Amp replacement help please
06-26-2016, 01:04 PM
#1
Amp replacement help please
Hi gang
A long time ago I added a Lanzer speaker box to the back well of my car. They installed a Hifonics Pluto VII 60 watt amp along with a Matchmaker box to tie into the rear speakers I believe. The original speakers in the box were bad so I replaced them last year. However I can only get sound out of one of the speakers. I know I messed around with it and got it to switch from the right to left speaker, but not both.
I am thinking the amp and matchmaker need to be replaced as well. Can anyone suggest a similar AMP? Seems most are 100 Watt min, not sure if that is too much, etc.
Pics below. thanks!
A long time ago I added a Lanzer speaker box to the back well of my car. They installed a Hifonics Pluto VII 60 watt amp along with a Matchmaker box to tie into the rear speakers I believe. The original speakers in the box were bad so I replaced them last year. However I can only get sound out of one of the speakers. I know I messed around with it and got it to switch from the right to left speaker, but not both.
I am thinking the amp and matchmaker need to be replaced as well. Can anyone suggest a similar AMP? Seems most are 100 Watt min, not sure if that is too much, etc.
Pics below. thanks!
06-27-2016, 01:05 PM
#2
Re: Amp replacement help please
looking at the photos, it seems like whoever installed your amp extended the speaker wires off the desk to the trunk for that amp. I bet if you check the wiring behind the sail panels, they tapped into the speaker wires there.
Based on your post, i wouldn't worry too much about the wattage rating. You're going to have to tune the new amplifier anyway, and if the output is too high you can adjust it down a little directly on the amp. I wouldn't replace it with a 2000 watt amp though
. If you only get sound out of one channel (which you confirmed by switching the sub connections), one channel in your system is burned out. If all four speakers (fron/back) in the car still work, then either the matchmaker or the amp burned out a channel. Probably not both though, so i doubt you'll need to replace more than one unless you really want to.
As for the matchmaker, it looks like that's just a line converter. It allows you to take a high level output off the headunit (that normally goes directly to the speaker) and drop the voltage to something that is appropriate for an amp. They usually have RCA connectors, but not always.
The cheapest option (if that's a concern), is to just buy a new line converter off crutchfield or sonicelectronix and replace the matchmaker. Any brand will do, but you get what you pay for in sound, so plan accordingly with your budget. If that doesn't fix the issue, then the amp probably needs repair/replacement. A Kenwood KAC-5206 seems like it's been well received, and is similar in power to what you have installed there.
http://www.crutchfield.ca/Kenwood_KA...113kac5206.htm
Based on your post, i wouldn't worry too much about the wattage rating. You're going to have to tune the new amplifier anyway, and if the output is too high you can adjust it down a little directly on the amp. I wouldn't replace it with a 2000 watt amp though
. If you only get sound out of one channel (which you confirmed by switching the sub connections), one channel in your system is burned out. If all four speakers (fron/back) in the car still work, then either the matchmaker or the amp burned out a channel. Probably not both though, so i doubt you'll need to replace more than one unless you really want to. As for the matchmaker, it looks like that's just a line converter. It allows you to take a high level output off the headunit (that normally goes directly to the speaker) and drop the voltage to something that is appropriate for an amp. They usually have RCA connectors, but not always.
The cheapest option (if that's a concern), is to just buy a new line converter off crutchfield or sonicelectronix and replace the matchmaker. Any brand will do, but you get what you pay for in sound, so plan accordingly with your budget. If that doesn't fix the issue, then the amp probably needs repair/replacement. A Kenwood KAC-5206 seems like it's been well received, and is similar in power to what you have installed there.
http://www.crutchfield.ca/Kenwood_KA...113kac5206.htm
06-27-2016, 03:05 PM
#3
Re: Amp replacement help please
looking at the photos, it seems like whoever installed your amp extended the speaker wires off the desk to the trunk for that amp. I bet if you check the wiring behind the sail panels, they tapped into the speaker wires there.
Based on your post, i wouldn't worry too much about the wattage rating. You're going to have to tune the new amplifier anyway, and if the output is too high you can adjust it down a little directly on the amp. I wouldn't replace it with a 2000 watt amp though. If you only get sound out of one channel (which you confirmed by switching the sub connections), one channel in your system is burned out. If all four speakers (fron/back) in the car still work, then either the matchmaker or the amp burned out a channel. Probably not both though, so i doubt you'll need to replace more than one unless you really want to.
As for the matchmaker, it looks like that's just a line converter. It allows you to take a high level output off the headunit (that normally goes directly to the speaker) and drop the voltage to something that is appropriate for an amp. They usually have RCA connectors, but not always.
