For us humans, that just means you'll get phenomenal sound ALL while keeping your factory stereo and controls. ... So now you know – it's definitely possible to install a subwoofer and amplifier to your factory system , and still have it sounding good.
How do you hook up a powered subwoofer to a factory radio?
- Step 01 : Unplug the battery. ...
- Step 02 : Join the power wires together. ...
- Step 03 : Connect the power and signal cords. ...
- Step 04 : Attach the ground wire. ...
- Step 05 : Make wiring connections.
Can I put a subwoofer in my car without an amp?
Subwoofers are designed to increase the bass frequencies, resulting in a deep, thumping sound. In most cases, they are paired with an amplifier to boost the sound. If you do not have the funds for both components, you can still hook up a subwoofer without an amplifier ; it simply involves a little more know-how.
Can subwoofer work without amp?
In nearly all cases, the answer is yes . Unless you have a system in your car or boat that is already powering a subwoofer, you'll need to find an amplifier that will power your sub. Your head unit will typically provide a low-power signal (RCA output) that can be used for an amplifier to power your subwoofer.
Can you bypass a factory amp?
Bypassing the factory amp takes a little more work because you have to run the bypass harness to the factory amp, which is often located in some other part of the car. It's usually worth the extra effort because you'll get better sound from your new stereo, even if you're keeping those factory speakers.
Can I just add a subwoofer to my car?
And it's actually quite easy, thanks to simple subwoofer upgrades from the aftermarket that can be added to almost any existing car stereo system. Adding a subwoofer to your audio system generally means also having to purchase and install an amplifier to power it.
Can I connect a subwoofer to a stereo?
If you are using your subwoofer with a stereo receiver that lacks a subwoofer output (and many of them do), you can connect the subwoofer using an extra set of speaker cables , as shown above—provided the subwoofer has speaker-level (speaker wire) connections, as the picks in our Best Budget Subwoofer guide do.
Can you use a subwoofer without a box?
Subwoofers should not be used without a box as they require an enclosure to balance the front and back frequencies that are emitted. Using a subwoofer without a ported or sealed box can result in negligible sound.
How do you hook up amp to stock speakers?
Connect speaker outputs to your amp's speaker level inputs. Connect a line-level adapter to the radio then use RCA cables to the amp . Connect your radio to the amp using RCA cables directly.
What is the difference between a passive and active subwoofer?
The difference between passive and active subwoofers is that passive subwoofer depends on an external amplifier , while an active subwoofer contains a built-in amplifier. ... The passive subwoofer is usually smaller and less bulky than the active subwoofer, although it produces a less intense sound.
Can you add a subwoofer to a factory amp?
In techie terms: ...it takes amplified speaker level signals and converts them into high quality preamp signals that can be fed into an amplifier. ... So now you know – it's definitely possible to install a subwoofer and amplifier to your factory system, and still have it sounding good.
How can I make my factory car stereo sound better?
- Replace Your Factory Speakers. Most brand new cars come with the cheapest possible speakers. ...
- Add Satellite Radio. ...
- Add A Subwoofer. ...
- Install Sound-Deadening Mats.
Can a subwoofer be used as a speaker?
Subwoofers are designed for low-frequency audio signal emissions including their structural design, included components, and available input or output ports. Subs cannot be used as speakers because they do not have the capacity to stream high- frequency audio signals required by other speakers.
Where is factory amp located?
FACTORY AMP LOCATIONS: The Amplifier is located under the rear seat on the passenger side . FACTORY AMP LOCATIONS: The Amplifier is located under the rear seat on the passenger side.
What you need for subwoofers in a car?
Subwoofers require a lot of power, so they have to be wired to both a power source , like a car's battery, and an amplifier. After connecting them to the stereo speakers, run a separate wire to a ground source, such as an exposed metal bolt, for safety.
Should I add a subwoofer to my stereo?
Adding a sub to larger speakers also makes sense — in fact, all but the most humongous speakers benefit from adding a sub. Here's the best part: Adding a sub isn't just about more bass. With a great sub the system's dynamics rock harder, and soundstage depth and spaciousness improve .
How do you hook up a subwoofer without a sub?
The best way to hook up a subwoofer to an amplifier with no dedicated subwoofer out is to use a “Y” splitter cable .
What happens if you put a subwoofer in a small box?
Remember, there is such a thing as too big. As the size of the enclosure increases, the mechanical limits of the woofer will be easier to reach. If the box is too small (by a reasonable amount) add power . ... If the port becomes too small, it may result in port noise, or allow the woofer to simply unload.
What wires do I need for a subwoofer?
Jaeden, For wiring subwoofers, we recommend using wires of 12- to 16-gauge in size . There will be no audible difference between them – just less power loss with larger wire.
What makes a sub free air?
What is a Free Air Subwoofer? Let's get this out there right away, as simple as possible: a free air subwoofer is a specially designed speaker that does not require installation in an enclosure . Typical mounting is through your car's rear package shelf or on a mounted panel in the trunk.
What hits harder 2ohm or 4ohm?
A subwoofer with a lower electrical resistance produces a louder sound than one with a high electrical resistance, which means that 2ohm subwoofers are louder than 4ohm ones .
How do I make my stock radio louder?
The only way you are going to get the stock radio louder is to install a 4ch amp . Even tehn you cant stop there. You will need to change out the speakers to handle the power of the amp. Get a 4ch LOC to use the amp on the radio.
Can you connect a subwoofer with speaker wire?
Although subwoofers are intended to be used with their own specifically designed wires, they are also able to operate using speaker wire .
How do I connect my subwoofer to my amp?
Connect Using Stereo RCA or Speaker Level Outputs
If the subwoofer's LINE IN uses RCA cables and the subwoofer out on the receiver/amplifier also uses RCA, plug it in using an RCA cable. If the cable is split on one end (a y-cable for both right and left channels), plug it in the R and L ports on the subwoofer.
How do you hook up subs to rear speakers?
Some (many) powered subs have high level inputs, so you can just tap into the rear speaker wires. If your car has a factory sub, use its speaker wire instead. If it doesn't have high level inputs, you can use a basic line out converter that ties into the speaker wires and turns them into a rca output.
Is a capacitor needed for subs?
Capacitors store electricity as instant power available for your amplifier. If the amplifier draws more current than is available from the electrical system directly, the capacitor covers the difference up to its stored capacity. The battery is not overloaded and the car voltage remains steady.
Can you run 2 amps off 1 cable?
The best way to wire multiple amps to a single power cable is to use a power distribution block . That allows you to use a single cable for most of the run, including the crucial portion that passes through the firewall and then to use shorter individual cables to actually connect to each amplifier.
