Can you put subs in a car with a stock radio?
Yes, it is possible to install subwoofers in a car with a stock radio, but the process may require some additional equipment and modifications. In this article, we'll explore the steps involved and the factors to consider when adding subwoofers to a car with a factory-installed radio.
Understanding the Limitations of a Stock Radio
Stock car radios, also known as factory-installed radios, are designed to provide basic audio functionality and are not typically optimized for high-performance audio systems. These radios often have limited power output, lack advanced audio processing capabilities, and may not be able to effectively drive powerful subwoofers.
Necessary Equipment and Modifications
To install subwoofers in a car with a stock radio, you'll need to consider the following equipment and modifications:
- Amplifier: Since a stock radio may not have enough power to drive subwoofers effectively, you'll need to add an external amplifier to boost the signal and provide the necessary power.
- Wiring and Connections: You'll need to run additional wiring from the amplifier to the subwoofers, as well as connect the amplifier to the stock radio's output.
- Subwoofer Enclosure: The subwoofers will need to be installed in a properly designed enclosure to ensure optimal performance and sound quality.
- Crossover: A crossover may be necessary to filter out the low-frequency signals and direct them to the subwoofers, while allowing the stock radio to handle the higher-frequency audio.
By installing these additional components, you can create a custom audio system that integrates subwoofers with your stock radio, providing a more powerful and immersive listening experience.
Considerations and Potential Challenges
When adding subwoofers to a car with a stock radio, there are a few factors to consider and potential challenges you may face:
- Space Constraints: Fitting the necessary equipment, such as the amplifier and subwoofer enclosure, in the available space of your vehicle can be a challenge, especially in smaller cars.
- Power Handling: Ensure that the amplifier and subwoofers you choose are compatible with the power output of your stock radio to avoid overloading the system.
- Sound Quality: While it is possible to improve the bass response with subwoofers, the overall sound quality may be limited by the capabilities of the stock radio's audio processing and speaker system.
- Installation Complexity: Adding subwoofers to a car with a stock radio can be a more complex installation process compared to a system with an aftermarket head unit, requiring careful planning and execution.
It's important to consult with a professional car audio installer or do thorough research to ensure a successful and satisfactory installation of subwoofers in a car with a stock radio.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
