DIY: Installing Aftermarket Subs w/ Stock HU ( and Premium Sound System)

[vingavina]

i cant view this thread:http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3534

[chrisblaster]

I'm about to start installation for my amp and sub, but never doing this before I'm still a little bit unsure...

Can someone tell me where exactly does the LOC go? And why do I need this if I want to keep my factory HU.

[BigMoney8481]

You need a LOC if you're gonna use the RCA inputs on the amp b/c you're going from the stock subs high level (high voltage) input to low level (low voltage) input. If your amp has high level inputs than you do not need a LOC. You can just t-tap or cut off the factory harness and run the wires directly to your amps high level harness/connections. Using just the high level wires from the stock sub to the amp could introduce noise or not so good quality signal to the speaker but subwoofers do not suffer as greatly as midrange or tweeter components do from this type of connection.

[GulfCoastGhostHunters]

sorry to all who had questions about this install, for some reason I can no longer edit the first page. *Sorry about the bad links* if there are any questions about it, hit me up with a PM and i'll try to help.

[GulfCoastGhostHunters]

Originally Posted by chrisblaster

I'm about to start installation for my amp and sub, but never doing this before I'm still a little bit unsure...

Can someone tell me where exactly does the LOC go? And why do I need this if I want to keep my factory HU.

you need the LOC to convert the signal that the factory HU is putting out into an RCA connection that your aftermarket amp needs.

i put the LOC off of the stock sub, that way I can use the factory HU Subwoofer control to adjust the amount of bass my subs are putting out.

[greedie666]

am going to do that this weekend.

[Bandit]

I just DIYed my system into the car. I got stock speakers and HU and it sounds great hooked up to my JL amps and w7. I'll post pics soon.

[seasario]

I just bought a 2008 civic EXL and installed an MTX TC6001 monoblock amp, 1 farad Rockford Fosgate Cap powering 2 12" MTX 8000 series subs. It sounds amazing super clear highs (largely due to the stock tweeters in front) and full bass notes (pounds like crazy) I just have to deal with very slight pop at radio startup and off. I think this is due to the fact the connection is though speaker taps as opposed to RCAs. Any suggestions? Thanks guys!

[shadedream]

Hmm... This sounds a lot easier than I was previously told this would be. I've been putting off installing my sub/amp from my old car as I was under the impression I needed to place the LOC in front of the stock amp (which is somewhere up front, or so I was told) because the stock amp filters the sound to keep it from blowing the stock woofer. So would it matter from a sound quality and spectrum sense to place it in front of the amp? or does it really not matter?

[Drae]

I've got a question!!!!
I have a 2002 civic lx, and i want to put an amplifier and a sub, but my father thinks it will work with my stock radio, and i keep telling him that it is not made to handle bass and everything, is it possible to connect a sub and amplifier (800W), to a stock radio?

[GulfCoastGhostHunters]

Originally Posted by Drae

I've got a question!!!!
I have a 2002 civic lx, and i want to put an amplifier and a sub, but my father thinks it will work with my stock radio, and i keep telling him that it is not made to handle bass and everything, is it possible to connect a sub and amplifier (800W), to a stock radio?

yes it is possible, just use the LOC to make the connection from stock HU to Aftermarket Amp

[GulfCoastGhostHunters]

Originally Posted by shadedream

Hmm... This sounds a lot easier than I was previously told this would be. I've been putting off installing my sub/amp from my old car as I was under the impression I needed to place the LOC in front of the stock amp (which is somewhere up front, or so I was told) because the stock amp filters the sound to keep it from blowing the stock woofer. So would it matter from a sound quality and spectrum sense to place it in front of the amp? or does it really not matter?

i haven't noticed that the sound quality was anything but amazing by having the LOC tapped off the stock sub...i honestly couldn't tell you if it would make that big a difference tapping it where you are talking about.

[BigMoney8481]

I used the high level inputs on my amplifier and there is no audible noise in the sub or feedback to the speakers. I sat in my backseat for 10 minutes to listen close to the deck speakers and i even sat with my head in the trunk to listen to the subwoofer. There is no noise in the music from using the high level inputs.

[shadedream]

Originally Posted by GulfCoastGhostHunters

i haven't noticed that the sound quality was anything but amazing by having the LOC tapped off the stock sub...i honestly couldn't tell you if it would make that big a difference tapping it where you are talking about.

Good to know, I stopped on the way home from work and picked up a LOC and T Taps, and a new ground. I'll probably work on installing it this saturday assuming the weather doesnt suck.

And now that someone's made an offer on my old Del Sol (just put it up saturday), if I get that sold my wife might let me go for a few other toys for it :)

[seasario]

Originally Posted by Drae

I've got a question!!!!
I have a 2002 civic lx, and i want to put an amplifier and a sub, but my father thinks it will work with my stock radio, and i keep telling him that it is not made to handle bass and everything, is it possible to connect a sub and amplifier (800W), to a stock radio?

The MTX TC6001 amp has the "smart engage" feature in which you can just tap the rear speakers for signal and hook up to your amp directly , no need for a LOC. I didnt even need turn on wire . The amp turns on automaticaly when it senses signal from the speakers. My instal which includes Factory head unit and 6 speakers (including 2 tweeters) , 1 farad Rockford digital capacitor, MTX TC6001 monoblock amp, 2 12" 8000 series MTX subs and iconnect 4 guage wiring has clear highs,good mids and super pounding bass. Its so much more than I expected it to be with not upgrading my HU and speakers yet.

[thewoodage]

question for seasario (not trying to thread jack but going to ask none the less) -

If I'm seeing the pic of your amp correctly, you're just tapping the wires from your rear speakers into where it says "spkr input" - correct? I've got that connect on my Pioneer GM-X552 but have no idea if I could hook it up this way instead of using a LOC. ( I don't have the factory sub, just an '08 LX with nothin' special sound) Thanks

[BigMoney8481]

A LOC lets you use RCA or low level inputs. If you have a high level connections on your amp you do not need a LOC to connect your speaker level inputs to your amplifier.

[seasario]

[thewoodage]

Alright - thank you gentlemen

[brazilianguy]

any recommendations on the Line Out Converter?
or any will do?