Amplifier Question

jjnye · 10-02-2007, 05:27 PM

I am about to start working on my second carpc and I would like to do this one a little different. My new vehicle has a double din opening in the dash (2007 Ford F-150) and I think it would look awesome to have nothing but a display in the dash where the old unit used to be. I would like to build everything so that it fits into a custom fab'd case behind the display. The only problem with this is that I end up losing the amp that is in the stock receiver. My question is about putting a new amp in there. Is there such a thing as an external sound card that has an amp built into it suitable to power factory speakers? Possibly one that also has pre-outs for a subwoofer? The reason that I don't want to go to an amp behind the seat is becuase my truck came with the factory Audiophile system which has 6 speakers + subwoofer. To me it really does sound great and im not looking to replace any of the audio components and I really do not want to take up room behing the seat with an amp, nor do I want to alter my factory wiring from stock. If something like this does not exist, it would be a great product for someont to develop! If I had a soundcard with the same output options as an aftermarket receiver then I could use a wiring kit to connect to my factory harness without any modification. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

saahild · 10-03-2007, 05:13 AM

if there is a subwoofer in the car then that would lead me to think that perhaps thers is already an amplifier in the car stock. Maybe you could just connect to that from your computer? If not then it really is not at all hard to get a small amplifier and fit it in with no actual cutting into your original factory wiring. I mean you can get a small amp the size of an A5 piece of paper, maybe a bit bigger and put it in your glovebox or under a seat or somethig.

Uraijit · 10-03-2007, 07:34 AM

Generally speaking, it's a pretty good bet there's a factory amplifier somewhere in the vehicle (probably behind the dash somewhere). If you can locate a wiring diagram for your vehicle, you should be able to hook everything up properly.

You might need line drivers, depending on the output voltage of your soundcard, but you can probably use the stock amp. You'll probably have to locate the remote "on" wire for the amp, and run it to your Computer PSU, and you should be gravy.

Uraijit · 10-03-2007, 07:41 AM

Allright, I don't normally spoon-feed, but here you go. I did a bit of digging, and this should be what you're looking for. If you wire the connections properly, you should just be able to plug it right in.

Note: This is for the regular cab. If you have the super cab, it may be different. Just select the correct body style, and you'll get the right part.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-5yfRIPO...0705521&tp=736

jjnye · 10-03-2007, 08:04 AM

Uraijit,
The spoon feeding sure is nice. The only thing I am still trying to figure out is if the speakers in the doors are under power from an amp other than what is comming from the receiver or not. If I have a factory amp to power the door speakers then I am set to just hook the soundcard to the factory harness, otherwise I will need an amp. Also, how would i set that up to send a signal to the subwoofer separate from the door speakers? Do they have a soundcard with subwoofer output?

Uraijit · 10-03-2007, 09:05 AM

I'm not sure if it runs the speakers through the amp or not, but my guess is that it does. My onboard soundcard has an output for a sub. So yes, There cards with sub outputs. Any 6 speaker soundcard will likely be capible of setting one speaker output pair as a sub out.