Connecting a subwoofer to a head unit

Good and loud music in the car - this is what many motorists want, especially young people. But there is a problem, not every car is already equipped with a high-quality audio system. Therefore, in this article we will try to fully and intelligibly tell how you can independently connect the subwoofer to the head unit, to the one you already have, installed by the manufacturer.

I really want to make a point right now. What if you decide to do all the work yourself and connect an active subwoofer, then the responsibility will be personally on you. But there is no need to experience unnecessary fears, if your hands can hold a screwdriver and pliers, then connecting the amplifier to the head unit will be within your power.

How to connect a subwoofer to a head unit, without line outputs

There is a desire to listen to your favorite performers while driving, there is a car radio, but, unfortunately, it does not give the desired effect, the music plays, but I would like something more powerful. This is what a subwoofer is for, but connecting a subwoofer is still accompanied by some difficulties. On it, like on any other amplifier, you need to supply power, as well as connect a cable through which the audio signal will be transmitted.

And here, if you, not an advanced radio amateur, you can reach a dead end, because in the car radio you do not find a single hole where you could connect the desired amplifier. A logical question arises whether it is possible at all, and if possible, how to connect amplifier for stock radio?

1) Purchase of a new radio tape recorder

The first method is good for those who are not well versed in the radio business, but do not have any special restrictions on money. You just need to go to an auto shop and buy a new radio tape recorder, more modern, and it is quite possible that all issues will be resolved by themselves. This method is really good, but requires some formalities. For example, your car must support the purchased standard head unit. Also, the radio should have a support function so that the connected subwoofer works and gives a great sound. Well, the last important point is the cost of head units, with the modern crisis, their price has jumped up to the price of spaceships.

This section has one hidden plus, by installing a 2DIN radio you will be able to connect a rear view camera.

2) Contact radio amateurs

So, if you are not a millionaire, and besides, you are not very good at wires, then the best way out for you is to seek help from experienced radio amateurs.

You can find them in small workshops. Some specialists literally in a matter of minutes, before your eyes, will disassemble your radio, solder additional wires and bring them out to the RCA connectors. The scheme is simple, but 100% working. You yourself will be able to connect an amplifier or a subwoofer to the output contacts. If the master is good, then he will provide you not only with excellent sound, but also complete safety in the car.

3) Install a linear converter

The next option is suitable for those people who themselves are poorly versed in the intricacies of the radio business, but do not want to turn to others. In this situation, the best way out is to buy a level converter. It is through it that it will be possible to connect two devices to each other, a head unit without the outputs we need and a subwoofer or amplifier. You can buy this converter at any car audio store. This device itself is simple, and therefore we will not delve into its inner world, but on the outside it has two tulips on one side (the so-called audio connectors - RCA), and on the other - four wires.

Even a schoolboy can cope with connecting the converter, the main thing is not to mix up the contacts, plus and minus are connected to the right speaker, the remaining two wires are connected to the left speaker. This can be seen more clearly by examining the connection diagram of the radio. That's it, your high frequencies turn into low levels, and you are fully enjoying the music as much as possible. And one more important point is that due to such a connection, all your electronics will be completely safe.

4) Choose an amplifier or subwoofer with a low-level input

The last option is perhaps the simplest, but again it all comes down to money. That is, having a certain amount on hand, you again go to an electronics store and buy a so-called active subwoofer or amplifier with a low-level input. Also, without delving into the principle of its operation, we note that this device has a linear converter already built-in. You connect it according to the instructions for the speakers and enjoy the music.

Useful article: "How to choose a car amplifier" here we will tell you in detail what you should pay attention to when choosing an amplifier for your audio system.

As you can see, in principle, there is nothing difficult, even in the most difficult version. With a couple of tools and straight hands, you can do everything yourself. You don't have to spend a lot of money, and you don't need any special knowledge, you just need a desire, and the music in your salon will always sound!

Now you know all the ways how you can take a signal from a radio that does not have linear outputs, we recommend that you read the following article “how to connect an amplifier correctly”.

Conclusion

We have put a lot of effort into creating this article, trying to write it in a simple and understandable language. But it is up to you to decide if we did it or not. If you still have questions, create a topic on the "Forum", we and our friendly community will discuss all the details and find the best answer to it. 

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