Car Stereos: Adding a subwoofer to a volkswagen monsson system, volkswagen passat, rca cables

Question
How do I add a subwoofer to a monsoon system in a 2002 Volkswagen Passat that does not come with factory subwoofer and still use factory amp and speakers?

Answer
Hi Steve,

You can add a subwoofer to any factory audio system using a device called a line output converter. This connects to your factory speaker wiring, and converts it to a low-level output that can be connected to an amplifier through RCA cables.  You can't run a subwoofer directly from the Monsoon system; you'll either need to add an amplifier to drive the sub, or purchase an amplified subwoofer.  

Connecting a line output converter does not require disconnecting the factory speaker; you just have to tap into the speaker wiring.  In your Passat, the easiest place to access the speaker wiring is probably right at the Monsoon amplifier in the trunk.  I'd suggest connecting to the output wires that run to the rear door woofers; they should be violet (+) and brown/violet(-) for both the left and right speakers.

If you're just looking for some low-end boost, I'd suggest a powered subwoofer like Infinity's Basslink.  These tend to be smaller and easier to install than a separate amplifier and sub/enclosure combinations.  The Basslink includes inputs designed to connect directly to the factory speaker wiring, so you wouldn't need a line output converter.  Many other amplified subwoofers, and some amplifiers, include this feature.

Hope this helps!

Brian