How to install a powered subwoofer
Learn how to install a powered sub and boost your bass
Powered subwoofers include all the elements of a subwoofer system — subwoofer, amplifier, and enclosure — in one convenient package. Here's a look at how you install a typical powered subwoofer.
Please note: As with any amplifier installation, you'll also need an amplifier wiring kit. The proper size of kit will be listed in the accessories for each powered subwoofer. If you need any help or just have questions about adding a powered sub, contact our advisors by phone, chat, or email.
How to install a powered subwoofer | Video Transcript
No matter what kind of music you love, adding bass makes it sound better. Let's take a look at what it takes to install a powered subwoofer in your vehicle with the help of one of our guys from tech support.
Find a place to mount your sub
Before you get started, find a suitable place in your vehicle to mount your sub. The sub’s built-in amplifier generates heat, so adequate ventilation is important. And you'll want to place it somewhere that's not too difficult to access.
Wiring kit and speaker wire
Your powered sub does not come with the necessary wiring, so be sure to purchase an amp wiring kit that includes the wiring and fuses you'll need.
Disconnect the battery
First, disconnect the negative battery terminal to protect you and your gear during installation.
Step #1: Running power wire
Next, run the power cable from the battery to the powered sub. Some kits have the fuse assembly already put together. But if not, cut a short piece of the power cable, enough to cover the distance from the battery to the fuse holder location, and strip the insulation off both ends. Crimp the terminal ring from your wiring kit to one end, and attach the fuse holder to the other end. Strip the insulation from the end of the wire that leads to your amp and attach it to the other end of your fuse holder. It’s important to keep the fuse close to the battery since the lead between the terminal and the fuse is unprotected.
In most vehicles, you can pass the power cable through the firewall that separates the engine compartment from the main cabin using an existing entry point. Once you're inside the cabin, tuck the power cable under trim panels or your carpet along one side of your vehicle until you reach your powered sub location.
Step #2: Running turn-on wire and signal cables
After running the power wire, the next thing to do is run the turn-on wire and signal cables. Both the turn-on wire and RCA signal cables need to be connected to your stereo. Run these cables behind the dash to your stereo. The turn-on wire connects to a remote turn-on wire in your stereo's wiring harness. It's usually blue, but confirm this with your owner's manual. Plug the RCA cables into the appropriate RCA outputs on your stereo.
Run these wires, the turn-on wire, and the RCA cable, down the opposite side of the car from the power wire. This will prevent electrical noise from entering your system and spoiling your music.
All of this assumes you have an aftermarket stereo with preamp outputs. If you have a factory stereo then you'll get the signal to your powered sub a different way. You’ll want to make sure your amp has speaker-level inputs and "signal sensing" turn-on capability. In this case, you can just tap into the speaker wires behind your stereo, or possibly the rear deck speakers. Either way, this will get signal to the powered sub’s built-in amp.
Step #3: Connect the ground wire
The third primary connection is the ground wire. This wire should be connected to the vehicle's chassis. Look for a nearby bolt that you can fasten the ground cable to. The ground wire terminal should be in contact with the vehicle's bare metal. Sand away any paint at the contact point for the best connection.
Step #4: Make your wiring connections
Now, mount your powered sub and make your connections. Try to use gentle curves with your wires and cables when possible to prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
Before you fire it up to test, turn the built-in amp's gains all the way down. And reconnect your vehicle's negative battery terminal. Verify that the sub turns on when you start the car. Then you can play some music and set your gains.
If you have any questions about powered subs, please give Crutchfield a call.
