How to Hook Up a Subwoofer System to a Car’s Stock Stereo
- Installing the 12v Power Wire. In your amplifier wiring kit, generally a red in color wire is the longest one, which is the 12v power wire.
- Removing the Stock Stereo. Remove the stock car radio from the dashboard of your car. ...
- Installing the Remote Wire. ...
- Plugging the RCA plugs. ...
- Connecting the Subwoofer to the Amplifier. ...
Full Answer
How do you wire an amp to a stock stereo?
If you have a stock stereo and you have the remote wire there you want to in twine the remote wire with the power wire before inserting in the power slot for amp. The remote wire tells the amp to turn on.
What is the cheapest way to connect a subwoofer to a stereo?
The next cheapest solution is to purchase a line output converter (2 channel for sub woofer amplifier), commonly referred to as a LOC, that will convert a high-level signal to a low-level, RCA signal that every amplifier has an input for. This is your least favorable solution to interface with the stereo, but certainly not a bad solution.
Where to tap into speaker wire for subwoofer?
Generally if tapping into factory wires for a subwoofer, it's best to tap into the rear speaker leads. This mainly comes into play if an aftermarket radio is installed and a high pass filter is set on the front speakers to eliminate some of the bass from the front of the vehicle and of course this would take those lower frequencies away from ...
What gauge speaker wire do I need for a subwoofer?
Most subwoofers will need at least a 12-gauge speaker wire to function without overheating the wire. However, if you have a powerful sub, or you plan to draw a lot of power from your amp, use 16-gauge wire to be sure that it can withstand the load.
Can you hook up an amp and subs to a stock stereo?
Adding a subwoofer to a factory stereo is an excellent method to boost your sound while retaining your factory controls. The nifty devices can produce bass and sub-bass sounds at low frequencies. Thankfully, it's pretty simple to wire one into an existing car stereo system.
How do I hook up subs to a factory stereo?
2:3616:02How to Install Subwoofer WITHOUT aftermarket Radio - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo as you guys can see on one side you do have uh your speaker wires. These ones we will have to tapMoreSo as you guys can see on one side you do have uh your speaker wires. These ones we will have to tap into the black speakers. Um and then from there we can actually plug a pair of rcas.
Can I add an AMP to my factory stereo?
Usually, you'll be installing a 4-channel amplifier with speaker-level inputs. 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 hook up an amp to a stock radio?
4:138:28How to install an amplifier to factory radio - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou definitely want to get those. And then start testing just to make sure that we can catch it fromMoreYou definitely want to get those. And then start testing just to make sure that we can catch it from here because if we pop those speakers from behind here and well if we try to tone from behind the
Can you connect a subwoofer to a standard car 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.
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 hook up an amp to a factory speaker?
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 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.
Can you install an amp without RCA jacks?
Determining the Compatibility of Amp A car audio system usually has an RCA plug but some stereo system units lack RCA jacks. 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.
Do you need a line output converter for subwoofer?
A: Yes, definitely. Amplifiers that offer speaker-level inputs don't require a separate line output converter to tap into existing speaker wires to get their signal. Many powered subwoofers offer this feature, too. The speaker-to-line level conversion is done inside the amplifier.
Where do you connect the remote wire on a stock radio?
2:435:08How 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.
Why won't my subwoofer sound the same?
The reason is that you’re not enhancing the voltage of the stereo, and therefore aren’t giving it the proper “juice”.
What is line out converter?
A line out converter is like a hi-low converter – but on steroids.
Can a puppy work with a factory amp?
This little puppy can even work if you have a premium factory system in your car – but still want to get more bass. It takes the hi-level signals of your factory amp and drops them down to the line level that your amplifier needs – all without compromising the fidelity of the factory system.
How many wires does Spencer use?
Spencer, he's using each positap to tap one wire each, one wire for each rear speaker signal polarity (rear right +, rear right -, rear left +, rear left -). That left/right signal feeds into the line output converter for use with the amplifier of your choice as he goes on to explain. You can find out more about line output converters in this article.
Why add a subwoofer to a car stereo?
Adding a subwoofer to your factory stereo is a great way to improve your sound without giving up your familiar factory controls. In this video, you can follow along as one of our experts installs an amplifier and subwoofer in a car with a factory stereo. You'll see all the basics of amplifier installation, including:
How many taps for factory speaker wire?
All right, so there's our four taps for the factory speaker wire. We'll get some aftermarket speaker wire, and we'll get those attached to the other sides here. The next thing I'm going to do is to connect our power wire we're going to use, about a foot or so, plus this blue power wire that came in the amplifier wiring kit. And last, some ground.
