300 audio wiring advice needed

[Bel_Mar_Pointe]

Hey 300 owners, or others in the know.......I need your help. I have a 2005 that I am upgrading the audio components on and have some questions.

Current configuration: Clarion XMD3 Head Unit with front and rear RCA outputs only. The four cockpit speakers are fed via the rear output and a 2ch amplifier (speakers parallel connection) under the fwd berth, which seems like a lot of extra cable length. The two cabin speaker are fed via the HU harness output. The fwd RCA output is unused. No sub output or sub installed.

Currently I am just adding a subwoofer by connecting the sub amp to the rear HU output and using the sub amp bypass output to feed the 2ch amp. Not ideal but will work until I get a new HU with a sub out. This way I can still fade the cabin speakers.

I plan on replacing the existing Clarion HU, 2ch amp and the four cockpit speakers down the road. I would like to install the wiring while I have the boat torn apart now for the future install.

Does anyone have an idea on how to access the wire run from behind the HU (power panel) to the fwd berth area? Also, it would be even better to eliminate that run do the excess cable. Does anyone have any experience with eliminating the fwd berth amplifier setup and making the connections near the HU and panel?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I would hate to remove the helm seat and starboard access panels again unless I have to.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[First Born]

No need to double post most people look through all of the sections by just clicking on new post 24 or 48 hours. I have deleted the other topic as you will probably see more answers in your own topic instead of a 5 page topic. Good luck wish I could help.

Wesley

 

[jrirvine1]

Does anyone have an idea on how to access the wire run from behind the HU (power panel) to the fwd berth area? Also, it would be even better to eliminate that run do the excess cable. Does anyone have any experience with eliminating the fwd berth amplifier setup and making the connections near the HU and panel?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I would hate to remove the helm seat and starboard access panels again unless I have to.

Thanks,
Brian

Directly adjacent to the power panel is a HVAC outlet. The duct to this location goes through a chase below the panel and under the bench seat or dinette, depending upon your configuration. Most wiring, will follow the same route as the HVAC, so you should be able to find a path to the forward berth, where the amp and AC unit is located by following the duct. An electrician’s fish tape may be necessary to eliminate the need to remove cabinets and seating.

 

[Bel_Mar_Pointe]

Thanks for the info jrirvine1, and nice looking boat!

Has anyone replaced the factory amp at the fwd berth? New power wires run? New amp location?

Thanks,
Brian

 

[Bridog]

Cool, another Brian with a 300DA. Did you try here? Welcome. http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=458&page=22