after market stereo

djcrash · Post by **djcrash** » 21 Dec 2005, 18:01

I have a 95 850 glt w/ 96k miles on it and I want to put in an after-market head unit, but I was told by the people at a local electronics shop that the volvo 850's have an amp on the front driver side and in order to replace the stereo you have to by-pass the amp... in other words install the stereo and run a whole new set of wiring which is very time consuming and costly. Does anyone know if you have to do this or can I just get the unit and a wire-harness and plug it in?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 22 Dec 2005, 10:34

I have a '93 850glt and no outbound amp at all. I just used the install kit that Critchfield sent and all was working within 30 minutes. Also, my parents had a '95 850 Turbo, but that didn't have an amp either.

I just looked on critchfield.com and they say that the '95 850glt uses the same harness as my '93 850glt... Personally, I would call Crutchfield and talk with their customer service people before buying anything. They are very helpful.. I'd also buy from them too - they will supply you with any wire harness and install kit(s) for your car for free...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 22 Dec 2005, 10:35

Why was I typing critchfield!? It's crutchfield.com....

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 28 Dec 2005, 19:26

Yes, factory amplifiers have to be bypassed. The factory stereo sends a different type of signal (low powered) to the amp than an aftermarket unit would send (high powered, the type of signal that goes directly to the speakers); not bypassing the amp would result in distorted sound. However, bypassing an amp shouldn't take more than half an hour, and they shouldn't charge you more than $20.