How to Install Amplifier and Subwoofer in Car? (Easy Steps)

If you like to do a bit of work on your car, probably you should be eager to know how to upgrade your car’s music system. It’s always an opportunity to learn how a car’s sound system work and how you can get the best possible sound from it. And, it all starts with the installation of an amplifier and subwoofer.

So, how to install amplifier and subwoofer in car? Although the job is a little tricky, you can get it done if you are confident about the wiring. The subwoofer will need a power source and a proper amp installation will provide the same.

Installing a subwoofer feels great because it is so much fun and you get to enjoy outstanding bass. However, not knowing how to install the subwoofer and the amplifier the right way may end up having a terrible sound system.

This post helps you understand the amp connection with a subwoofer so that you can enjoy great music in your car.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Getting Started

When it comes to installing a subwoofer and amplifier on your car to have an impressive sound, you want to keep things straight. For a successful installation and great sound, there are basic things you need to consider. Let’s discuss them in detail.

1. Electrical Connections

It is important to know if you are making the electrical connections properly. Also, the items you need are equally important. Here are some basic things to keep in mind.

• A 12V battery connection that comes with a fuse
• A solid, good connection around the car’s metal body
• A remote on the device of 12V to turn the amp on or off with the ignition or the stereo
• A source of the audio signal for the amp
• Wiring between the subwoofer and the amp

2. Subwoofer and Amp Details

Apart from the wiring, knowing about the subwoofer you need comes in handy. Check out what you need to build great sound quality on your car.

• A subwoofer that can handle bass effectively
• The subwoofer should be perfect for the car audio system
• A special enclosure where you will install the subwoofer. Enclosures give you the perfect bass experience
• Get an amplifier that comes with a low-pass crossover capability. Ensure that it has adequate power to handle the subwoofer. A 150W or even more should work wonders for your car music system

In most old vehicles, you can get a 12V battery connection. Route the power wire to the amp mounting location that you specified. But most of the vehicles that you find around these days don’t come with a 12V wire intended for the ??remote on’ connection.

This feature allows you to turn on or off the connection that relates to the ignition or factory stereo switch. That’s because the vehicles you see around come with more wiring associated with the computerized signals.

In short, they don’t use 12V. They are either data signal buses or low-voltage buses. And you can’t use them for other purposes.

3. Planning Time

Consider allotting more time during the day to avoid rushing for work. Especially when you are attempting an amp connection with the subwoofer for the first time. If you get stressed when doing the work, you are likely to make more mistakes and have to redo everything.

So, it is better to make a plan and follow it. If you need a helping hand, you can call your friend as well. Moreover, installing a subwoofer on a car might be challenging depending on the type of vehicle you have. As such, you need to hide and install the wire well.

Apart from that, if you want to add a subwoofer to the factory system, prepare for some extra work. You can expect a timeframe of anywhere between three and five hours.

4. Get the Right Supplies and Tools

No wonder, the right supplies and tools for installing the amp and subwoofer will make a huge difference. Therefore, get the items you need for the setup and stop struggling with the wrong ones.

Besides, you don’t have to spend a lot of money. Be a careful shopper and you can get what you need. Most of the tools and supplies are cheaper and you will find them at ease. The best place to buy them if you don’t have them is the place where you bought the subwoofer or amplifier.

Installing A Car Amp and Subwoofer in Easy Steps

Installation of an amplifier and subwoofer to your car is almost the same in most cases. You are ready to go with the installation when you have the factory music system. Below listed are the steps you should follow.

1. To begin with, you have to disconnect the positive terminal of the battery in your car. It’s a bad idea to work with live power.
2. Make sure that the amp installation is in the right spot. Additionally, the amp connection should be away from the subwoofer as well. They should be placed at least 3 feet away to avoid distortion or static noise. Because subwoofers are big speakers, you have to put them in the cargo or trunk space.
3. For the amp, you need to have two wires: the ground wire and the power wire. When it comes to the power wire, you have to connect it to the car battery directly. Whereas, you have to connect the ground wire to any part of the bare metal in your car. If the ground point has paint or rust, remove it to avoid distortion or static noise.
4. Consider installing an inline fuse within the power wire. Also, you should place the fuse near the battery at around five inches. All you have to do is cut the power line and install both ends on the inline fuse.
5. It’s recommended to use wire covers for the power wire so that it prevents them from engine heat.
6. Remove the audio system from the unit on the panel to access the wiring. Locate the speaker wires and use the posi-taps to tap them for an easy connection. Later, the tapped wires will connect to the amp by using a converter to the RCA connection.
7. Make a connection between the amplifier and the subwoofer. Before putting the panels back, adjust the gain according to your needs. If you aren’t sure about the setting, ask someone who has done that on their car audio system.
8. If you think that the sound is rich and crisp, place back the removed panels on the car. Finally, connect the positive ring of the power wire of the amp to the positive terminal of your car’s battery while securing it with the disconnected positive terminal.

Conclusion

By now you have understood how to install an amp and a subwoofer on a car. However, for factory-installed audio systems, the process can be more complex and will take more time. In some cases, you can even add the sub by tapping off the factory speakers that the car comes with.

If you want a successful execution of the process, ensure that you follow the steps mentioned in the post. Sometimes, you may need add-ons and other parts during the process. So, ask the car audio stores. Enjoy perfect bass when you are done installing the sub and amp on your car.