) please could someone help the empeg site guide did not seem to shine directly on this issue or if it did i didnt find it thanks for your help

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#228396 - 25/07/2004 04:17 Re: hello new install [Re: iopcool25]
Shonky
pooh-bah

Registered: 12/01/2002
Posts: 2009
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
Have you had a look at the install part of the FAQ?

In particular have a look at this

Do you realise you need an external amplifier to use an empeg? It has no onboard power amps.
_________________________
Christian
#40104192 120Gb (no longer in my E36 M3, won't fit the E46 M3)

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#228397 - 25/07/2004 05:32 Re: hello new install [Re: Shonky]
iopcool25
new poster

Registered: 09/06/2004
Posts: 43
Loc: New York
ok heres my problem now what do i do about the speaker wires i know where to solder the 4 or 5 wires from sled but i dont have an amp or anything i took out my stock radio thinking i could just replace it with my empeg

so since i cant use the rca plugs for the speakers what do i use instead?

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#228398 - 25/07/2004 05:36 Re: hello new install [Re: iopcool25]
Shonky
pooh-bah

Registered: 12/01/2002
Posts: 2009
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
You need an amplifier of some description. It's that simple. The empeg will never drive speakers by itself.
_________________________
Christian
#40104192 120Gb (no longer in my E36 M3, won't fit the E46 M3)

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#228399 - 25/07/2004 05:54 Re: hello new install [Re: Shonky]
iopcool25
new poster

Registered: 09/06/2004
Posts: 43
Loc: New York
so theres no possible way for me to rewire the pins from the sled to my car basically take off the rcas and use wire direct to power?

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#228400 - 25/07/2004 05:57 Re: hello new install [Re: iopcool25]
Shonky
pooh-bah

Registered: 12/01/2002
Posts: 2009
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
I really don't think I can be any clearer.

You need an amplifier of some description. It's that simple. The empeg will never drive speakers by itself.
_________________________
Christian
#40104192 120Gb (no longer in my E36 M3, won't fit the E46 M3)

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#228401 - 25/07/2004 06:29 Re: hello new install [Re: Shonky]
iopcool25
new poster

Registered: 09/06/2004
Posts: 43
Loc: New York
any recommended amps? anybody?

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#228402 - 25/07/2004 09:47 Re: hello new install [Re: iopcool25]
pgrzelak
carpal tunnel

Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
Greetings!

Actually, this is a fairly common question. The empeg was my first non-stock install, so I cannot give you a good recommendation based on sound quality and experience. There are lots of others on the board that can do that better than I. Much of this depends on what you plan on doing:

a) Are you replacing the factory speakers? The factory speakers may be lower power and you will need to match the amp to the level your speakers can handle. Also, there are many types of amps and some are better for certain applications.

b) Do you plan to put in a subwoofer? There are amps that have dedicated subwoofer channels, some that are designed to handle a sub specifically / only.

c) What is your installation budget / desire for high quality? Like many things, you get what you pay for. There are good, low cost amps out there. There are also exceptional high cost amps out there. From the sound of it, you are probably looking for something basic to start with. But if you intend to expand this later on, you may be better off getting the best you can afford at the beginning rather than trying to replace it later.

d) What is your installation design / physical layout? Your postings sound as if you were just thinking to swap out the existing head unit only. This will work for a lot of mass produced units, but the empeg is really a bit special / high end. The lack of an internal amp means that some careful planning has to be put into place to figure out where you want to put the amp, how you want to run wires, etc. All of this will determine the quality of your install and the quality of your sound at the end.

e) Did your previous install have an amp, even if it was a factory amp? You might be able to use it with the correct wiring adapters if there is anything there. A little research should let you know this one.

f) A good site for you to take a look at would be Basic Car Audio Electronics. This is an excellent starting point / primer for those that need a bit more information in the type of components and installation recommendations. It is also "a good read" for reference.

