Do I have to connect an aftermarket HU to my aftermarket subs and amp?

Question

2003 Acura RSX-S

Answer 1

No, you don't have to really.

You can buy an adapter that will let you send your exsiting speaker outputs into the amp; it reduces the high-power speaker outputs to a lower-level for the amps line-in....a lot of amps actually have this built in to begin with.

You might not be able to use the radio to turn the amplifier on or off though.

Answer 2

There is something called a high level adapter. Pac makes a really good one (SNI-35). It takes the high output of you radio and coverts it to a low level signal that your amp can use. Some company's make amps with good hi level inputs so you don't need an adapter. JL Audio and New Kicker amps built in High Level inputs work very well. you put an RCA type end on you speakers wires and just plug it into the amp like they were regular RCA plugs and you just flick a switch to tell the amp that you putting a high level signal in to it. As far as your amp turn, you could grab the accessory wire at the radios wire harness or an accessory wire at the column. I suggest putting a toggle switch on that lead, sometimes you can get noise with the car on and the radio off .