hooligan

I am trying to connect a stereo cd unit to a power amp and I have no idea about how the connection is made? wiring? can anyone assist me. the stereo is a sony the power amp is a 4-3-2-channel alpine model no mrv-f 400s

Muckaluck

Does the stereo unit have RCA outputs? These are usually labeled as front and rear outputs and there are usually 2 pairs (1 front & 1 rear). Just run the RCA outputs from the stereo unit to the RCA inputs on your alpine amp. The alpine will have a front and a rear pair of RCA inputs so match the inputs accordingly to your outputs comming from the stereo unit. That is all you need to do to connect the head unit to an amp (at least through RCA connections).

If your head unit doesn't have RCA outputs you just run a high level signal from the head unit to the amp's high level input (if the amp has one).

hooligan

What is the difference between 4-3-2 channel stereo? What does it mean if there is only one pair of rca jacks inthe radio unit. It looks like there are several sets of speaker connection terminals ont the amplifier does this mean that the sub woofer can be connected to a terminal by itself? I have it connected to the same terminal as the rear speakers? I know the word "switched" has some signifacance but I am not sure what it is. Does switching require different connections for speaker wire leads? As you can tell I have too many questions. Thanks for your help. I connected rca plugs to the units and it is working. I'm not sure if it is connected for optimum performance

Drysuit John

The 4-3-2 channel is the different ways to wire your speaker set up , 4 = four speakers , or 2 fronts / rears and 2 SVC subs , 3 = 2 speakers + sub, 2 = sub only. If the amp is bridgable AND 2 ohm mono stable you can use DVC subs. Check w/ OEM wiring chart for speaker loads and proper wire routing between speakers. DON'T exced min. restance in speaker loads or you see Puff the magic smoke and have to start allll over again.

This novices' $.02 worth [img]smile.gif[/img] . Hope this helps.