However, in today’s vehicles, it can be harder to find a +12V wire for the remote on connection that turns on and off with the factory stereo or the ignition switch (normally the accessory position). media found on DVD discs or from cable television) has a dedicated channel output (the '.1' part) with bass-only content that is best reproduced by a subwoofer. Connect the ring terminal from the amplifier wiring kit to the positive lead of the battery. If not, check the following items for problems. They make your installation MUCH easier and help you avoid paying outrageous prices from local shops. If you have further questions, just comment down. If possible, push a hole through a firewall wiring harness seal (“grommet”) and push the amp wire through that. This is very straightforward. Don’t forget that when an SUV hatch or car trunk is closed the sound will be changed somewhat as opposed to when the door, trunk, and/or rear hatch are closed. Connect the wires from the amplifier to the subwoofer. You will need to find the tools that will enable you to install the subwoofer. Turn off any bass boost controls on the amp or turn to the minimum level. Car Audio. Always be careful, and if necessary, carefully use a flat head screwdriver between gaps to help pry them off. For most people there are 2 great and simple ways to mount your amp reliably: I prefer #2, as it’s a better looking and more professional method. Honestly, getting the wire to the battery is usually the toughest part you’ll face. Speakers are 750 RMS and 2250 peak. If the cordless drill has a clutch set it to one of the first or lowest acceptable settings to make sure you don’t strip out the box material when fastening down the speaker. Your email address will not be published. One of these should work. Hopefully, it will help you a lot in installing a subwoofer to a factory stereo. Sometimes the CCA note is in small print. Under-seat and other ultra-compact models produce some bass that adds a good extension to your music, but there’s no substitute for true air displacement like from larger subwoofers. You don’t have to run separate remote wires. If using RCA inputs, connect to the input pair for the speaker outputs you connected to. Amplifier wiring kits come in different price ranges and quality levels. You may find it easier to remove the back seat and find a gap that will allow you to easily run the wire to the back. Plug your RCA cables to the rear of the aftermarket stereo, if available. When connecting to a factory system with no RCA jacks, expect to also pick up a roll of small gauge wire (18 or 20 gauge is good) of sufficient length to go from the vehicle’s speaker wiring to the amplifier. Mount the amplifier to your chosen location. If you can’t get the rubber sleeves to fit over your wire, don’t worry too much and leave them off if necessary. High pass crossover block bass and allow higher-range sounds like music to play while blocking bass that distorts small speakers. Place the fuse holder near the battery with approx. Since the cost of a these components in the form of kits costs from $30 and up, installing subwoofers yourself will definitely save you money. Feel free to leave a comment below or let me know. You may also end up damaging your stereo. Add-ons are a very big moneymaker for car audio stores. It was a great deal, and has lasted well! Some models, however, feature larger speakers and high power built-in. Both types of amplifiers have their pros and cons to consider. If they say your vehicle will need parts and add-ons not listed here be sure to ask why. In case the stereo has insufficient bass or your system still doesn’t sound quite right, try using the bass boost on your amp if available. On most aftermarket car stereos a blue output wire is for switching an external amp on and off. If you’re adding a subwoofer to a factory system you should definitely prepare for extra work. Connect the speaker warning or the RCA cables to the output jacks of the subwoofer. I’d consider the following tools essential: Ideally, you’ll have access to these as well, although I realize sometimes they can cost more than they should: Some of these can be bought at stores like Wal-Mart or Harbor Freight for a discount price. Generally speaking, you should still be able to add a subwoofer by tapping off of a pair of factory speaker leads in most cases. The best sound generally comes from larger speakers like 8″, 10″, and 12″ speakers. If you’re using a bridgeable amplifier connect the wires to the amp in a similar fashion as shown here. This is bit different scenario since I have two amps. That makes things MUCH easier! So as to know that you are doing the right thing, it is important to assess the audio system that you will use for the installation. The speakers are usually in four different corners of your vehicle, … Remember that you can use both a single-channel (also called “monoblock”) amplifier or multi-channel amp that is bridged for more power. I'm a car audio fanatic and degreed electrical engineer. After you align the subwoofer to your liking, mark the screw holes with the drill. Wire the Amplifier. Setting this up merely requires connecting the LFE (or subwoofer output) jack on the receiver/amplifier to the 'Line In' or 'LFE In' jack on the subwoofer. The first thing you always want to do when preparing to install an amplifier in your car or truck is find the location that it will fit, conveniently, with enough air-flow around it to keep it cool which is especially important on Class A/B amplifiers which tend to be less efficient and in turn produce more heat. Use pan-head screws (left) and not self-tapping screws when you’re mounting items to wood or wood-like materials. 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