Sounds similar to what I want to do, but will probably have a shop do most of the work. I just want to make sure I understand what will work and what won't. I have the 'premium' system with nav, 10 speakers, 650 watts, etc. Not impressed. It does have a separate sub control in the head unit. I assume that means there is a pre-amp out sub signal that I could use and retain the sub control in the head unit. The shop I talked to where the guy seemed to know a lot about how the Pilot was set up said no, I would just have to branch off one of the rear speakers and lose that functionality. Anybody know why that would be?
Thanks!
Do you have a written quote from the shop? If you do that will list the parts they will be using, post the quote and lets go over it.
I will try to break this down and try and make it simple using the factory radio/head unit.
You will need a processor to take your speaker wires and convert them to use with a amp (Audio Control, Bit 10, Clear-Sweep, MS-8). In most cases you use one pair of speaker wires (front or rear not the sub wires) to "feed" the signal to the processor. The processor then sends the signal to your amp/amps and the the amps send the signal to the speakers.
With that said there are some amps that can take your speaker wires as the signal in-put and then send the amped signal to your speakers. You can also use a simple line-driver to convert speaker wires to a RCA's.
A couple of things to remember: you will have to disconnect your ANC, make sure your head-unit is the Alpine and not the cheap Panasonic that my EX-L
had, make sure you have a clear understanding with your installer on what is and is not included with the install (get it in writing). You also may want to add something about there will be no turn on/off "pop" and no floor noise or static when the install is completed, get this in WRITING...... just in case.
If you still have questions let me know.