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 you hook up a subwoofer and amp to a stock radio?
Do I need a new stereo for subs?
You won't get the exact same sound quality from your subwoofers as you would if you had an aftermarket stereo (like Alpine or Kenwood) in your car
. The reason is that you're not enhancing the voltage of the stereo, and therefore aren't giving it the proper “juice”.
How do you hook up a converter to a factory radio?
Can you add an AMP to a stock 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 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 you run a sub without an 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.
Do subs make your music louder?
Reduction in Distortion
And when you play music at high volumes, the woofers in your speakers may not be able to keep up with the tweeters and mid drivers. But
quality subwoofers allow you to play your music loud without distortion
, even if your music is demanding and filled with bass.
Is subwoofer only for bass?
Subwoofers are a type of speaker that boost the lowest frequencies in whatever audio you're listening to.
These low frequencies usually include bass guitars
, pipe organs, deep voices, kick drums, and movie sound effects. Subwoofers are incredibly popular for home theater and car stereo systems, and are easy to set up.
How do you hook up an amp to a factory speaker?
How can I run my amp without RCA?
Method #1:
RCA Adapter
If it can, you can use the cables and connect it to adapters. In this method, the rear speakers will be used to connect to the RCA output. Then, connect the adapter to the rear speaker wires while hook the other end of the cable to the RCA outputs.
Do I need to bypass 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 aftermarket amp replace factory amp?
How do I replace the factory amplifier?
After removing the factory amp, you can use its input wires, which carry the analog output signals from the factory radio, for your aftermarket amplifier's inputs
. Then, you can connect the factory amp's output wires to your new amp's outputs.
Can you run 4 speakers off a 2 channel amp?
As many speakers as your amplifier can handle can be wired together
. There are two ways to wire four speakers to a two channel amplifier: in series or in parallel. Which one to choose depends on both the speakers and the amplifier, specifically their impedance levels and limits.
How do I hook up a subwoofer to my car stereo?
Is adding a subwoofer worth it?
Sure, a subwoofer is a bass-thumping juggernaut, but that's only scratching the surface.
A great subwoofer helps take away the heavy lifting from your loudspeakers, improving your overall system
. The dynamics are more compelling, the soundstage widens, and the stereo imaging becomes more accurate.
How much does a sub installation cost?
For subwoofer installation, parts typically cost
$20–$300
, but will vary. Any additional charges will be assessed after the installation is complete. If you'd like more detailed information regarding installation on your specific vehicle, I would call your local store and speak with a Geek Squad Autotech.
What do I need to put subs in my car?
- A 20 ft (6.1 m) power wire.
- A ground wire at least 3 ft (0.91 m) long.
- A 15 ft (4.6 m) RCA wire with both red and white connectors.
- A 15 ft (4.6 m) blue remote wire.
- Speaker wire, which can also be bought separately.
- A 50-amp in-line fuse and fuse holder.
Can you connect a subwoofer to a standard car 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
.
Can a head unit power a subwoofer?
If you are considering adding a subwoofer to your head unit,
the head unit can power it
. You can choose a location for the subwoofer where it produces the best sound. The subwoofer will help to bring out the deep sounds in your music. Although it will improve your sound, it won't do it as well as it would with an amp.
Do bass tubes need amps?
The answer to this question is quite simple – yes! Although a subwoofer produces sound when connected to an amplifier, if the speaker does not have a power amp, it can produce no sound at all. Therefore,
a subwoofer needs an amplifier to work properly
.
Can subwoofers damage your car?
Subwoofers can potentially damage the car and loosen some of its parts, but they will not cause any structural or mechanical damage
. There are no negative consequences of having a subwoofer in your car other than draining the battery every once in awhile and possibly loosening some of the parts.
How long do you have to break in subs?
We suggest
20-24 hours
for a solid break in time. You can set it with a good clean signal overnight. Once this is done you are ready to install and be on your way.
How long do subs take to break in?
Some have claimed they can break in a subwoofer in
two days, while others say it takes closer to two weeks
. You should hear a noticeable improvement in the performance of the bass when the subwoofer is, in fact, broken in. Ultimately, consult with your subwoofer installation expert to see what they suggest.
Do subs play vocals?
Member. The vocals that are coming out of the subs sounds like mid-range, fairly crisp and very clear.
It is all vocals, doesnt matter if it is female or male.
Can I use a bass amp as a subwoofer?
It is possible to use a bass amp as a subwoofer
, however, bass amps aren't designed to project the same depth of low frequencies as a subwoofer. Bass amplifiers mainly highlight the mid-range frequencies of a bass guitar, while subwoofers tend to focus heavily on the sub-bass frequencies.
Can I use subwoofers as speakers?
A subwoofer is designed to only produce the deep bass that is present in most music genres for a more balanced sound (more on the different types of subwoofers in our tutorial). One key difference to keep in mind is that speakers can be used without subwoofers but
you can't use subs without speakers
.
How can I improve my car audio stock?
- 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 I run 4 speakers and a sub on a 4 channel amp?
Do tweeters need an amp?
Do you need an amp for tweeters?
If you just want better treble (“highs”) but not more clarity, volume, or power, a tweeter won't require an amplifier
. You may even wire them to a regular car stereo if you don't mind less volume and power.
How do you hook up a RCA to a stock radio?
Can you connect a subwoofer with speaker wire?
How do I tap my rear speakers into subs?
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.
