Amplifiers 101 Honda CR-V Generation 2 2002

[Shelpie]

Amps 101: Not the course number (well maybe), but the number of questions I have.

WIRE ID:
If I grab the bundle of wires from the back of a '02 CRV LX, is there a guide somewhere to identifying the wires? Im looking for the speaker wires for all four speakers.

REMOTE or ACCESSORY CONNECTION: What is it?
Also, do CR-V's have "remote" power on ?relay signal for an amp, or do I use the "accessory" connection. Where & what is the accessory connection? is this for a delayed power-up of accessories like an amp?

MY AMP CHOICES
Shoestring budget, Tony Lama taste For starters, I can choose between a small Infinity 2-channel stereo amplifier or a 4-channel Wally-mart SONY. I mainly want better quality, not volume.

The Infinity is the REF 7520A : 97W x 2 @ 4 ohms -- Crutchfield says I use this for 4 x 4 ohms speakers: Crutchfield Agent: "You can have that amp [Infinity Reference 7520A] power 4 speakers, the amp will run at 2 ohms when you do that it is 142 watts RMS x 2 at 2 ohms. Each speaker will get a minimum of 71 watts. The only draw back is that you will not have fader control ...no big deal." [my note in brackets]

Would you rather have this small Infinity, or the Sony that is set up for 4 speakers?

Do you think thats its wise to go this route - stock head unit and add the amp, using speaker level input for now? I will eventually upgrade the head unit, or order my next CR-V with a empty hole there Suggestions welcome for new head unit, too! Best preamp out bang for the buck, no flashy graphics needed, but I do need CD, solid FM reception on back roads. No yourPod or evil satellite radio inputs needed. I do travel throught some HD radio areas at times - do some head units have built in HD radio -- just wondering, its low on my shopping list.

Paul

[Racoon]

Originally Posted by Shelpie

WIRE ID:
If I grab the bundle of wires from the back of a '02 CRV LX, is there a guide somewhere to identifying the wires? Im looking for the speaker wires for all four speakers.

The Honda CR-V Service Manual might have the level of detail you're looking for. The Honda CR-V Electrical Troubleshooting Manual definitely would.

Both are available in printed form from Helminc.com.

The service manual is $70, the troubleshooting guide $50.

[Shelpie]

Hi FFNV

I meant to say that wires from the back of the stock CRV radio/CD unit. I dont think that I need a $50 manual for that, but then, I wasnt very clear about that I know - Im trying to work and be a good forum denizen at the same time...

Paul

[ataparag]

i think there is a sticker of the wiring diagram somewhere on the stock radio.. i feel lazy to go to my garage and look right now.hehehe..

[Racoon]

Originally Posted by Shelpie

Hi FFNV

I meant to say that wires from the back of the stock CRV radio/CD unit.

That's FFNC.

Ah, clarity. I agree with ataparag, there should be a wiring diagram on the head unit. Here's a picture of the side of my head unit, and while you can't read the details, there is a wiring diagram with color coding for the connector pins.

[Shelpie]

ataparag and FFN Visitor

Furries are so touchy about their intials

Thanks for the info on the radio sticker -- I didnt know that. ataparang - was that your article with all the photos for the Aux / iPod-type device install w/AUX in. Great job!

What do you think about splitting the 2-channel infinity to 4 speakers?

Paul

[ataparag]

Originally Posted by Shelpie

ataparang - was that your article with all the photos for the Aux / iPod-type device install w/AUX in. Great job!

What do you think about splitting the 2-channel infinity to 4 speakers?

Paul

nah thats not mine.. i did lots of things on my CRV but never took pictures because i dont wanna have grease or paint on my digital camera. but next time i'll have my wife take the pictures so i can share my next project.

i highly encourage for you to continue posting your projects and observation..you are doing a great job.

[Shelpie]

atataparang,

I remember you now - you helped me with the door panel removal. Thanks - your pointers were very helpful.

I'm still wanting to learn what the REMOTE (or ACCESSORY) wire does? Why would this connect to an amp? Does it delay the amp turning on until the car has started?

Paul

[Shelpie]

OK, I did it - I just bought my amp - Polk momo C300.2 Its just a modest 2-channel A/B design amp, but the build is wonderful! Get this: its a $299.90 amp *new* not refurb -- for $99 at Fry's electronics in Texas. I couldnt even find it on their Outpost.com site - you have to get it in a store, in person. I know its only two channel, but wow, what nice engineering! Check out the Polk site for specs - its only 150W @ 4 -ohm / 250W @ 2 - ohm, but it fits my champagne taste / beer budget approach

BTW, no connection with Fry's other than spending my hard-earned money there

[kidcrv]

Also, do CR-V's have "remote" power on ?relay signal for an amp, or do I use the "accessory" connection. Where & what is the accessory connection? is this for a delayed power-up of accessories like an amp?

no there is no remote wire there is a red and yellow wire it is the thickes wire in the clip that is your accessory wire.

as for the bundle of wires to save your self some long wires and even more bundles go to the back speakers remove the three screws and then tap into the wires it doesnt matter which is negative or postive becuse the amp will not need that also you might want a high to low converter if u need one i will send you mine i am running 4 94 watt rms amps that power my speaker and then i am running 2 1000 watt s to my subs