I like the idea of using the Empeg as the main unit(in the center console). You can make that work fine with the stock amp. But if you ever take out the Empeg to use in another vehicle you will have no sound in the Explorer. So I would suggest finding yourself an old CD changer adapter to ford. I know Alpine used to make them. You could put an Alpine changer on a Ford deck. You still controlled the Alpine through a different remote, but the sound came into the factory ford head unit just like if it was a ford CD changer. I don't recall the exact model number, but I sure with a little looking around you can find the info needed. Along those lines, other aftermarket companies like Peripheral Interface probably makes the same sort of device.

As to the 4v problem, don't worry about it. You just won't have to turn it up as loud. I have been running my Empeg into my Alpine CVA-1005 for three months now and no problems. BTW the CVA-1005 is not a 4v unit.

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