As of right now I have the stock non-bose Head Unit, diamond audio d6 component speakers (only in the front) w/ (1) a RCA -> converter -> Head Unit.
Rear stock speakers set up as from factory. Then the D6 sub w/ (2) RCA -> Converter (connects to a rear speaker lead)

With my new head unit Kenwood ddx8017 touch screen I am going to run the Front RCA cables now directly to the HU. And run the sub RCA directly to the HU?

The rear speakers you can hardly hear over the other components but I may want to hook them up (since i can control individual speaker volume with the new HU) Should I do this by using the (1) converter but in the opposite way, as in to turn the stock rear speaker lead into an RCA to plug into the New HU? or Just not waste my time?

If i don't hook up my rear stock speakers should I use 'Y' RCA cables to connect the Front & Rear outputs from my HU to the front speakers?
So that I am able to hear the rear sounds out of the front speakers (as well as front sounds)? or would I hear all the sounds w/o rear speakers (and the front RCA's just pluged into the front rca outputs)?

 

mitchgt,,,I would recommend you running front RCA's out of headunit to your amp,,,and running your Sub RCA's out of headunit to your amp. Hook the rear speakers to your rear output wires out of your headunit. This way,,,your front's/sub are amp'ed and your rear fill is only running off the headunit. But,,,if you are not going to change out your rear speakers,,,its not worth connecting them at all. For, they are 32ohms and hardly produce any sound.

I myself like a little rear fill,,,so I changed out the factory rear with a set of$100. Alpines. I have the rears running off my headunit only. Front and Subs have their own amp in the cubby behind driver seat. If you have any questions, feel free to PM. I would be glad to help.

 

On a Kenwood ddx8017 touchscreen is there a spot to plug my rear output stock wires in? Is that part of the harness? I just figured with all the higher end HU's you could only attach speakers by means of RCA... I guess this statement is false?

 

Yes, your wireharness will have the rear + and rear - for left and right. Use those for your rears and RCA's for front and sub(s). That way, front/subs signal goes to the amps and rears will come straight from the headunit. Also,,by using the headunit to power your rear speakers,,If you decide to upgrade your rear speakers, which I highly recommend, you do not need to run new wire. Just wire the harness rear's to headunit rear's...then just disconnect the rear speakers and plug those wires into your new speakers.

I normally would not run new speaker wire unless you run more than 80w to them. Your headunit's output to rear should be around 18 to 20watts rms.

 

Great thanks lsmith, I guess I hadn't really thought that the wiring harness would have that but, why wouldn't it? ha.

Alot of people think you have to have the rear speakers... but with the Diamond audio D6's up front the music is plenty loud... you can hardly listen to it as loud as it goes... and thats w/o the rear set.

It is suppose to come in on Friday and I can hardly wait to install it.

 

mitchgt,,,,take some photos of your set-up when you get everything in. I would like to see how it turns out...Especially on how you like the Diamond Audio. I have been playing with the idea of trying those out. Let us know...take care

 

Lsmith... my Diamond Audio equipment is by far the best I've had. I have had my Diamond Components and sub installed to just the stock unit for many months now and I really like it.

I'll be sure to post pics after I get it all installed. The package is suppose to be here Friday, and I may tackle it Friday night or for sure on Saturday. I've installed a few systems now and I am really excited about my first DVD/Navy screen.

In all honesty though, my 12 inch Diamond Audio D6 sub is a lot for the Z. The sub box is huge, and I had to make a fasle floor and take out my $300 "Z" carpet mat. The Components are amazing already w/ the stock HU. However the sub is so much that I keep it turned way down (gain crap controller). However with this setup I do achieve great audio in the Z and an even greater setup for all three doors open, gain on sub turned up, and geat music for per se an event or tailgate or party.

 

Mitchgt,,,,,,sounds like you have a great set up. Yeah, the 12 inch sub would be alot for the Z,,,but with the doors open, and everyone hanging outside, grilling out and the tunes are kicking,,,,and they are all checking out your car and system,,,"priceless".....