My previous setup (all self-installed) was a '92 Firebird with custom kick panels (Infinity Kappa 5.25" comps), Reference 6x9's in the rear, and a 12" JL Audio W3v2 sub in a custom enclosure. All were amped externally and run via a JVC aftermarket headunit w/ MP3 capability.
I just bought a pre-owned 03 CTS (which I'm picking up from the dealer tomorrow) with the "premium audio" (non-Bose) system and would like to know what my options are in adding an aux input for MP3 and then perhaps later installing my sub and components. I plan on keeping the factory head unit since it is highly integrated with the other features of the car. As far as I am concerned, the factory stuff is all sub-par, but my concern is that the CTS's electrical system is far more elaborate than my old 92 Firebird, and I don't want to mess anything up doing the installation (not to mention, I have no idea if there are factory amps, etc).
So here are the questions that need to be answered before I start tearing everything apart, #1 being the most important:
1. Is there an option to install an auxilary input (for my MP3 player) to the factory head unit? I'm not impressed with the FM transmitter sound quality. I would prefer something that plugs into the headunit, either through the cassette input (which I won't be using) or through a CD changer input (sadly, I didn't even ask if it had one since I figured I would take it all out anyway)? Will any of these work?
http://www.autotoys.com/x/catalog/OEM_Factory_AUX_ADAPTERS_GM_AUX_ADAPTER_page_1_c_39.html
Would the dealer know the answer to this?
2. What is the best way to add on an amp? My amp has speaker level inputs so a converter won't be needed, and I was thinking about unplugging the factory sub and using those. Are there any problems I should anticipate in doing so (such as are they already crossed over at an inconvenient frequency)?
3. Will installing an amp void my bumper-to-bumper warranty?
4. A wiring diagram for the audio system would explain all these questions: Is there a factory amp somewhere in the car, and where is the crossover for the factory components up front? Can my Infinity's be driven by the factory headunit/amp/crossovers (they're rated at 85WRMS) or should l use my external amp with the Infinity crossovers (the latter probably being the best choice)?
5. Also, what goes into removing factory tweeters?
6. How do most people run the power wire? I saw some that were done underneath the car, which I don't like so much. I'd prefer to run it through the firewall - is there a hole big enough for 4ga wire that is already there, or will I need to drill one? Will it fit under the carpet - I heard people complaining about a tight fit?
It seems smuook's "Operation Basslink" post is helpful, but not exactly applicable to my problems: http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17090
same with crockone's post:
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30145
My priority is question 1 above - adding the MP3 input (otherwise, I'll be listening to Cleveland radio). The other stuff can wait. This would be so much easier if car manufacturers used the aftermarket setup with line level outs, RCA cables, and external amps with gain and crossovers. :banghead:
All help is greatly appreciated/anticipated.
Steve
I just bought a pre-owned 03 CTS (which I'm picking up from the dealer tomorrow) with the "premium audio" (non-Bose) system and would like to know what my options are in adding an aux input for MP3 and then perhaps later installing my sub and components. I plan on keeping the factory head unit since it is highly integrated with the other features of the car. As far as I am concerned, the factory stuff is all sub-par, but my concern is that the CTS's electrical system is far more elaborate than my old 92 Firebird, and I don't want to mess anything up doing the installation (not to mention, I have no idea if there are factory amps, etc).
So here are the questions that need to be answered before I start tearing everything apart, #1 being the most important:
1. Is there an option to install an auxilary input (for my MP3 player) to the factory head unit? I'm not impressed with the FM transmitter sound quality. I would prefer something that plugs into the headunit, either through the cassette input (which I won't be using) or through a CD changer input (sadly, I didn't even ask if it had one since I figured I would take it all out anyway)? Will any of these work?
http://www.autotoys.com/x/catalog/OEM_Factory_AUX_ADAPTERS_GM_AUX_ADAPTER_page_1_c_39.html
Would the dealer know the answer to this?
2. What is the best way to add on an amp? My amp has speaker level inputs so a converter won't be needed, and I was thinking about unplugging the factory sub and using those. Are there any problems I should anticipate in doing so (such as are they already crossed over at an inconvenient frequency)?
3. Will installing an amp void my bumper-to-bumper warranty?
4. A wiring diagram for the audio system would explain all these questions: Is there a factory amp somewhere in the car, and where is the crossover for the factory components up front? Can my Infinity's be driven by the factory headunit/amp/crossovers (they're rated at 85WRMS) or should l use my external amp with the Infinity crossovers (the latter probably being the best choice)?
5. Also, what goes into removing factory tweeters?
6. How do most people run the power wire? I saw some that were done underneath the car, which I don't like so much. I'd prefer to run it through the firewall - is there a hole big enough for 4ga wire that is already there, or will I need to drill one? Will it fit under the carpet - I heard people complaining about a tight fit?
It seems smuook's "Operation Basslink" post is helpful, but not exactly applicable to my problems: http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17090
same with crockone's post:
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30145
My priority is question 1 above - adding the MP3 input (otherwise, I'll be listening to Cleveland radio). The other stuff can wait. This would be so much easier if car manufacturers used the aftermarket setup with line level outs, RCA cables, and external amps with gain and crossovers. :banghead:
All help is greatly appreciated/anticipated.
Steve