Not being a car audio gearhead, I need this simple question answered:

From what I've read in a few places on the net, my '99 Miata Bose head unit requires a 12V line level input in order for the Bose preamp to switch over to the line in. It appears that the the Empeg puts out a line level output of 4V (according to riocar.org), correct? If that's the case, then I need just enough amplification to get the signal up to 12V to make the Bose head unit's preamp happy?

Just double checking my facts.

Also, I'd just like to add that this forum, and the miataforum.com forums, rule. Terrific communities. All of you have been an incredible help.

Okay i know nothing about your car and its set up.

But what i would say is no head unit i know of gives out 12V on its low level outputs only the speaker drives would do that.

But consider this each stage of amplication will add more noise to it so amping up to 12V from the empeg will add more noise before adding it to your excisting amp.

I have no idea to the output of a normal amp but it might be cheaper and easier to just put in an normal amp to replace the bose amp.

Another factor is some folk have an Bose setup in audi TTs and they plug straight into the amp with no preamplification so it might work without an amp.

Another thing to mention is the empeg confuses folk due to it being an MP3 player if you say it is a high end head nit without speaker drives/internal amp you may get different answers.

It's possible that "12v" is in reference to "Car DC components", not the ouput power of the line-level connections. Confusing one kind of volt for another.

Then again, many in-car components do have boosted output stages so it's possible that really is what they mean. Dunno.

Something to investigate would be whether it is something separate like an amp remote line, that tells the head unit to take input from the line in.

Richard.

I'm thinking that Tony hit the nail on the head. I'm willing to bet you read something like "the Bose amplifier requires a 12v input to turn on", which would imply a standard remote input.

Actually, it turns out that the Empeg puts out a line level output at 1V and that's all the Bose head unit required. These monkeys just didn't do their research. Some kind fellas on miataforum.net provided the missing information regarding the spec of the Bose head unit that made it all much clearer. The Empeg is now installed properly and, if it is at all possible, sounding even better than the Bose CD player!

Cool, glad you got it working.

That is what i thought intially that it should plug straight in just the 12v line level input confused me.