Hey Guys,

Looking at replacing the factory head unit/DSP/CD changer in my EF Ghia with an aftermarket Pioneer MP3 head-unit(cheaper than replacing the CD changer these days).

I remember reading somewhere a while back that the DSP, CD changer, and amp use a digital encoded signal between the 3 components, and components won't work individually with anything other than the factory components; though details on my recollection of this are hazy ... does this render the amp useless with an after-market head-unit? Does anyone have any experience on what this means for wiring in the rear splits and sub with/without the factory amp and the new head-unit?

Thanks for any help provided!

Have a look at the amp in the boot. On the side facing the front of the car, you should have three rca plugs. These go into a cable that has a din (i think) plug at the head unit end. When i replaced my head unit, all i did was run RCA leads and a trigger wire from the new head unit to the plugs on the amp. All good! Rear speakers and sub all worked fine, just like the factory head unit. I just left the old cable where it was.