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Josh from Auckland
Posted on 12/17/2019Hi, I have a 2006 Subaru Impreza, 2.0 I HATCH MAN, station wagon. I was looking for a subwoofer to buy for it because it has holes in the back above the rear wheels where subwoofers can be installed, I also have a pioneer stereo which will allow for subwoofers to be plugged in, just wondering which subwoofer you think would be best and which one might fit?, Thank you :)
DJ from Monclova
Posted on 12/4/2019I was wondering if this will work on my 98 Chevy Silverado with the factory radio and how would I know which wires are the speaker wires from the factory plug?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 12/9/2019DJ, If you buy your powered sub Crutchfield, you could call Tech Support for free help identifying the right wires in your harness. Their toll-free number will be on your invoice. If you purchase your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Click on this link for details.Jordan from Cincinnati
Posted on 12/2/2019Hello, I have a Pioneer TS-WX1010A already installed and was wondering if I can hook up another 10 inch 1500 Watt Dual Voice Coil subwoofer?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 12/2/2019Jordan, I couldn't tell you without knowing what amp you've got.AC from Annapolis
Posted on 11/27/2019I have Alpine power pack KTP 445 powering pair of 6x9 in the rear and pair of 6 1/2 component in the front door. How can I add powered sub Pioneer WX130 DA?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 11/30/2019AC, You'll have to use a line output converter with the input connected to the rear speaker wiring and the output RCAs wired to the sub's inputs.Muhammad from Nashua
Posted on 10/31/2019I have a toyota camry 2001 and I just installed a Pioneer fh-x730bs (200 watt) double din stereo and 2 front (50 watt rms) each and 2 rear speakers (70 watt RMS each) Now I am thinking to connect powerd subwoffer to the stereo as it has subs RCA inputs. Is it safe to connect the sub or no?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 10/31/2019Muhammad, The subwoofer RCA outputs of your receiver were made to connect to a subwoofer amp's inpts.Timothy Metcalf from Pigeon Forge
Posted on 10/6/2019Do I need to run two sets of speaker wire one for RF+ , RF- and LF+ , LF-.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 10/7/2019Timothy, If you're talking about a speaker-level input for a powered sub, it'll work best when both sets of speaker wires are connected.Brandon from Cerritos
Posted on 8/6/2019Can I run two of these under each seat with head unit JVC KD-T700BT?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 8/7/2019Brandon, I don't know if you can fit two powered subs under a single seat, but if you can, go for it.Mark from London
Posted on 7/28/2019How do I use oscilloscope to set gain but amp only has inputs? Thanks
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 8/1/2019Mark, All amplifiers have outputs. If you have a powered subwoofer, the amp's output is internally connected to the subwoofer. If you want to 'scope the amp's output, you'll have to open the case and attach the probes to the speaker terminals.Dan from Albany
Posted on 7/22/2019I have a jl 600/6 powering 6 jl speakers. I just purchased a jl active box along with an rca splitter. I have the rca cables split from behind the deck. My active box has no sound when wired to rca. The only way I can get the sub to work is if I take speaker wire from the amp to the active box. I verified the rca input on the active box is working by hooking it up to another car. Why can't I get my active box to work off of rca cables?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 7/22/2019Dan, Not knowing exactly what receiver, splitter, or powered sub you have make it impossible to give advice on how to wire them together. If you want a question answered about your system, you must identify your equipment by brand names and model numbers.Stephen Moore from Hephzibah
Posted on 6/16/2019Hey guys, I bought a powered sub B8-BPDT?, from you guys a couple of weeks ago. It has two RCA inputs left and right. My Boss 660 head unit has 2 channels RCA outputs. Can I use one channel out for right input and the other channel for my left input? Or do I need to get an RCA splitter to use for one channel out to right and left? Just need to know because I'm a Disabled Veteran and can't really get into too many positions installing this, it takes too much out of me. Thanks
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 6/17/2019Stephen, Use the right and left sub outputs of your receiver connected to the right and left inputs of your powered sub. The sub's internal circuitry mixes the two channels to form a mono subwoofer output.-
Terry Rutland from Jonesboro
Posted on 5/30/2019I have a 2003 Nissan 350z and running the Kenwood DDX394-SAT 4 speakers and the prewired cable for the vehicle I purchased back in 2017. I have purchased JBL GT-BassPRO 12Powered Subpass Subwoofer. My problem is I purchased the EXF Amp Wiring kit 10 gauge I show power 12v at the SUB and ground back in the hatchback at the ground for the interior light so it should be good. (My question is do I need to run a control cable back to the amp if so I am not sure where on the wiring kit to connect.) I show no power light at the led on the back of the JBL - could the power line coming from the battery be the issue? Could you give me some direction. My daughter is going back to school in Tennessee and was trying to get this workingin time. Thank you for your assistance.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 6/3/2019 Terry, It sounds like the remote turn-on lead isn't connected. That's the blue wire in the amp kit that needs to run between the sub amp's remote turn-on connection and the receiver's remote turn-on connection. Bernard from Perth
