Can you put subs in a car with a stock radio?
Adding subwoofers to your car can significantly enhance your audio experience, delivering deep bass and richer sound quality. But what if your car still has the stock radio? Is it possible to integrate subwoofers without upgrading to an aftermarket head unit? The answer is yes, and in this article, we’ll explain how you can achieve this while maintaining your factory setup.
Understanding the Basics
Stock radios are designed to provide a balanced audio experience for the average listener, but they often lack the power and features needed to drive high-performance audio components like subwoofers. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can connect subwoofers to your stock radio without compromising sound quality or functionality.
What You’ll Need
To successfully add subwoofers to your car with a stock radio, you’ll need a few key components:
- Line Output Converter (LOC): This device converts the high-level speaker outputs from your stock radio into low-level signals that an amplifier can use.
- Amplifier: Subwoofers require more power than your stock radio can provide, so an external amplifier is essential.
- Wiring Kit: A complete wiring kit includes power cables, ground cables, RCA cables, and speaker wires to connect all components.
- Subwoofer and Enclosure: Choose a subwoofer that fits your car and meets your desired sound output.
Steps to Install Subwoofers with a Stock Radio
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you install subwoofers in your car while keeping the stock radio:
- Step 1: Install the Line Output Converter (LOC): Locate the speaker wires coming from your stock radio and connect them to the LOC. This will allow you to extract the audio signal needed for the amplifier.
- Step 2: Mount the Amplifier: Choose a secure location in your car to mount the amplifier, such as under a seat or in the trunk. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent overheating.
- Step 3: Wire the Amplifier: Connect the power cable to your car’s battery, the ground cable to a metal part of the car’s chassis, and the RCA cables from the LOC to the amplifier’s input.
- Step 4: Connect the Subwoofer: Wire the subwoofer to the amplifier using the speaker wires. Make sure the connections are secure and match the amplifier’s output specifications.
- Step 5: Test the System: Turn on your car and test the audio system. Adjust the amplifier settings to fine-tune the bass levels and ensure everything is working correctly.
Benefits of Keeping the Stock Radio
There are several advantages to adding subwoofers while retaining your stock radio:
- Cost Savings: You don’t need to invest in an aftermarket head unit.
- Preserving Factory Aesthetics: Your car’s interior remains unchanged, maintaining its original look.
- Compatibility with Vehicle Features: Many modern cars integrate features like steering wheel controls and navigation into the stock radio, which you won’t lose by keeping it.
Final Thoughts
Adding subwoofers to a car with a stock radio is not only possible but also a great way to enhance your audio experience without altering your vehicle’s factory setup. By using a line output converter and an external amplifier, you can enjoy powerful bass and improved sound quality while keeping your stock radio intact. If you’re unsure about the installation process, consider consulting a professional to ensure everything is set up correctly and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do 10 inch subs hit harder than 12s?
This is the number one thing to consider if you are deciding between 10s and 12s. The 12-inch subwoofers handle more power, they play louder, they are boomier, and many people find that they just sound better.
Can you install a subwoofer with a stock radio?
So now you know – it's definitely possible to install a subwoofer and amplifier to your factory system, and still have it sounding good. If you'd like to know more about how to get a killer system set-up in your car without swapping your stereo, give us a call at 510-527-9888.
Do I need an amp if I install a subwoofer?
Remember, if you're adding a sub to a factory system, you'll need a subwoofer amp that has speaker-level (high level) inputs, so it can get its signal from the factory speaker wires or you can buy a high to low converter, if the amp you own or purchase doesn't have high level inputs.
How do I add a subwoofer to my existing stereo?
How To Make The Connection:
- Connect one end of the subwoofer cable to the SUB OUT port on your speakers / amplifier.
- Connect the other end of the subwoofer cable to the LFE input on your subwoofer. If there are no ports marked LFE then use the white port of the RCA input.
Can a car radio power a subwoofer?
Most car stereos come with built-in subwoofer outputs, making your job a whole lot easier. Look for labels like “Sub Out” or “Subwoofer Pre-out” on the back of your stereo.
Can you install an amp without RCA jacks?
If you're using a factory radio with no RCA outputs, you can get your amplifier's input signals from the factory speaker wiring. The speakers will be getting their signal from the new amplifier — which leaves the radio's outputs available to use for the amp's inputs.
Can I hook an amp to a stock radio?
If the receiver has output RCA connectors, get an amp with similar input connectors. However, if the receiver has no output connectors, you can use the speaker wires to feed the amp; but the amp needs a speaker input connector that will take the speaker level output from the receiver.
Is it illegal to have a subwoofer in your car?
It is not illegal to have loud car stereos or subwoofers as long as they are not disturbing the neighborhood you are driving through. But individual cities and neighborhoods may have noise ordinances that could result in fines if you break them.
Can I just add a subwoofer to my car?
Yes you can install a subwoofer into any car for that matter. You will most likely need an amplifier though and a new head unit to run signal to your subwoofer.
How many watts can a stock stereo handle?
Number of Watts Suitable For a Car Stereo
Most factory-set stereos have an 8-10 watt RMS rating and peak wattage rating of 200 watt.
