Bypass amp or not?

[Wm Webb]

I'm getting a lot of distortion from my JBL stereo. Thinking of replacing the head unit with an after market one. What are the pros and cons of bypassing the factory amp? The new H.U. will have more power, but will the sub still work?

[rj]

Pros: Bypass allows more power to hit 4 primary speakers

Cons: Subwoofer no longer works.

Caution: Subwoofer could already be blown (speaker cone failure) causing distortion...

[ November 23, 2004: Message edited by: rj ]

[cason1]

quote:Originally posted by rj:
Pros: Bypass allows more power to hit 4 primary speakers

Cons: Subwoofer no longer works.

Caution: Subwoofer could already be blown (speaker cone failure) causing distortion...

[ November 23, 2004: Message edited by: rj ]


What he said. If you really want a subwoofer, get an aftermarket sub and amp. A single 10" sub and suitable amp should be more than enough but you may be surprised with the factory speakers and the new HU. I know I was.

[pepsi2185]

With some electrical knowledge you can bypass the factory amp for good sound and interface into the sub amp with the sub control channel that will probably be (i would reccommend) on the radio.

[luxuryrules]

Alright, I don't mean to get off topic but I just gotta ask... I keep hearing reference to a subwoofer in 90's TCs. Am I to assume they came with a factory subwoofer? Where is it? What size is it?

[pepsi2185]

I believe it is either a 8" or 6" subwoofer, behind the spare tires along the back of the rear seat. It will be in a plastic with a separate amplifier but only with the JBL system.

[two88s]

Don't go bypassing the amp just yet. I have used the amp and aftermarket head unit in four of my lincolns and was very impressed with all of them. My current 88 has the 140 watt jbl amp. The BIG JBL AMP. When you buy the head unit and that aftermarket wiring connector. Make sure all connections are properly soldered not krimped. Solder the two blue amp turn on wires from new head unit and new connector( may be blue withwhite stipe check radio instructions) together. The head unit will send amplified signal to the amp which will amplify again and send to speakers. I personally never wanted that much thump out of mine just some extra and clear sound. Try this and see if your satisfied. If not you can just cut and resolder later for aftermarket amp and subs.

[Michael VII LSC/SE]

I've done this, but later bypassed the 80W Explorer amp after I read here that going throught the factory amp with a amplified after-market unit would burn up the new aftermarket unit. :confused: