Question after installing Kenwood DDX9905s - second amp??

As this is my first post, I would first like to thank everyone on this forum for all the great information as I deck out my new-to-me '16 Crewmax 1794 Edition.

I have already installed a Kenwood DDX9905s head unit with iDatalink Maestro to retain factory controls. I love it. It's flat out awesome - night and day sound.

Here's today's dilemma...

iDatalink's matching harness (TO2) uses the front RCA outs on the head unit to send an audio signal to the (crap-tastic) stock JBL amp.

But is there anything stopping me from running a separate set of RCAs off the "subwoofer" RCA output on the head unit to a second amp that will push a new subwoofer?

I'm thinking it should not cut any sound to the stock amp, AND still allow for subwoofer control from the head unit - correct??

Thank you very much for your help. Excited to be part of the forum!

 

Welcome from NY.

 

Welcome from AZ!

And no, there is nothing that should stop you from using the sub preamp outputs for a dedicated sub channel.

 

I don't have the jbl, but if you already pulled the head unit, why don't you get a 5ch amp and ditch the POS JBL amp?

 

If you're going to buy an amp for a new sub. You should just get a 5 channel amp and power all your speakers with it. You have the head unit and maestro so you're only missing the amp, which sounds like you already want to get. Do it right and toss the JBL amp all together and replace it with something to power all the speakers and new sub. That's exactly what I did and don't regret it one bit

 

This is exactly what I’d like to do!

But I was worried that the stock JBL amplifier is needed for other audio functions in the truck.

Also, the harness for the maestro unit is tied into the stock wiring to that amp. What happens to those connections?

Are you guys saying stock JBL amp can be ripped out without any negative results?

Thanks again.

 

You don’t need the stock amp, just get a wiring harness from taco tunes or @james@tech12volts that will connect directly to the plugs that connect to the factory amp and that will power your speakers via the factory wiring from the aftermarket amp. You will just need to run a good power wire from the battery and ground it properly somewhere under the seat or wherever you will place the amp(s).

 

You'll need a couple wire adapter connectors !×to connect the speakers to the amp. You're almost there with the head unit and maestro, just need the amp ana couple wire harnesses. Email James at tech12volts and he can get you set up right.

 

Thanks for all the replies guys. So, just to be clear, the rear traffic alert sounds and door chimes would remain after ripping out the JBL amp?

 

I didn't lose ant of my warning signals when I ripped out my JBL

 

That’s exactly what I needed to know!! Thank you. May I ask which harness (if any) you used to attach to the factory connectors?

 

Here is the one from Taco Tunes but you can get them other places including from @james@tech12volts as well.

 

James at tech12volts makes the harnesses you need for down at the JBL amp. They are about $30 but well worth it.

 

OP- Please do not buy from taco tunes. There are tons of threads here showing how awful that company is.

Check out tech12volts and or https://www.autoharnesshouse.com/

 

I’ve never purchased anything from Taco Tunes so I don’t really know how they operate but I just knew they had this harness from back when I was looking for one....but $14 bucks from @james@tech12volts is obviously better than $54 from TT....so that’s a no brainer to go with him!