Gonna Do It Myself...

[smokey0810]

Figure to keep the cost down, I'll install the sub MYSELF. Can anyone give me a makeshift diagram of adding the subwoofer to the speakers....I know how to hook up the amp & all, just wanted to get an idea of splicing the speaker wires from the amp into the stock speakers....Do I run both wires to one speaker, or what?
Thanks in advance, John

[smokey0810]

One more thing...I guess I need a 2-channel amp to run this setup, correct?

[Magnum-RT-AWD]

If you are just adding a subwoofer---a Monoblock Class D amp will do the trick.

[smokey0810]

Crutchfield has a pretty decent deal on a Rockford 12" Sub & 2-channel amp...Just need a box and power hookup.
Now, there is NO NEED to touch the headunit, right? Just "splice" the speaker wires into the front speakers???

[Magnum-RT-AWD]

HU is ok left alone----just get a line-level adapter and whatever sub/amp combo you want(afford)

[smokey0810]

Line level adapter as in a Line Output Convertor?

[Magnum-RT-AWD]

yes!!

[smokey0810]

This is becoming WAYYYY to much of a pain in the butt

[Magnum-RT-AWD]

why?-----once you see how easy it really is you will be glad you did it yourself.

[Pu_DeKcUf]

before you buy from crutchfeild check out www.etronics.com escpecially if you are lookin to save some money

[BluMag]

with the battery in the back, there is no readson to pay an installer, you will be fine!

[smokey0810]

Well, I've done car audio stuff before in my old cars, but they were mainly complete installs...as in new speakers & headunit all around. This is different. I really don't want to screw this up and am super nervous about this one...hence the 1,000 questions.
I am still a bit confused on what I need to complete the setup.
1. Amp
2. Sub
3. Enclosure
4. Line Out Converter...
Which is where I am getting lost.

[ASU_Magnum]

Basically with the line out converter, your going to splice into one of your speakers mid-line. Then your going to run the cable off the splice into a line out converter. From the line out converter, your going to run the RCA cable and plug it into the input on your amp. Then run the speaker cable from your amp to your sub

What the heck is a line out converter? I never heard of these before I did my system either. A line out converter is basically a way to convert your raw speaker cable into RCA(like $10 at walmart), so that it can plug into your amp. On one end you connect the stripped ends of your speaker cable and on the other end is an RCA output. You may not even need this if your amp has Speaker Level Inputs. Not all amps have these though. My Alpine amp for my speakers does but my DHD amp for my subs didn't.

Hope that helps

[allpont]

I'm in the same position as "smokey"...It's great that there are guys out there willing to explain the little details to us that know how to do it, but want reassurance. And remember, there are members reading this, as I did ,that will use your advice, that will not post a response. So you are actually helping many other members by talking to just a few. It's all good.

[Magnum-RT-AWD]

and as for the sub/amp/enclosure combo----make sure you look for a sub/amp combo that work well with each other @ the recommended ohm load----makes sure the sub/enlcosure works well with each other also----remember that larger enclosures need less power than smaller ones to get the same dBs.-----read the recommended enclosure spec and makes sure the enclosure you (buy or build) will work-----also are you going sealed or ported?
Don't get caught in the "ported is booming" belief----a low tuned ported enclosure can sound just as good SQ wise as a sealed enclosure---if you need any help designing an enclosure PM me, I will help as much as poss.(same goes to everyone)
as for the amp----look for a brand that is CES rated----in other words REAL ratings not "ILS"(If lightning strikes) strike ratings.