This is actually referring to my IS300, but I'm just trying to understand this whole thing in general.
Like the alltrac, it has a stock head unit (HU) with NO preamp outputs stock, which goes to a stock amp, then goes to stock speakers.
I want to add a subwoofer with an aftermarket amp to drive it, simple.
I have several options:
1) Splice in a line output converter (LOC) from the HU output wires, send RCA cables from the LOC to the aftermarket amp, then power the sub.
2) Splice speaker-level wires from the HU, run the speaker wires to the High Level input on my aftermarket amp, and then power the sub.
3) Same as #2, but splice from the rear speaker wire (post-amp) - I hear preamp is better b/c you don't risk losing anything in case there are HP/LP filters in place in the amp if you don't use the correct post-amp speaker wire.
So...which is better, using a LOC with RCA cables to aftermarket amp, or just tapping off the speaker-level wires and run speaker wires to the high level input on my aftermarket amp?
Another question...in general, what does the amp (factory or stock) do with the speaker-level signal? Does it convert it to a lower signal, then amplify the signal for the speakers? If so, is this why using preamp outputs (on an aftermarket HU of course, since this doesnt' apply to my situation, but i'm just curious) to a factory amp (using a metra harness)/aftermarket amp generally better, b/c it keeps things/the signal "simpler/cleaner" (with noise reduction/signal distortion reduced)?
Thanks guys...i'm adding a sub (i've had BNIB for years) and got a free amp from my friend. The IS300 I bought has all the cables needed ran to the trunk (but the factory HU was put back in I assume when he sold the car), so I believe he ran a sub/amp in the back along with an aftermarket HU since no existing LOC is hooked up to my factory HU.
Thanks for the help guys. Never been TOO big into audio on my car, but figured I'd start learning some of the "slightly more advanced than your elementary knowledge of car audio" right now.
Bryan
Like the alltrac, it has a stock head unit (HU) with NO preamp outputs stock, which goes to a stock amp, then goes to stock speakers.
I want to add a subwoofer with an aftermarket amp to drive it, simple.
I have several options:
1) Splice in a line output converter (LOC) from the HU output wires, send RCA cables from the LOC to the aftermarket amp, then power the sub.
2) Splice speaker-level wires from the HU, run the speaker wires to the High Level input on my aftermarket amp, and then power the sub.
3) Same as #2, but splice from the rear speaker wire (post-amp) - I hear preamp is better b/c you don't risk losing anything in case there are HP/LP filters in place in the amp if you don't use the correct post-amp speaker wire.
So...which is better, using a LOC with RCA cables to aftermarket amp, or just tapping off the speaker-level wires and run speaker wires to the high level input on my aftermarket amp?
Another question...in general, what does the amp (factory or stock) do with the speaker-level signal? Does it convert it to a lower signal, then amplify the signal for the speakers? If so, is this why using preamp outputs (on an aftermarket HU of course, since this doesnt' apply to my situation, but i'm just curious) to a factory amp (using a metra harness)/aftermarket amp generally better, b/c it keeps things/the signal "simpler/cleaner" (with noise reduction/signal distortion reduced)?
Thanks guys...i'm adding a sub (i've had BNIB for years) and got a free amp from my friend. The IS300 I bought has all the cables needed ran to the trunk (but the factory HU was put back in I assume when he sold the car), so I believe he ran a sub/amp in the back along with an aftermarket HU since no existing LOC is hooked up to my factory HU.
Thanks for the help guys. Never been TOO big into audio on my car, but figured I'd start learning some of the "slightly more advanced than your elementary knowledge of car audio" right now.
Bryan