2000 chrysler concorde amplifier

Recently, the factory system on my 2000 Chrysler Concorde LXI (i believe it to be an infinity system, not completely sure) has only produced a crackling and buzzing sound. I purchased a new head unit and had Circuit City install it, where they told me that my factory amp is broken.

The choices they told me I have are:
-Buy a new, stock amp or get one from a junkyard
-Purchase $300 worth of new speakers/wiring to bypass the amp

I am in a little over my head, so bear with me. If my amp being broken is the problem, do i need a new head unit? Is there a way to bypass the amplifier using the factory speakers/head unit? Do i need to purchase both new speakers and a new head unit? I am looking for the cheapest method possible to get my system working once again. ANY help would be greatly appreciated.

If your system used an external amp, then no, the OEM head unit will not work without it, and yes, you either needed a new head unit (and the proper amplifier bypass harness, which generally costs around $20) OR you needed a new amplifier and perhaps an amplifier integration harness for the OEM head (which can cost up to $100 depending on the vehicle.)  I'd demand that Circuit City sell you the proper amplifier bypass harness and install it as they should have done in the first place.  If the factory speakers cannot handle the power from your new HU or if they simply sound like trash (which is what I suspect you will find) then you may need to replace those as well.

I would recommend NOT buying a new or junkyard stock amp.  You'll be better off with a new HU and eventually you will want to spend the $300 to replace your OEM speakers.  I also recommend that you visit a few non-Circuit City car audio shops in your area as you may find your $300 can go farther than you think.

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bballgd111 wrote:

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2000 Chrysler Concorde LXI (i believe it to be an infinity system, not completely sure)

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If it is in fact an LXi, then yes, it does have the upgraded infinity sound sytem. And in fact that is what the "i" in "LXi" stands for..

And actually, DYohn, my father bought a Concorde LXi in 2001, and I have to say, the Infinity set up that came in it was quite impressive. I doubt very much that it would stand up to the uh, "Hamfist Mobile" but as compared to other factory upgrades. i.e. the "Blows" upgrade you can get with GM vehicles, or the Rockford through Mitsubishi, I would say is outstanding.. Just my $.02....

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Let me just see if i understand correctly...

If I have my new HU installed and add an amplifier bypass harness (for around $20), I should get sound coming out of my factory speakers, even if it sounds like trash? I am puzzled because I was under the impression (from the CC rep) that I could not bypass the amplifier with the factory speakers.

Also, DYohn, if i do decide to get new speakers, do I still need a new HU and/or amp?

Which would be better.... new HU and bypass amp OR new speakers and stock HU?

theetimurban wrote:

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bballgd111 wrote:

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2000 Chrysler Concorde LXI (i believe it to be an infinity system, not completely sure)

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If it is in fact an LXi, then yes, it does have the upgraded infinity sound sytem. And in fact that is what the "i" in "LXi" stands for..

And actually, DYohn, my father bought a Concorde LXi in 2001, and I have to say, the Infinity set up that came in it was quite impressive. I doubt very much that it would stand up to the uh, "Hamfist Mobile" but as compared to other factory upgrades. i.e. the "Blows" upgrade you can get with GM vehicles, or the Rockford through Mitsubishi, I would say is outstanding.. Just my $.02....

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Do you know if the amplifier for the LXI infinity system is external or speaker-mounted?

Far as I can remember they were external, as were the crossovers for the front door speakers. But if I were you I'd call my neighborhood Chrysler or Dodge dealership to be sure..

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External, driver's side trunk. As with most Infinty Chrysler systems, the speakers are 2 ohms, BTW. Little bit of a load for the deck itself to drive if the amp is bypassed.



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Wherever I go, that is where I end up......

Well there you go.. My dad bought it in 2001, at the time i was 12 and he traded it in when I was 16 (right about the time I started learning about car audio) so obviously I didn't get to "tear into" anything.

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