HU, amp, sub

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=12615
Printed Date: May 24, 2025 at 4:45 AM

Topic: HU, amp, sub

Posted By: littlei5
Subject: HU, amp, sub
Date Posted: April 23, 2003 at 11:16 AM

hi all, i am a total newbie here. Here are some questions which I hope u guys can help :oops:

I have a HU which gives 4x40W and 2 speakers at the front door panels. I would like to add sub to the system to give it more bass. Being cost concious, the following are some choices i am considering:

1) add a bass tube (with amp) - $89 (think i can juz connect to the rear speakers wires)

2) add 2-channel amp ($64) + 1 or 2 sub ($30 ea) + wiring ($32)

What are the differences between the two choices (other than cost)? Do I need a 4 channel amp to power both the front speakers and the subs?

Any advise is greatly appreciated. Cheers!

Replies:

Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: April 23, 2003 at 9:24 PM

What type of vehicle are you putting this in? Your main difference is "sound". I've never been a fan of bass tubes, I prefer amps and straight subs.

What make/model is your headunit? I ask because you didn't mention if it had RCA pre-outs. If it does, then you will not need either an amp with high level inputs, or a Line Out Converter.

You can use a 4-channel amp to power the front 2 speakers and rear subs (run front speakers to individual channels, and bridge the subs depending on the ohms to the other 2 channels if your able). Are you not considering a seperate set of rear speakers (besides the subs)?

If you have already looked into the equipement, let us know the make and model numbers and we can help you design your system, or just give some more help with the wiring possibilities. Right now it's kinda hard to do, since most of your info is not specific enough for a more detailed analysis.

-------------
Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
Donate to the12volt.com

Posted By: littlei5
Date Posted: April 23, 2003 at 11:41 PM

ok here goes (sorry about the technical terms...still couldn't get my head on it)...

1) the system is for a 92 lancer coupe.

2) my HU (at least i got that one figured out :p) has RCA out (one red and one white)...dunno if that is what you meant by RCA pre-out...

3) i have a set of 2-way front speakers and a set of 3-way rear speakers...

the sound (esp the bass is pretty crappy)...so i am hoping to add a sub to the system...or maybe a amp as well...unfortunately, cost is one key factor posted_image

Cheers

Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: April 24, 2003 at 12:40 AM

Ok, now we're roll'n!

Yes, "RCA out" is the same thing as "RCA pre-out" (red and white are color coded for left and right outputs). If you get an amp, you would use RCA cables to connect the amp to the headunit (called a "Low Level" signal) using those connections.

Are your front and rear speakers stock? If not, what are they (make/model).

How big of a sub are you looking for... 8", 10", 12", 15" (and how many)? Since you said cost was an issue, I'm assuming that you would go with single voice coil subs as opposed to dual voice coil subs. If you're not sure of what the difference is, look here.

What type of music do you listen to (Rap, Metal, R&B, etc...)? What are you looking to spend?

-------------
Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
Donate to the12volt.com

Posted By: littlei5
Date Posted: April 24, 2003 at 12:56 AM

hehe...at least i got something right... posted_image

nope...the speakers are not stock...the front are kenwood (not too sure the spec)...the rear are pro-sound 200W...

yup...guess i have to settle on svc (the link helps)...thinking of getting 1 or 2 8" ones (or the bass tube) and replace the rear speakers...can i do without the amp?

i listen to variety of music...but would like to have more bass...

Thankie

Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: April 24, 2003 at 1:39 AM

This site is an excellent place to beef up your 12v knowledge posted_image

Settling on SVC's isn't that big of a deal, especially if you're just getting into subs. I've been doing custom installs as a hobby for about 10 years off and on, and only got into running DVC's this past weekend. Life gets more complicated when you do that! DVC's have a lot more wiring options available, but also require more power (in short if $ is a concern, best to stick with SVC's for now!)

I ran 2 SVC 12's (Rockford Fosgate RFP3412 HE's) with a 500watt amp (Rockford Fosgate Power 500bd) and was pushing 142db posted_image

. So don't let anyone tell you SVC's can't get the job done!

You could run 2 8" speakers from the headunit (that was how my 1st system in High School was), but I don't think you would be happy with the bass level.

You mentioned prices before in your first post, which products did you have in mind?

I would suggest keeping the rear speakers. If they are 200watts, then they would sound pretty bad with only 40watts being thrown to them from the headunit! I'm looking for some 5-channel amps to recommend (4-channels for the 4 internal speakers and 1 for the subs). Do you happen to remember the wattage of your front Kenwoods?

If you replace your rear tri-axial's with subs (even 8's) then your sound quality will go out the window, and your acoustics will be out of whack. That's why I recommend keeping them

-------------
Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
Donate to the12volt.com