I'd have to second that. I'm sure there is at least a modicum of amplification from the head unit, but if the amp is inop or removed, there is no pass through for the audio signal to the speakers.
In order to bypass the amp, he'd need to hack up the wiring and connect the amp's input to the output. Before I did that, I'd hunt one down on eBay.
Assuming an 8 speaker system, part number is 20960717 and lists for a breathtaking $421.