Help With After Market Head Unit

[loftygoals]

I've got a 99 M3 with the HK system. I'm trying to replace the factory head unit. I've got the new JVC Arsenal KD-AR960. It fits great and the screen features RGB color adjustments, so you can really match the BMW red/orange illumination. I'm also installing a self-powered sub, but haven't decided on the model, yet.

I'm currently having two problems.

1. The wiring harness adapter I received includes RCA plugs to plug into the front/rear L-R RCA outs on the new HU. I guess in theory this is should send the audio to the factory amp. This seems to work, but I can't get much volume out of the system. When it's turned up, I start getting a popping sound. It isn’t the typical “over driven” speaker distortion. I think it’s because my signal coming into the factory amp is too hot. So, what’s the best way to drive my factory amp?

2. How in the world do you remove the factory sub woofer?

Thanks,
-bj

[sp0rky]

The factory amp generally a high level signal. not line level.