Lastly, please note that it is a weekend in the summer. Normally, the board is a bit quieter than normal during these periods. I am sure a lot of people with much better information and recommendations will be along within the next day or so...
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs

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#228403 - 25/07/2004 11:06 Re: hello new install [Re: pgrzelak]
iopcool25
new poster

Registered: 09/06/2004
Posts: 43
Loc: New York
thanks for the info if my car doesnt have an amp already im just looking for a basic amp with maybe a subwoofer but i dont have a clue where in my car it would go. so point me to the cheap amps and subwoofers

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#228404 - 25/07/2004 11:24 Re: hello new install [Re: iopcool25]
pgrzelak
carpal tunnel

Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
I personally like dealing with Crutchfield. They tend to be more expensive, but their support is (in my experience) unequaled. They have a good tutorial about choosing an amp and installation steps needed. You might want to use them to compare and narrow down your choices. After that, if you need something more quickly or at a better price, you might want to check out your local car audio stores. For online purchase, Crutchfield is great, but there are a lot of other places out there as well.
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs

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#228405 - 25/07/2004 13:51 Re: hello new install [Re: iopcool25]
tfabris
carpal tunnel

Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31565
Loc: Seattle, WA
Quote:
im just looking for a basic amp with maybe a subwoofer but i dont have a clue where in my car it would go.

At this point, after your prior posts and after making that statement, my recommendation is to take your car and your empeg to a professional stereo shop and have them help you choose an amp, and pay them to install the amp and the empeg for you. Clearly, you don't have experience installing this type of equipment. Have a look here, I believe that you fall under the "Average Scenario" listed there.
_________________________
Tony Fabris

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#228406 - 26/07/2004 20:57 Re: hello new install [Re: tfabris]
ElectricD7
member

Registered: 31/01/2002
Posts: 135
Loc: Indiana, USA
I must agree that in this case you are best to go to a professional. You will be far happier in thelong run.
_________________________
ED7 --------------------- 20G Mark2A SN#: 010101680 1997 Chrysler Sebring LXi

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#228407 - 26/07/2004 22:14 Re: hello new install [Re: ElectricD7]
iopcool25
new poster

Registered: 09/06/2004
Posts: 43
Loc: New York
ok i have someone now to put everything in amp new interiors and even a subwoofer if i decide to get that. so anybody selling a amp here?

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#228408 - 27/07/2004 01:25 Re: hello new install [Re: iopcool25]
tanstaafl.
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/07/1999
Posts: 5539
Loc: Ajijic, Mexico
ok i have someone now to put everything in amp new interiors and even a subwoofer if i decide to get that. so anybody selling a amp here?


If you are having the installation done by a stereo shop, they will not be very interested in installing a used customer-supplied amplifier, because they have to stand behind their work and don't want to be caught in the middle of a dispute where they say the problem is the amplifier and you say the problem is the installation.

If you have made arrangements with a friend to help you do the installation, that's a different story. Have at it.

I do have an amplifier for sale, but it is big-time overkill for what you have in mind. I doubt that you're looking for a $600 8-channel amplifier...

tanstaafl.
_________________________
"There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch"

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#228409 - 27/07/2004 01:50 Re: hello new install [Re: iopcool25]
gbeer
carpal tunnel

Registered: 17/12/2000
Posts: 2665
Loc: Manteca, California
You have a new model Malabu, right?

If so, ask your guy if he knows what a chime module is, or why you might need it? Otherwise I have to agree, seek some pro help.
_________________________
Glenn

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#228410 - 27/07/2004 17:09 Re: hello new install [Re: iopcool25]
edsmiata
addict

Registered: 18/08/2002
Posts: 544
Loc: New Jersey
I would suggest you find a reputable install shop and have them do it.

Subs...Amps...Enclosures...Caps...Fuses...Distribution Blocks...GROUNDS!!! not for the novice
_________________________
...One man gathers what another man spills

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#228411 - 28/07/2004 17:00 Re: hello new install [Re: edsmiata]
iopcool25
new poster

Registered: 09/06/2004
Posts: 43
Loc: New York
what to know what is the empeg minimal requirments for amp wattage

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#228412 - 28/07/2004 17:09 Re: hello new install [Re: iopcool25]
tfabris
carpal tunnel

Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31565
Loc: Seattle, WA
The empeg has no wattage requirements, no head-unit has amp wattage requirements. The speakers are usually what govern the amp requirements if any.

Again... You need to talk to a professional who knows what they're doing.
_________________________
Tony Fabris

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#228413 - 30/07/2004 00:01 Re: hello new install [Re: tfabris]
iopcool25
new poster

Registered: 09/06/2004
Posts: 43
Loc: New York
ok got a someone to try to install my empeg but he wants to see a manual for empeg so he can know what to do witht he wires can u guys point me to the manual

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#228414 - 30/07/2004 00:19 Re: hello new install [Re: iopcool25]
gbeer
carpal tunnel

Registered: 17/12/2000
Posts: 2665
Loc: Manteca, California
http://www.empeg.com/downloads/empeg_User_Guide.pdf

I believe this is it. (spelled it right that time!)
_________________________
Glenn

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