[el_guineo]

Hi All.

New to the forum, planning an audio install for a 2014 Laredo E with the 8.4A (RA3) Uconnect system, and the stock 6-speaker setup (no subwoofer or amp).

My system will consist of:
- 5-channel amp
- AudioControl LC6i (with remote sub level control)
- Replacement front 6.5" component set
- Replacement rear 6.6" two-way set
- 10" subwoofer (sealed enclosure)

My questions are the following:
1. To connect the LC6i, can I tap into a full range signal from one of the rear speakers to avoid having to run cables all the way to the Head Unit?

2. To connect the amp to the new speakers, is it preferable to (a) run new wires from amp's location to speakers, or (b) run wires from amplifier to head unit location (since all speaker cables originate from here)?

3. If the suggestion for #2 is (a), then can I assume I can do the entire installation without having to open up the dash to access the Head Unit?

Thanks for looking.

el_guineo

 

[kkreit01]

1. Assuming the rear speaker are full-range, you can tap them. If it's not full-range, you'll have to use the summing feature of the LC6i, and run wires from each channel.

2. Depending how high wattage your new amp is, it's preferable to run new wires. However, the OE wires should be fine if you are not planning to compete, or run high power. You probably won't notice the difference either way, so do what's easiest.

3. Yes, but it may be much easier to get behind HU, vs. running wires through the molex in each door. This is not fun.

 

[el_guineo]

1. Assuming the rear speaker are full-range, you can tap them. If it's not full-range, you'll have to use the summing feature of the LC6i, and run wires from each channel.

In this case, would I even need the LC6i? I'm beginning to think the LC6i is for people with the 9-speaker+sub Alpine system and up, and have to re-sum the stripped out sub frequency.

I think most amps have speaker-level inputs - I'm wondering if this would be sufficient? (I'm assuming it is a full-range signal being sent to the rear stock speakers...).

Can any 2014 JGC stock 6-speaker owners chime in and shed some light on this?

Thanks all.

 

[el_guineo]

Have continued to research, and came up with the following questions specific to the 2014 Laredo with the 6-speaker setup.

Hope some of you can contribute your expertise!

1. How hard is it to get behind the HU? Does the entire center bezel need to come off? Looks like this is the best way to go when adding in the LC6i and the aftermarket amp.

2. I could probably run twelve (12) wires, from the rear center seat, under the carpet and through the center console, and up to the HU. One set of 6 wires would tap into the HU output and back to the LC6i for summing. The other set of 6 wires would tap into the speaker outputs and back to the amp. This way, I wouldn't need to run new wires to each of the doors (but would still have to take them off to replace the speakers). Planning on running a modest 600W 5-channel amp (75Wx4 + 300Wx1 / 2 ohm) so wouldn't think power/gauge would be an issue. Does this sound reasonable?

3. What closeby ground locations have you all used assuming the amp is installed under the rear right seat? (LC6i to be installed under the center rear seat).

Thanks again for looking!

:thumbsup: