Adding Amp to MY07 MacIntosh

[Jaz]

I'm quite happy with the functionality of the stereo, however I've had the car a fortnight and already found myself with the volume maxed out at 40 a few times.

Now with 13 speaker outputs I know it'll be complicated to amplify but has anyone kept the existing system and just added an amp to boost it up?

[HODMAN]

Jaz

If you happen to get your HU out, could you please make a diagram of the pin outs for i85 & i86 (or even a mud map listing wire colours and positions)



The diagram above is a pre-facelifted model but the plugs are similar.

I am becoming desperate to correct a small issue that arose when I replaced my 04 Mcintosh with an 07 Mcintosh.
I think this diagram will help a lot.

Cheers

[cpitts]

It's not impossible to install a bigger amp, but it's close enough to without going down the path of line level converters and the likes. Costs rapidly rise over $1K, if not $2K.

The cheapest way to improve your volume retention in the car is to sound deaden your doors. Do 2 layers front and rear doors and you'll find that you'll be able to turn your volume down approximately 5-8 notches as well as drastically improving mid/bass response.

The next step is to get better and more efficient speakers in the doors.