What'S The Weakest Link?

[washdup]

Cool, good to know. Thanks BEJ

Thats what I did, I liked the convenience of only having 1 amp to mount and wire. The only downside is that they are generally larger (exceptions being Alpine PDX5 and JL HD900/5) than other amplifiers.

Alpine: $599 at Crutchfield.

JL HD900/5: $999 at CF.

Ok, so that's not a realistic option for me right now. Back to the C70 amp; 100w x 4 is ok (not too much) to power the stock speakers (just checking), right? Also, I don't know anything about how this stuff works (obviously), if it's a 4 channel, does that mean I have to use a powered sub if I were to add a subwoofer? Or a separate amp just for the sub?

[washdup]

You're welcome Although I don't know for sure, I'm assuming that the C70 amp is cheaper, especially given its power output. You could mount the amp under the seat, or in the trunk under the 3rd row seat/storage area. Install should be pretty easy too, not entirely sure if the connectors will interface exactly with the 901, but wiring isn't complicated. ErieVovo has a couple on sale for $99 each, they're normally $199 each. Act now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Volvo-OEM-400-Watt-4-Channel-Amplifier-for-All-Volvos_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem518aa1f35cQQitemZ350218220380QQptZCarQ5fAudioQ5fVideo#ht_1763wt_1165

I looked at the amp. Ready for even more questions? Which seat would it go under. The fronts are power and the rears are fold-down (wagon). If under the rear, that's great b/c access would be easy. If front, does that mean the seat has to be removed? If there's an existing write-up on all this, I apologize (you have my thanks and my +1's ). :)

[andyb5]

I looked at the amp. Ready for even more questions? Which seat would it go under. The fronts are power and the rears are fold-down (wagon). If under the rear, that's great b/c access would be easy. If front, does that mean the seat has to be removed? If there's an existing write-up on all this, I apologize (you have my thanks and my +1's ).

Ok. Get ready for a long post

Basically, the C70 4 channel amp will power all the stock speakers with ease, and the 100w rating is fine, just don't crank the volume all the way up to the point your speakers are distorting. A more powerful amp sends a better signal to your speakers. If you want to add a sub, you can use a 2nd, aftermarket amp, or you can buy a powered sub that has an amp built into the box with the speaker (like the Bazooka tubes you see in a lot of Jeeps)

Here's a couple of 5 channel amps I'd recommend if you want to go that route, and the site is legit and reputable:

http://www.sonicelec...s+GTA-1005.html An updated model of the amp I have, very clean power, kinda large though. Would require a trunk mount, easiest way would be a rack like I did.

http://www.sonicelec...pine+PDX-5.html PDX5. Small enough to fit under your passenger seat, and also a great signal.

These will power your stock speakers, and have a dedicated subwoofer channel as well. Both are plenty powerful enough to make your car seriously loud (trust me, I know )

If you decide to mount the amp under your passenger seat, you have to remove the seat, which trust me, isn't nearly as bad as it sounds.

To do so, disconnect the battery, then take a 13(?)mm socket to each corner of the seat frame to unbolt it from the car, use a big (like T55 or T60, not really sure) Torx driver to release the seatbelt, disconnect the wiring harnesses (if applicable) under the seat. Finally, lift the seat out of the car and you're all set.

Or you can mount the amp in the trunk. A couple options here, either above the spare tire, under the flip-up panels (best if you don't have/use the 3rd row seat) or you can make an amp rack like I did.

My amp rack and Boston Acoustics GT50 5 channel amp:

Another consideration is wiring. Regardless of the amp you choose, that's gonna require a power line run from the battery, either 8-gauge or 4-gauge, depending on the amp and mounting location. A ground wire will be the same gauge as the power line, and you'll need wires for the signals to and from the amp. If you choose the C70 amp, Volvo has a 5-pin connecting wire to go from a stock HU to the amp for the signal, then you can run new speaker wire from the amp to the dash cavity behind the radio and interface with the stock speaker wires from there.

If you go with an aftermarket amp, buy an amp install kit, as it includes all the necessary wires to complete the job.

Given your approximate budget, I'd recommend the C70/alpine 4x100 amp. Especially now that Erie has them on sale Act fast and save $100

I know this can sound kind of overwhelming at first, but its really not too bad. Just take your time, and feel free to ask questions. If you want, you can shoot me an email whenever, aburesh5 [at] gmail.com

[andyb5]

Also, thanks for the +1's

[washdup]

Thanks for "amps for dummies", which I needed. I've come back around to the HU question, though, and found an SC-901 for $200 without the dolby processor, and there's another for $225 with the dolby. I assume the HU is fine without using the center channel, right? Still a nice improvement? Any opinions on those prices? I'm also going to try to invite a trade of my SC-816 for an SC-901 with a non-working CD player, since I run the USA-Spec.

