Factory System question

Hello,

I have a 1999 Mitsubishi Montero, with the stock Infintiy sound system. I also have the stock 10 CD changer in the back of the truck. I also have a MKII.

As you know, my factory system has no inputs or outputs to connect the MKII, but it does have an amp. I would like to connect the two, and retain my factory system.

I searched the web and spoken to quite a few people. Most people think the only way to accomplish this is to use an FM modulator. I'm sure there has to be a better way.

The way I understand it, I only need two things:

1. Power to the unit.
2. signal to the (amp) speakers.

I think I can achieve this by:

1. splicing a Metra wiring harness into the ISO connector that plugs into the back of my existing stereo...and then plugging that into my MKII.

2. splicing RCA cables into the DIN cable that connects my amp to the existing stereo..and then plugging the rca cables into my MKII.

I'm sure this plan may need some revision but I dont have a clue how.

What are your thoughts?

The simplest route would be to completely remove the stock stereo system, forget about the CD changer, and connect up the Mk2 to your factory Infinity amplifier as illustrated here. Assuming that your Infinity system is like the one pictured there, you should be able to get the necessary amp adapter parts. Check with PAC to make sure.

You won't miss the CD changer, trust me.

..but then I lose my tape player and AM/FM tuner!

I know thats the easy way, but what I'm aiming for is keeping the funtionalilty that I have...if at all possible.

What is the hack that I need? I know the engineering community can help on this!

The reason why this is suggested is because you can purchase a tuner, and any tapes you have will sound better if you get them separately in mp3

Not forcing anything on 'ya, just explaining why they suggest that setup. I ideally would have kept my head unit as well, however the amplifier was integrated into it.

There were posts here about a Sony relay thingy that connects two units (one at a time, obviously) to an amp. You can use empeg amp enable wire to control it. So, while empeg is in the sled and awake, it has the amp for itself; otherwise, your HU gets connected. Is that the kind of setup you are looking for?

YES! YES! thats it. Thats exactly what I want to do. Aside from some nasty wire harness issues and how to split out the din cable (to RCA plugs) from my stock amp, I'm almost there.

When I have some time (maybe tomorrow), I'll post a drawing of my wiring design.

Mike

The Sony relay is linked and described in the FAQ.

Or you could buy a pack of diodes for $2 and do some soldering, making sure that you remember only to have one or the other turned on. However, it's a lot of work and the sony model is probably a much better investment.

-elph

I'd go with the Sony to avoid noise issues.