Despite the fact that modern car players today simply amaze with their versatility, this can only be said about certain, expensive models. They can be installed and calculated accordingly as an additional option when purchasing a car from a manufacturer’s dealer. Standard car radios, unfortunately, lack many functions and electronic equipment. Such as a USB connector, AUX connection, line output and the like. What to do when you don’t have the money to buy a new radio with additional support, but want to listen to high-quality music, we’ll briefly explain in this article.
Scheme
Amplifier without radio
Connecting the amplifier's speakers (speakers) to the car's standard radio is carried out according to the standard scheme, via a linear output. With the simultaneous connection of the positive wire from the car’s ignition system to the REM terminal of the amplifier. In order to save battery energy, it is recommended to insert a toggle switch or button into the circuit that breaks the contact. By connecting the amplifier in this way, you can listen to music from any media (iPhone, tablet, etc.).
Connection without amplifier
The main differences between passive and active subwoofers
To answer the question about the distinctive aspects of active and passive subwoofers, you must first understand what each of the designs is individually.
What is a passive subwoofer
A passive sub is a design of one or more low-frequency (LF) dynamic drivers enclosed in a single housing, the material of which can be either plywood or wood. In order for such a device to reproduce sound vibrations, it is necessary to connect to an external audio amplifier through a low-pass filter, which passes only the signal band with low frequencies.
A passive subwoofer is a separate unit of speakers, filters and amplifier. Each of these blocks is purchased separately and connected to each other during installation.
What is active
An active sub is a single ready-made acoustic unit, consisting not only of a speaker and a filter, but also an amplification device. Such equipment is somewhat simpler to connect, and there is also an opinion that the sound quality is superior to the sound from a passive subwoofer. But if you look in more detail, the sound quality directly depends on how the settings are made.
The active subwoofer has a built-in amplifier, which saves space in cars with little free space. To connect to the radio, you only need to supply power and an audio signal.
Difference between them
To decide which design to give preference to, it is worth considering the main points that car owners pay attention to when choosing:
- Price indicator - the cost of an active subwoofer is higher, which is due to the presence of an amplifier and other expensive elements in the device.
- Advantages of installation - passive structures are more difficult to install due to the need to additionally install a filter and amplifier. The presence of an amplifier in the active system saves space, which is especially important for small cars.
- Sound quality - Many would argue that the sound of an active system should be better. However, the sound directly depends on the correct setup of the system. Based on practice, with high-quality setup of a passive subwoofer, the sound surpasses the performance of the active system.
- Ease of setup - an active speaker system has more advanced setup options, but if a good external amplifier is used, then this feature is negated.
Pros and cons of systems
The positive aspects of a passive subwoofer include its relatively low cost due to the lack of a built-in amplifier. In addition to this point, the use of passive systems allows you to assemble an acoustic device with exactly the requirements that will correspond to high-quality sound as you understand it. In order to get a subwoofer with optimal sound quality, you will need to select an amplifier, frequency filters, and a set of dynamic drivers in boxes. Compared to active ones, different types of enclosures are used for passive designs: bandpass, bass reflex, and standard boxes. As for active devices, it is difficult to use different types of housings due to the need to accommodate additional electronics.
The main advantage of active is the presence of a built-in amplifier and filter, which allows you to connect the system to a car radio without additional devices. This positive feature is also a disadvantage. Due to the fact that both the speaker and electronics are located in one case, something has to be sacrificed. The main caveat is the insufficient power of the amplifier.
Amplifier without line output
Connecting an amplifier to a radio without a line output is also not difficult. To do this, you will need a special adapter, which you can buy at any auto parts store. A standard signal level converter (adapter) has four contact wires that are connected to the wires going to the speakers from the car player and to two output plugs - a tulip.
How to connect a subwoofer to a standard radio, 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 why you need a subwoofer, but connecting a subwoofer is still accompanied by some difficulties. Like any other amplifier, you need to supply power to it, and also connect the cable through which the audio signal will be transmitted.
And here, if you are 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: is it possible at all, and if possible, how to connect amplifier for standard radio?
1) Purchasing a new radio
The first method is good for those who are poorly versed in the radio business, but do not have any special financial restrictions. You just need to go to a car store and buy a new, more modern radio, and it is quite possible that all the issues will be resolved by themselves. This method is really not bad, but it requires some formalities. For example, your car must support the original head unit you purchase. Also, the radio must have a support function so that the connected subwoofer works and gives excellent sound. Well, the last important point is the cost of head units; with the current crisis, their price has jumped to the price of spaceships.
This section has one hidden advantage: 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 also do not understand wires very well, then your best option would be to seek help from experienced radio amateurs.
You can find them in small workshops. Some specialists literally in a matter of minutes, right before your eyes, will disassemble your radio, solder additional wires and bring them out to RCA connectors. The scheme is simple, but 100% working. You can then connect an amplifier or subwoofer to the output contacts. If the master is good, he will provide you not only with excellent sound, but also complete safety inside the car.