[andyb5]

Thanks for "amps for dummies", which I needed. I've come back around to the HU question, though, and found an SC-901 for $200 without the dolby processor, and there's another for $225 with the dolby. I assume the HU is fine without using the center channel, right? Still a nice improvement? Any opinions on those prices? I'm also going to try to invite a trade of my SC-816 for an SC-901 with a non-working CD player, since I run the USA-Spec.

Happy to help

You can use the 901 with and without the Dolby (and corresponding center channel) Either way it will be a nice upgrade over the 816 in terms of sound quality, mainly due the to the external amp and the built in equalizer, not just a "bass" and "treble" slider like on the 816.

As far as I can tell, those prices sound pretty reasonable, only question is where did you find them for sale? If you buy the 901 with the dolby unit, make sure it includes everything you need to set the center channel up (see list below)

I can't personally vouch for the Dolby set-up, having never personally heard it, but I'm sure that it is a nice improvement. To add the center channel, (if I recall correctly) you will need the 901, external processing unit, a couple of connecting cables, the center channel speaker, and corresponding upper dash panel. It is powered off the 901 internally, so you do not need an external amplifier for the center channel.

[washdup]

Thanks for the infos on the 901. Glad to hear it's still an upgrade without the center. I think the one offered is just the processor, no speaker or cable, and definitely no dash. I have no intention of ever setting up the center channel. If I were to buy the one with the processor, I would probably try to ebay the processor. More questions:

Would my existing T5 45x4 amp work with the 901?

Also, would I need some kind of extension cable if I were to upgrade to the 100x4 C70 amp? Where can they be obtained? I assume D-W. Any idea the cost?

Thanks. You get another +1. :)

[andyb5]

Your existing 45x4 amp will work fine, it'll be PnP with the 901. Switching from an 816 to a 901 will take approx. 5 mins to remove the 816, remove the wires, connect the wires to the 901, and then re-insert the 901 and you're done.

The C70 amp will use the same 5-pin amp cable as your existing amp, not sure if you can get an extension or not. I'm pretty sure the amp is located in the center console, under the center arm rest. The cable should be able to be re-routed to under the passenger seat if you so choose. Just remove the console and snake the amp cable under the carpet to come out underneath the seat.

EDIT: Just noticed a mistake on my part. Anywhere I talk about a 5-pin amp cable, its actually 6 pins. Sorry for any confusion.

[washdup]

Thanks for the info andy. The T5 amp I have is set up on a bracket behind the HU, by the heater core. The cable will not be long enough. Actually, I think the amp has an integrated cable coming out of it. Which leads me to say I am inclined to try a 901 with my existing amp. BUT there is one issue. The amp I have has a dead output to the front left tweeter.

[andyb5]

Thanks for the info andy. The T5 amp I have is set up on a bracket behind the HU, by the heater core. The cable will not be long enough. Actually, I think the amp has an integrated cable coming out of it. Which leads me to say I am inclined to try a 901 with my existing amp. BUT there is one issue. The amp I have has a dead output to the front left tweeter.

Hmm, have you checked the tweeter? I'm skeptical that the amplifier is the problem because the tweeter and woofer in the door are run off the same output channel on the amp, so unless you don't have sound from either speaker on the left side of your car, its more than likely that the tweeter or the wiring is the problem.

[washdup]

Pretty sure about this. I pulled the amp off and direct-connected the HU and it worked. With the amp, no-go. I also swapped the tweeters to confirm, so yes I'm sure it's not the tweeter. Of course, what you said makes total sense also.

Aside: I'm working some angles toward getting a 901.

[andyb5]

Pretty sure about this. I pulled the amp off and direct-connected the HU and it worked. With the amp, no-go. I also swapped the tweeters to confirm, so yes I'm sure it's not the tweeter. Of course, what you said makes total sense also.

Aside: I'm working some angles toward getting a 901.

Hmm, weird. Sounds like the problem is the wiring harness between the amp and the HU. You said it was integrated into the amp?

And that's good, keep us updated on the 901 hunt

[washdup]

Does the 901 need the separate dolby processor to reach its potential even without the center channel, or is the DP only for the center channel?

[andyb5]

Does the 901 need the separate dolby processor to reach its potential even without the center channel, or is the DP only for the center channel?

Nope, for a stock 4 channel system the 901 is PnP with your existing set-up. You only need the DP unit for use with the 5 channel setup.

[washdup]

Yes, I realize that it is not required, but there's a processor for sale and the seller told me the processor will add to the sound even without the center speaker. Is he right about that?