How much is Crutchfield tech support?
If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.
Can you drive a subwoofer without an amp?
If you intend to drive that subwoofer without an amplifier and it's not a powered sub, that won't work. Your radio or even factory amp isn't going to be able to do it. And underpowering will be detrimental to the sub and whatever is underpowering it.
Do you run RCA cables next to power wire?
These are the RCA cables that we're going to run from the line output converter to the amplifier, and of course, we don't want to run our RCA's right next to the power wire. That's a great way to get noise introduced into your system, which you do not want.
Can Crutchfield help you pick out an amp?
So there's a great enhancement. So if you need any help picking out an amp and a sub, or any combination thereof, check out Cru tchfield give us a call we can certainly help you get the right stuff. And of course, we can help you get it installed as well.
How to add subs to a car stereo?
How-To: Add a Sub/Amp to your Factory Stereo 1 Interface with the factory radio (3 ways) 2 Connect the amplifiers power wire with the vehicles battery 3 Connect the amplifiers remote power wire to a positive lead that is triggered when the vehicle is started or radio is turned on 4 Connect the amplifiers ground wire 5 Connect the amplifier to the sub woofer (s)
How to interface an amplifier to a factory stereo?
Solution 1. The cheapest solution to get an audio signal from the factory radio to an aftermarket amplifier is a using high-level signal. This is your second best solution to interfacing with the factory stereo.
How to connect amplifier to factory radio?
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) Step 1.
How many wires does a LOC need?
This is your least favorable solution to interface with the stereo, but certainly not a bad solution. The LOC will have four wires that you’ll need to interface with; Right rear speaker (+), Right rear speaker (-), Left rear speaker (+), Left rear speaker (-). This will provide a full-range signal for your LOC. Factory Amplifier Installed.
What is a LOC in audio?
The next cheapest solution is to purchase a line output converter (2 channel for sub woofer amplifier), commonly referred to as a LOC, that will convert a high-level signal to a low-level, RCA signal that every amplifier has an input for. This is your least favorable solution to interface with the stereo, but certainly not a bad solution.
Where is the power wire on a Jeep aftermarket amplifier?
The aftermarket amplifier will require a run of power wire from the vehicles battery, located under the hood, to the aftermarket amplifier. Some Jeeps have a spare/unused grommet in the fire wall that can be used as a pass through for your power wire.
How many wires does a full range speaker use?
You will likely use four wires from a full range speaker (s); Right rear speaker (+), Right rear speaker (-), Left rear speaker (+), Left rear speaker (-). This will provide a full-range signal for your amplifier. Factory Amplifier Installed.
What is a kicker hideway?
The Kicker Hideway is a self powered subwoofer. Meaning, it is a subwoofer in an enclosure with an amplifier already built in. This type of unit makes these types of installations a lot easier because of its wiring options, size and small footprint.
How to connect remote to amp?
Connect your remote wire to a 12v switched source that only powers when the car is running and run that down with your other wires to your amp and connect that to the remote wire input on your amp.
How to connect speaker wires to amplifier?
Run those wires to the amplifier and connect them into the input section of the amplifier. Now connect your second harness to the speaker wires that lead into the dash and run them to the output section of your new amplifier.
What are the different types of amplifiers?
But, there are a few styles of amplifiers that make it a lot easier to integrate with the factory system without the need to replace any existing things. Subwoofer Amplifiers – Amplifiers dedicated to powering subwoofers. 2 channel amplifiers – Amplifiers that power 2 speakers. 4 Channel amplifiers – Amplifiers that power up to 4 speakers.
What is Alpine Power Pack?
The Alpine Power Pack is another amplifier that has made factory integration way easier! it has a internal Hi/Lo and comes with an input and output harness that will usually allow you to install it without any additional parts even. Its considered a mini amplifier because of its small footprint and can generally be installed into hidden locations around your car.
What is a 2 channel amplifier?
2 channel amplifiers – Amplifiers that power 2 speakers. 4 Channel amplifiers – Amplifiers that power up to 4 speakers. 5 channel amplifiers – Amplifiers that power up to 5 speakers including 1 subwoofer. While almost every amplifier is capable of being installed into a factory audio system when paired with the right accessories, ...
Do you need RCA wires for a subwoofer?
This channel usually takes the sum of your rear/front or both amplifier inputs to create a proper subwoofer output channel. You won’t need anymore RCA input wires, just a bit of subwoofer speaker wire.
