Nitro amp, Kicker amp, Infinity....help?
JK Jedi
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 221
From: SE Michigan
Right, it should be all done by a wiring harness, right? (Aside from power and ground, even then, it may be factory connected) If you can plug and play the Nitro amp, you should be able to track down the wiring harness for an infinity system and use it in a non-infinity Jeep, along with the JK or Nitro amp, right?
Anyone got some solid, detailed picture of the infinity/Nitro amp in the stock location with how it's mounted and wired? This would be a huge help to me.
My thinking comes from this install guide:
http://www.quadratec.com/Assets/Installation/111541.pdf
Yes, I understand it's for the add-on amp. But that's what you're doing in essence by adding a stock infinity amp to a non-infinity system. You'd need the factory wiring harness and amp from a wrecked JK with an infinity system in it. Could probably done pretty easily from a junkyard.
Anyone got some solid, detailed picture of the infinity/Nitro amp in the stock location with how it's mounted and wired? This would be a huge help to me.
My thinking comes from this install guide:
http://www.quadratec.com/Assets/Installation/111541.pdf
Yes, I understand it's for the add-on amp. But that's what you're doing in essence by adding a stock infinity amp to a non-infinity system. You'd need the factory wiring harness and amp from a wrecked JK with an infinity system in it. Could probably done pretty easily from a junkyard.
2nd of all, adding either the JK or Nitro amp is the same amount of work....they're the SAME amplifier. The only thing difference between them are the settings for tone/EQ/Channel Output level within each amp.
To do this reWiring will be your biggest obstacle. Pulling wiring harnesses from a wrecked JK and putting them into your JK may not be your best solution. Have you ever replaced wiring harnesses? Plan on gutting out your entire interior of your vehicle if you really want to go this route which will include removing all your seats, carpeting, trim panels, and disassembling your dash. These harnesses run throughout your dash, under the carpet, into your sound bar, to vehicle control modules...etc...etc....It won't be fun and you'll be better off just rerunning the necessary wires that you need to get the job done.
Here are the basic things that need to be done in the wiring to convert a base grade JK audio system to a JK Infinity system.
1. 2 wires that run from the CAN bus pins on the back of the factory radio, need to be run to the CAN bus pins on the amplifier. There should already be wires connected to these connections on your base grade radio, you will need to splice into these wires. This is how the radio communicates with the Infinity amplifier and how the radio knows an external amplifier is connected to it. Basically what happens is that the radio turns on, the amp lets the radio know it is connected on the CAN BUS. The radio then sets it's audio output levels to a "FIXED/NON ADJUSTABLE" output level, where volume level adjustments are now controlled within the Infinity amplifier. So in other words, when you turn the volume control on the radio, the radio sends can bus messages to the amplifier, and the amplifier then controls turning the volume level up and down. If an external Infinity amp is not connected....like your current base grade audio system, then the radio sets it's outputs so the radio adjusts their level when you adjust the volume control.
2. Cut the L/F, R/F, L/R, and R/R speaker speakers wires from your base grade radio. You will then need to run the L/R and R/R speaker connection wires from the radio to the Left and Right Audio Inputs on the Infinity amp.
3. Run 8 sets of speaker wires from the Infinity amp's outputs to the speakers in your vehicle. You will need to know which pins on the amp are L/F High, L/F Low, L/R, R/R, R/F High, R/F Low, Sub1 and Sub2 on the Infinity amplifier and connect them to the corresponding speaker.
4. Run a BATT wire (Constant ON...not Ignition switched) and GROUND wire to the Infinity Amp to provide power.
Now when you get all that done, you will also want to replace the Base grade speakers with the Infinity speakers, since the Infinity amp that you just added is tuned according to the frequency response and impedance of the Infinity speakers. Also since the base grade audio system does not have a sub woofer, you will need to get the Infinity sub which mounts in the back also. So basically, along with buying either the JK Infinity amp or Nitro Infinity amp, you will also need to buy all the Infinity speakers.
You will need the pin out diagrams for the radio and the Infinity amp to do all this.
I don't know anything about the Kicker amp but I know a lot about the Infinity system. If I had to take a guess about the Kicker amp, it's just a standard analog amp, where you run the speaker outs from the head unit, to the amp's inputs, and then the amp outputs to the speakers. This type of setup would have a higher noise floor than the Infinity system, since you are amplifying the audio signal coming out of the radio and then amplifying it some more when it reaches the amp, and volume adjustments would be done by the radio adjusting the level of the audio signal coming out of it. When you turn the volume down, you would hear more "hiss" or noise floor in the audio system.
