"Amp Up" Your Factory System Get fuller sound by adding an amplifier

Steven Johnson — Aug 12, 2003

Article contents
Page 1.   Speaker-level inputs
Page 2.   Mono, 2-channel, or 4-channel?
Page 3.   Installing an amp in your factory system
Page 4.   Line output converters

Another option: line output converters

You just got a neat gift from a relative — an amplifier for your factory stereo. Trouble is, it doesn't have speaker-level inputs.

There's no reason to be a "re-gifter." Simply pick up an inexpensive line output converter. This is a small device that converts the high-voltage, speaker-level signal to a preamp-level signal that's acceptable to your amp. An "LOC" consists of a transformer and a high-voltage resistor. The converter connects to your amp using a standard RCA patch cable. The transformer should be grounded; most line output converters have a wire for that purpose. They also usually have an adjustable gain feature for you to tweak the output.

Installing an amp can involve a bit of elbow grease. But a successful installation might well leave you grinning ear-to-ear the next time someone challenges you to "Name That Lyric."