System with a stock headunt?
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From: Plantation, FL
System with a stock headunt?
Okay, so I really don't feel like losing my in-dash controls nor spending around $300+ for a headunit + DCI control unit...but I still want to install a sub and an amp so I can get a little more "thump" to my music.
I have a 12" JBL sub that a friend does not use anymore that I would love to put in my an S. I know that I would need an amp obviously, but I was wondering if I could hook up the amp to my stock headunit.
I was told that it was possible, but I am asking the audio guru's here to see if it really is and what would be required. TYIA!
I have a 12" JBL sub that a friend does not use anymore that I would love to put in my an S. I know that I would need an amp obviously, but I was wondering if I could hook up the amp to my stock headunit.
I was told that it was possible, but I am asking the audio guru's here to see if it really is and what would be required. TYIA!
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From: Potomac Falls, VA
Most amps have line level inputs, and even if they don't you can buy a line level converter which will let you run RCAs to your amp. Then you just need to adjust your amp sensitivity so its pretty low, and you should be fine.
I was originally running my stock head unit with a JL 300/2 amp, and focal component speakers. I just recently replaced the head unit with an Alpine 9855 and DCI module. There's a definite difference in the quality of the sound using the Alpine's pre-outs to the amp versus using the stock head unit's line level outputs, but it is definitely possible to do what you're asking.
I was originally running my stock head unit with a JL 300/2 amp, and focal component speakers. I just recently replaced the head unit with an Alpine 9855 and DCI module. There's a definite difference in the quality of the sound using the Alpine's pre-outs to the amp versus using the stock head unit's line level outputs, but it is definitely possible to do what you're asking.
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From: Little Rock
When I forst got my S, I added an amp, sub and upgraded the speakers right away. It sounded worlds better than stock. It was almost a year later that I finally went back and upgraded my HU and DCI. Almost any amp you buy most likely will have speaker-level inputs.
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From: Washington, D.C.
Originally Posted by jocko2,Apr 11 2005, 03:28 PM
When I forst got my S, I added an amp, sub and upgraded the speakers right away. It sounded worlds better than stock. It was almost a year later that I finally went back and upgraded my HU and DCI. Almost any amp you buy most likely will have speaker-level inputs.
I'm looking to do the same thing you did - I don't want a sub right away, but I'd like my amp to drive one if I want to add one later. Where did you stick the amp?
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From: Franklin MA
please save your money and get a new head unit - i had my stock head unit for a year with two amps and a 12 inch sub - got a new head unit and the system sounded 100* better
you can do it - but why?
you can do it - but why?
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From: Los Angeles
^ , that's the truth.
Yes, you can get some thump with a an external sub amp and sub but you're looking at over $300 and you likely won't be in love with the sound. If you want to stick to less than $300 consider a powered sub like a bazooka. A subwoofer, enclosure, amp, and wiring kit is much more than $300.
How much are you looking to spend? You may get better answers if you state your desired end result, budget, and constraints (i.e. keep the stock dash controls).
, that's the truth.Yes, you can get some thump with a an external sub amp and sub but you're looking at over $300 and you likely won't be in love with the sound. If you want to stick to less than $300 consider a powered sub like a bazooka. A subwoofer, enclosure, amp, and wiring kit is much more than $300.
How much are you looking to spend? You may get better answers if you state your desired end result, budget, and constraints (i.e. keep the stock dash controls).
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From: Plantation, FL
I have a sub already as well as an enclosure. I actually DO have a headunit that I was debating about putting in my S, although I really do not want to lose the dash controls, nor pay the $100 for the DCI device. Eventually I would do this, but just not yet. I really just want to throw in a sub and amp and then do the rest when I have the rest of the funds.
Since it is possible to do, could you guys tell me what is required to do this? Thanks.
Since it is possible to do, could you guys tell me what is required to do this? Thanks.
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From: Los Angeles
Ahh, that changes a lot and makes your first post clearer. If I were you I would get a smallish mono subwoofer amp and an amp wiring kit from Knukonceptz.com:
Amp wiring kit ($18) - http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDe...?prodID=KOLAK8
What subwoofer do you have? Here's a list:
http://www.jbl.com/car/products/category.aspx?cat=sub
What type of enclosure do you have (cubic volume, material)? What type of design is it (ported, sealed, etc)?
Amp wiring kit ($18) - http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDe...?prodID=KOLAK8
What subwoofer do you have? Here's a list:
http://www.jbl.com/car/products/category.aspx?cat=sub
What type of enclosure do you have (cubic volume, material)? What type of design is it (ported, sealed, etc)?
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From: Plantation, FL
LOL, its not even one of the ones listed there 
It's an older sub, like 3-4 years old or something. It's all black with a plain JBL on the front and says LOUD on the back. I know the peak power is 600w or so.
It's an older sub, like 3-4 years old or something. It's all black with a plain JBL on the front and says LOUD on the back. I know the peak power is 600w or so.
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From: Tustin, CA
Xistence, I'm in a similar boat. I want to upgrade the audio in a bad way, but spread out the $$ pain over 1 or two stages.
For stage 1, I plan on keeping the stock HU, and going front speaker input into a 4-channel amp. And replacing door speakers with a nice set of components. By going 4-channel, it will be much easier to then add either a small sub or rr speakers (probably S-pods) at a later date. At that time, I'll probably also replace the HU and go with the Qube's audio controls.
That's my theory, at least. I'm looking at a RF Punch P4004 and Polk db6500 speakers.
What do you guys think of this plan? My goal is to get decent sound/volume with the top down at moderate speeds. I'm not a super audiophile, or into mega noize super boom boom rattle the fillings bass.
For stage 1, I plan on keeping the stock HU, and going front speaker input into a 4-channel amp. And replacing door speakers with a nice set of components. By going 4-channel, it will be much easier to then add either a small sub or rr speakers (probably S-pods) at a later date. At that time, I'll probably also replace the HU and go with the Qube's audio controls.
That's my theory, at least. I'm looking at a RF Punch P4004 and Polk db6500 speakers.
What do you guys think of this plan? My goal is to get decent sound/volume with the top down at moderate speeds. I'm not a super audiophile, or into mega noize super boom boom rattle the fillings bass.