Last edited by Rednroll; May 10, 2011 at 12:35 PM.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Elkton, MD
I know everything you just posted, however, I don't think you read my post, or you simply didn't understand it.
You don't have to reflash your jeep for the add-on amp, why would you for the Infinity JK amp?
Second, why are you cutting the speaker wires? It's all contained in the factory harness. Removing the seats? Are you nuts? The wiring harness for the radio and the amp is contained in the steering column and behind the dash where the radio sits. READ THE MANUAL ON HOW TO INSTALL THE ADD-ON AMP. It doesn't mention cutting speaker wires, or doing a number of the things you mention doing. It mentions running a power wire and ground. Everything else is wiring harness driven, and without a CANBUS flash.
I think ya'll are over thinking this too much. It's a product that is already available. That people have equipped on their factory vehicle. I'd be willing to bet if I could find a wrecked JK with an infinity system, and I managed to snag the amplifier and the wiring harness that goes between it and the radio, I'd be in like Flynn.
You don't have to reflash your jeep for the add-on amp, why would you for the Infinity JK amp?
Second, why are you cutting the speaker wires? It's all contained in the factory harness. Removing the seats? Are you nuts? The wiring harness for the radio and the amp is contained in the steering column and behind the dash where the radio sits. READ THE MANUAL ON HOW TO INSTALL THE ADD-ON AMP. It doesn't mention cutting speaker wires, or doing a number of the things you mention doing. It mentions running a power wire and ground. Everything else is wiring harness driven, and without a CANBUS flash.
I think ya'll are over thinking this too much. It's a product that is already available. That people have equipped on their factory vehicle. I'd be willing to bet if I could find a wrecked JK with an infinity system, and I managed to snag the amplifier and the wiring harness that goes between it and the radio, I'd be in like Flynn.
1st of all if you're going to add either the JK Infinity amp or the Nitro Infinity amp to your current base grade audio system, there is no need to have anything flashed on your vehicle.
2nd of all, adding either the JK or Nitro amp is the same amount of work....they're the SAME amplifier. The only thing difference between them are the settings for tone/EQ/Channel Output level within each amp.
To do this reWiring will be your biggest obstacle. Pulling wiring harnesses from a wrecked JK and putting them into your JK may not be your best solution. Have you ever replaced wiring harnesses? Plan on gutting out your entire interior of your vehicle if you really want to go this route which will include removing all your seats, carpeting, trim panels, and disassembling your dash. These harnesses run throughout your dash, under the carpet, into your sound bar, to vehicle control modules...etc...etc....It won't be fun and you'll be better off just rerunning the necessary wires that you need to get the job done.
Here are the basic things that need to be done in the wiring to convert a base grade JK audio system to a JK Infinity system.
1. 2 wires that run from the CAN bus pins on the back of the factory radio, need to be run to the CAN bus pins on the amplifier. There should already be wires connected to these connections on your base grade radio, you will need to splice into these wires. This is how the radio communicates with the Infinity amplifier and how the radio knows an external amplifier is connected to it. Basically what happens is that the radio turns on, the amp lets the radio know it is connected on the CAN BUS. The radio then sets it's audio output levels to a "FIXED/NON ADJUSTABLE" output level, where volume level adjustments are now controlled within the Infinity amplifier. So in other words, when you turn the volume control on the radio, the radio sends can bus messages to the amplifier, and the amplifier then controls turning the volume level up and down. If an external Infinity amp is not connected....like your current base grade audio system, then the radio sets it's outputs so the radio adjusts their level when you adjust the volume control.
2. Cut the L/F, R/F, L/R, and R/R speaker speakers wires from your base grade radio. You will then need to run the L/R and R/R speaker connection wires from the radio to the Left and Right Audio Inputs on the Infinity amp.
3. Run 8 sets of speaker wires from the Infinity amp's outputs to the speakers in your vehicle. You will need to know which pins on the amp are L/F High, L/F Low, L/R, R/R, R/F High, R/F Low, Sub1 and Sub2 on the Infinity amplifier and connect them to the corresponding speaker.