Posted on 5/28/2019HI, I wish to add a Pioneer TS-WX130DA 8" underseat subs to my 2008 toyota corolla, Ascent sedan. The pioneer sub does have speaker input capability, but does not have 'speaker sensing turn on cap' based on the specification. How can I wire it to the toyota original head unit for turn on and turn off? And if I would tap the signal from the head unit, which peaker output- front/ rear should i tap the signal cable to?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 5/29/2019 Bernard, When a system doesn't present a turn-on circuit, you'll have to connect the powered sub's turn-on lead to a switched and fused circuit in the vehicle fuse box. You use a device like an Add A Fuse plugged into a fuse position to get the 12 volt signal. Brian from Galveston
Posted on 5/6/2019Have 2 pair of Polk DB401 (45RMS-135amp max), Kenwood KAC-M1824BT and the Sound Ordnance B-8PTD. Install is into 1970 F-250 with a Craig FM/8 track and a radio/cassette player ( that came with truck), mind if we reach out to you to see how we can integrate the Craig 8 track? thanks
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 5/8/2019 Brian, That sounds like a fascinating and challenging project, but I can offer no solution. The main issue is that both devices have built-in amplifiers, and connecting them together in a system could cause damage. Maybe you could find a switching device that'll let you select between the two tape players. Kevin Ellerbe from Winston-Salem
Posted on 4/25/2019Have a Sony single-din CD player and radio and want to hook up kicker hideaway sub with rca cables. On the back of the radio it has sub, left and right inputs. Which do I hook the cables to?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 4/26/2019 Kevin, In order to connect that powered sub via RCA connections requires the use of bare wire to RCA adapter. You use both left and right channels. Jared Weiss from Streator
Posted on 4/9/2019Can you wire 2 powered subs together?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 4/13/2019 Jared, Two powered subs will have to share input signals, and power and ground connections, if you want them in the same system. Matt
Posted on 3/19/2019I have a car which already has an alpine mrpf242 4 channel amp in the trunk running front and rear speakers,I have purchased a pioneer under seat active sub, Can I connect this to the pre-out rca connection? Also the power,remote and ground wires from the sub,can I just piggy back these on the power,remote and ground terminals on the alpine amp? Thanks in advance for your help.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 3/20/2019 Matt, If that amp has preamp RCA outputs, you can use them for your sub's inputs. And you can daisy-chain the remote turn-on wiring. For the positive power wire, you should use a distribution block to safely tie the systems together. For ground, use a suitable spot near the sub's location. Shane j h from Illinois
Posted on 2/28/2019I hav a sub with separate fuse..i run the connections without an inline fuse near the bat..the sub works but the only problem is sometimes its hard to ignite my car,thou when i turn my car on a litlebit movement of the spedometer.whats the cause of this?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 3/1/2019 Shane, You need to install an inline fuse on the main power cable near the battery as soon as possible. It is dangerous not to do so - a short circuit anywhere along the wire's length could result in a fire that could destroy your vehicle. Brendan from Inwood
Posted on 2/27/2019Hey i have a quick question, I have a blaupaunkt 200 W 8" active subwoofer encloser, and i want to add a few tweeters. Assume i know nothing about power/wiring (which i dont lol.) What wattage tweeters would be the best choice with this, do i need to find a pair of tweeters that match the power of the enclosure (200 watt woofer /200 watt tweeters) or would i need to add another amplifier to supply the extra power, lets say a 600 W amplifier for said 200 W tweeters?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 3/1/2019 Brendan, Subwoofer power needs to be about ten times what full-range speakers in a system need, so you do not need such powerful amplification for tweeters. You didn't mention what other gear is in your system, by it sounds to me that an amplifier with anywhere from 30 to 60 watts a channel would be plenty strong enough to drive tweeters. How a tweeter sounds should be a lot more important in your selection criteria than what its power rating is. Jamie
Posted on 1/18/2019Hi, I have a pioneer powered underseat sub which accepts high level input, am I able to run all 4 speakers from the stock deck (4 speaker outs) but also split the rear speaker cables to feed the powered subs input, or will I have to disconnect the rear speakers indefinitely?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 1/18/2019 Jamie, You can leave those speakers connected. Lanham from Memphis In
Posted on 1/8/2019I have a jamo sw600 powered or electronic subwoofer and it has a separate control unit but only one RCA jack in the actual subwoofer what's the best way for me to hook this up I can't find a manual anywhere
