[kurmaro]

Someone told me that I don’t need a LC2i if my car doesn’t come with an amp from the factory, but someone else is telling me I need one if I’m keeping my factory head unit. What do you guys say? I’m installing a subwoofer btw.

[KirkH]

I don't think NOT keeping the head unit is an option. Look at the threads for the non-Bose builds. I think you need a LC2i. That's how I had my previous RS set up.

[Redmoe]

The lc2i is just a fancy line level converter, it is supposed to help "level/correct" the bass that may be altered by the factory eq tuning. It is not a true dsp that will allow you to tune the system.

If the amp you are using has speaker level ins and will auto turn on when speaker signal is detected (Alpine mrv-m500 is one that does this) all you need is to locate the front speaker wires and splice the amps speaker level harness into them. I say front because a lot of the time the rear speakers do not get the full signal.

If your amp does not have the auto detect/turn on you can get a line level converter for ~$20 (I used a SCOSCHE LOC2SL for my 1SS) and splice it in like mentioned above.

The LC2i gives you a little more adjustment than a regular line level converter but its not necessary.

The biggest challenge with not having a factory amp in the trunk will be tracking down the speaker signals.

[kurmaro]

Thanks!