Wrong!! not expensive and complexity is relative.  i have done this
setup for a couple of people.  you can wire the normal speaker outs to
smaller speakers and put them on a switch.  you can  also have the rca
low level out going to a power amp and the heavier speakers wired to
it..  put a switch on the blue (power antenna lead) wire to turn power
amp on or off.  recommend staying with a 20 to 30 watt head unit for
this type of setup when your goal is to have a low current camper.

my own setup with my power amp with no head unit is wired with a switch
in the blue lead coming from a 12v source voltage.  when i want driving
tunes i turn the switch on and plug in my portable player.  when
camping the switch is off and i use my headset on the portable player.
jimt
On Saturday, Nov 9, 2002, at 09:14 America/Denver, Larry Chase wrote:

> Volks,
>
> I'm in Audio / Video Phase now.
>
> Recently met with the Auto Stereo shop owner that will be doing this
> work.
>
> One of the goals I had in mind was to have a small external power amp.
>
> The idea was to use the external amp while driving and to turn it off
> and just use the head unit's internal amp when camping.
>
> The reason being to minimize power consumption when camping.
>
> However the Stereo Guy .... tells me this really isn't feasible.
>
> That it would be super expensive and complex to design a system with
> this capability.
>
> Any other thoughts?
>
> Hitting the Trail Soon,
>
> Larry Chase
>
> Email: lchase@attglobal.net
> Web: www.roadhaus.com - Under Construction
> What: The Great North American Road Trip
> When:  01.02.03
> How: RoadHaus - 1990 2.2 L  VW Westfalia Syncro
> Today: Mesa, AZ - 12V Stuff
> From: Mesa,  AZ
>