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 1/10/2019 Lanham, You'll get better answers to your questions in a home theater forum, instead of this car audio site. If you bought your powered subwoofer from Crutchfield, you could call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. Their toll-free number is on your invoice. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Click on this link for details. Kanin Shull from Kingston
Posted on 12/28/2018I have a jbl gt 12 bass pro and a stock head unit. I'm going to run speaker wire to the rear speakers. What I want to know is whether there will be a difference in sound if I splice into only one or bother rear speakers. Thank you.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 12/31/2018 Kanin, You will want to connect with both, in order to get enough signal strength. Darren from Illinois
Posted on 11/18/2018I bought an Alpine PWE-S8 for my 2-door '15 JK, with an aftermarket Joying headunit with a single RCA sub output. It also has RCA outputs RR RL FR and FL. The sub is located in the rear cargo bin. I believe the Alpine can pick up signal over RCA with "sp-in" so I'm running one of the leads to the sub output. I've run a dedicated power, tapped ground, yet when I turn the ignition, the sub does not turn on. The amp kit I purchased has a separate fuse, but I don't think it's necessary... Taking the voltage tester to make sure my leads and wires all have power. Any other ideas on troubleshooting this?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 11/19/2018 Darren, The fuse that came with your wiring kit is absolutely necessary for the protection of your vehicle and your life - install it inline near the battery. The output of the sub is sound, so you can't connect any lead to it. You haven't mentioned the remote turn-on lead - the powered sub won't turn on unless it's hooked up properly. If you bought your sub from Crutchfield, you could call Tech Support for free help setting up your sub. Their toll-free number is on your invoice. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Click on this link for details. Kev from San Diego
Posted on 11/5/2018If I buy 2 powered subs and a set of front components. Would it be better to buy a 4 channel amp, run the components from 2 channels, then use the line out from the other 2 channels to connect to the powered subs? Or just buy a 2 channel for the components and keep the powered subs separate? Thanks
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 11/7/2018 Kev, It seems to me that using a 4-channel amp for two speakers is a waste of resources. I'd go with the 2-channel amp. Sonny Canchola from APO
Posted on 9/24/2018I have an aftermarket head unit that comes with RCA connections. Do I need to purchase speaker wire if I buy a powered subwoofer, or do I just need the RCA cables, turn on wire and power cable? If i need the speaker wire what do I connect it to?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 9/24/2018 Sonny, Speaker wire is used to carry amplified signals from an amplifier to a speaker. A powered sub has its sub wired to its amp internally and has no need for wires besides the RCA, turn-on lead, and power and ground cables. Harry Neugold from Fairfield, NJ
Posted on 8/25/2018I bought a Sound Ordnance B-8PTD from Crutchfield, so I have the power cables needed for installation. My Ford Explorer was totaled before I got to install it. Now I have a 2018 Chevy Colorado Crew Cab with the Bose stereo system. What is the best installation location for the B-8PTD and does the head unit have line level outputs? Thanks for any information you can provide.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 8/28/2018 Harry, Our vehicle guide shows that your vehicle has very little room for an aftermarket subwoofer. The only suggestion I can make is to put it wherever it fits - maybe in the front of the passenger's seat by the firewall and out of the way of feet. Richard Mcfarland from Baden
Posted on 8/11/2018I just had a JL microsub+ installed into an 04 town car. Its connected to a recently purchased kenwood excelon DNX695S . to say that im not impressed with the bass is an understatement. At lower volumes bass is just ok when you turn radio up nass doesnt seem tp get louder. With that being said. With the 2 adjustments on the built in amp os there an adjustment i can make to make this sub hit harder. Ive read reviews where people say this 2 wooofer sounds betyer than 2. I find that hard to believe. I dont expect it to win any competitions but i would hope i can get my drivers seat to vibrate some. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 8/13/2018 Richard, Is the sub's input connected to the receiver's sub outputs? Is the subwoofer output of the receiver turned on? Is the sub's input sensitivity set correctly? If you bought your powered subwoofer from Crutchfield, you could call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. Their toll-free number is on your invoice. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Click on this link for details. David Leamy from Bettendorf
Posted on 7/20/2018I have an Alpine ILX-207 in a 2016 F150, with an iDatalink Maestro RR Module. Does the Blue/White wire on the back of this head unit have the ability to send the remote signal to a Kicker Hideaway? And how would i connect this? Just splice this right into the blue/white wire?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield on 7/21/2018 David, If you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you could call Tech Support for free help with your system. Their toll-free number is on your invoice. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Click on this link for details.
