Thread: Plugging into existing sound set up

Originally Posted by tmar89

I'll repost what I mentioned in the other thread here for reference:

Here's the setup I'm thinking of for connecting a PC directly to the Mach460 system:

Computer Speaker Out -> 1/8" to dual stereo RCA cables.

1/8'----|====< RCA1 and RCA2

Split RCA1 to Left +/- and Right +/- and connect those directly to the tweeter LF+/-,LR+/-,RF+/-,RR+/- (using high pass filters) on the Metra Harness since it is an amplified signal from the computer.

Plug RCA2 into a Hi-Lo Line Out converter (such as) then into the RCA inputs of the Metra Harness (using low pass filters).

Make sense?

Yea .. I understand what you are saying now to put a concept into reality .. I am going to have to talk to a installer around town as I dont have the skills required to do this install

Originally Posted by Scorpnstail

Yea .. I understand what you are saying now to put a concept into reality .. I am going to have to talk to a installer around town as I dont have the skills required to do this install

i'll let you know if I go ahead and try it.

I might consider using the computer as a sole source, in this instance. there is a fundamental problem with fords using an aftermarket stereo with the tock amplifier and stock speakers.

using speaker level outputs into the inputs of the amplifiers, they get overdriven way too quick, and clip at low volumes.

there is an adapter you can get that lets you plug in your aftermarket radio RCA outputs into the amplifeir inputs. but the voltage seems to be a bit low, weve had problems getting it loud.

if you decide to use an aftermarket radio in conjunction with your computer, I would suggest you attenuate the speaekr level outs and use those as teh inputs to the amplifiers.

Or, you can use the computer as a source, and see if the output voltage is high enough to drive the amplifiers.

Or, you can bypass the stock amplifiers (we ended up doing this) and rerun wires directly to the speakers.

Or, you can just change out everything.....

man, I hate the mach stereo system.

If you do decide to junk all the stock source units and run off the computer directly, you can get a universal CD pocket. Metra makes a pretty solid one. I dont know if it fits in the upper din area, but I would be surprised if it didnt. It definitely fits in the lower area where your CD player is, we got one to fit in there pretty well.

that would let you run your screen and a CD pocket.

OK, It's been a while but I have wonderful news! IT WORKED! I now have my computer plugged directly into my mach460 harnesses and no radio is needed. Here's the setup:

Computer Speaker Out -> 1/8" to stereo RCA cables.

2 Female-to-Dual Male RCA adapters. Now have RCA1 and RCA2.

Run RCA1 (tweeters) into a 200W or so 2 channel AMP. If your AMP has high pass filters, great! If not, use the high pass filters (link in thread) and connect directly to the tweeter LF+/-,LR+/-,RF+/-,RR+/- on the Metra Harness since it is an amplified signal from the computer. (I used the high pass filters)

Plug RCA2 (subs) into a Hi-Lo Line Out converter (link in thread) then into the RCA inputs of the Metra Harness using low pass filters (link in thread). You may need to do some stereo back to RCA wiring depending on the Hi-Lo Line Out converter.

At this point you can directly plug in the Metra Harness to your radio and you should be set. I have a very clean sound and I love it! No more Radio!! The next step is to mount my LCD screen in that spot. I need ideas!

Useful links:

Hi-Lo Converters (I used the first one) http://www.installer.com/hilo/

METRA 70-5519 Harness - $18
Metra Harness

Low-pass crossover for your subs
Go to Parts Express and search for “FMOD”. I used 50Hz ones.

Bass Blockers for your tweeters (not needed if your amp has a high-pass crossover built in)
Bass Blockers
I used the 600Hz model. They seem to work ok for me. If I did it again, I would allow a little more low frequency into my highs and go with a 300Hz or 400Hz

I'm not audio expert so choose the frequencies you desire.

Just a bit of an update:

I definitely need to change out the Bass Blockers! I am completely losing out the Midrange channel since the cutoff is between 50Hz and 600Hz! Since my tweeters are being powered by an amplifier which has a built in crossover, I will try eliminating the bass blockers and run it that way. I believe those speakers should be driving the high and midrange signals anyway.

what size speaker are you using a 600 Hz bass blocker on? about the appropriate size, taking rolloff into consideration, should be between 3.5 and 5 inches....

The mach tweeters I believe are about 5"

I had the exact same car and stereo(2001 GT, with Mach 460, 2 amps in the back), found it to be a total pain.

I wanted to keep my existing headunit and speakers and just add a sub. I had 2 install shops try and do this and they said they couldn't without special adapters, aparently the Mach 460 amps take different inputs than just a regular aftermarket car amp.

So I ended up buying a head unit anyways, but it was worth it, Mach 460 is OK , but aftermarket is better.

Even then I could only run the tweeters and the aftermarket sub, the bigger speakers in the doors and rear deck did not work.

It didn't sound bad, but for the money I spent I should have bought aftermarket speakers and completed the job.


http://logjamelectronics.com/piefrdnaux.html
The adapter suggested above, looks promising but I would not ignore the note on the site:

"NOTE: NOT compatible with, nor are there any converters available for, any Ford-made vehicles equipped with the 6-Disc in-dash headunit and/or factory navigation system. "



Hope it turns out well, oh yeah nice car!

yeah, with 5's, especailly with stock speakers, I would set the crossover to around 300-400 with a 6 db slope, and below 200 if you have an aftermarket amp with a 12 dB/oct sloped adjustable filter.