4. Run a BATT wire (Constant ON...not Ignition switched) and GROUND wire to the Infinity Amp to provide power.
Now when you get all that done, you will also want to replace the Base grade speakers with the Infinity speakers, since the Infinity amp that you just added is tuned according to the frequency response and impedance of the Infinity speakers. Also since the base grade audio system does not have a sub woofer, you will need to get the Infinity sub which mounts in the back also. So basically, along with buying either the JK Infinity amp or Nitro Infinity amp, you will also need to buy all the Infinity speakers.
You will need the pin out diagrams for the radio and the Infinity amp to do all this.
I don't know anything about the Kicker amp but I know a lot about the Infinity system. If I had to take a guess about the Kicker amp, it's just a standard analog amp, where you run the speaker outs from the head unit, to the amp's inputs, and then the amp outputs to the speakers. This type of setup would have a higher noise floor than the Infinity system, since you are amplifying the audio signal coming out of the radio and then amplifying it some more when it reaches the amp, and volume adjustments would be done by the radio adjusting the level of the audio signal coming out of it. When you turn the volume down, you would hear more "hiss" or noise floor in the audio system.
2nd of all, adding either the JK or Nitro amp is the same amount of work....they're the SAME amplifier. The only thing difference between them are the settings for tone/EQ/Channel Output level within each amp.
To do this reWiring will be your biggest obstacle. Pulling wiring harnesses from a wrecked JK and putting them into your JK may not be your best solution. Have you ever replaced wiring harnesses? Plan on gutting out your entire interior of your vehicle if you really want to go this route which will include removing all your seats, carpeting, trim panels, and disassembling your dash. These harnesses run throughout your dash, under the carpet, into your sound bar, to vehicle control modules...etc...etc....It won't be fun and you'll be better off just rerunning the necessary wires that you need to get the job done.
Here are the basic things that need to be done in the wiring to convert a base grade JK audio system to a JK Infinity system.
1. 2 wires that run from the CAN bus pins on the back of the factory radio, need to be run to the CAN bus pins on the amplifier. There should already be wires connected to these connections on your base grade radio, you will need to splice into these wires. This is how the radio communicates with the Infinity amplifier and how the radio knows an external amplifier is connected to it. Basically what happens is that the radio turns on, the amp lets the radio know it is connected on the CAN BUS. The radio then sets it's audio output levels to a "FIXED/NON ADJUSTABLE" output level, where volume level adjustments are now controlled within the Infinity amplifier. So in other words, when you turn the volume control on the radio, the radio sends can bus messages to the amplifier, and the amplifier then controls turning the volume level up and down. If an external Infinity amp is not connected....like your current base grade audio system, then the radio sets it's outputs so the radio adjusts their level when you adjust the volume control.
2. Cut the L/F, R/F, L/R, and R/R speaker speakers wires from your base grade radio. You will then need to run the L/R and R/R speaker connection wires from the radio to the Left and Right Audio Inputs on the Infinity amp.
3. Run 8 sets of speaker wires from the Infinity amp's outputs to the speakers in your vehicle. You will need to know which pins on the amp are L/F High, L/F Low, L/R, R/R, R/F High, R/F Low, Sub1 and Sub2 on the Infinity amplifier and connect them to the corresponding speaker.
4. Run a BATT wire (Constant ON...not Ignition switched) and GROUND wire to the Infinity Amp to provide power.
Now when you get all that done, you will also want to replace the Base grade speakers with the Infinity speakers, since the Infinity amp that you just added is tuned according to the frequency response and impedance of the Infinity speakers. Also since the base grade audio system does not have a sub woofer, you will need to get the Infinity sub which mounts in the back also. So basically, along with buying either the JK Infinity amp or Nitro Infinity amp, you will also need to buy all the Infinity speakers.
You will need the pin out diagrams for the radio and the Infinity amp to do all this.
I don't know anything about the Kicker amp but I know a lot about the Infinity system. If I had to take a guess about the Kicker amp, it's just a standard analog amp, where you run the speaker outs from the head unit, to the amp's inputs, and then the amp outputs to the speakers. This type of setup would have a higher noise floor than the Infinity system, since you are amplifying the audio signal coming out of the radio and then amplifying it some more when it reaches the amp, and volume adjustments would be done by the radio adjusting the level of the audio signal coming out of it. When you turn the volume down, you would hear more "hiss" or noise floor in the audio system.
JK Jedi
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 221
From: SE Michigan
I know everything you just posted, however, I don't think you read my post, or you simply didn't understand it.
You don't have to reflash your jeep for the add-on amp, why would you for the Infinity JK amp?
