interfacing to 200 amplified speakers

[Perry, Christoper (EDS)]

When I did this in my 89 90q I tried to drive the rear speakers with just
the pre-amp out on my Sony head unit (then 2 volts).  It didn't work worth a
darn, not enough input signal.  I ended up using the speaker-level outs to
drive the rear amps.  It worked OK but I got a loud pop when I would first
turn the power on.

I recently replaced that Sony deck with a Sony ES series that has 5.5 volt
pre-outs.  It works much better (no pop) but is still not enough to drive
the rear speakers at the same level as the fronts.  I am running Polk
EX402a's in front via the head unit. It's one of the 52W X 4 so I'm probably
getting 20W RMS to the fronts.  I have the Fader about 4 "ticks" toward the
rear.

I swear that those rear amps need 10 to 12 volts input signal to drive them.
I should hook the old stock head unit up to power and measure the pre-outs
on it to see what they run at. Some day when I have free time...

As far as the PAC-2 goes, it is a pretty neat little unit with lots of uses.
I got one for my car but am not using it.  I might use it to add two
speakers in the third-row seat of my evil dorF VUS.


HTH,
Chris Perry

-----Original Message-----
From: Dan Simoes [mailto:dans at audifans.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2002 11:45 AM
To: 200 20v; quattro at audifans.com
Subject: interfacing to 200 amplified speakers


As some of you know, I have a 91 200 wagon (at the moment!) and I am
replacing the stock Gamma radio with a non-OEM Aiwa unit.
Crutchfield sells an adapter to allow you to connect to the amplified
rear speakers (PAC OEM-2, $29.99) and I'm wondering if this is needed or
if there might be other brands out there that are better.

I may eventually replace the rear speakers but for now I want to leave
them in.  My car is the non-Bose so I assume this adapter just converts
the head unit output from an amplified to non-amplified signal, allowing
the speaker amps to do their job.

Any BTDT appreciated.  Thanks.