Installing a sub woofer

DuffMan · Post by **DuffMan** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 10:51 pm

I have some sub woofers laying around my room that I would like to put in my car. The car is a 2002 Subaru Forester, everything I have in the car is stock and would like to know if it is possible to install one into the car my just taking the stereo out and wiring it directly into the stereo. Or if it will require a custom deck.

SlammedNiss · Post by **SlammedNiss** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 11:41 pm

You'll need an amplifier. But, you can use the existing OEM radio if you find an amp with speaker-level inputs and a built in crossover.

DuffMan · Post by **DuffMan** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 11:48 pm

Ya I do have an Amp aswell, not sure if it has a built in cross over though. Would it be clearly marked on the Amp itself? And if it doesn't, how much would one cost?

arrowhead · Post by **arrowhead** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 11:55 pm

The cost depends on the quality. It also depends on the speaker. How many watts does it take RMS? Never look at max watts, always look at RMS.

Egotistical EvilN · Post by **Egotistical EvilN** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 2:38 am

SinisterTengu · Post by **SinisterTengu** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 5:32 am

The subs will need to be in a properly designed box if they aren't already. The subs get connected to an amp which has a direct line to your battery as well as your stereo. Normally at the stereo you'd connect to a sub pre-amp, however most stock head units don't have that, so it gets a little more complicated like what SlammedNiss described. Though I would think that nearly all sub amps have built in cross-overs. The wiring would just be different and you'll have to fiddle with the amps gain. Most aftermarket head units over $150 will have a sub pre-amp. Circuit City actually has my head unit the Pioneer DEHP4800MP on sale for $137 this week, which has preamps for fronts, backs, and subs. I use the head unit to power my fronts and backs though, and only use the sub preamp. Its a decent headunit, plays mp3s, displays CD text, etc. I'm also a sucker for large volume knobs (I don't like volume buttons...). I went with this cheaper headunit because the car I drive right now is actually my parents, so I won't be keeping this gear when I buy my own car, but it really is a nice headunit.

Also, to find the crossover and gain knobs on your amp, look around a bit. Mine are actually hidden under a metal cap on the side that can only be removed after a screw is taken out. Crossover should generally be set at 100hz or less depending on the size of your subs and stuff. Unless they are small like 8's or something, then maybe you could put it at 130hz. Just don't expect much low end from subs that small. I find that my two 12s don't always produce the lowest notes loud enough. My next subs will be high-excursion performing ones..

DuffMan · Post by **DuffMan** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 11:38 am

Ya I actually have 2 12 inch subs, preinstalled in boxes already. I found the gain knob on my amp, no problem, but I don't see any thing about a crossover, I just looked up my amp on the net and it says it does have a built in crossover, just no idea where it is.