3) Install linear converter
The next option is suitable for those people who themselves are poorly versed in the intricacies of radio engineering, but do not want to turn to others. In this situation, the best solution is to purchase 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 internal world, but on the outside it has two tulips on one side (the so-called audio connectors - RCA), and on the other there are four wires.
Even a schoolchild can cope with connecting the converter, the main thing is not to confuse 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 studying the connection diagram of the radio. That's it, your high-level frequencies turn into low-level frequencies and you enjoy the music to the fullest extent 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 the 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 already has a linear converter built-in. You connect it to the speakers according to the instructions 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 complicated, even in the most complex version. With a couple of tools and steady 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 the desire, and the music will always sound in your salon!
Now you know all the ways you can take a signal from a radio that does not have linear outputs, we recommend reading the following article “how to properly connect an amplifier.”
Speakers without amplifier
You can connect the speakers to the radio without an amplifier yourself. The main thing is to distinguish between the type of subwoofer that is included in the work, active or passive. Because it is impossible to connect a passive subwoofer to a radio without an amplifier. And to activate it you will have to use a sound amplification device.
An active subwoofer is called a subwoofer with a built-in power amplifier, which allows you to remove the load from low frequencies from the standard amplifier of the radio. And also has an active crossover for filtering high-frequency sounds, with your own hands.
A passive subwoofer is a device not equipped with a power amplifier, and can only be connected in parallel to the main speakers, or even to a separate channel. The main disadvantage of connecting a passive subwoofer is that during operation it creates an additional load on the output amplifiers of stereo channels.
How to connect a car amplifier if the car radio does not have linear outputs
- Car radios: Prology NTE-450NR, Prology LXR-450RN, Prology NTE-450N, Prology LVE-450RN, Prology LXR-450N, Prology LXR-430R, Prology LXR-430, Prology LXR-400R, Prology NTE-430R, Prology LVE- 400R, Prology LXR-400, Prology NTE-430, Prology LVE-450N, Prology LVE-430R, Prology NTE-400R, Prology NTE-400, Prology LVE-430, Prology LVE-400
2019-05-31 - Acoustics: Infinity Alpha 650C, Infinity Alpha 6530, Infinity Alpha 6520, Infinity Alpha4020
2019-05-30 - Acoustics: Alphard Hannibal MH-60, Alphard Hannibal MH-50
- Amplifier: Alphard Doomsday ARU 3000/2
2019-05-07 - Head units: Pioneer AVH-Z9200BT, Pioneer AVH-Z2200BT, Pioneer AVH-Z5200BT
2019-04-26 - Subwoofer: Kicx GT-12M
- Speakers: Kenwood KFC-HQR710EX, Alpine R-S65C.2, KFC-HQR1600, Alpine R-S69C.2, Alpine R-S69.2, Alpine R-S65.2, Ural AS-M250 MOLOT, Ural AS-M200 MOLOT , Ural AS-M57 MOLOT
- Amplifiers: Kenwood X502-1, Kenwood X302-4, Kenwood X802-5
2019-04-11 - Subwoofer: Oris NK-D1.15NEO
- Speakers: Alphard Machete CARSET 162Z, Alphard Machete CARSET 692Z, Alphard Machete CARSET 132Z
2019-04-08 - Amplifiers: Alpine R-A60F, Alpine KTA-450, Kicx SC 600.1 Full Range, Alpine R-A75M
2019-03-29 - Columns: JBL Stage3 607C, JBL Stage3 9637, JBL Stage3 8627, JBL Stage3 607CF, JBL Stage3 637F, JBL Stage3 9637F, JBL Stage3 627, JBL Stage3 527, JBL Stage3 427F, Stage3 627F, JBL Stage3 527F, JBL Stage3 427
2019-03-22 - Speakers: Kicx SC-40, Kicx Sound Civilization T26, Kicx Sound Civilization MD70.3, Kicx Sound Civilization W165.5, Kicx Tornado Sound MD 12, Kicx Tornado Sound MD 10, Kicx LL28
- Amplifiers: Alpine S-A55V, Pioneer GM-DX971, Pioneer GM-DX871, Alpine S-A60M, Pioneer GM-D9705, Alpine S-A32F, Pioneer GM-DX975, Pioneer GM-DX874
- Subwoofer: Pioneer TS-WX400DA
2019-03-15 - Subwoofers for the car: Oris PH-D2.12, Oris HK-12S, Oris JB-12L
- Speakers: Oris LS-8015, Oris LS-6515, Oris PR-65, Oris JB-T30
2019-03-14 - Speakers: Alphard BE-102
- Subwoofers: Alphard Hannibal HSS-3215 D2, Alphard Hannibal HSS-3212 D2, Alphard Hannibal HSS-2812 D2, Alphard Hannibal HSS-2810 D2
- Radios: SWAT CHR-6100, Pioneer MVH-MS510BT, SWAT AHR-4580, Pioneer MVH-MS410BT
- Remote: Pioneer CD-ME300
2019-03-03 - Amplifiers: Ural BV 1.1200, Ural BV 3.500, Ural BV 1.800
2019-02-18 - Speakers: Kicx Headshot TW1, Kicx Tornado DTN48 NEO, Kicx DTN 40 ver.2, Kicx DTN 60, Kicx DTC 38 ver2, Kicx DTC 36 ver.2