Lou from Detroit
Posted on 5/24/2018Do I have to run a Rockville 10" amplified sub off the rear speakers or can I run it directly off the stereo unit, I just don't want to run it off the rear speaker wire. I have a sound stream xr1032b stereo
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
Posted on 5/21/2018Chris, You can probably wire the inputs either way, but using both left/right inputs for both subs may work better. Unfortunately for you, you'll have to use two controllers for your two subs.
Chris Wheatley
Posted on 5/14/2018I have two Pioneer TS-WX130DA that I want to put into my 2018 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk (nav, no beats, 6-speaker stock). Should I run each sub as mono to the left and right channels? Or parallel them together as stereo to both the left and right (using speaker-level inputs, not RCA). Also, is there a way to use just one of the controller modules to adjust the gains on both?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
Posted on 5/11/2018Hunter, Bazooka's BTA850FH 8" Bass Tube may be just the sub for you. It comes with a wiring kit for connecting to the system harness without needing a power wire run to the battery.
Hunter from Tucson, AZ
Posted on 5/10/2018I've scrolled through the above comments and didn't see this question, but I'm sorry if it's a duplicate ... Is it feasibly possible to connect a powered sub/amp to an alternate source of power besides the battery, perhaps a fuse box or similar? I'd like to avoid tapping the battery directly if possible.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
Posted on 5/5/2018Anthony, Your factory radio won't power the sub, its onboard amplifier will do that. The FAST kit is made for exactly the application you want, connecting the sub's input to the factory speaker wiring.
Anthony Shaffer from West Chester
Posted on 5/4/2018I recently sold my 96 Blazer that I had originally purchased a Bazooka BTA850FH for. With the Blazer I had an aftermarket head unit with RCA outputs already so the hookup went smooth and easy. I now have a 2014 Ford Focus SE, and am curious the power output of the stock radio, and whether or not it'll be enough to power the sub. I've done countless hours of research online to find an answer with no luck. The sub has been sitting disconnect for months now. Before I buy the F.A.S.T kit again I would like to know if the stock radio can support it, not looking to upgrade the headunit or any other factor of the system since it performs very well. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
Posted on 4/9/2018Joshua, The auto turn-on mode of that powered sub works when using the high-level inputs. For those, you don't need any "splitters." You tap the factory speaker wiring to get your sub's input signal.
Joshua Greener from Jupiter
Posted on 4/5/2018I have that jbl powered sub. Does it need a turn on wire? I thought it had an automatic on/off function. Also on my 2010 Mazda 3, instead of getting new head unit I saw that you can use aux splitters and "RCA to aux" splitters to get the sub to match the music. Do you suggest this or should I just get an aftermarket head unit instead?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
Posted on 4/4/2018Mike, When running multiple amps in a system, most people run one power cable from the battery to a distribution block. From there, a power cable runs to each amplifier.
Mike
Posted on 3/30/2018Can I connect a powered sub (that's already installed) to an aftermarket amp (to power the door speakers)? I only want to run one power line to the battery, so could I connect the powered sub to the amp and move the power cable that's already in place to the amp?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
Posted on 10/30/2017Paul, A great way to get a remote turn-on voltage for your amp is by using an Add A Fuse to add a fused circuit to your vehicle's fusebox. First find what style of fuse your vehicle uses - ATC, ATM, or ATMLPDT - and get the appropriate connector and a 2A to 10A fuse. Use the factory radio's fuse to add your circuit to.
paul from rialto
Posted on 10/29/2017I have a 2015 Toyota corolla and I don't know where to install the remote wire from the amp to the fuse box
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
Posted on 10/9/2017Willie, If your vehicle emits a loud noise when you close the doors, you should take it to the dealership for repair. For what it's worth, a negative feedback loop is an electronic circuit amplifier builders use to reduce distortion.
