VW Car audio setup

[kellererd]

Just found out that to install my deck from my old car in my VW Passat I will also need all new speakers. Apparently VW (at least older ones) stereos are proprietary with the speakers - can't use one without the other.

My question is about what the best way to hook it all up is.. I've got two front dash speakers, two front door speakers, two rear (lower) door speakers and two rear (high, near the door handle) door speakers. My deck is 4 x 50, which I imagine I should use to power the front four speakers.

Assuming this is true, would one 4 x (whatever) amp work for the four back? What if I want a sub (or two) in the trunk? Would I then need two amps - one for the back seat speakers and one for the subs? Could I run two of the back door speakers and one sub off of the same amp? With eight powered speakers would I even really need a sub?

I'd appreciate any thoughts from those of you who are familiar with a setup remotely similar to mine.

[j8ear]

Originally Posted by kellererd

Just found out that to install my deck from my old car in my VW Passat I will also need all new speakers. Apparently VW (at least older ones) stereos are proprietary with the speakers - can't use one without the other.

Who told you that?

I think someone is blowing smoke where the sun don't shine and trying to get you to buy new speakers!!!!

I'm scouring vwvortex right now and can find no indication that this is true. I'm going to run it by a couple of Vdub knuckleheads I know and see what they have to say.

I can see proprietary connectors....but speakers are speakers.

That said, if you want new speakers that's cool too...but I'm almost certain that you don't HAVE TO get new ones to work with a different HU.

-bear

[kutulu]

Yes, someone is trying to screw you over. What they want to do is increase the sale and then get you to do an expensive install that will include running new speaker wire through the car.

If the connectors don't plug into your stereo just cut them and figure out which is + and which is -

What year is your car?

Also, I really don't know much about electrical circuits but I thinkyou can plug all four front speakers into the two front channels if you want to. Either wire them in series or parallel.

Series for front right speakers:

Deck front right+ -> Speaker 1+ -> Speaker 1- -> Speaker 2+ -> Speaker 2- -> Deck front right-

Parallel

                     |---- Speaker 2 ---|
Deck front right+ ---|                  |------Deck front right-
                     |----Speaker 1 ----|

I think I'd go with doing them in series because its easier. That's how I set up my subs when I had them and I didn't short anything out.

To wire them in parallel (which I've never done before), I think you would just crimp/solder two separate wires onto the positive wire from the deck, run those wires to the positive side of each speaker and then crimp/solder the
negative wires from the speaker to the negative wire coming off the deck.

I could be totally wrong about this though so ask someone who knows first. I am certain, however, that you can run all 8 off of the 4 channel deck.

8 speakers are great but if you want real bass you need subs. The speakers in the front and rear will cover the mids and highs well enough but still won't put out a powerfull bass.

[Nelson]

What year Passat? And does it have a Monsoon OEM system?

[kellererd]

1996 Passat GLS - bought it used about 8 months ago. I don't think it has a Monsoon system .. not basic stock, though. Premier audio, or something along those lines.

[kutulu]

Here is something that might help. It's a wiring diagram for VW's.

http://www.installdr.com/Harnesses/VW-Wiring.pdf

The deck has a little plastic harness that all the wires are plugged into. You should be able to find an adapter that plugs into that on one side and then into your stereo. It's cheap (~$20) and no tools needed for the job. Talk to the install guys at a Circuit City or Best Buy. Those guys do a lot of cars and are usually pretty knowedgeable. Since they don't work on commissions or get paid by the job they have no incentive to lie to you either.

I have a 2000 Jetta and I did it myself without needing any tools.

You can get installation kits here (you will probably need an anteana adapter):
http://www.installer.com/wires/index.html

Here is a step by step guide for a 95-98 Jetta (Passat may have the same stereo setup, the install kits are the same for all models I think):

http://www.installdr.com/InstallDocs/VW/PDF/890005.pdf

Another thing regarding my first post, the wiring diagram shows that the speakers are wired in parallel. Therefore, you do not need a separate amp to power the rear speakers. Just wire them in parallel.

[kellererd]

Thanks to all for the input!

Kutulu, thanks especially for taking the time to help me out .. much appreciated.

[Nelson]

Metra wiring harness - part # 70-1784, and possibly a VW pocket part # 88009008.

The harness should mate up color for color with most after market radio harnesses.