Hi there,
I was wondering if anyone knew how you can install additional power-amps to the stock volvo 850 stereo (w/CDstacker) in order to install a sub, there doesn't appear to be any outputs on the rear of the stereo but is there another way?

Also I recently got my 850 and am wondering if it is normal for the engine to make a click sound, then what sounds like rev down a bit, then a couple of seconds later click again and rev up a bit (all when idle, not sure if it does it while moving).

Any info would be much appreciated

Cheers

 

wire the speaker outputs to the amp inputs.

 

850tony is right but you need to make sure the amp has high level inputs in order to do so.

 

get an aftermarket head unit

 

I have heard that high level inputs don't produce very clean sound quality. A good cheap head unit will only run you $100 and will look much nicer in your Volvo.

 

Do you have an external amp hooked up?

 

I have an Infinity Basslink which is a ten inch woofer with an amp built into the enclosure. Most head units have the same output, about 50 watts per channel, so whether you spend 100 dollars or 250 dollars, you're going to get the same power pushing out to the speakers.

 

Agreed. Do you have patch (RCA) cables running to the woofer?

 

I did, however, I re-wired it and spliced into the speaker wire and then ran the wires back back to the subwoofer. It's not as loud as the RCA cables because you're not controlling the subwoofer individually, although I can still adjust it with the subwoofer control ****, but I think it's more accurate and the sound quality of the subwoofer is more precise with the music.

 

That surprises me that the music is still clean. Why did you decide to change after already having the patch cables is?

My system is 2 kicker cvr 12" subs powered by a 750w kicker amp and 5 farad power acoustiks capacitor. I use patch cables.

 

I like the sound of the wires a little bit better, and I was also bored.

 

There is the culprit.

 

Haha, yeah. It was pretty easy though, so it wasn't a big deal. Your set up sounds pretty sweet though. I used to want something like that, but I use my trunk so much that the Infinity Basslink is perfect because it still packs a punch and barely takes up any space.

 

Ya my trunk is almost non-existent anymore. The volvos are good for subs though because they are built so tough. I've seen American-made cars fall apart over time because of subs.

 

Not only fall apart but when you play the subs, you hear a bunch of rattling along with the bass.

 

True. I can't stand it when I see a POS Amerian-made car drive by and the owner has put in subs that cause the whole trunk to rattle and make it sound like the car is about to fall apart. It sounds awful. The only vibration I get is from the license plate, which I like, because I don't wanna be heard coming from three blocks away.

 

Is it possible to get head-units that will support the CD-stacker that's incorporated into the stock stereo? And what is the sizing protocol for headunits, the stereo bay is much (in height) than head-units I've seen, does width and depth remain consistent and is height merely a matter of 1Unit 2Unit 3Unit etc. as it is with rackmount computer or audio hardware

 

nothing is compatible with the cd unit that i know of out on the market.

and you are correct on the size (kinda). it is measured in "dins" so the stock volvo radio is a double din setup. where as majority of aftermarket decks are single din.

i have an aftermarket deck in my car i can take a picture of for you if you would like. i was able to do it without an install kit or anything

 

You have to get a mounting kit, it will take up the whole space of the factory stereo and allow for a spot for installing an single din aftermarket deck along with a small "tray" for storage. Or you can get a double din headunit that will take up the the whole space of the factory stereo.

And once you remove the factory stereo you cannot use any aspects of it, so you would not be able to take advantage of the disc changer with an aftermarket head unit, unless the disc changer is a separate component from the stereo.

 

Buy from Crutchfield. Although everything there is MSRP pricing, they hook you up with a full warranty (extended if you choose) and send you all directions and all installation tools including the tray at no extra cost.