i know ALL alpines have to have a bypass switch, i think the n1 and n2 need one if im not mistaking... but someone correct me if im wrong. i know that this 6500 doesnt need one... i dont think, i never saw one on my buddies. but thats all i can think of. but as for b@d@pple... he seems like a great guy and i saw some of the work that hes done on here and it all looks great. hope everything goes well