Leorrei

I'm trying to add an aftermarket radio to my RX7 and I'm getting a lot of different answers from a bunch of sources.


Method 1; This one gets the rear speakers working. (I got this method from the FAQ here)
Left Front:
Positive-Light Green/Red
Negative-Light Green/Blue

Right Front:
Positive-Light Green
Negative-Light Green/Yellow

Left Rear:
Positive-Brown
Negative-Brown/White

Right Rear:
Positive-Light Blue
Negative-Light Blue/Orange


Method 2; Rear Speakers work, but it doesn't seem to like this at all (The wiring diagram suggest this since I don't seem to have door speakers)
Left Front/Rear:
Positive-Brown
Negative-Brown/White

Right Front/Rear:
Positive-Light Blue
Negative-Light Blue/Orange


Method 3; This one doesn't seem right, since it mentions that blue/white is both positive and negative (I got this off of some random audio install site)
Left Front:
Positive-Blue/Red
Negative-Blue/Yellow

Right Front:
Positive-Blue
Negative-Blue/White

Left Rear:
Positive-Blue/Red
Negative-Blue/Green

Right Rear:
Positive-Blue/White
Negative-Blue/Green

I've tried Method 1 & 2 but they don't seem to work fully and Method 3 just doesn't make any sense so now what do I try?

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

My opinion is to use a plug in wiring harness (available at any stereo store) to match your car. But redirect the speaker wires out of that harness and simply run new wires to the speakers. Different S4 models have different speaker setups (some have little amps, some don't). So it depends a bit of what model you have and what you are replacing. Installing a new stereo with old factory speakers is a bit like upgrading a front wheel drive car for drag racing...sort of pointless.

Leorrei

If I just run new wires to the front speakers, would it matter if the little amps are hooked up? Assuming it has them of course.

Only reason I'm just upgrading the radio though is because the previous owner had done the same, however he took it out and put the factory radio back in without hooking it back up.
That and I like having Radios with USB ports.

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

Hook up the speakers to the aftermarket radio and by pass all stock amps.That will solve all your problems.

Leorrei

Thanks Aaron (watching your engine build atm) and Mister Sty

evileclipse909

Don't bypass the stock amp if you don't have to. A lot of Aftermarket wireing kits can incorporate the factory amp, all you need to do is power it up through the blue white wire.

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

The stock amp adds nothing to the mix but 80s technology and questionable solder joints. Bypassing it and installing a set of modern speakers is the way to go.

For that matter, a set of door speakers and then turning down the sound to the rear hatch speakers is the best thing you can do. Totally fixes the sound-stage issue.

Leorrei

So I started to pull out the front speakers, did the drivers side first. Guess what I found?

The Previous owner did wire them in, but had pulled the wires and tied the wires to the steering column when he put the stock radio back in.

I then pulled the passenger side speakers and found that those had been wired too, but they where duct-taped down to the panel.

Anyways the stock speakers are fine, seeing as to how I just need some music for some entertainment when I get stuck in traffic or something. Also I wonder how much trouble I could get in if I went and slapped the P/O for no reason

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

you need at least a working stereo and TEN posts to slap anyone around here!
Now, go get some amps and be obnoxious to your neighbours!..haha.
welcome to the RX7 Club!

Leorrei

Got the stereo working finally, now to figure out how to change the radios crappy preset equalizer but I do agree that new speakers are required.

Also been working on those 10 posts MisterSty, though my intro topic's don't seem to want to get approved. I tried once, waited a week and then tried again because I wasn't sure if I actually posted it the first time...and its been a week since I "posted" that one.