
How to add a sub/amp to the factory stereo
- Interface with the factory radio (3 ways)
- Connect the amplifiers power wire with the vehicles battery
- Connect the amplifiers remote power wire to a positive lead that is triggered when the vehicle is started or radio is turned on
- Connect the amplifiers ground wire
- Connect the amplifier to the sub woofer (s)
How do you hook up an amplifier to a factory radio?
Another popular way to connect an amplifier to a factory radio is to use something called a line output converter. It connects to the factory radio's speaker wires and converts the speaker-level signal to a preamp-level signal. This lets you use RCA cables to run that signal to your amplifier.
How do I connect my amp to my car stereo system?
The best way to connect it to a factory system is to tap into the stereo's speaker outputs for the amp's input signal. Then send the amp's outputs back to the stereo's harness, and on to the speakers through the factory wiring.
Can you plug an outboard power amp into a radio?
Because factory radios don’t have dedicated outputs for amplifiers “RCA” or “preamp outputs”, most outboard power amps come with high-level inputs, which enable you to tap into the factory speaker wires for signal flow.
How do I connect my Loc to my amplifier?
Locate the remote wire on the LOC (it is usually blue) and attach it to the remote wire you just connect to the amplifier. You may wish to splice the wires to join them together effectively (make sure this is done when there is no power running through the wires).

How do you hook up amps and subs to a factory radio?
How To Install A Subwoofer To A Factory StereoStep 01 : Gather all necessary equipment.Step 02 : Choose a speaker and an amp.Step 03 : Remove the battery from the vehicle.Step 04 : Disconnect the wires of the speaker.Step 05 : Identify the relevant connections.Step 06 : Run wires.Step 07 : Reinforce the connections.More items...•
Can you hook up an amp and subs to a stock stereo?
So now you know – it's definitely possible to install a subwoofer and amplifier to your factory system, and still have it sounding good. If you'd like to know more about how to get a killer system set-up in your car without swapping your stereo, give us a call at 510-527-9888.
How do I wire my amp to my stock speakers?
10:5015:38Wiring a 2 or 4 channel amp to your stock speaker harness ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou have the option of using a second set of rca's from the rear RCA output to the rear RCA inputMoreYou have the option of using a second set of rca's from the rear RCA output to the rear RCA input you can also just use a single set of RCA.
How do you wire a sub amp to a radio?
1:1514:22How to install an amp and sub in your car | Crutchfield video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe had an aftermarket stereo that stereo would have RCA preamp outputs already on it that we couldMoreWe had an aftermarket stereo that stereo would have RCA preamp outputs already on it that we could use you know connect RCA cables directly from there run them to the back.
Can you hook up an amp without RCA cables?
Don't worry as you can still install an amp without using RCA cables. You just have to make sure that the factory radio can accept speaker-level inputs or line-level connections. Aside from that, also check the root means square power or RMS power of the amp.
Do I need to bypass factory amp?
By bypassing the factory amplifier, the music sounds more detailed and clear than it did when he used the amplifier integration harness. Whenever there's one available, we recommend bypassing the factory amp to get better sound. If you're considering a new stereo for your vehicle, keep this option in mind.
How do I make my stock radio sound better?
Here are four different ways you can make your factory stereo sound better....4 Small Upgrades That Will Drastically Improve Your Factory Sound...Replace Your Factory Speakers. Most brand new cars come with the cheapest possible speakers. ... Add Satellite Radio. ... Add A Subwoofer. ... Install Sound-Deadening Mats.
How do you wire a RCA cable to a stock radio?
0:126:03How to add RCA Pre out adaptor to a factory car radio guide - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's part number pc2 so one and what that is is basically it's got speaker wires on one end withMoreAnd it's part number pc2 so one and what that is is basically it's got speaker wires on one end with an earth and RCA connectors on the other end that you can plug your RCA cables into.
How can I make my stock car speakers louder?
If you want louder and better sound, you'll need an external amplifier — one that easily integrates into an existing system. If the sound quality of your car audio system leaves you wanting more, adding an aftermarket amplifier is a sure way to get it.
Where do you connect the remote wire on a stock radio?
2:275:08How to: Wire an amp w/ Stock Radio - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd now they give you a remote out source the remote out wire will plug in to the remote wire inMoreAnd now they give you a remote out source the remote out wire will plug in to the remote wire in your amp. So whenever this line up converter gets a signal.
Do I need a capacitor for my amp?
A cap prevents the sound from deteriorating due to under-voltage, but doesn't actually improve the sound. It supports the amplifier by feeding it the power it needs for short bursts. So, while not improving sound quality directly, a cap does make it easier for the amp to perform its best.
How do I turn on my amp without remote wire?
1:302:51How Can I Turn On My Amp Without Remote Wire? | Car Audio Q & AYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFrom your ignition switch to your amp that will turn the amplifier on and off with the key. Or yourMoreFrom your ignition switch to your amp that will turn the amplifier on and off with the key. Or your radio might depending on the vehicle.
How to connect an amplifier to a factory radio?
Another popular way to connect an amplifier to a factory radio is to use something called a line output converter . It connects to the factory radio's speaker wires and converts the speaker-level signal to a preamp-level signal. This lets you use RCA cables to run that signal to your amplifier.
How does a factory radio work?
Behind the factory radio, you can access all of the speaker wires in one place. The radio's wiring harness delivers power to the radio and sends its output to the speakers. You'll need to identify which wire goes to which speaker. Positive leads are usually solid-colored wires, while their accompanying negative leads tend to be the same color with a stripe of a second color.
What type of wire is used for Crutchfield speaker wire?
We also carry a selection of highly conductive, pure copper speaker wire, available by the foot, if you prefer that.
What does it mean when an amp turns on?
Amplifiers that have speaker-level inputs also feature "signal-sensing turn-on." The amp turns on when an input signal is present. This means you don't use the ninth wire (the blue wire) of either cable for this installation.
What is line output converter?
A line output converter offers some advantages, like the ability to sum and control signals of a multi-channel factory system. So if you're upgrading a complex system, using a line output converter might be your best option.
What Is A High-Level Input On A Car Amp?
Because factory radios don’t have dedicated outputs for amplifiers “RCA” or “preamp outputs”, most outboard power amps come with high-level inputs, which enable you to tap into the factory speaker wires for signal flow.
How To Wire A High-Level Input On An Amp
The installation of an amplifier using high-level inputs isn’t much different from the procedure used when wiring one with preamp outputs. Before anything is even attempted, it is always advised that you disconnect the negative terminal from your battery to protect against a possible short circuit.
What Is A Line Output Converter?
This RCA adapter for stock radio that converts the high-voltage, speaker-level signal to a preamp-level signal that’s acceptable to a power amp. A “LOC” as they are known, consists of a transformer and a high-voltage resistor, and connects to your amp using a standard RCA patch cable.
What Does An LOC Do?
As we touched on in the above section, a LOC converts the high-voltage, speaker-level signal to a preamp signal that a power amp can use. This is especially helpful when installing a two channel or monoblock amplifier to an existing factory radio (or even some aftermarket systems).
How To Hook Up A Line Out Converter (LOC)
Here’s an in-depth step-by-step guide for installing a Line Output Converter…
