Wiring an amp and sub (another one)
 

whats going on everyone,
I've come to a point where I'm too confused to understand what everyone is saying and which way they are saying it. so yesterday I got a pair of subs and an amp (pretty sure its a 2 channel) and I'm looking to wire it up. I want to stick to the factory amp and go from there because I heard the factory 2013 10 series radio doesn't have RCA outputs (is this true?). if so I need to know how to connect the RCA outputs to the back of my head unit and run it to my external amp. is there anyway to piggyback my stock amp? will I have to splice into my wire harness? any help is welcomed.

You will need a LOC (Line Output Converter). This is a device that will convert a high level (speaker level) output to a low level (RCA) output.
For instance, you could tap into the wires going to one of the rear speakers for your LOC. This will give you a low-level signal for input into your new amp.
Most LOC's will have a selectable or variable output (voltage) that you will need to match with your new amp via the Gain control.

See what i did when i installed my sub was buy a sub wiring kit, on the rca connectors that are suppose to go into the radio i cut the little plug split the wires and tapped into the rear speaker harness, then the other end that still has the plugs goes into the amp and boom youre good to go!

Good thread here for factory amplifier wiring: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...1&postcount=25

When we installed my son's sub amplifier, we just tapped into the wiring at the factory amplifier in the trunk to feed the LOC and remote turn-on.

http://billswebspace.com/afrs32.jpg

so you didnt use a LOC and just ran the (cut part) RCA to the rear wire harness into the stock amp? and then ran the (still connected) RCA wire into the aftermarket amp?

so if I didnt want to purchase an LOC then I could just cut the inserts from one end of the RCA cable off and tap them to which wires? the Left HU and right HU? or the Left speaker and Right Speaker? and then obviously bridge the remote turn on hahaha is that correct?

yeah man pretty much i didnt feel like buying the loc to be honest with you and on the harness (as you see on the post with the picture) i cut into the rear speakers. So the sub only hits when the signal goes to the rear. Im not sure if you have the touch screen head unit or not but if you do, under stettings make sure you set it to tc cause thats what gives the best bump and bass out of the sub.

When you buy the sub wiring kit, there should be a few wires. In the kit I got there was a red which connected to the battery, the 2 rca cables, and one blue wire which connected to the remote turn out. I installed everything in my schools parking lot in 15 mins. I used my teeth to cut the wires and electrical tape to keep everything together! :bellyroll: If anything just pm me and I'll help you out. You dont need anything crazy go to your local walmart and buy a 35$ wiring kit and youre good to go!

if I did go with this where would I splice these wires in and would I need any other connectors?

alright cool. I'm hoping this is easier than it seems. I direct messaged you :party0030:

so I'm looking into getting this LOC
http://www.autozone.com/stereo-speak...ter/272463_0_0
and I'm wondering if I can just splice into my wire that runs straight from my rear speaker or if I have to go through my wire harness?

That looks like it will do the trick.


I recommend reading this entire thread..
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42239


Some of it does not related, exactly to what you are doing, but it will tell you how to use the signal from the OEM amp, which powers the front door speakers, gets full range, and is WAY easier to work with than getting behind the headunit or access to any other spots. Also described how to do this in a 100% reversible way using metra harnesses, if you like not tapping wires.

Do yourself a favor and re-pin a harness. Your future self and future car owners will thank you for not hacking something together. Another option is to get a new head unit, but comes at a cost.

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