There is an explanation on module location and how to, in some earlier threads. Probably you need signals from front or rear speakers for amp high level inputs, since there is no chinches outputs in the unit. I plan to do the same, I have base level audio but worried on possible audio check lights on the table because of that and replacing FIAT speakers with better ones in the door panels. Someone with experience?

 

main thing to prevent errors is to make sure the standard infotainment unit "sees" approx the same speaker impedance as standard....

re access, see f.i.
https://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-giulia/1049185-software-andamp-map-update-thread-18.html

example connections:
telematics.pdf

 

Impedance and resistance is two different measurements, any meter can measure DC resistance, impedance is a AC measurement. Speaker impedance changes based on the frequency of the signal fed into it.

 

Thats what we need to know, 2 or 4 ohms.

 

All topics regarding base stereo ending the same. Member ask something, other jump in with tech advise and thats it. No further discussion on results, problems or diy " how to hook aftermarket amp", what are challanges. So far I have seen a lot of topics but no clear solutions and tips.

 

I just figured out how to install an amplifier just doing a bypass of the original cables. My biggest problem is that I really don't know how to match the impendance. I would post some pics if I found them hehe

 

I believe that only way is to hook up into the speakers outputs at the back of infotainment module. I have done it on my previous models 159 and Giulietta, since AR units never uses chinch type pre-outs in the factory units. Yesterday I made first steps on my 2017 base level audio Giulia, I set amplifier ground and positive cables in the trunk, dismantled cover under infotainment module. Position of the battery and carpets are perfect for hiding all cables, since my car is under the warranty, no needs for cutting, drilling or any similar acts in the trunk, (except cutting poly foam that goes to the plastic bed underneath). My small Alpine amp will "pump" small 8'' inch subwoofer in the plastic bed underneath the trunk carpet. Subwoofer box is customized and made of polyester resin. If any of you are interested in pictures, I can do it as I did it earlier in case of Giulietta for Croatian Alfisti fan club. Just short explanation for the people that try to access radio module, unscrew 2 star screws on the left and right side, dismantle right side piece of plastic and pull the cover towards back side of the vehicle, use your fingers to detach inline buckles first. From the back of that unit I will "steal" signals for amp that works with "high level" inputs.
It would be great that Giulia owners, already passed that step, reveal any risk of that move, fault lights, etc, or to ask their audio shops if they gave them this job to do.

 

Good outcomes. On the base level audio 4 ohms speaker test of the output signals caused no faults. Signals taken from the front speakers outputs just after infotainment module, run bridged amplifier as a high level inputs. Custom sub in the trunk works good, finally some decent bass sound. Next step is to open mask that closing factory subwoofer hole, after that changing of all speakers in the doors. So far so good, remarkable difference in sound quality, no fault signal on the dash. Cheap investment :smile2:.

 

Amazing!
Thank you so much for sharing the info.

 

No problem to share as an info, since our US friends usually use audio shops for that purpose, and normally there is no DIY experiences.
GL

 

Question.
What kind of connectors did you used to bypass the infotainment system? Link to the parts?
I was thinking about using faston but I'm not sure...

Where and how did you installed new cables?

 

Question.
What kind of connectors did you used to bypass the infotainment system? Link to the parts?
I was thinking about using faston but I'm not sure...

Where and how did you installed new cables?

I set the lines to the amp in the trunk, 2x2 lines, the smallest speaker wires, on the left side of the car all the way under the plastics and mats, no any dismantle of plastics since I have bad experience with previous plastics on Alfas :smile2:. If you have to dismantle plastic parts for some reasons, just make sure that air and plastic temperature is normal, If it is cold, you will break at least something.

 

I’m not sure what @Borna529 is referring to, but I have had radios out of these cars and it’s located under the dash on the left side, tough to get to and the connectors are stubborn to remove.

 

I’m not sure what @Borna529 is referring to, but I have had radios out of these cars and it’s located under the dash on the left side, tough to get to and the connectors are stubborn to remove.

Since the car is under the warranty, I took them from the back side of infotainment connectors. Except styrofoam cut at the trunk for the woofer, no "invasive" actions on the wires and no connectors removal. If you insist on removal, audio outputs connector has kind of unlock knob, as I recall. I did it that way because at that time I was not sure on electronic behavior and possible fault light on the dashboard. When done these connections, I tested contacts with old Giulietta 4 ohms 3 holes speaker (that is, I am pretty sure, the same as in Giulia Base audio level), with no faults and than I safely connected signal lines to amplifier.

 

Short update, just pulled out tweeter mask on dashboard to ensure right type of the new front tweeters, in (again) Base level audio there are 4 ohms 15W fiat tweeters 25 mm. Probably will go with JBL Stage 600CE component speakers.

 

Tweeters on the dashboard are 25mm in the double shell, if inner shell goes out it has space for other optional tweeters with wider dimensions. I had to "adjust" JBL tweeters to set it into the holes. Next step will be door cards removal and replacement of the original fiat paper cones speakers. At the rear doors, since both speakers are at the same panel, I will probably go with JBL with crossovers. Than this small project will be over and all related to the Base level audio DIY upgrade revealed.

 

Can you describe how to access the tweeters?

 

Nice job @Borna529 !
More questions from my side...
I was planning to install a 4 channel amplifier, using 1 channel for Left side (Front and Rear), 1 channel for Right side (Front and Rear) and 2 channels for a subwoofer.
My doubt there is what will happen to the impedance for Left/Right channels. Would it drop to 2 Ohm because I'm connecting speakers in pararell ? So, would this show up a CEL ?

 

Nice job @Borna529 !
More questions from my side...
I was planning to install a 4 channel amplifier, using 1 channel for Left side (Front and Rear), 1 channel for Right side (Front and Rear) and 2 channels for a subwoofer.
My doubt there is what will happen to the impedance for Left/Right channels. Would it drop to 2 Ohm because I'm connecting speakers in pararell ? So, would this show up a CEL ?

I am pretty sure that some other members could be more specific on impendence. If you ask me, I would use 2 channels in the "bridge mode" for the woofer and 2 channels for front (preferable) or rear speakers. Be aware that, If you go to amplify doors speakers with amplifier in the trunk, it means that signal lines have to go from the front entertainment unit to trunk and powered signals have to travel back to the front. If connecting both left and both right speakers, at least "fader" on your unit wont work properly, and parking sensors could sound strange. My advice is, don't go there, think on better quality speakers in the doors, even with crossovers at the back. Look for the quality not quantity of sound. With subwoofer and just 2 front tweeter I can tell it is hearable difference, when change other Fiat's paper cones in the doors...I mean, we should be happy with standard 4 ohms not causing trouble as HK does, playing with impedance...I am not sure that this idea would be good solution for your sound.