Help upgrading stock stereo system!

[starclassic]

I'm getting ready to upgrade the stock stereo system in my '97 SR5 with a new double-DIN HU (Pioneer MVH-AV290BT), Pioneer amplifier (GM-A6704), backup camera (ND-BC8), and replacement speakers (front: JBL Club 6500c, rear: JBL Club 5020).

I have never installed an aftermarket audio system before and have been excited to finally learn my way through it. I'm sure I will have questions along the way—I got everything through Crutchfield, mostly b/c they have great support.

My first question is related to the new Pioneer amp. Can I run power to the amp from my Blue Sea fuse box (I've got the Big 3 mod and fuse box platform/ignition relay setup) OR do I have to run power to the amp off of the battery?

 

[I_bRAD]

I'm getting ready to upgrade the stock stereo system in my '97 SR5 with a new double-DIN HU (Pioneer MVH-AV290BT), Pioneer amplifier (GM-A6704), backup camera (ND-BC8), and replacement speakers (front: JBL Club 6500c, rear: JBL Club 5020).

I have never installed an aftermarket audio system before and have been excited to finally learn my way through it. I'm sure I will have questions along the way—I got everything through Crutchfield, mostly b/c they have great support.

My first question is related to the new Pioneer amp. Can I run power to the amp from my Blue Sea fuse box (I've got the Big 3 mod and fuse box platform/ignition relay setup) OR do I have to run power to the amp off of the battery?

If you've got space in your box for a dedicated circuit that sounds fine to me. Be sure to run your power wire separate from the rest of the wires to avoid interference problems.

Its probably a good idea to run extra wiring now while you've got the carpet up so it will be easy to add another amp and a sub later!

 

[Mauzer]

Can I run power to the amp from my Blue Sea fuse box (I've got the Big 3 mod and fuse box platform/ignition relay setup) OR do I have to run power to the amp off of the battery?

You need a dedicated fuse and should probably run AT LEAST 8 AWG wire considering the length of draw and the wattage of the amp

 

[eanema]

You need a dedicated fuse and should probably run AT LEAST 8 AWG wire considering the length of draw and the wattage of the amp

I disagree. If you can pull power from your fuse box, I see no reason why the amp needs power when the ignition is not on?

I could be mistaken, but as long as the relay has the guts to provide the appropriate fuses power to the amp, who cares if there is no power when the ignition relay is off?

 

[Mauzer]

I disagree. If you can pull power from your fuse box, I see no reason why the amp needs power when the ignition is not on?

I could be mistaken, but as long as the relay has the guts to provide the appropriate fuses power to the amp, who cares if there is no power when the ignition relay is off?

Its not about power with the ignition off, its about not burning down your rig.

Blue Sea fuse boxes use ST Blades and have a max amperage of 30A per circuit, to run a 1000W amplifier you should be running at least 8 AWG wiring which requires a 50A fuse. So yes, you are mistaken.

 

[I_bRAD]

Its not about power with the ignition off, its about not burning down your rig.

Blue Sea fuse boxes use ST Blades and have a max amperage of 30A per circuit, to run a 1000W amplifier you should be running at least 8 AWG wiring which requires a 50A fuse. So yes, you are mistaken.

If the max circuit on those 30A then I take back what I said re it being OK. Didn't realize the limitation.

 

[97t4r81]

I only use 4ga or bigger for amps. I connect to battery with fuse/circuit breaker close to batt. Don't run ground or rca cables next to power wire. Be clean wth your install, take pics of stuff to remember to how goes back. Be gentle with your interior parts.

 

[eanema]

I stand corrected. I am not familiar with that specific product. Thanks for the good info, but more importantly, the reason why.

Either way though, running a 1000w amp off a 30 amp fuse is not unsafe its just, a bad idea because your going to be popping fueses all the time. Won't get much omph out of your new sterio...

 

[theesotericone]

Run straight from the battery like others have said correctly. Never run it off your Blue Sea box. The max amps that thing can handle is 100. All amp install kits come with an inline fuse that you want to put as close to the battery as possible.

As far as running RCA and power separately, that's not needed with most good amp install kits. The shielding will prevent any interference. If your using a el cheapo kit than it might not be a bad idea. Size your wire gauge to the length of the run. There's lots of calculators online to help you with that. Also, if you ever plan on running another amp for a sub in the future upsize the wire coming into the cab and get a 3 pole distribution box. \

I have two amps fed by 0 gauge coming into the cab, then a distribution box under the drivers seat. 4 gauge goes from there to feed each amp separately.

You've got some really good components picked out for your system. Bigger wires equal cleaner power. Just go bigger than you think you need to.

 

[gamefreakgc]

This is why I have only a 240W amp, all done on stock wiring

The sub is a different story though.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

I'm happy enough with the factory amp in the Scion-Pioneer T1819 radio I installed. Thats it for me other than may be utilizing it's center out put for more base later on in time. Much cleaner sounding than the radio and amp from 97


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