C3 Stereo modification help
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
C3 Stereo modification help
O.K. I'm new to this thread, so if I am digging up "plowed ground", let me know and I'll search elsewhere. Here is my situation.... I'd like to route the signal from my original C3 AM/FM stereo into an aftermarket 2-channel amplifier to boost the sound level and clean it up. I am thinking that I should be able to take the lines going to the power module (remote mounted under the right side dash panel) and run them into the new amp high impedence inputs. Anybody done that already? There are yellow, blue, and green wires going to the power module from the radio head for each channel. Are these signal, power (12vdc), and ground? Which is which? 
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 656
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From: Fort Worth TX
While runnig your current HU to a seperate amp will boost output, I do not believe that it will "Clean up" the sound. To accomplish this you would need a newer aftermarket HU.
As far as wireing check the helms manual, Im not sure about the C3 stuff.
As far as wireing check the helms manual, Im not sure about the C3 stuff.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 656
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth TX
Why yes atcually. 4+yrs advanced electronics experince.
No really. I agree with you that output or "noise" level will be controled by the power module.
But the fidelity, or SQ, of you system would not be effected by increasing power. I believe this would only worsen your condition. Only making the noise louder, not clearer.
Maybe Im misunderstanding here. What is your overall goal, or what type of sound are you hoping to obtain?
No really. I agree with you that output or "noise" level will be controled by the power module.
But the fidelity, or SQ, of you system would not be effected by increasing power. I believe this would only worsen your condition. Only making the noise louder, not clearer.
Maybe Im misunderstanding here. What is your overall goal, or what type of sound are you hoping to obtain?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
As I understand it, the OEM power module only generates about 14 watts max. When I run the volume up at all, I get a fair amount of distortion. I assumed that the power module just wouldn't take it, since the sound is pretty clean at low volume. I'm just an old '50s, '60s listener...or maybe some smooth jazz or country on occasion. I'd just like to hear it with a decent level of volume and that it be reasonably good sound. Thanks for any help on this.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 656
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth TX
If it has the Factory speakers in there, they are most likely your culprit of the distortion. You'll be amazed by the difference once thier replaced. Even getting some cheap Roadmasters or the likes of from AZ, Walmart, ect would be an improvment over the old technology you have in there now.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
You are absolutely right! But, I've already replaced them. I put new mid/high speakers in the dash and 2-way speakers in the kick panel openings. Hooked them up in series for each side so that the have about 8 ohms each way. I believe the OEM head has a 10 ohm output impedence. The match seems to be O.K. I don't really crank it up to full volume. It is loud enough....just not clean at higher volumes.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 656
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth TX
Im not sure about that OEM HU but most car audio runs at 4ohm.
Since you have already replaced the speakers, I would suggest one of these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...&category=1498
This should help clear up the sound and boost signal. You can find them at radio shack, or even wallyworld pretty cheap.
If you are going to run an amp, you would only need something little, say 25X2, with line inputs.
As far as bypassing the power module, most likely they only have the + signals for each channel from HU to the PM. I would have to see the schmatic to be certin though.
Since you have already replaced the speakers, I would suggest one of these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...&category=1498
This should help clear up the sound and boost signal. You can find them at radio shack, or even wallyworld pretty cheap.
If you are going to run an amp, you would only need something little, say 25X2, with line inputs.
As far as bypassing the power module, most likely they only have the + signals for each channel from HU to the PM. I would have to see the schmatic to be certin though.
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