Willie rice from Killeen
Posted on 10/8/2017How to stop negative feedback loop when doors close on 2017 impala
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
Posted on 9/29/2017Ratnadeep, That sounds like a perfectly valid way to hook things up. In fact, my vehicle is set up the same way, with the radio's fade control functioning as a subwoofer level control. If there's something about your system that doesn't sound right, you should take it up with your installer.
Ratnadeep Khanwalkar from Chandrapur
Posted on 9/29/2017I have installed a powered 8" subwoofer tube to my car Hyundai Eon's factory fitted music along with 6.5" JBL components in the front door. I have factory fitted 5" speaker's on the rear. The technician who installed the woofer and front speakers did the following. He attached all the speaker's to one output from my stereo and another output to the woofer he said he did the same because my stereo does not have separate sub woofer out. Now when I turn the fadder controls on my stereo to one side my speaker's only work and when turned on the other side only woofer works. Pl. Advice whether this is correct and is some another way to get the maximum out of my music system.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
Posted on 9/11/2017Robert, The remote wire turns on the amplifier, so it's essential you install it correctly. Seeing as you bought your amp from Crutchfield, you should call Tech Support for free help setting up your system. Their toll-free number is on your invoice.
Robert Gomez from Austin
Posted on 9/9/2017I bought the Sound Ordnance B-8PTD and wiring kit. I have a 2015 Jeep Wrangler 2 door. with the factory stereo. I also purchase your Crux rearview camera for the same vehicle. My question is about the Blue REM cable. Is this going to be necessary? I was thinking that I was just going to plug the RCA cables I got from you all to the RCA plugs that are extra in the white harness that I had to plug in for the Crux camera. And using the Remote knob I got with the powered amp should all be sufficient correct? if not can I please just be given a place to connect said blue REM wire. Thanks!!
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
Posted on 8/14/2017Nickie, Not knowing exactly what subwoofer you have makes it impossible to give advice on how to wire it. If you bought your sub from Crutchfield, you could call Tech Support for free help wiring your system. Their toll-free number would be on your invoice. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Click on this link for details. Remember, if you want a question answered about a piece of gear, you must identify it by brand name and model number.
Nickie Lineberger from Maiden NC
Posted on 8/12/2017I have a amplified sub, it has two red, two blue and two black wires, do I put both reds to power, both blacks to ground and both blues to the remote start?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
Posted on 6/7/2017Melvin, Those powered subs each come with its own power cable and in-line fuse. You'll need to run both of them to the battery. An alternative method would be to run 8-gauge power wire with a 60-amp in-line fuse from the battery to a distribution block. From there you'd use the subs' power cable to get power to each sub. For input, use RCA Y-cords to supply the same signal to both subs.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
Posted on 6/7/2017Chase, In car audio, one has to make compromises as to which position of a subwoofer sounds best in your vehicle and which position the subwoofer can actually fit into without interfering with the driver or passengers' legroom. Like Stephen says in the video, "Find a suitable place in your vehicle to mount your sub. The sub's built-in amplifier generates heat, so adequate ventilation is important. And you'll want to place it somewhere that's not too difficult to access."
Melvin from Capitol heights
Posted on 6/6/2017I have 2 kicker hideaway subs hs8's. Is it possible to connect both subs by running parallel wires to the one rca stereo connection at the back and splicing the power wire?
Chase Riggs from Cedar Point
Posted on 6/6/2017hi i have a 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe, i'm installing a Sound Ordnance B-8P, where would be the best spot in the vehicle for the sub.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
Posted on 4/27/2017Gary, You can get the input signals for your powered subwoofer by tapping into the factory speaker wiring either behind the receiver at the wiring harness, or at a more convenient spot like your vehicle's rear speaker wiring. Great connectors to use would be Posi-Tap connectors, so you won't have to crimp or solder wires together.
Gary from Roy
Posted on 4/25/2017How do you tap a powered sub into the rear speakers instead of stock head unit?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
Posted on 4/25/2017Trevor, Yes, I don't see why not.
Trevor from Sacramento
Posted on 4/25/2017If I have a 4 channel amp running my speakers at 60 rms each, can I just add a powered sub and let it run itself while the 4 channel continues to run the speakers
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
Posted on 4/17/2017Tyson, Have you checked the subwoofer level in the receiver's sound adjustment menu? Maybe it's turned off. If you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you could call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. Their toll-free number is on your invoice. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Click on this link for details.