The cheapest option (if that's a concern), is to just buy a new line converter off crutchfield or sonicelectronix and replace the matchmaker. Any brand will do, but you get what you pay for in sound, so plan accordingly with your budget. If that doesn't fix the issue, then the amp probably needs repair/replacement. A Kenwood KAC-5206 seems like it's been well received, and is similar in power to what you have installed there.
http://www.crutchfield.ca/Kenwood_KA...113kac5206.htm
Based on your post, i wouldn't worry too much about the wattage rating. You're going to have to tune the new amplifier anyway, and if the output is too high you can adjust it down a little directly on the amp. I wouldn't replace it with a 2000 watt amp though
. If you only get sound out of one channel (which you confirmed by switching the sub connections), one channel in your system is burned out. If all four speakers (fron/back) in the car still work, then either the matchmaker or the amp burned out a channel. Probably not both though, so i doubt you'll need to replace more than one unless you really want to. As for the matchmaker, it looks like that's just a line converter. It allows you to take a high level output off the headunit (that normally goes directly to the speaker) and drop the voltage to something that is appropriate for an amp. They usually have RCA connectors, but not always.
The cheapest option (if that's a concern), is to just buy a new line converter off crutchfield or sonicelectronix and replace the matchmaker. Any brand will do, but you get what you pay for in sound, so plan accordingly with your budget. If that doesn't fix the issue, then the amp probably needs repair/replacement. A Kenwood KAC-5206 seems like it's been well received, and is similar in power to what you have installed there.
http://www.crutchfield.ca/Kenwood_KA...113kac5206.htm
06-28-2016, 02:04 PM
#4
Re: Amp replacement help please
So if someone could answer please. I am looking at this radio on eBay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/331875096088
Ok, I know, don't buy Chinese junk, etc. But I bought one similar to this for my Grand Am and it is AMAZING. Unfortunatly I am not good with advance stereo setups. This radio has a build in AMP that is 50 watts x 4 (and RCA connectors off the back of it). I have NO idea what that means.
So if that is the case, do I still need an AMP externally and or line converter to go from this radio to my subwoofer box or no?
I just would like to know how to get this radio to work with the subwoofer box I already have. Thanks!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/331875096088
Ok, I know, don't buy Chinese junk, etc. But I bought one similar to this for my Grand Am and it is AMAZING. Unfortunatly I am not good with advance stereo setups. This radio has a build in AMP that is 50 watts x 4 (and RCA connectors off the back of it). I have NO idea what that means.
So if that is the case, do I still need an AMP externally and or line converter to go from this radio to my subwoofer box or no?
I just would like to know how to get this radio to work with the subwoofer box I already have. Thanks!
06-29-2016, 10:56 AM
#5
Re: Amp replacement help please
You're welcome. If your new deck has RCA pre-outs for a subwoofer, then you won't need the lineout converter anymore. Just a shielded RCA cable direct from the deck to the amp.
As for the deck you posted there, if you've bought one before and are happy with it, go for it. It doesn't have any RCA connections, so you'll need a lineout converter to use it. This example is dated now, but it was high end when it came out in 2012 and shows what i'm talking about:
http://www.crutchfield.ca/Parrot_Ast...&awmt=p&awnw=g
Often in the 100-200$ range, Double DIN decks won't have RCA pre-outs for amplifiers and require the use of a line out converter for a subwoofer or other amps. You're looking at $200-300 before they become common.
As for the deck you posted there, if you've bought one before and are happy with it, go for it. It doesn't have any RCA connections, so you'll need a lineout converter to use it. This example is dated now, but it was high end when it came out in 2012 and shows what i'm talking about:
http://www.crutchfield.ca/Parrot_Ast...&awmt=p&awnw=g
Often in the 100-200$ range, Double DIN decks won't have RCA pre-outs for amplifiers and require the use of a line out converter for a subwoofer or other amps. You're looking at $200-300 before they become common.
06-29-2016, 11:16 AM
#6
Re: Amp replacement help please
You're welcome. If your new deck has RCA pre-outs for a subwoofer, then you won't need the lineout converter anymore. Just a shielded RCA cable direct from the deck to the amp.
As for the deck you posted there, if you've bought one before and are happy with it, go for it. It doesn't have any RCA connections, so you'll need a lineout converter to use it. This example is dated now, but it was high end when it came out in 2012 and shows what i'm talking about:
http://www.crutchfield.ca/Parrot_Ast...&awmt=p&awnw=g
Often in the 100-200$ range, Double DIN decks won't have RCA pre-outs for amplifiers and require the use of a line out converter for a subwoofer or other amps. You're looking at $200-300 before they become common.
