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Can anyone tell me if you can put an amp on the head unit of the USA version 2013 Spark? I'd like to beef up the sound system a bit. And if so, how to access the dash?
Amp?
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That's just it, not sure how to pull it out without breaking something. I don't think it possible to change the head unit on this car since it controls so much of the car's settings...
Might not be the greatest idea but I have seen some people do it. They install a deck in a gap under all the center controls if the car has that gap, which the spark does.
You would have to run a power source, create a bracket, and run a wire to each speaker OR splice into the wiring harness.
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You would have to run a power source, create a bracket, and run a wire to each speaker OR splice into the wiring harness.
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Not a bad idea because it seems like that the only spot where you have to work with. Im sure they could fab up a bezel or cover to fill up that hole.
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I'd be interested in how you installed these.
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You cannot remove the factory head unit because it controls so many of the car's settings.
Whats metra?
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Metra is a manufacturer of trim kits that facilitate the installation of aftermarket head units.
Metra Online | Welcome to Metra Auto Parts Online Warehouse
The Spark's head unit is very shallow and no kit exists to mount an after market head unit in place of the factory head unit. This is likely to be increasingly the case as vehicles become more integrated with infotainment systems.
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You don't necessarily need RCA Outs for an amp. (Though it does make things simplier.) You need an attenuator to step down the headunits native output to the speak to the input range of your amplifier. There are also some kits available that are designed to beef up factory sound systems.
Crutchfield stocks a few parts that could help.
Sony XDP-MU110 Digital Link Sound System
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158XDPM110/Sony-XDP-MU110-Digital-Link-Sound-System.html#details-tab
This takes the raw output that would normally drive your speakers and redrives them from its 45wx4 channel amp. It also allows the connection of a monoblock and a subwoofer. Assuming you could find a place to cram it.
Sony XDP-PK1000 Digital Link Sound System
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158XDPPK1K/Sony-XDP-PK1000-Digital-Link-Sound-System.html
This is similar, but it includes a monoblock and a sub.
Helix P-DSP
Helix P-DSP Programmable 8-channel digital signal processor at Crutchfield.com
This is a more hard core solution that will accept speaker level input. and convert it to line level output on up to 8 channels. This could be coupled with one or more amps to create a custom sound solution. I am not nearly sound system savvy enough to suggest how this would be best used.
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Many AMPs have high level inputs as well as RCAs, so you'd just have to tap/disconnect the current wires going to the stock speakers and send them to the AMP, then from the amp to the new speaker setup. Many individuals with OEM stereos run this setup.
It's not ideal, but it works.
It's not ideal, but it works.
It's going to suck having to splice into the wires on a brand new car but it's probably the best way to go about this.
Would love to see one already done to a new Spark, but I doubt anyone has gone that far with their brand new Spark.
i think everyone is in agreement that the factory speakers on the spark will go down in history as the most crappy speakers to roll off the assembly line.
this is what im going to do
phase 1 DONE
Switched out the factory front speakers and installed 2 Kicker 4'
Switched out the factory rear speaker and installed 2 kicker 4 x 6s
its a massive improvement.
to do this take a small a thin flat head screwdriver to pop the front speaker grills open. I had a hard time with this but the easier way is to fit the driver and then move it along the circle instead of pushing down on the screw which could lead to the grill break.
the rear speakers are easy to get to. the tricky part is getting the screws on... factory speakers are screwed on by 4 screws... my kickers i managed to fit 3 screws.
Note: the factory speakers come with the new connectors. You can find 4's and 4 x 6s speakers with connectors but my kickers didn't have it.
in this case there are 3 options
1. buy speakers that come with the correct connection (easy install)
2. buy a harness for your 4 speakers (easy install buy pricey)
3. break the plastic housing and wire your speakers to the connectors.
4. splice wires.
i choose option 3.
phase 2
Infinity makes an awesome / small 10' sub woofer enclosed with an amp called the Bass link. I'll be buying that from amazon. Ive spoken with my stereo dude and he said putting a sub in with the factory stereo is not a problem.
i saw somewhere that another 2 speakers fit in the back seat doors so i might add another 2 kickers OR might add some cheap tweeters.
this is what im going to do
phase 1 DONE
Switched out the factory front speakers and installed 2 Kicker 4'
Switched out the factory rear speaker and installed 2 kicker 4 x 6s
its a massive improvement.
to do this take a small a thin flat head screwdriver to pop the front speaker grills open. I had a hard time with this but the easier way is to fit the driver and then move it along the circle instead of pushing down on the screw which could lead to the grill break.
the rear speakers are easy to get to. the tricky part is getting the screws on... factory speakers are screwed on by 4 screws... my kickers i managed to fit 3 screws.
Note: the factory speakers come with the new connectors. You can find 4's and 4 x 6s speakers with connectors but my kickers didn't have it.
in this case there are 3 options
1. buy speakers that come with the correct connection (easy install)
2. buy a harness for your 4 speakers (easy install buy pricey)
3. break the plastic housing and wire your speakers to the connectors.
4. splice wires.
i choose option 3.
phase 2
Infinity makes an awesome / small 10' sub woofer enclosed with an amp called the Bass link. I'll be buying that from amazon. Ive spoken with my stereo dude and he said putting a sub in with the factory stereo is not a problem.
i saw somewhere that another 2 speakers fit in the back seat doors so i might add another 2 kickers OR might add some cheap tweeters.
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I have upgraded to 6x9 kickers in the rear (made a deck for them to sit on accross the back) and still the sound quality is very substandard. I think the head unit just doesn't put out the juice (or mix) it needs to.
hmm .. my 4 kicker speakers are kicking ass (no pun inteded).
could be the wire your using.
did you switch out the 4's in the front ??? if not i would do that next.
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Metra just released a full kit.
Metra Online
There is an accessory that retains all stock functions.
how much is it from metra ?
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