Tyson from Grove
Posted on 4/17/2017Hello all, I am having issues with my Kicker Bass Station getting signal from my Sony MEX-N4100BT. The power light is on for the bass station just no feedback from my deck. I have verified that my RCA plugs are inserted properly
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
Posted on 3/16/2017Donnie, The sound of a subwoofer in a vehicle changes depending on position, aim, and proximity to seats and walls. The only way to find which is the best location for a subwoofer is to experiment, trying different places and positions.
Donnie Stephenson from Sterling
Posted on 3/15/2017Does it matter which way a sub is directed or how close the speaker is facing an obstruction such as a seat back?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
Posted on 2/28/2017Eric, It sounds like you have a defective amplifier - drawing so much current the car can't start. Seeing as Sound Ordnance is only available from Crutchfield, you should call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. Their toll-free number is on your invoice.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
Posted on 2/28/2017Joe, You can get a receiver with front, rear, and subwoofer RCA outputs, or get one with less and use RCA Y-cord adapters in order to get signal to your amps. I'll bet that 600W number attached to a 4-channel amp is a peak spec and worthless for planning an amp installation. But even at those numbers, I doubt you'll come upon any power supply issues with your amplifiers.
Eric Adams from Murray
Posted on 2/26/2017Help! When I attach the + Power going to my Dound Ordinance 8" self powered 80W subwoofer to my battery my car wont start. It sparks a lil bit as well when I first attach it also. Ideas? 2005 Altima is the car. If I unhook the sub it starts, connec t it and it wont.
Joe from Killeen, TX
Posted on 2/25/2017Can I run a 150W powered sub and 600W 4 channel amplifier on the same system? I'm concerned about power issues. Also, I plan on changing the head unit. Do I need to look for one that has extra RCA outputs, or can I use an RCA splitter?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
Posted on 2/22/2017Luis, You'll need a 10-gauge amp power wiring kit and some speaker wire. You connect the power wiring between the car battery and the powered sub. Ground wire goes from sub to chassis. And you'll use speaker wires to get the sub's input signals by tapping the car's rear seat side panel speaker wiring. Why don't you give us a call so an Advisor can help you get everything you need. Plus, if you buy from Crutchfield, you get free lifetime tech support for your gear.
Luis from Gainesville
Posted on 2/22/2017Hi there, I'll like to install the Sound Ordnance B-8PTD on a 1999 Mustang GT Convertible, what do I need and where to connect it using my factory amps etc... my factory base sounds very good in my car still, but I will like to boost that sound a little... Any advice will be appreciated... Thanks.. Luis, Gainesville VA.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
Posted on 2/10/2017Pete, A fuse is absolutely necessary in order to protect you and your vehicle from burning up in the event of a short circuit. It goes on the positive battery lead near the battery. Ground wires usually connect to the vehicle's chassis, not to the battery.
Pete from Shakopee
Posted on 2/10/2017Is the fuse holder necessary to hook up the sub to the battery, or can you just secure the power cord directly to the negative terminal?
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 1/3/2017Phil, after checking your connections, you may want to consider switching out the RCAs with new ones if the problem persists. Also, keep in mind that if you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system.
Phil from East Lansing
Posted on 1/2/2017I am trying to install a kenwood ksc-sw1 to a new head unit, it used to be connected to the factory head unit via an IEC AULOC line convertor because there were no RCA inputs to the old head unit. I have tried plugging the RCA cords into both the line convertor and the head unit directly but get a strange distorted crackling sound coming from the speaker. Any idea what could be causing this and how to rectify it?
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 11/28/2016Jack, you'll want to connect both channels.
Jack Oppel from Gainesville, Tx
Posted on 11/24/2016When utilizing speaker level inputs, do I need to tap into both left and right inputs, or will one input provide all the signal I need ?
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 11/7/2016Dan, tapping into the factory speaker wire will give you the audio signal you need for the amp and sub. It sounds like you bought your gear from us, which means, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. They can help you find the best location to tap in based on what your plans are.
Dan from Craven,sk
Posted on 11/4/2016On the crutch field wiring diagram. Which wires do I use to tap into to run a 12" subwoofer & amplifier I am adding in the trunk. Thanks for any advise. 2006 Pontiac go GT with monsoon stereo.
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 9/28/2016Sekhar, yes, you'll still need to run a dedicated power cable to your vehicle's battery. Sub's are power-hungry by nature and you won't get the full performance of your powered sub without the proper wiring.
