sub install.

[95MkViii]

well, after i sat in my friends car i really want to add in a sub or two :shifty:. now, i used the search function and was reading a some of you guys just ran the subs off the rear speakers (spliced the wires and added them in) but my question is, if i did that would i have to run a amp to the subs? i am new to car audio.. i im trying to figure out what all i need. and what are some of the best subs for the price?

 

[Lownslowlsc]

You always need to run a amp w/ subs. Tapping into the wires just delivers the input signal.

 

[87TTOPGT420]

If you tap into rear speakers for the single you will need a amp with high level input or line levelers

But by the sounds of it...you nothing about car stereos and should have a professional set you up

 

[chris2523]

But by the sounds of it...you nothing about car stereos and should have a professional set you up

blah blah blah. how else does anyone learn? i was told that about gear installs as well. did my own 4.10s and track lok. zero noise, zero vibration, and still 27 mpg highway!

start research.
if you want to keep the stock head unit, get your signal from the rear speakers.
you will then need a line out converter. (loc). cheap LOCs screw up the sound, don't cheap out. (or you can use an amp with speaker level inputs)
and either the LOC or the amp really needs a Low Pass setting.

so now you have signal. you need power.
pick your amp to match your budget and sound requirements. i like rockford fosgate fwiw.
then to power the amp, you need to run 4 gauge wire from the battery to the trunk, i used 18 feet of wire.
then find some subs with similar power requirements to the amp.
put the subs into a box that will fit into your trunk.
last, the turn on wire. that you can get from the power for the power antenna, since it comes up when the radio turns on.

 

[87TTOPGT420]

Doesn't even know if there is requirement for a amp Nuff said installing is easy, but rounding up the right equipment that matches your goals is the important stuff

 

[chris2523]

Doesn't even know if there is requirement for a amp Nuff said

i agree, but you gotta start somewhere.

 

[MediumD]

Doesn't even know if there is requirement for a amp Nuff said installing is easy, but rounding up the right equipment that matches your goals is the important stuff

Whether the topic is car audio or oil filter adapter gaskets or air ride, you don't come to LVC to be told "take it to a shop," you come here to ask questions, read discussions, and learn.

 

[87TTOPGT420]

I never said take it to a shop not once, I said take it to someone who knows or can set him up with the proper equipment

 

[95MkViii]

hey bro... maybe you dont know but im 17...... im not one of these retards that just want to install a sub, i want it done right and i want to learn how to. now that being said i did my research on the forums. but there is nothing on here about how to pick amps and subs.

im not one of these dumb 17 year old that just wants to add in a sub the cheapest way possible and have it blow up my radio. i can install head units and speakers (yea most people can do that) but before i have had no need/want for a sub. and like mediumD said, its a learning site. im not going to take it to best buy where they do things the way they want, and wire it weird or what ever they decide to do and when it breaks..... where dose that leave me? going back to best f@cking buy..... im willing to learn how to do it, and the right way of going things.


chris: like always thanks for the good info. :headbang:

 

[Lownslowlsc]

I used a Pac "trunkloc" as my line out convertor. Wire that to the back of the h/u or before the harness on the jbl amp. If you get a amp with line levels you wont need a loc. Whats ur budget for amp/sub?

Didn't you buy a 3200bt?

 

[95MkViii]

I What ur budget for amp/sub?

Didn't you buy a 3200bt?

1) $200-300
2) yep, but i put it in my 04 excursion. (drive that more)

 

[BlackLS06]

$300 is a hard budget to work with.

Usually decent amps are $250 alone and you will also need at least an 8 gauge wiring kit, preferably a 4 gauge.

You also need to decide if you want sealed or ported. For the price range ported will give you more bass but not as clean sounding.

 

[Lownslowlsc]

Not the cleanest amps but they have a rep as a good budget amp that puts out close to rated.

http://cgi.ebay.com/2011-Audiopipe-...8811844?pt=Car_Amplifiers&hash=item3cba9bd244

Or if the price remains low snag this.

http://cgi.ebay.com/AUDIOPIPE-AP150...0141090?pt=Car_Amplifiers&hash=item415c396b22

 

[BlackLS06]

Good match for that amp:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_27312_RE-Audio-SEX12D4.html

or the sub im running right now:
http://www.audioque.com/Street-Duty-SDC25-10-D4-Subwoofer_p_10.html

 

[Lownslowlsc]

Gotta love RE but he'd prob be better off with a pair of decent used 12's. 95mk, Look for 2 12's around 5-750rms each that have dual 4ohm coils. I'm partial to 12's, always have been but pick what size you'd prefer.

Browse cl for some good deals.

 

[chris2523]

watch craigslist and ebay.
you may not end up with high end equipment, but it will sure cut down the price! and you can always upgrade later when time and funding allow.

 

[marco]

watch craigslist and ebay.

Good suggestion! Also watch the local yard/garage sales, I picked up 2 12 inch JL audio subs in a bandpass box for the huge price of $12.50! Nothing wrong with them, all I need is an amp and wiring.

And I was 13 when I wired my first car stereo for my older brother who kept blowing fuses.

 

[BlackLS06]

When it comes to systems i dont like to recommend used because you really dont know how hard the sub was pushed and if it was driven correctly.

 

[NYCoffee]

Scrap the factory and start fresh. Installation is easy. Read and follow instructions. Do research. At best buy they have whole kits. Subs, amp and wiring kit. Fins a good head unit and an install kit. Its alot of trial and error. But thats how you learn.