Second, why are you cutting the speaker wires? It's all contained in the factory harness. Removing the seats? Are you nuts? The wiring harness for the radio and the amp is contained in the steering column and behind the dash where the radio sits. READ THE MANUAL ON HOW TO INSTALL THE ADD-ON AMP. It doesn't mention cutting speaker wires, or doing a number of the things you mention doing. It mentions running a power wire and ground. Everything else is wiring harness driven, and without a CANBUS flash.
I think ya'll are over thinking this too much. It's a product that is already available. That people have equipped on their factory vehicle. I'd be willing to bet if I could find a wrecked JK with an infinity system, and I managed to snag the amplifier and the wiring harness that goes between it and the radio, I'd be in like Flynn.
You don't have to reflash your jeep for the add-on amp, why would you for the Infinity JK amp?
Second, why are you cutting the speaker wires? It's all contained in the factory harness. Removing the seats? Are you nuts? The wiring harness for the radio and the amp is contained in the steering column and behind the dash where the radio sits. READ THE MANUAL ON HOW TO INSTALL THE ADD-ON AMP. It doesn't mention cutting speaker wires, or doing a number of the things you mention doing. It mentions running a power wire and ground. Everything else is wiring harness driven, and without a CANBUS flash.
I think ya'll are over thinking this too much. It's a product that is already available. That people have equipped on their factory vehicle. I'd be willing to bet if I could find a wrecked JK with an infinity system, and I managed to snag the amplifier and the wiring harness that goes between it and the radio, I'd be in like Flynn.
I think you're in for a big surprise.
.....oh yeah....in my post.Back at ya.
Last edited by Rednroll; May 11, 2011 at 03:37 AM.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Elkton, MD
You never answered the question of why I couldn't do it with a harness driven system.
Is there something about the radio I'm missing out on? Not understanding?
I don't see why I'd need to wire each speaker if I'm able to get the harness(es) from a wrecked JK. (I should clarify, I'm thinking the factory harness is like the add-on harness. Factory radio harness to amp, amp harness from amp to radio. Done.) The add-on amp doesn't require wiring speakers, why does/would the Infinity?
Guess it's just one of those things I'll have to try out for myself.
Is there something about the radio I'm missing out on? Not understanding?
I don't see why I'd need to wire each speaker if I'm able to get the harness(es) from a wrecked JK. (I should clarify, I'm thinking the factory harness is like the add-on harness. Factory radio harness to amp, amp harness from amp to radio. Done.) The add-on amp doesn't require wiring speakers, why does/would the Infinity?
Guess it's just one of those things I'll have to try out for myself.
Last edited by SmurfJK; May 11, 2011 at 04:22 AM.
JK Jedi
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 221
From: SE Michigan
The add-on amp is a 5 channel amp, your current radio has 4 channels, the Infinity amp is an 8 channel amp. The add-on amp does not communicate on the can bus. There are 6 speakers in your JK. Do the math.....anyone who knows about audio system wiring knows what has to be done differently in the wiring when you have less amp channels than speakers. If it was as easy as just swapping a single wiring harness, which was easy to access, Mopar would already be offering an accessory add on for the OEM Infinity amp, or maybe we all be just "over thinking this" and you're smarter than everyone else, but as I said......good luck, you're on your own from here.
Last edited by Rednroll; May 11, 2011 at 05:25 AM.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Elkton, MD
If it was as easy as just swapping a single wiring harness, which was easy to access, Mopar would already be offering an accessory add on for the OEM Infinity amp, or maybe we all be just "over thinking this" and you're smarter than everyone else, but as I said......good luck, you're on your own from here.
http://www.justforjeeps.com/kiamup71.html
JK Jedi
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 221
From: SE Michigan
Really though, this whole stereo thing is starting to seem a bit over your head. Why don't start on a simpler mod like replacing the gas gap or something like that. It might not involve so many reading and comprehension skills that you seem to be lacking.
Last edited by Rednroll; May 11, 2011 at 12:25 PM.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Elkton, MD
You said Mopar would sell an upgrade to the factory infinity, they do. I listed it. Maybe you should frame your statements better.
Saying an "add-on" for the factory infinity amp could mean a number of things. I provided one. If you were specifically targeting something else, than you should have said that.
So, I'm a bit curious though, what makes the infinity amp, 8 channels? I've seen/heard of people replacing their factory infinity speakers with kickers, so that sort of rules out them being component speakers, correct? I came up with 6 channels and one subwoofer channel, making 7 total, where's the 8th?
