Hello

I have this radio in my 2006 ford focus estate, I want to put a 12inch sub and amplifier into the boot of the car as the car sound system is already pretty decent I just need some more bass!

Does anyone know if it is possible to connect an amp to this factory fitted radio?

Thank you!

Hi smak. Yes it's very doable.

Basically you'll need a suitable power cable from your battery to the amp. A quick blow fuse about 200amp or more which goes as close to the battery ad possible (in line with the power cable). Earth can be got anywhere in the boot floor but make sure it's good.

Signal is taken by splicing into the speaker wires (front ones) and wiring in a convertor which will give you RCA out.

Dependent on whether your amp takes low and high input you may not need a convertor.

If you're not up to the job then your local car hifi shop will do it for you.

On Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 0:10 PM, tazzman600 said:

Hi smak. Yes it's very doable.

Basically you'll need a suitable power cable from your battery to the amp. A quick blow fuse about 200amp or more which goes as close to the battery ad possible (in line with the power cable). Earth can be got anywhere in the boot floor but make sure it's good.

Signal is taken by splicing into the speaker wires (front ones) and wiring in a convertor which will give you RCA out.

Dependent on whether your amp takes low and high input you may not need a convertor.

If you're not up to the job then your local car hifi shop will do it for you.

+1 

I recommend doing it yourself to save over 100 pounds, 

Purchase a Vibe 4AWG amplifier install kit:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vibe-Slick-4-Awg-Gauge-2000w-Amp-Amplifier-Wiring-Kit-/181038388293 

then go on to eBay and purchase a hi to low level RCA output adaptor

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290836678796 

Following this simply choose the amplifier and sub, various options available to suit any budget there's even a 10" enclosure to specifically fit the passenger wheel arch boot space: 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Focus-Mk2-Custom-Fit-MDF-10-Sub-Box-Subwoofer-Enclosure-Bass-/360623710681 

the amplifier will require an inline controller to enable adjustable volume of bass because the stock headunit doesn't have RCA you require this additional volume control to set bass level in accordance with headunit volume somthing like this;

an aftermarket headunit would have an option built in to its digital menu to automatically adjust bass volume in accordance but with factory headunit it needs to be seperate volume control.

I've stripped out my entire vehicle and upgrade full entertainment system including dual amplifiers with removable mounted panel, bypass wiring to power speakers directly from headunit internal amp when rear seat is folded flat, dual HD screens, dual discreet dash cam, reverse cam, PlayStation2, HD-DVB TV, 4G WiFi and Amazon TV Stick with Kodi 😉

if you have any questions we can surly advise👌

I recommend fitting a relay trip switch instead of fuse as there alot easier to reset. Just flick switch. Also 200Amp is too high for modern amplifiers. 

My class D digital amplifiers take a 30Amp and 40Amp if 200Amp was fitted it wouldn't ever trip while amplifier could be burning out the car. 

200Amp fuses come with amplifier install kits leeding people to think its exactly what they need, but refer to the amplifiers manual for specific requirements.

Depending on the size of mono amplifier your fitting; for example 500W you may need or be better to fit a capacitor to help provide high power quicker to cope with bass demands preventing lights from dimming etc. A capacitor acts like a resivour of power which can supplement demands to the amplifier quicker than the battery directly.

See my list of guides for amp and sub install aswell as other items👇

When routing the amplifier cables; 

Feed power down the passenger side of the vehicle from battery to the boot, 

Feed the RCA cable down the opposite side to prevent humming white noise on the audio system. 🙉