e30 Radio Search - The Saga Continues

["Henry H Kim" <henryhkim@xxxxxxxx>]

So, it turns out that I'm not much for reading manuals.  Right after the
installation instructions on my Kenwood, there are "Removal Instructions".
The Kenwood comes with two keys that make removal a snap.  Looks like the
Kenwood is a keeper.

Now, more questions:

1) BY-PASS THE FACTORY AMP?

The Kenwood comes with normal speaker outs and RCA pre-outs.  Do I use the
normal speaker outs and by-pass the factory amp?  Or do I use the pre-outs
to go directly to the amp?  What have listers tried?


2) SOUNDGATE PWR1 ADAPTER?

When I go to Crutchfield, they want me to buy a Soundgate PWR1 adapter.  To
quote Crutchfield,

"The Soundgate PWR1 adapter is designed to match the output level (speaker
outputs) of most high-power aftermarket receivers to the input levels of
many factory amplifiers."

Can I assume that if I use my pre-outs, I don't need the PWR1?


3) FLOATING GROUND ADAPTER?

Crutchfield also recommends a the Soundgate FLT1 floating ground adapter.

"This adapter lets you connect most high-power (8-wire) aftermarket
receivers to most common ground (5-wire) car harnesses, keeping the
high-power output from the receiver. This adapter maintains a full 20-20k Hz
frequency range. You also get a 3 dB bass boost below 85 Hz for beefier
bass. It does not work with Bose systems or in cars with speakers that
ground to the chassis."

Do I need this?


Man, I never thought this would be so complicated.

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