As for the deck you posted there, if you've bought one before and are happy with it, go for it. It doesn't have any RCA connections, so you'll need a lineout converter to use it. This example is dated now, but it was high end when it came out in 2012 and shows what i'm talking about:
http://www.crutchfield.ca/Parrot_Ast...&awmt=p&awnw=g
Often in the 100-200$ range, Double DIN decks won't have RCA pre-outs for amplifiers and require the use of a line out converter for a subwoofer or other amps. You're looking at $200-300 before they become common.
Ok thanks once again! Now I understand how this all works. I confirmed this deck meets 2 din size, etc.
I am going to re-run all the old wiring as well from the desk to a new amp then to the lanzer. If I line converter is needed will replace it as well. Give me some time, but I will update this post once I get this all together and how the install goes.
06-29-2016, 10:56 PM
#7
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Re: Amp replacement help please
I'd probably opt-out of that radio. With a quickness.
I have a JK Wrangler and I've been looking at these Chinese double-din Android headunits for the better part of 6 months, and I just can't convince myself to pull the trigger. There are TONS of random, small issue that you'll find will just eat at you day in and out. Mics don't work well. The amps in the stereo are crappola. No RCA's. EQs that are garbage. Wiring harnesses that you'll need to make yourself.
Unless you have done this before, I'd nix that idea. I have, a few times, and I'm not even sure I want to take it on.
If you really must have something like that, check out the Joying or Pumpkin units on Amazon. MTCB or MTCD based seem to have the most crowd support. (search for it on XDA developers)
Alternatively, look into the Pioneed 4200 NEX or JBL CP100. Both are miles better.
I have a JK Wrangler and I've been looking at these Chinese double-din Android headunits for the better part of 6 months, and I just can't convince myself to pull the trigger. There are TONS of random, small issue that you'll find will just eat at you day in and out. Mics don't work well. The amps in the stereo are crappola. No RCA's. EQs that are garbage. Wiring harnesses that you'll need to make yourself.
Unless you have done this before, I'd nix that idea. I have, a few times, and I'm not even sure I want to take it on.
If you really must have something like that, check out the Joying or Pumpkin units on Amazon. MTCB or MTCD based seem to have the most crowd support. (search for it on XDA developers)
Alternatively, look into the Pioneed 4200 NEX or JBL CP100. Both are miles better.
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06-30-2016, 12:35 AM
#8
Re: Amp replacement help please
I'd probably opt-out of that radio. With a quickness.
I have a JK Wrangler and I've been looking at these Chinese double-din Android headunits for the better part of 6 months, and I just can't convince myself to pull the trigger. There are TONS of random, small issue that you'll find will just eat at you day in and out. Mics don't work well. The amps in the stereo are crappola. No RCA's. EQs that are garbage. Wiring harnesses that you'll need to make yourself.
Unless you have done this before, I'd nix that idea. I have, a few times, and I'm not even sure I want to take it on.
If you really must have something like that, check out the Joying or Pumpkin units on Amazon. MTCB or MTCD based seem to have the most crowd support. (search for it on XDA developers)
Alternatively, look into the Pioneed 4200 NEX or JBL CP100. Both are miles better.
I have a JK Wrangler and I've been looking at these Chinese double-din Android headunits for the better part of 6 months, and I just can't convince myself to pull the trigger. There are TONS of random, small issue that you'll find will just eat at you day in and out. Mics don't work well. The amps in the stereo are crappola. No RCA's. EQs that are garbage. Wiring harnesses that you'll need to make yourself.
Unless you have done this before, I'd nix that idea. I have, a few times, and I'm not even sure I want to take it on.
If you really must have something like that, check out the Joying or Pumpkin units on Amazon. MTCB or MTCD based seem to have the most crowd support. (search for it on XDA developers)
Alternatively, look into the Pioneed 4200 NEX or JBL CP100. Both are miles better.
I can't justify spending 400 to 500 bucks on a stereo with limited options just because it has a name brand stamped on it. Besides most if not all are made in China anyway. So does it really matter? I am getting the radio above. It HAS RCA plugs and conforms to 2 din size.
But to each there own. Me, I think 1 din radios look cheap in a 1.5 din pod. If they made a 1.5 din Android radio I would get that instead. Even if the 1 din has a pop out screen it ends up blocking the ac and heat controls.
If this one is good I may put one in my TJ.
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