Hi all, I am sure this question has been asked many times, but I have been unable to find the answer (I've gotten several conflicting "answers.") First, is there a built-in amplifier in the '95 850 Volvo? If so, where is it? I was trying to install a new headunit into the 2x DIN space (got a pocket kit) but I was advised that I would have to bypass the built-in amp, which I was unable to find--looked under the drivers seat after removing the covering near the brake and accl. pedals, but found nothing. I'm putting in 2 amps (one class D for my sub, one multi channel for my speakers), so the built-in amp is not needed. So, how do I bypass it (there again, if there even is a built-in amp!) or do I have to do anything with it, even find it? And lastly, a general question, but is there a reference for installing a headunit with the Volvo wires that were behind the stock unit? I am new to this, but I want to learn how to do it myself (my friends are helping me with the more complicated items, like the amps and the sub)...I was told that I cannot use a wiring harness in my Volvo, so what do I use? And are there any good reference sites out there or a place where I can learn how to install the h.u. or research how to install the more complicated stuff as well?

Thanks a bunch, and I'd appreciate any help.
Nora (a novice audiophile)

most 850 with an external amp are the t5-r and r models. they sit under the passenger seat, or under the dash behind the head unit. even if u had it, u don't need to worry about it because u are getting a new head unit and amp...u can put in all ur own wires


i just installed an alpine amp with 6 infinity kappa speakers. used the 6-pin din rca for the amp connection (courtesy anthonyr on volvospeed). i still have a dilema for the front door speakers (have finished the rear pillar, rear door, and front dash). the wiring for the front door is not "threadable"...it is a completely sealed socket type and is a pain in the ass to remove. so i don't know whether to spend the time to put in an extra pin in the socket for my own wire, or the cut the stock speaker wire and tap it into my own wires from the speakers and amp.

Hey Steve,

Have been to the end of the earth with my stereo install, and had much of it stolen last year. In terms of the wiring harness to the front doors, I had the doors removed, and then drilled the door and the pillar at the appropriate spots to run my own cable. Used gromets that came from Volvo to finish the holes, and heat shrink tubing to keep the cable looking stock. The cable I chose was Kimber 8TC because of its braided configuration to hopefully cancel any induced noise from the car, and because it uses teflon jacketing which remained relatively flexible in extreme cold. You could use Kimber 4TC to save a bit of money, and you'd need smaller holes in your baby. All that said, while I personally believe that audiophile cabling makes a difference at home, (would hate to tell you what I've spent on wire), I'm not sure it makes a difference in a car.

Good luck with your install,

Perry

96 855 turbo, Major stereo upgrade, sound deadened, OEM Strut tower brace, IPD sways, OEM skid plate, Euro headlights and side markers, Amsoil air cleaner and all fluids

Many of the Volvo head units included internal amplifiers--easy to tell usually if there was an external amp.There isn't an external amp if:
1. There is no skinny black 6-pin din cable attached to the 6-pin socket on the back of the head unit (this would be the preamp out and would control the external amp if there were one--not to be confused with the CD controller cable if there was a separate CD changer in the trunk, glove compartment, etc), and
2. The 14-or-so pin connector to the wiring harness including the speakers is plugged directly into the back of the head unit, and not to an amp.
Have fun with thi installation!

http://volvospeed.com/volvo_performance.php