Sekhar
Posted on 9/21/2016Is it necessary to get a dedicated cable from the battery (fuse box) to power an under seat sub woofer? Can't I just connect the wire to the one that's supplying power to my head unit? In my case, the head unit is a new model Pioneer DEH-X3990BT and the sub is a Blaupunkt XLF 200A.
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 9/1/2016KD, if you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.
Kd from Grovetown
Posted on 8/19/2016I've had my MTX powered sub for many years and it recently started blowing fuses. Each time I replace a fuse and reconnect the battery the fuse on the sub blows; is there a logical reason why.
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 8/10/2016Glen, you'll want to consult the SubStation manual for the best answer on fuse recommendations. If you run into any trouble and you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can call Kicker at 405-624-8510 or you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 8/10/2016Dan, no, you don't need to add a line-out converter. Your sub's speaker level input takes care of that for you. Posi-Products speaker connectors will be the best tool for the job of tapping into your rear speakers signal.
Glen Williams from Baltimore
Posted on 8/8/2016I bought a Substation and EFX kit but I have no fuses. Just a holder. Which fuses should I get?
Dan ougrah from Yonkers
Posted on 7/30/2016Hi I just bought a Jbl powered sub. I have a 2016 Ford Explorer that I want to install it to, without tampering with the factory radio. I seen you tapped into the rear speakers to get audio signal. My question is do I need to add a line out converter box?
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 7/29/2016Gil, Rockville may have Tech Support you can call or you can get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.
Gil from Loveland cop
Posted on 7/28/2016I have 03 Audi a4 with Bose system. And I got Rockville 500watt powered sub. How can u hook it up
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 6/6/2016Delbert, use this article as a guide to troubleshoot the kind of problem you're experiencing. If you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.
Delbert
Posted on 6/4/2016I have an dual abl 10inch sub. I'm getting distortion from the sub and no audio just bass sounds. How would I fix that.
Robert Ferency-Viars from Crutchfield
Posted on 5/26/2016Scott, it can be done. If you're currently using 10-gauge power and ground wires, it would be safest (and give better performance) to upgrade to 8-gauge, then use a distribution block to connect the power leads from each sub. Likewise for the ground. Or, you can run a second set of wires for the second powered sub. The audio input will be a little tricky, unless one of the powered subs happens to have an audio output. If you're using an RCA cable from the headunit, you'll have to use an RCA splitter to branch off to the new sub. Or you can just use the speaker-level inputs and tap into a speaker line. Keep in mind that if you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.
Scott Bausum from Circleville
Posted on 5/24/2016Can I/how can I run two powered subwoofers? I already have an 8" Dual Bandpass and am considering adding another if it is possible and will work well. Head Unit is a Kenwood Kmmbt312U. Thank you.
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 3/21/2016David, that should work, but be sure to check your powered sub's manual to make sure that you actually do need to tap into the turn-on signal. Many powered subs will power on when they simply receive an audio signal. Also, keep in mind that if you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.
David
Posted on 3/21/2016I've got a 1999 BMW E36 328ic Convertible & am thinking of adding a powered subwoofer in the trunk. If I know the "pin-outs" on the connector going into the Stock Amp coming from the stock head unit, can I "splice" into those wires for the "Turn-On Signal" & Sub-Signal Inputs Left/Right?
Robert Ferency-Viars from Crutchfield
Posted on 8/24/2015Les, there's definitely a fuse holder on that power line. It came pre-installed on the power cable. It's just a little further down the line and out of the camera shot. The kit I used was an older version of this 10-gauge kit from EFX.
Les Price from Murray
Posted on 8/22/2015Why is it showing connecting to the battery with out a fuse inline?
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 8/10/2015Virgil, a powered sub by design has its own amplifier built into the box. You don't need to connect it to your other amplifier. You simply need to run power from the battery. Enjoy!
Virgil Woods
Posted on 8/9/2015Thank you for your time and expertise. I have a PPI 900.4 amp. running 2-Infinity PR6502is and 2-Infinity PR9603is. I just purchased the Rockville RW10CW 10" slim subwoofer. My question is, can I running my powered sub from my amp or do I need to running its own power to he battery? I know it should not be a problem, but I am looking for your professional opinion. Thanks again
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