Stereo - Rear Speakers

[ab20000]

Only recently got my Transit Connect and it's a basic 2008 TDCI model. One thing I'm keen to upgrade ASAP is the sound system. Ideally I'd run a new set of 5 1/4's in the door and a pair of more substantial speakers mounted to the bulkhead, problem is I don't have rear speaker wires.

What are my options here? Can I run wires direct from the stereo under the centre plastics straight into the back? If so how do I tap into the speaker wiring at the head unit end?

[mrtn]

If you have the OEM unit, then get a 4-channel amp with speaker level inputs. The max size of 3-ways you can install in the OEM location in doors is 5x7", nothing more. You'll have to do some cutting tho. If you can afford and have the time and will, go for components. Much more work tho.

You'll need to remove the radio to get to the speaker wires and tap the amp wires to them.

[DHOCARL]

i accessed the rear speaker wires from the wiring adaptor and ran the wiring up the A pillar and in the roof cavity.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-1998-to- ... 23429b2f94

[ake]

When I had my connect I ran the rear speaker cables to the back of the stereo

[ab20000]

I'll be using an aftermarket headunit with 4x50W output so hopefully powerful enough for what I need, if this is the case can I run some wires direct to the rears from the stock loom? Other option is to run some 6x9's mounted on the bulkhead with an amp also mounted on the bulkhead and leads to the amp - how easy is it to run a power cable (assuming very). I can't be bothered messing around with fitting components as not after anything amazing just a decent upgrade.

[mrtn]

I'll be using an aftermarket headunit with 4x50W output so hopefully powerful enough for what I need, if this is the case can I run some wires direct to the rears from the stock loom? Other option is to run some 6x9's mounted on the bulkhead with an amp also mounted on the bulkhead and leads to the amp - how easy is it to run a power cable (assuming very). I can't be bothered messing around with fitting components as not after anything amazing just a decent upgrade.

Cable routing is easy. Just make sure you have slack in turns and enough padding around the places it passes over sharp edges. Make sure you fuse it as close as possible to the battery.

4x50W (PMPO) peak power head unit is actually less than 4x20W RMS (continuous) in real use. The peak power doesn't say anything, the most important spec is the continuous sine wave output power without distortion. I run a 2x35W RMS amp in mine and is adequate. Anything less than that is weak for an upgrade. Fortunately 4x50W amps are now cheap enough for any upgrade.

[ab20000]

Thanks guys, stupid question time but I assume a 4x50W RMS will power four individual speakers not four pairs. As I am hoping to run a pair up front and a pair in the bulk head wondering if I'll need a two channel or a four channel? If I did choose to run a sub at some point can this be run from the same amp with more channels if needed?

[woolf]

Ran mine from the radio right to the rear doors

[mrtn]

Thanks guys, stupid question time but I assume a 4x50W RMS will power four individual speakers not four pairs. As I am hoping to run a pair up front and a pair in the bulk head wondering if I'll need a two channel or a four channel? If I did choose to run a sub at some point can this be run from the same amp with more channels if needed?

4x50W is a four channel amplifier which feeds four speakers with 50 watts each, so two pairs/four speakers, usually two in the front, two in the back.

If your head unit does not have a line out connector (the OEM ones usually never have) then you must check that the amp has speaker level inputs.

[ab20000]

Are double din headunits more powerful than singles? Although they both have 4x50W peak that doesn't seem to translate to the same RMS output.

[mrtn]

Not really. The amp cirquits are the same. 50w is the standard for aftermarket units now. It used to be 25w, then 35w.