- Radios: Pioneer AVH-A210BT, Pioneer MVH-A210BT
2019-02-11 - Amplifiers: Vibe PowerBox 65.4M, Pioneer GM-D9701, Vibe PowerBox 400.1M, Pioneer GM-D9704, Pioneer GM-D8704, Pioneer GM-D8701
2019-02-08 - Radio: INCAR AHR-6162 MITSUBISHI
- Speakers: JBL GX608C, JBL GX6428, JBL GX628, JBL GX328, JBL GX8628, SWAT SBT-80Pro, JBL GX428, JBL GX9628, Audison Prima APK 570, SWAT MAS-80Pro, JBL GX528, SWAT MAS-65Pro, JBL GX9638, MD .Lab SP-J17.2, Audison Prima APK 690, MD.Lab SP-J13.2, SWAT SBT-4N, MD.Lab SP-J693, SWAT SBT-65Pro, MD.Lab SP-J172, MD.Lab SP -J132
2019-02-06 - Speakers: Alphard Machete MT-23NEO
- Subwoofers: Alphard Machete M12D2 Lite, Alphard Machete M10D2 Lite
Connecting a subwoofer to a radio via an amplifier
To connect the SBV to the car radio you will need a set of tools and materials:
- knife;
- set of screwdrivers and keys;
- pliers and wire cutters;
- insulating tape;
- circuit breakers;
- capacitor;
- consumable fasteners (nuts/bolts);
- O-rings;
- wiring (“tulips”, speaker cable, power supply).
Important: before connecting, be sure to disconnect the terminals from the battery to avoid short circuits.
Connection process
Select a location in the car to mount the device. Depending on the model and size, this will be the trunk or the cavity under the rear seat of the car.
Now you need to lay the power cable from the battery from under the hood to the place where the amplifier and subwoofer will be installed in the luggage compartment. The connecting wires from the radio to the amplifier are laid in the same way.
Next, connect the “black” and “red” wires to the “-” and “+” contacts of the amplifier, respectively.
When the amplifier is powered, it is connected to the car radio; ordinary RCA wires - “tulips” and a power wire (usually “blue”) are suitable for these purposes.
Now you need to carefully remove the radio using a screwdriver and knife.
Then “tulips” are connected to the radio according to the colors of the connecting wires. In order for the sub to turn on simultaneously with the car radio, you can immediately connect the “+” power wire.
RCA connecting wires are connected to the amplifier ports according to polarity. The power cable is also connected.
An additional fuse is inserted into the resulting connection diagram to protect against voltage surges and short circuits. It is better if it is installed next to the battery so that it can be easily changed.
Next, the wires are connected to the radio into the linear output connectors (LO), and their opposite end into the LINE-IN connector of the amplifier.
Recommendation: To avoid voltage surges in the car’s electrical network, experts advise additionally installing a capacitor on the circuit. This is not necessary if the subwoofer power is below 350 W.
Advice: in order for the sound to be of high quality and reproduced without interference in the connections, it is recommended to use speaker wires with a cross-sectional thickness of 4 mm or more.
Problems you may encounter when connecting
The following difficulties may occur when connecting the device:
- A factory car radio usually does not have a special audio connector for an amplifier - this can be solved by purchasing a special adapter;
- Setting and correlation of low and high frequencies with the main acoustics of the car.
Please note: to properly connect the subwoofer to the car radio, you must have basic knowledge of electrical engineering. Otherwise, it is better to contact a car service center for specialist help.
Standard car speaker systems usually reproduce an insufficiently wide range of sound frequencies, especially at the low end. You can correct the situation by installing a subwoofer, which helps increase the expressiveness of the sound of bass instruments.
After purchasing the subwoofer you like, you need to properly connect it to the on-board network and car radio. This procedure may seem complicated, but in fact, almost anyone can perform it, even if they are not familiar with the basics of electrical engineering.
Connecting an active subwoofer
As we have already said, an active sub combines an amplifier and a passive sub. Connecting such a system is even easier. This is explained by the fact that the amplifier is already connected to a speaker inside the active subwoofer housing. Otherwise, the connection process is no different from the “amplifier - passive subwoofer” system.
When purchasing an active sub, check the standard wires that are included in the kit. They may not meet the requirements for cross-section and material from which they are made. In this case, by replacing them in accordance with the recommendations outlined above, you can significantly improve the quality and volume of playback.
