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i was wondering if there was a tutorial or walkthrough out there that shows the general public how to wire up subwoofers and an amp etc. to the stock audio system.
how to install subwoofers to stock audio system
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You have two basic choices...
1. Find a sub amp that has high-level inputs. Then just tap either the front or rear channel speaker outputs and run those wires as inputs to the amp.
2. If you prefer to use a sub amp with RCA inputs, you still have to tap either the front or rear channel speaker outputs, but connect them to a line output convertor (LOC). Then connect the LOC to your sub amp with RCA cables.
With any setup, you'll also have to run a fused 0/4/8 ga wire (size of wire depends on power requirements of amp) straight from the battery to the trunk, assuming that's where you're putting the amp.
You could alternately put the amp under one of the front seats instead of in the trunk. That way you'd only have to run power wire that far (but will then need much longer speaker wire from the amp to the subs in the trunk).
You'll also need to run a "remote turn-on" wire to the amp, which is just any signal that only turns on while the car's power is on. The cigarette lighter power source works for this in our car, since it doesn't get power without the key in the car.
To do a clean install, you'll need to (at minimum) take off the door sills and pull up the edges of the carpet to run the wiring in the channel under it. You'll also need to partly take out the rear seat (it's actually very easy, just pull up on the foam for the rear cushions and it pops right out, giving you enough room).
1. Find a sub amp that has high-level inputs. Then just tap either the front or rear channel speaker outputs and run those wires as inputs to the amp.
2. If you prefer to use a sub amp with RCA inputs, you still have to tap either the front or rear channel speaker outputs, but connect them to a line output convertor (LOC). Then connect the LOC to your sub amp with RCA cables.
With any setup, you'll also have to run a fused 0/4/8 ga wire (size of wire depends on power requirements of amp) straight from the battery to the trunk, assuming that's where you're putting the amp.
You could alternately put the amp under one of the front seats instead of in the trunk. That way you'd only have to run power wire that far (but will then need much longer speaker wire from the amp to the subs in the trunk).
You'll also need to run a "remote turn-on" wire to the amp, which is just any signal that only turns on while the car's power is on. The cigarette lighter power source works for this in our car, since it doesn't get power without the key in the car.
To do a clean install, you'll need to (at minimum) take off the door sills and pull up the edges of the carpet to run the wiring in the channel under it. You'll also need to partly take out the rear seat (it's actually very easy, just pull up on the foam for the rear cushions and it pops right out, giving you enough room).
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9 Posts
I use an Audio Control 3-way crossover that has 'balanced inputs' for the RCA. This allowed me to make my own RCA outputs on the back of the factory deck. I cut the speaker wires behind the deck and soldered RCA plugs for the front and rear and then just ran my RCA cables just like you would with an aftermarket deck that has RCA preouts. 
Note: this will not work unless you have an amp or crossover that has balanced inputs.
Note: this will not work unless you have an amp or crossover that has balanced inputs.
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21 Posts
I have a question for ya.... Can is there an inexpensive way to convert unbalanced rca outputs to balanced rca's?
[quote author=cali_axela link=topic=137071.msg2953998#msg2953998 date=1235335407]
You have two basic choices...
1. Find a sub amp that has high-level inputs. Then just tap either the front or rear channel speaker outputs and run those wires as inputs to the amp.
2. If you prefer to use a sub amp with RCA inputs, you still have to tap either the front or rear channel speaker outputs, but connect them to a line output convertor (LOC). Then connect the LOC to your sub amp with RCA cables.
With any setup, you'll also have to run a fused 0/4/8 ga wire (size of wire depends on power requirements of amp) straight from the battery to the trunk, assuming that's where you're putting the amp.
You could alternately put the amp under one of the front seats instead of in the trunk. That way you'd only have to run power wire that far (but will then need much longer speaker wire from the amp to the subs in the trunk).
You'll also need to run a "remote turn-on" wire to the amp, which is just any signal that only turns on while the car's power is on. The cigarette lighter power source works for this in our car, since it doesn't get power without the key in the car.
To do a clean install, you'll need to (at minimum) take off the door sills and pull up the edges of the carpet to run the wiring in the channel under it. You'll also need to partly take out the rear seat (it's actually very easy, just pull up on the foam for the rear cushions and it pops right out, giving you enough room).
[/quote]
Do you have to do the "big 3" (the engine ground, alternator to battery, battery to amp) deal or is just the battery to amplifier wiring fine? I just really want to get my system up and running
You have two basic choices...
1. Find a sub amp that has high-level inputs. Then just tap either the front or rear channel speaker outputs and run those wires as inputs to the amp.
2. If you prefer to use a sub amp with RCA inputs, you still have to tap either the front or rear channel speaker outputs, but connect them to a line output convertor (LOC). Then connect the LOC to your sub amp with RCA cables.
With any setup, you'll also have to run a fused 0/4/8 ga wire (size of wire depends on power requirements of amp) straight from the battery to the trunk, assuming that's where you're putting the amp.
You could alternately put the amp under one of the front seats instead of in the trunk. That way you'd only have to run power wire that far (but will then need much longer speaker wire from the amp to the subs in the trunk).
You'll also need to run a "remote turn-on" wire to the amp, which is just any signal that only turns on while the car's power is on. The cigarette lighter power source works for this in our car, since it doesn't get power without the key in the car.
To do a clean install, you'll need to (at minimum) take off the door sills and pull up the edges of the carpet to run the wiring in the channel under it. You'll also need to partly take out the rear seat (it's actually very easy, just pull up on the foam for the rear cushions and it pops right out, giving you enough room).
[/quote]
Do you have to do the "big 3" (the engine ground, alternator to battery, battery to amp) deal or is just the battery to amplifier wiring fine? I just really want to get my system up and running
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I didn't do the big 3, and my system runs great. 350w sub amp + 60x4 component amp = ~600w RMS.
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I was able to fit a 4-ga ring terminal onto the stock positive terminal securely, behind one of the stock wires, with no problem.
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10,739 Posts
[quote author=Zabusa link=topic=137071.msg2988505#msg2988505 date=1236809871]
did you guys use ring adapters at the end of the wires?
[/quote]
[quote author=cali_axela link=topic=137071.msg2988490#msg2988490 date=1236809595]
I was able to fit a 4-ga ring terminal onto the stock positive terminal securely, behind one of the stock wires, with no problem.
[/quote]
did you guys use ring adapters at the end of the wires?
[/quote]
[quote author=cali_axela link=topic=137071.msg2988490#msg2988490 date=1236809595]
I was able to fit a 4-ga ring terminal onto the stock positive terminal securely, behind one of the stock wires, with no problem.
[/quote]
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10,739 Posts
Use your intuition. If it looks like a ring terminal would fit well somewhere, it probably will.
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No prob I can take a pic of my setup tonight when i get home from work if you still would like one.
EDIT: it won't look exactly like yours though since i have a small lightweight racing battery.
I can take a pic of my setup tonight when i get home from work if you still would like one.EDIT: it won't look exactly like yours though since i have a small lightweight racing battery.
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