Installing a used amp in my 13 Street Glide. Just for my knowledge, if the amp is off, not powered up and the speaker wiring is all connected in and out through the amp, should you still be able to hear the music just using the head unit or does the amp need to be powered up to make internal connection?

 

the ARC amps have a remote input wire. if using a stock headunit, you run your main battery wire and ground back to the battery. On your headlamp harness about 6" back from the end is an orange/white wire taped up there with a rubber cap on it. That is accessory. Use this wire to tie to the remote input on the amp. When this wire is not powered, your amp turns off.

 

Got it all hooked up and powered up. Everything works. My question was more in terms if the amp is not powered up, will the speakers still work if just using the head unit. In other words, amp goes bad, can I still hear the music from the head unit.

 

negative. if the amp goes bad disconnect it and apply your speaker wires back to the headunit.

 

Once it runs through your amp, the amp has to be on for music to be heard

 

OK. Thanks