Line Out Converter req'd even when using "Speaker Outs"???

[VoodooVibe]

Hey everyone,I'm new here to the forums. I got my '03 Vibe used in December of 2005. I've been reading these pages for a while now, and decided to join. Great forum you guys have here...Anyway, I've been searching around for information about installing an aftermarket HU with the M&T package:In some threads I read that you need a line out converter, but in other threads, people have said that if you use the "Speaker Outs" on the A/M HU (NOT the pre-outs), then a converter is NOT necessary.Does anyone know if this is true? Thanks.

[Jahntassa]

Generally its agreed on that you want to use the speaker outputs of the Aftermarket HU, and put them through a level-matcher like the Scosche FA-3.This is different from a straight 'Line-Level converter'.The FA-3 lets you tweak down the output of the headunit to more acceptable levels for the M&T amp. You do not want to use the RCA outputs of the headunit to the M&T amp, it makes all sorts of wierd noise and fuzz.Also, welcome!

[VoodooVibe]

Awesome. Thanks for clearing that up!So basically, once I install the FAI-3, my objective is to turn down all of the 4 channels to a level the stock amp can handle? How do I know how much to turn them down by?

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by VoodooVibe »Awesome. Thanks for clearing that up!So basically, once I install the FAI-3, my objective is to turn down all of the 4 channels to a level the stock amp can handle? How do I know how much to turn them down by?Get an FAI-3, but don't open it - connect your head unit. If it sounds fine across the volume range, you're good to go. Return the FAI-3. If you hear white noise at low volumes and/or distortion at loud volumes, you'll want to install the FAI-3 and reduce the level until the problem goes away.

[VoodooVibe]

Okay, so I guess it really just depends on the A/M head unit's output level. (I'm going to install a Pioneer DEH-P7600MP btw).I'll give it a try then, and if it works I'll just return the converter.Thanks for all your help everyone...

[Jahntassa]

The 7600mp you will probably need it for. The amplifier in it is pretty beefy. But yes, feel free to give it a shot without and verify that you do need it.