QuestionI have an 04 acura TL, and i want to add a 12" subwoofer and amp in the
back. i've heard that if you do that it wont sound good and you'll ruin the
sound. and regardless, it would work, but it wont add a good deep sound. is
this true? and if it's not, how can i make sure i get the sound i want from
adding it, and how can i add it?
Thanks.
AnswerHi Julie,
If I'm understanding you correctly, you'd like to keep your factory head unit and speaker system, and add a subwoofer to help with the bass output; and you've run into some people who don't think you can get good subwoofer performance without an after-market head unit. Is that about right?
If so, then they're completely mistaken. I've personally installed hundreds of amplifier/subwoofer systems for use with factory head units, and if it's done correctly, there's no reason it can't sound just as good as a subwoofer used with an after-market deck.
It won't ruin the sound, because the output of the factory audio system won't be affected by adding an after-market amp and sub. The factory speaker system will continue to play exactly like it did before; the new subwoofer will just provide some low-end reinforcement. In fact, adding a subwoofer might allow you to turn down the bass in the stock speakers, which can make them sound cleaner and reduce distortion at higher volume levels.
It can certainly provide a good deep sound. As long as the audio signal going into the amplifier includes the full range of bass frequencies, and it's at a high enough level to meet the amplifier's input requirements (not too difficult), then the amp will be able to produce its maximum rated output power and the sub will play the deep bass without any trouble. A single 12" sub should be able to give you all the bass boost you could want (assuming you're not trying to be heard down the street).
To install an amplifier with a factory head unit, you'll usually need a device called a line output converter. This connects to the factory speaker wires, and converts the signal to a low-level RCA output that can be connected the the amplifier's input. You don't have to disconnect the speakers to add a line output converter. The main thing to keep in mind is that you have to choose a speaker wire that carries the full range of bass. Some factory sound systems include crossovers that filter the bass out of some of the speakers. If you connect your line output converter to these speaker wires, there won't be any bass present for the amplifier.
Choose a line-out converter that includes adjustable settings for the output level (most do). This will help you match the sub's output volume to blend well with the factory audio system.
Many Acura TL's are equipped with a factory subwoofer in the center of the rear deck. If your car has one, that's the ideal spot to connect a line output converter. You can disconnect the factory sub, or leave it in the system; whichever sounds better to you. If you don't have a factory sub, then you should be able to connect the L.O.C. to the rear deck speaker wires. You'll have to switch on the low-pass crossover setting in your amplifier so that the new sub just plays bass, instead of trying to play the full audio range. If the amp has an adjustable crossover, you'll probably want to set it around 60-80. Don't be afraid to adjust it the way that it sounds best to you.
The new amplifier will need to have a power wire connected directly to the battery. Also, a "remote" wire needs to be connected to tell the amplifier when to turn on and off. If there's a factory amplifier in the vehicle (very likely) you can connect the remote wire to the same wire that activates the factory amp. Otherwise, you can tap into a fuse at the fuse box that shuts off with the key switch, or connect it to the power feed at the back of your cigarette lighter. You just have to be sure the amplifier isn't staying on when the vehicle is off, or it will drain your battery.
I think you'll be very happy with the sound when you're done.
Hope this helps!
Brian
