Ok i want to drop a nasty system in my '97 Es300 But i need to know how hard it is to use a different amp? Is it a pain in the A$$?I have a McIntosh Mc440 6 channel amp to work with and would like everything to look stock. Can i use the factory stereo?
I need some Suggestions here!!!

Yes you can use your factory stereo for your amp.. BUT you need to buy a transformer. This transformer will (transform) speaker Output into RCA's. Now.. if your amp has a High Input then you can hook it up there.

Hopefully you will NOT hear the ground noise. If you do let us know.

Carlos

I just got started on my system for my 92. I had to have a custom panel made for the dash and when you have the factory stereo removed there was an amp under the passenger seat at least in mine. I had everything removed and the new head unit installed and custom dash kit for $120 seemed worth it for me. Took me a month to find someone to do it
alec

In mine I used to factory deck and ran 2 12's and a Kicker amp off of it. All I had to do was buy one of the SLOC ll RCA converter(made by Stinger) and tap it in to the factory rear speakers. Which turns them into sort of a amplifier. Most any stereo shop can do this for you or at least the one near me did and they should have the converter in stock.

Yeh you could do that but using the factory radio really kills the performance of your speakers. I used to have 2 12" Audiobahns hooked up through the RCA Converter to a 600watt amp, and it was loud, but I then replaced the factory radio with a 2001 Panasonic DQ701U and it was a lot louder! The reason being is that the RCA Converter sends out a measly 1V signal to your amplifier. The Aftermarket radios send anywhere from 3V-6V, making your system a lot louder.

yea I know but I havent really made up my mind of what kind of deck I want.....and where can I find a dash kit to install a new deck?