From my understanding, the head unit connects to the amp via spdif. The amp is next to the subwoofer.
The amp then powers all the speakers from there.
If you are replacing the headunit, then you will most likely need to replace the amp as well.

 

Whoops - let me clarify. Not replacing the head unit. I'm adding an amp and subwoofer (the one that comes is not enough for my tastes - not looking to ghetto blast, just better balance in sound). To do this I just need to splice into the speaker wires, which are located out of the amp in the back. I actually know where the amp is, just not how to get to it most efficiently.

 

To get to the amp efficiently, you will have to remove the interior panel from the passenger side cargo area, it is very simple (a few fasteners and several panel clips) just be sure to remove the passenger rear seat belt and fold down the seat.
you will be able to move the panel far enough out of the way to work on your amp.

 

I have also added an amp & a new subwoofer besides the ones car have. It was a little tricky because the signal to the new amp needed to be ,,taken" from the contact, not from car's amp.

I am sorry for my spelling....i am trying to talk as good as i can but i'm shure i get the point.

On thing thou....i feel sorry now that i didn't remove the plug on car's subwoofer because, now, after adding my 400 watts RMS sub, tha car's sub doesen't feel working at all and if i push the speakers to the max ( currently at 19-23 position of volume) i am affraid something will happen to the car's sub....because i can't feel it...how strong does it hold.

That being said....wish u all the luck.

PS: the job was really easy to be done, just remove plastic from trunck and on passanger side wall in trunck .

 

View attachment Audio amp.bmp

This might help...

 

Is it possible to buy a new amp with better performance - that actually fits in the current location and have spdif input?
(that might increase the sound quality a bit and maybe enought to a subwoofer upgrade aswell)

 

wires and power

hello. Is it worth trying to replace this on my own or take it to a car audio place?
thank you

Kind Regards

Rod

 

hello. Is it worth trying to replace this on my own or take it to a car audio place?
thank you

Kind Regards

Rod

It all depends on how confident you are in your abilities. This other thread has some great information:

http://www.kia-forums.com/3g-2011-sportage/77674-new-amp-uvo-sat-stereo.html

 

I also created a tutorial thread on how to install new speakers and an amplifier, can be found here:

http://www.kia-forums.com/3g-2011-sportage/78096-full-stereo-less-head-unit-installation.html