(2 tweeters, 2 dash speakers, 2 sound bar speakers, and the subwoofer.)
I'm just trying to sort this all out before I think about jumping into it. If questions are too much for you to handle, maybe you should stay away from the internet. As far as over my head, I doubt that. I mean I am short, (5'8), but maybe I really am just over simplifying the thinking behind this setup. I think like a technician, easiest, most direct route as possible to get the job done.
Saying an "add-on" for the factory infinity amp could mean a number of things. I provided one. If you were specifically targeting something else, than you should have said that.
So, I'm a bit curious though, what makes the infinity amp, 8 channels? I've seen/heard of people replacing their factory infinity speakers with kickers, so that sort of rules out them being component speakers, correct? I came up with 6 channels and one subwoofer channel, making 7 total, where's the 8th?
(2 tweeters, 2 dash speakers, 2 sound bar speakers, and the subwoofer.)
I'm just trying to sort this all out before I think about jumping into it. If questions are too much for you to handle, maybe you should stay away from the internet. As far as over my head, I doubt that. I mean I am short, (5'8), but maybe I really am just over simplifying the thinking behind this setup. I think like a technician, easiest, most direct route as possible to get the job done.
Does that look like the OEM Infinity amp to you???? Learn to read.....it could do wonders for you.
Really though, this whole stereo thing is starting to seem a bit over your head. Why don't start on a simpler mod like replacing the gas gap or something like that. It might not involve so many reading and comprehension skills that you seem to be lacking.
Really though, this whole stereo thing is starting to seem a bit over your head. Why don't start on a simpler mod like replacing the gas gap or something like that. It might not involve so many reading and comprehension skills that you seem to be lacking.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma city
You said Mopar would sell an upgrade to the factory infinity, they do. I listed it. Maybe you should frame your statements better.
Saying an "add-on" for the factory infinity amp could mean a number of things. I provided one. If you were specifically targeting something else, than you should have said that.
So, I'm a bit curious though, what makes the infinity amp, 8 channels? I've seen/heard of people replacing their factory infinity speakers with kickers, so that sort of rules out them being component speakers, correct? I came up with 6 channels and one subwoofer channel, making 7 total, where's the 8th?
(2 tweeters, 2 dash speakers, 2 sound bar speakers, and the subwoofer.)
Saying an "add-on" for the factory infinity amp could mean a number of things. I provided one. If you were specifically targeting something else, than you should have said that.
So, I'm a bit curious though, what makes the infinity amp, 8 channels? I've seen/heard of people replacing their factory infinity speakers with kickers, so that sort of rules out them being component speakers, correct? I came up with 6 channels and one subwoofer channel, making 7 total, where's the 8th?
(2 tweeters, 2 dash speakers, 2 sound bar speakers, and the subwoofer.)
I dont work for Kicker, But I work for a Rep Firm that sells and distributes Kicker throughout the midwest. And I have removed the stock infinity and installed the full Mopar Kicker upgrade into my 2010 Rubicon Unlimited.
The 77KICK46 is a direct replacement for the stock infinity amp. It is however just a little bit bigger but bolts right into place of the factory infinity amp. Your 8 channels come from your 2 tweeters, 2 dash speakers, 2 sound bar speakers, and the DUAL voice coil subwoofer. That right there is your eight channels. I hope this helps.
Last edited by RCJunKie; May 12, 2011 at 04:23 AM.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Elkton, MD
I dont work for Kicker, But I work for a Rep Firm that sells and distributes Kicker throughout the midwest. And I have removed the stock infinity and installed the full Mopar Kicker upgrade into my 2010 Rubicon Unlimited.
The 77KICK46 is a direct replacement for the stock infinity amp. It is however just a little bit bigger but bolts right into place of the factory infinity amp. Your 8 channels come from your 2 tweeters, 2 dash speakers, 2 sound bar speakers, and the DUAL voice coil subwoofer. That right there is your eight channels. I hope this helps.
The 77KICK46 is a direct replacement for the stock infinity amp. It is however just a little bit bigger but bolts right into place of the factory infinity amp. Your 8 channels come from your 2 tweeters, 2 dash speakers, 2 sound bar speakers, and the DUAL voice coil subwoofer. That right there is your eight channels. I hope this helps.
Good info, thanks!
So, as long as I add a subwoofer (maybe the factory one?) I should be alright, I suppose, maybe I'm still under thinking this, who knows.